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Does Taco Time use ranch?

Taco Time is a popular taco chain restaurant with over 300 locations across the United States. They are known for their tasty Mexican inspired food like tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more. A common question that many Taco Time customers wonder is whether or not they offer ranch dressing.

Quick Answer

Yes, Taco Time does offer ranch dressing! Ranch is available upon request as one of their complimentary taco sauce options. Customers can get ranch for dipping chips, tacos, burritos and more.

More Details on Taco Time Ranch

While Taco Time is best known for their authentic Mexican sauces and salsas like salsa verde, salsa roja, and creamy cilantro dressing, they understand that some customers enjoy dipping items like chips, fries, and tacos in ranch dressing. So they do accommodate requests for ranch. However, ranch is not one of their standard taco sauces provided directly on the food. It must be requested separately at an additional charge.

The ranch dressing offered at Taco Time locations is not homemade. They use shelf-stable, pre-packaged ranch dressing from a supplier. It comes in large bulk containers to refill dispenser bottles as needed. The ranch has a creamy texture and tangy flavor, though it may not taste exactly like fresh homemade ranch.

Taco Time employees are trained to fulfill ranch requests by providing small 2 oz cups upon request. Customers can ask for ranch when ordering at the counter or drive-thru. There may be an additional charge of $0.35-0.50 for a ranch cup. Ranch can be used to dip chips, fries, tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more depending on personal preferences.

Nutrition Information on Taco Time Ranch

For those wondering about the nutrition facts of Taco Time ranch dressing, here are some estimates based on standard ranch nutrition:

Serving Size 2 oz (59g)
Calories 180
Total Fat 18g
Sodium 380mg

As you can see, a 2 oz serving of ranch dressing contains 180 calories and 18 grams of fat. The sodium content is also quite high at 380mg. So while tasty, ranch is a high calorie, high fat, and high sodium dipping sauce. Those watching their weight or sodium intake may want to avoid overdoing it on the ranch at Taco Time.

Other Taco Time Sauce Options

For those who want lower calorie, lower fat alternatives to ranch dressing with their Taco Time meal, there are lots of tasty options:

  • Salsa – Try salsa verde or salsa roja for a fresh, tomato-based dip full of flavor without the dairy. Salsas have minimal calories and fat.
  • Guacamole – Creamy, green goodness – the avocados in guacamole make it rich and satisfying but with the heart health benefits of monounsaturated fats instead of saturated dairy fats found in ranch.
  • Cilantro Dressing – Taco Time’s signature cilantro lime dressing has a cool, creamy texture thanks to Greek yogurt but significantly lower calories and fat compared to ranch.

You can also ask for fewer chips on the side and fill up on more veggies by getting extra lettuce, tomatoes, onions and other fresh toppings in your tacos, burritos and bowls to cut down on high calorie dipping opportunities.

Conclusion

So in summary, yes Taco Time does offer ranch dressing for their customers who wish to dip items like chips, fries, and tacos in the creamy sauce. However, it must be requested separately and is not one of their standard taco sauces. While tasty, the pre-packaged ranch dressing used at Taco Time locations is high in calories, fat, and sodium. Health-conscious customers may want to opt for lower calorie salsa, guacamole, or cilantro dressing options instead to both satisfy cravings and avoid overdoing it on the less healthy ranch dressing.