PortionVerityAt QDOBA, the rice choice can change both calories and sodium. The November 2026 nutrition guide provides a comparable 4 oz standard serving for cilantro lime rice and seasoned brown rice. These are specific restaurant preparations, not generic rice database values.
Published side-by-side values
| Ingredient | Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cilantro lime rice | 4 oz | 190 | 3 g | 38 g | 390 mg |
| Seasoned brown rice | 4 oz | 170 | 4 g | 36 g | 250 mg |
Cilantro lime rice is listed at 190 calories, 38 g carbohydrates and 390 mg sodium. Seasoned brown rice is listed at 170 calories, 36 g carbohydrates and 250 mg sodium. The published substitution is therefore 20 fewer calories and 140 mg less sodium for the seasoned brown rice, given equal listed portions.
A controlled chicken bowl comparison
| Ingredient | Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken bowl with cilantro lime rice | Grilled adobo chicken, Cilantro lime rice, Black beans, Fajita veggies, Pico de gallo | 565 | 32 g | 68 g | 1345 mg |
| Same ingredients with seasoned brown rice | Grilled adobo chicken, Seasoned brown rice, Black beans, Fajita veggies, Pico de gallo | 545 | 33 g | 66 g | 1205 mg |
The difference is modest relative to the complete bowl. Black beans and chicken contribute a substantial amount of both protein and sodium; a salsa choice can also alter the meal. If you are trying to fit several limits at once, changing only rice might not be enough.
Does the lower calorie rice always win?
Not necessarily. Calories are one consideration; personal preference, the rest of the meal, preparation changes and availability matter as well. If you actually receive a larger portion, the observed total may be different from a neat four-ounce comparison. Restaurant nutrition values are published averages based on their standard servings.
Test other combinations
Use the QDOBA builder to change rice without adjusting anything else, then inspect protein, carbohydrates, fat and sodium. If your question is primarily about the chicken protein itself, read the QDOBA chicken bowl guide and protein comparison.
Source: Official QDOBA nutrition guide, November 2026.
Source edition: QDOBA official November 3, 2026 guide. Published standard serving estimates; values can change. Information only, not medical or allergy-safety guidance.