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Chipotle vs QDOBA: Macros Compared (2026)

Updated 2026-05-15
Head-to-head
Quick Answer: Build-your-own bowl heavyweight match. For cutting: Chipotle (High Protein Cup – Chicken — 180 cal / 32g protein). For bulking: QDOBA (Quesabirria Quesadilla + Extra Grilled Chicken — 1270 cal / 74g protein). For keto: QDOBA (Bacon & Three-Cheese Keto Salad — 370 cal / 23g protein). All macros verified against MacroMate's database — no fabricated numbers.
Real data, not estimates. Every macro below is from MacroMate's verified Firestore-backed nutrition database. Both chains' picks come from their own goal-tagged build lists; no modifications or approximations.

Side-by-Side Comparison

GoalChipotleQDOBA
CuttingHigh Protein Cup – Chicken
180 cal / 32g protein		Double Pork Carnitas Lettuce Bowl
135 cal / 17g protein
BulkingSteak + Chicken Combo Bowl
800 cal / 62g protein		Quesabirria Quesadilla + Extra Grilled Chicken
1270 cal / 74g protein
MaintenanceSteak Bowl (1x Steak, Light Rice, Beans, Light Cheese)
580 cal / 48g protein		Modified Double Protein Bowl – Chicken
510 cal / 48g protein
KetoDouble Carnitas Lettuce Bowl (No Rice/Beans)
490 cal / 42g protein		Bacon & Three-Cheese Keto Salad
370 cal / 23g protein

Best for Cutting

Chipotle wins for cutting. Chipotle High Protein Cup – Chicken: 180 cal / 32g protein (0.178 P:C). QDOBA Double Pork Carnitas Lettuce Bowl: 135 cal / 17g protein (0.126 P:C).

Best for Bulking

QDOBA wins for bulking. QDOBA Quesabirria Quesadilla + Extra Grilled Chicken: 1270 cal / 74g protein (0.058 P:C). Chipotle Steak + Chicken Combo Bowl: 800 cal / 62g protein (0.077 P:C).

Best for Maintenance

Effective tie — both Chipotle (Steak Bowl (1x Steak, Light Rice, Beans, Light Cheese): 580/48p) and QDOBA (Modified Double Protein Bowl – Chicken: 510/48p) score equally on absolute protein under 500 cal.

Best for Keto

QDOBA wins for keto. QDOBA Bacon & Three-Cheese Keto Salad: 370 cal / 23g protein (0.062 P:C). Chipotle Double Carnitas Lettuce Bowl (No Rice/Beans): 490 cal / 42g protein (0.086 P:C).

Bottom Line

Both Chipotle and QDOBA have macro-friendly orders that fit most goals — the right pick depends on what you're optimizing for on a given meal. Use the table above to decide based on the goal you're hitting; pull the full goal-tagged build list at each chain's MacroMate page below.

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