A chalupa is a thick, fried shell filled with all your favorite taco fillings like taco meat or shredded chicken along with shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and sour cream. The shell is made with flour and while it's fried, it's still slightly fluffy and super delicious.

Look no further than the Chalupa, which contains chicken, lettuce, and tomatoes all snug inside a chewy, flaky shell. This option is perfect if you're aiming to eat fewer calories and fat. Fresco style removes all the sauce, so if you're needing a creamy component that adds healthy fats, ask to add in some guac.

With breakfast options at select locations, to late night, the Taco Bell menu serves made-to-order and customizable tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, vegetarian options, fountain drinks and desserts. Our specialties menu features all time favorites like the Chalupa Supreme, and the Crunchwrap Supreme.

Traditional chalupas, as found in Cholula, Puebla, are small, thick, boat-shaped fried masa topped only with salsa, cheese and shredded lettuce. Other regions in Mexico add variations, which can include chorizo, pork, shredded chicken, or refried beans, in addition to the classic cheese, salsa, and lettuce toppings.

Tacos utilize either flour or corn tortilla; both are very thin and unleavened. On the other hand, a chalupa shell has some levener and a thin, fluffy layer inside with a crispy exterior. In Americanized versions, it's much closer in texture to fried bread or dough.

Compared to other fast-food options, Taco Bell tends to have a wider variety of nutritious options for customers to choose from. Registered dietitians suggest looking for items high in protein and fiber (especially meals featuring lean protein, vegetables and beans) to keep you fuller for longer.

The widespread popularity of chalupas across Mexico has also influenced Mexican-style restaurant fare in the neighboring United States.

Chalupa is a Spanish word for "boat," which refers to its boat-like shape. When traditionally prepared in Mexico, chalupas are often made of masa dough and molded into a slight cup shape, then deep fried, hence the boat naming. Chalupas are much more taco-shaped in the States and have that classic fold.

Traditional chalupas, as found in Cholula, Puebla, are small, thick, boat-shaped fried masa topped only with salsa, cheese and shredded lettuce. Other regions in Mexico add variations, which can include chorizo, pork, shredded chicken, or refried beans, in addition to the classic cheese, salsa, and lettuce toppings.

The word "chalupa is Spanish meaning boat, so if you make your own shells, you'll have to make tortillas and fold them.

To find out more, we reached out to Michelle Jaelin, a Registered Dietitian based in Toronto. What should tacos be considered - Junk food or health food? Jaelin: “Tacos could be considered as either a junk food or health food, depending on the ingredients used in the taco dish or how it was prepared.

Furthermore, around 60% of Taco Bell meals fall between 220 and 410 calories from fat whereas 60% of McDonalds meals fall between 420 and 650 calories from fat. Additionally, around 77% of Taco Bell meals have less than 400 calories from fat whereas only around 18% of meals at McDonalds have the same quality.