PortionVerityQDOBA's salsa choices are among the clearest examples of why calorie counts alone can miss an important difference. Several sauces are listed at just 5 calories per one-ounce serving in the November 2026 nutrition brochure, but their sodium numbers are not equal.
QDOBA salsa values per published portion
| Ingredient | Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pico de gallo | 1 oz | 5 | 0 g | 1 g | 70 mg |
| Salsa verde | 1 oz | 5 | 0 g | 1 g | 240 mg |
| Salsa roja | 1 oz | 5 | 0 g | 2 g | 110 mg |
| Roasted tomato salsa | 1 oz | 5 | 0 g | 1 g | 210 mg |
| Habanero salsa | 1 oz | 5 | 0 g | 2 g | 110 mg |
| Chile corn salsa | 1 oz | 25 | 1 g | 5 g | 75 mg |
Pico de gallo is listed at 70 mg sodium per ounce. Salsa verde is 240 mg, roasted tomato salsa 210 mg, salsa roja 110 mg, and habanero salsa 110 mg at their printed one-ounce portions. These figures compare one portion from the same source edition, not the amount a restaurant employee will necessarily use in every order.
What if you swap pico for verde?
One 1 oz serving of salsa verde contributes 170 mg more sodium than 1 oz pico in the guide, while both list 5 calories. On a chicken bowl, the sodium difference carries straight through if all other ingredients remain the same. If a serving is larger, the difference also changes.
Corn salsa is a different type of choice
Chile corn salsa is listed at 25 calories and 75 mg sodium per one-ounce serving. Its carbohydrates and other nutrients differ from the tomato-based options. It is not a one-size-fits-all low-sodium recommendation, just another published entry.
A practical ordering approach
Pick the flavor you want, then decide whether calories, sodium, or another nutrient is the actual concern. If you're specifically comparing sodium, look at the full bowl before choosing a salsa. Rice and protein portions may contribute hundreds of milligrams before sauce is added.
Our QDOBA calculator shows the ingredient contributions in the complete order; our sodium guide explains a few broader choices. Source: Official QDOBA November 2026 nutrition document.
Source edition: QDOBA official November 3, 2026 guide. Published standard serving estimates; values can change. Information only, not medical or allergy-safety guidance.