Taco Bell lovers, good news! You can now enjoy your favorite fast food without worrying about your health goals. We’ve uncovered the healthiest Taco Bell menu items, according to nutritionists, and they’re perfect for indulging without guilt. Let’s take your Taco Bell experience to the next level with these 10 nutritionist-approved choices!
10. Crunchy Tacos
Here’s a Taco Bell secret: the Crunchy Tacos are actually low in calorie content and high in protein. At 170 calories, this is a healthy option that will satisfy your taco cravings without leaving you with excessive calories to deal with. The tacos’ protein and fiber content also help in stabilizing blood sugar levels and keeping you full for a longer period.
9. Cantina Chicken Bowl
This Taco Bell menu item packs a higher amount of calories, but that’s because it has a little bit of everything: grilled chicken, lettuce, rice, beans, and tomatoes. However, nutritionists warn that the bowl is high in sodium, recommending that you skip the guac or cheese, or ask the Avocado Verde Salsa on top to be removed, for a less salty chicken bowl.
8. Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito
This item doesn’t sound too healthy, but give it a chance if eating more plant-based meals is part of your goals. The presence of beans make it a good source of protein as well as fiber and antioxidants. Meanwhile, the cheese adds more to the protein content and gives you a boost of calcium. And the rice? A no-fail option for energizing carbs. This burrito is a well-rounded Taco Bell item!
7. Bean Burrito
A plain bean burrito tends to have lower calories compared to other items on Taco Bell menu. Without any additional ingredient (cheese or sour cream), this burrito clocks in at around 240-350 calories. This isn’t bad at all, especially if you’re having it as a post-workout meal. Its 55 grams of carbs can fuel your working muscles after a long period of physical activity.
6. Fresco Style Burrito Supreme
What’s better than a burrito? Burrito Supreme, fresco style! Nutritionists swear by the hack of ordering the Burrito Supreme, fresco style, which means the dairy products (cheese and sour cream) gets swapped for tomatoes. The result is a burrito that’s loaded with more veggies and fewer calorie-dense ingredients.
5. Cheesy Roll Up
This is a Cheesy Roll Up appreciation; that soft tortilla and three-cheese blend combo just hits different. More importantly, though, it has low calorie content (only 180 calories) and is vegetarian-friendly. Each roll up also packs 6 grams of protein, which is pretty significant given its small size. Never skip an item that’s a good protein source for healthier muscles!
4. Cinnamon Twists
If you’re trying to be healthy, you can’t order the Baja Blast every time you go to Taco Bell. The suggestion of experts? Get yourself some Cinnamon Twists! While these are not considered strictly healthy, they’re a better option compared to other fast food desserts. The Cinnamon Twists are low in calories and have no excessive sugar and fat content, making them the “lesser evil” option.
3. Veggie Bowl
Nutritionists agree that the Veggie Bowl offers more produce than other Taco Bell items. If you’re struggling to meet your veggie needs, one order of this bowl would solve your problem in a snap. However, be mindful of the sodium content, which is pretty high at 870 grams. If you can, get this bowl minus the cheese, or the guac and sour cream, for a less salty, lower-calorie meal.
2. Pinto Beans and Cheese
Not looking for a full-blown meal? Choose Pinto Beans and Cheese as a healthy snack, or a post-workout snack if you’re more active than most. The carb and protein in this Taco Bell item can aid in muscle recovery and restore energy levels after exercise. Similar to other items, Pinto Beans and Cheese is a bit high in sodium, so watch your sodium intake for the rest of the day.
1. Spicy Potato Soft Taco
We’ve saved the top spot for a Taco Bell item that you can have for the most important meal of the day. While not a traditional breakfast item, the Spicy Potato Soft Tacos (two of these) are enough to keep you full and energized. If you can, ask for an egg to be added, to make it more of a breakfast food and get that additional 6 grams of protein.