PortionVerityChoosing a QDOBA protein based only on its name can produce surprising assumptions. The November 3, 2026 nutrition guide lists distinct values for chicken, steak and pork carnitas, and those values are different from some earlier nutrition editions. Make sure any comparison states which guide it uses.
Protein entries from the November 2026 table
| Ingredient | Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled adobo chicken | 3.5 oz | 190 | 19 g | 2 g | 440 mg |
| Pork carnitas | 3.5 oz | 100 | 14 g | 1 g | 570 mg |
| Grilled steak | 3.5 oz | 360 | 20 g | 5 g | 600 mg |
| Brisket birria | 3.5 oz | 140 | 15 g | 3 g | 450 mg |
| Plant-based Impossible | 3.1 oz | 170 | 13 g | 8 g | 350 mg |
| Ground beef | 3.5 oz | 180 | 16 g | 3 g | 630 mg |
In this edition, the standard 3.5 oz pork carnitas portion is listed at 100 calories, 14 g protein and 570 mg sodium. Grilled adobo chicken is 190 calories, 19 g protein and 440 mg sodium, while grilled steak is 360 calories, 20 g protein and 600 mg sodium. Do not reuse an older chart's carnitas value without checking the date.
Protein per calorie is not the whole story
A ratio of grams of protein per 100 calories is useful for a narrow numerical comparison. But it does not tell you the amount of sodium, the ingredients in a sauce, how much you actually receive, or whether a protein fits your taste or dietary needs. In the published entries above, the steak has more protein grams than carnitas, but also more calories and sodium.
How much does the complete bowl change?
Take cilantro lime rice, black beans, fajita vegetables and pico de gallo as the fixed base. Add a single protein portion and compare the totals:
| Ingredient | Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base with chicken | Cilantro lime rice, Black beans, Fajita veggies, Pico de gallo, Grilled adobo chicken | 565 | 32 g | 68 g | 1345 mg |
| Base with carnitas | Cilantro lime rice, Black beans, Fajita veggies, Pico de gallo, Pork carnitas | 475 | 27 g | 67 g | 1475 mg |
| Base with steak | Cilantro lime rice, Black beans, Fajita veggies, Pico de gallo, Grilled steak | 735 | 33 g | 71 g | 1505 mg |
These are separate model builds and may not correspond to preconfigured menu entrées. If you change rice or add queso, you're no longer comparing proteins alone.
Why the guide edition matters
Food brands revise recipes and portion definitions. An unusually different number should prompt a source check, not an invented correction. QDOBA's current nutrition and allergen directory is a sensible second checkpoint before ordering.
Open our QDOBA calculator or high-protein meal guide to see customizations. Source: November 3, 2026 QDOBA brochure.
Source edition: QDOBA official November 3, 2026 guide. Published standard serving estimates; values can change. Information only, not medical or allergy-safety guidance.