# Low-Calorie Mexican Entrees El Pollo Loco Expands Its 'Under 500 Calories' Menu with New Dishes By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2018-01-08 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/under-500-calories References: [brandeating](http://www.brandeating.com/2018/01/el-pollo-loco-adds-four-new-entrees-to-under-500-calories-menu-2018.html) & [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ElPolloLoco/photos/a.10150609301396478.385635.84772351477/10155400744386478/?type=1&theater) With many people making the New Year's resolution to eat better in 2018, [El Pollo Loco](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/firegrilled-chicken-burritos) has sought to expand its popular 'Under 500 Calories' menu. With four new options to choose from, the brand aims to give consumers more variety when it comes to eating healthy. As of January 2018, El Pollo Loco customers can now choose from four new Under 500 Calories entrees. There are two platters to choose from, including the Double Chicken Fit Plate and the Shrimp Avocado Plate. For those looking for something more portable, the [Pollo Fit Burrito](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/national-burrito-day) comes in a wrap that can be enjoyed on the go. Finally, the [Power Bowl](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/power-bowls1) option combines classic Mexican ingredients such as brown rice and black beans with a hefty portion of Flame-grilled chicken. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 8% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Expanding 'under 500 Calories' Menus:** Restaurants can attract health-conscious consumers by offering expanded menus that cater to their dietary preferences. - **Portable 'under 500 Calories' Options:** Creating portable versions of low-calorie dishes allows consumers to stay healthy even when they are on the go. - **Incorporating Healthy Ingredients Into Classic Dishes:** By using healthier ingredients in traditional dishes, restaurants can appeal to consumers who want to eat healthily without sacrificing taste. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fast Food Industry:** Fast food chains can disrupt the industry by offering healthier options and catering to the growing demand for low-calorie meals. - **Quick-service Restaurants:** Quick-service restaurants can tap into the trend of low-calorie meals by expanding their menus to include more healthy options. - **Mexican Cuisine:** Restaurants specializing in Mexican cuisine can innovate by incorporating healthier ingredients into traditional dishes and creating low-calorie versions of popular items. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fire-Grilled Burrito Lineups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/firegrilled-chicken-burritos.md) - [Health-Focused Beef Salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/double-shredded-beef-tostada-salad.md) - [Hearty Chopped Chicken Salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/double-chicken-chopped-salads.md) - [Extra-Fresh Salad Wrap Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fresca-salads-and-wraps.md) - [Deconstructed Cuisine Salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dos-locos-salads.md) - [Overstuffed Mexican Wraps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overstuffed-quesadilla.md) - [Flavoreful Shredded Chicken Quesadillas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shredded-chicken-quesadilla-combo.md) - [Sonoran-Style Burrito Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loco-burrito-grillers.md) - [Mexican Holiday Carnita Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/el-pollo-loco-1.md)