Qdoba Mexican Eats is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in Mexican-inspired cuisine. With over 700 locations across the United States and Canada, Qdoba is known for its build-your-own tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and salads. One item that customers often wonder about is whether Qdoba serves tortilla soup, a classic Mexican starter soup made with shredded chicken, tomato broth, fried tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and more.
Quick Answer
Yes, Qdoba does offer tortilla soup on their menu at participating locations. The tortilla soup is one of several soup options available on the Qdoba menu, along with chicken tortilla soup and vegetarian tortilla soup made without chicken.
Tortilla Soup on the Qdoba Menu
Tortilla soup can be found on the Qdoba soup menu, typically under the ‘Specialty Soups’ section. Prices may vary by location, but tortilla soup generally costs around $5.29 for a regular bowl as of 2023.
The Qdoba tortilla soup is made with shredded chicken, tomatoes, onions, corn, black beans, peppers, spices, and topped with fried tortilla strips, avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, and lime wedges on the side. It contains 640 calories in a regular bowl.
In addition to classic tortilla soup, Qdoba locations may also offer the following tortilla soup varieties:
- Chicken tortilla soup – with shredded chicken and traditional tortilla soup seasonings
- Vegetarian tortilla soup – without chicken for vegetarian/vegan diners
- Spicy tortilla soup – kicked up with extra spices and heat
The availability of specific tortilla soup options can vary by location. Some Qdoba restaurants may offer all varieties, while others may only have the traditional chicken tortilla soup. Customers can check with their local Qdoba to see which tortilla soups are currently offered.
History of Tortilla Soup at Qdoba
Tortilla soup has been featured on the Qdoba menu since the chain was first founded in 1995. The soup was part of Qdoba’s initial menu lineup when the first location opened in Denver, Colorado by founder Anthony Miller.
Miller was inspired by the tortilla soups he enjoyed while traveling in San Francisco and wanted to bring the concept to Colorado. The tortilla soup quickly became one of Qdoba’s signature menu items along with its burritos and tacos.
Over the years, Qdoba has continued to feature tortilla soup as it has expanded to new locations across the United States. While the preparation may vary somewhat by location, tortilla soup remains a customer favorite and a core part of the Qdoba soup menu.
Nutrition Information for Qdoba Tortilla Soup
Qdoba tortilla soup can make for a tasty lunch or starter, but like many restaurant foods, it can also be high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat. Here is the approximate nutrition information for a regular bowl of Qdoba chicken tortilla soup:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 640 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 1880mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 89g |
| Dietary Fiber | 10g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 29g |
As you can see, one bowl of Qdoba’s tortilla soup contains nearly a full day’s worth of sodium at 1880mg. It is also high in calories, total fat, saturated fat, and carbohydrates. The soup offers some nutritional benefits from its fiber and protein, but the high sodium and saturated fat levels mean it should be enjoyed in moderation.
Comparison to Other Restaurant Tortilla Soups
How does Qdoba’s version of tortilla soup stack up to other popular restaurants? Here is a comparison of the nutrition information for a regular bowl of tortilla soup at three major chains:
| Restaurant | Calories | Total Fat | Sodium | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qdoba | 640 | 18g | 1880mg | 89g |
| Chipotle | 300 | 7g | 1560mg | 45g |
| Chevys | 260 | 8g | 1330mg | 31g |
Qdoba’s tortilla soup is significantly higher in calories, sodium, and carbohydrates compared to the versions at Chipotle and Chevys. Chipotle’s soup has about half the calories and Chevys has less than half. Both competitors also have lower amounts of sodium and carbs. This comparison shows that while tasty, Qdoba’s signature soup carries a heavier nutritional impact.
Ways to Make Qdoba Tortilla Soup Healthier
If you want to enjoy Qdoba’s tortilla soup but reduce the calorie, fat, or sodium impact, there are a few easy ways to make it a bit healthier:
- Choose the vegetarian version – Skipping the chicken reduces calories, saturated fat, and sodium.
- Ask for low-sodium – Request less salty broth and skip salty toppings like queso fresco.
- Limit creamy toppings – Go easy on sour cream, cheese, and guacamole.
- Avoid tortilla chips – Resist the tasty chips to limit carbs, fat, and calories.
- Ask for a small – Select a smaller portion size for fewer total calories.
- Add veggies – Request extra onion, tomato, peppers and cilantro for more nutrients.
Making combinations of these tweaks can help turn Qdoba’s indulgent tortilla soup into a more balanced meal. But keep in mind that even with modifications, restaurant tortilla soup will typically still be higher in sodium than a homemade version.
Copycat Qdoba Tortilla Soup Recipe
To control ingredients and nutrition while still enjoying tasty tortilla soup, consider making a homemade copycat version. Here is a recipe inspired by Qdoba’s tortilla soup, but with lighter options:
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 14oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 zucchinis, chopped
- 1 15oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast or vegetarian meat substitute (optional)
- 1 avocado, cubed
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 6 baked whole wheat tortilla chips, crushed
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 3-5 minutes until soft.
- Add broth, tomatoes, carrots, zucchini, beans, corn, cumin, and oregano. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, if using chicken, bake or grill chicken breast until cooked through. Cut or shred chicken into bite-sized pieces. Stir into soup and cook 5 more minutes.
- Remove soup from heat. Stir in lime juice. Ladle into bowls and top with avocado, cilantro, and tortilla chips.
This lightened recipe cuts around 300 calories, 45% of the sodium, and boosts the nutrition with more vegetables, fiber, and lean protein compared to Qdoba’s version. While not an exact dupe, it captures the classic tortilla soup flavors for a homemade meal.
Where to Get Qdoba Tortilla Soup
Qdoba tortilla soup is available at most Qdoba Mexican Eats locations nationwide. To find a Qdoba restaurant near you and confirm they serve tortilla soup, visit the store locator on Qdoba.com.
Some options for enjoying Qdoba tortilla soup include:
- Dine-in: Order and eat tortilla soup at your local Qdoba restaurant.
- Takeout: Call ahead to purchase soup for takeout or quick mobile order via app.
- Delivery: Get Qdoba soup delivered through DoorDash, Uber Eats, or other delivery services.
- Catering: Ask about adding tortilla soup to a Qdoba catering order.
Qdoba also sometimes offers seasonal specials or promotional deals on tortilla soup. Be sure to check their online menu or ask about any current soup specials available.
Conclusion
In summary, yes Qdoba does serve freshly prepared tortilla soup made with chicken, fried tortillas, and Mexican spices. The soup has been on their menu since 1995. While tasty, Qdoba’s tortilla soup is very high in sodium, calories, and fat compared to versions from competitors like Chipotle and Chevys. Light modifications or making it at home are healthier options. Check the Qdoba restaurant locator to find tortilla soup near you. With its bold flavors and textures, Qdoba’s tortilla soup makes for a comforting starter to a Mexican meal.