15 Mexican Menu Picks You Should Probably Avoid

Mexican cuisine offers a vibrant blend of flavors and textures. However, certain menu items, often laden with excess calories, fats, and processed ingredients, might not be the best choice for those seeking a healthier dining experience. Here’s a detailed look at 15 popular Mexican dishes you might want to skip next time you’re at a restaurant.

1. Chimichangas

Chimichangas are deep-fried burritos that seem like a crunchy delight at first glance. However, each bite reveals a calorie-laden reality, packed with greasy meats, sour cream, and cheese, all encased in an oil-soaked tortilla. The indulgent nature of this dish often overshadows its lack of nutritional value. While the crispy exterior entices, the aftermath leaves diners with a heavy feeling. Consider the toll on your daily calorie intake before diving into this tempting yet deceptive snack. A closer look reveals more about what makes this crunchy treat a dietary misstep.

2. Nachos Supreme

Nachos Supreme transform simple tortilla chips into a cumbersome feast. Once topped with ground beef, cheese sauce, sour cream, and guacamole, these nachos become a dish you might regret halfway through. The toppings, instead of enhancing the chips, often render them soggy and overwhelming. What starts as a snack quickly turns into a heavy meal that’s hard to finish. These nachos are more than just an appetizer—they’re a battle against bloat and heaviness. Opt for a simpler version to truly enjoy the crunchy delight of nachos.

3. Queso Dip

Queso Dip is undeniably alluring, often drawing diners in with its warm, melted cheese appeal. Yet, beneath the surface lies a concoction usually made from processed ingredients, offering little to no nutritional benefits. The eye-catching, sometimes neon hue should serve as a warning of its artificial nature. While satisfying as a dip, it’s easy to consume in excess, especially when served bottomless. This cheesy temptation can quickly add unexpected calories to your meal. Consider healthier, homemade alternatives to complement your chips without the guilt.

4. XXL Burritos

XXL Burritos are less about nourishment and more about size, resembling edible sleeping bags. Packed with a day’s worth of calories and sodium, they often leave diners uncomfortably full. These giant wraps are challenging to manage, both in portion and nutritional content. The promise of a hearty meal is overshadowed by its daunting size. Instead of a satisfying culinary experience, they often bring a sense of regret. Opt for smaller, more balanced versions to enjoy the burrito’s flavors without the overload. Size isn’t everything when it comes to taste.

5. Taco Salads (in Fried Shells)

Taco Salads served in fried shells often deceive with their healthy appearance. The crispy shell, though delicious, adds unnecessary calories, overshadowing the salad’s nutritional value. Inside, a mound of cheese, sour cream, and meat transforms a seemingly smart choice into a calorie-laden indulgence. Instead of a light, refreshing meal, diners are met with a sneaky calorie trap. The shell’s crunch tempts, but the aftermath isn’t as enjoyable. Opt for a salad without the fried addition to maintain the benefits of this otherwise healthy dish.

6. Mexican Pizza

Mexican Pizza offers a confusing culinary identity, blending elements of traditional pizza with Mexican flavors. Typically found at fast food joints, this dish is loaded with greasy beef, fried tortillas, and artificial cheese. It fails to satisfy the desire for either authentic pizza or genuine Mexican cuisine. Instead, it presents a greasy, unsatisfying mess that lacks distinctiveness. The combination of heavy ingredients often leads to a lack of clarity in taste. For a better experience, consider sticking to traditional options in either cuisine category.

7. Fajitas with All the Extras

Fajitas are often celebrated for their sizzling presentation, but the allure can fade fast with too many extras. Piling on cheese, sour cream, and white flour tortillas transforms a healthy option into a heavy indulgence. The initial excitement of the sizzling platter is tempered by the calorie-laden additions. Portion control becomes difficult, leading to overconsumption. Instead of a flavorful, balanced meal, diners face an overwhelming assortment. Keep it simple to enjoy the vibrant flavors without the excess. The joy of fajitas lies in their simplicity and freshness.

8. Cheese Enchiladas

Cheese Enchiladas often promise cheesy satisfaction, but the reality can be quite different. Drenched in sauce and covered with an excess of melted cheese, they often lack the vibrant flavors one might expect from Mexican cuisine. The heavy, bland profile tends to dominate, leaving little room for the spices and textures that make enchiladas enjoyable. The richness can overwhelm, turning a dish with potential into a monotonous experience. For a more satisfying meal, consider enchiladas with varied fillings to enhance the flavor and texture.

9. Taquitos (Especially Frozen or Chain-Made)

Taquitos, especially those from frozen or chain sources, often disappoint with their overly crispy and oily exterior. While their crunchy nature pleases initially, the interior reveals a questionable meat blend that lacks quality and flavor. These snacks, more akin to a gas station treat than a meal, rarely satisfy. The excessive saltiness and lack of authentic taste contribute to a less-than-satisfying experience. Instead of these convenient versions, seek out freshly made taquitos with quality ingredients for a truly enjoyable snack. Freshness makes all the difference in taste.

10. Refried Beans (With Lard)

Refried Beans, while comforting and savory, often hide a less appealing secret: the use of lard or bacon fat to achieve their creamy texture. This traditional method adds unnecessary fats, making them a less healthy side dish choice. Though the smooth, flavorful beans offer a sense of nostalgia, the heaviness can be surprising. For those seeking a lighter option, asking about preparation or opting for black beans can make a significant difference. Enjoy the essence of Mexican cuisine without the extra guilt by choosing thoughtful alternatives.

11. Combo Platters

Combo Platters promise variety but often deliver a plate full of beige, uninspired items. Typically consisting of rice, refried beans, an enchilada, taco, and tamale, all smothered in cheese, these platters lack distinctiveness. Instead of a delightful mix, diners receive a monotonous blend of flavors, with cheese and grease taking center stage. The promise of a great deal is overshadowed by the lack of culinary excitement. For a more satisfying experience, choose individual dishes that highlight the vibrant aspects of Mexican cuisine without the excess.

12. Churros (Chain Versions)

Churros, when freshly made, are delightful. However, chain versions often fall short, offering a hard, overly sugary treat that lacks genuine cinnamon flavor. These frozen delights cannot compete with the magic of freshly prepared churros. The disappointment lies in the lack of texture and taste that should accompany this classic dessert. For an authentic experience, seek out local spots that make churros fresh, ensuring a taste that’s both sweet and satisfying. The difference in quality between fresh and chain options is palpable, making the extra effort worthwhile.

13. White Queso Chicken Dishes

White Queso Chicken Dishes represent a fusion trend that’s more about sauce than substance. Grilled chicken, while potentially flavorful, becomes lost under a heavy blanket of cheese sauce. This dominance of sauce overpowers the dish, making it difficult to appreciate the chicken itself. Instead of a balanced meal, diners encounter a gooey, one-note experience. Opting for dishes where the protein shines, without being overshadowed by extras, leads to a more enjoyable dining choice. The true essence of a dish often lies in its simplicity and balance.

14. Margaritas by the Pitcher

Margaritas by the Pitcher entice with their promise of shared enjoyment, but the reality is often a sugary concoction with more syrup than alcohol. The pre-mixed versions are typically laden with artificial dyes and flavors, disguising the true essence of a quality margarita. While convenient, these pitchers often result in a less satisfying taste experience. For a genuine flavor, consider ordering a single, handmade margarita crafted with fresh ingredients. Savoring a well-made cocktail enhances the dining experience, allowing the flavors to complement rather than overpower the meal.

15. Taco Bell’s Double Steak Grilled Cheese Burrito

Taco Bell’s Double Steak Grilled Cheese Burrito presents a tempting combination of flavors, yet it becomes a chaotic overload in reality. Stuffed with steak, cheese, and sauce, it’s a mix that loses clarity amidst the indulgence. The promise of steak is overshadowed by the overwhelming presence of other ingredients, leaving the diner with a sense of loss rather than satisfaction. For a truly enjoyable meal, consider simpler options that highlight quality ingredients without excess. Sometimes, less is more when it comes to flavor and satisfaction.