Are Del Taco bean and cheese burritos healthy?

December 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Del Taco's nutritional information, a 1/2 lb Bean & Cheese Burrito contains approximately 440 calories, making it a moderately caloric meal. But beyond the calorie count, are Del Taco bean and cheese burritos healthy or should they be considered a guilty pleasure?

Quick Summary

Examining the Del Taco bean and cheese burrito's nutrition reveals a high-sodium item with significant fiber and protein. Its healthiness is relative, depending on portion size, daily dietary intake, and simple modifications to reduce fat and sodium.

Key Points

High Sodium Content: The primary health drawback of the Del Taco bean and cheese burrito is its very high sodium level, exceeding half the daily recommended intake.
Excellent Fiber Source: The burrito offers a significant amount of dietary fiber from the pinto beans, which is beneficial for digestion and fullness.
Good Protein Provider: With 18-21 grams of protein, it's a filling meal that contributes to your daily protein requirements.
Moderate in Calories: The calorie count is manageable for most people when treated as a single meal, but should be balanced with other food intake throughout the day.
Customization is Key: You can improve the burrito's health profile by ordering a smaller size, reducing cheese, and requesting less or no sauce to cut down on sodium and saturated fat.
Part of a Balanced Diet: The burrito's healthiness depends heavily on your overall diet and frequency of consumption, making moderation the most important factor.

A Closer Look at the Del Taco Bean and Cheese Burrito

Delving into the nutritional composition of a Del Taco bean and cheese burrito reveals a mixed bag of health attributes. On one hand, it provides a solid source of fiber and protein, primarily from the pinto beans. On the other, it is notably high in sodium and contains saturated fat from the cheese. Understanding these details is crucial for anyone trying to maintain a balanced diet while still enjoying the occasional fast-food treat.

The Nutritional Breakdown

Let's break down the typical nutritional profile for a standard 1/2 lb Del Taco bean and cheese burrito (with either red or green sauce), based on publicly available data:

Calories: 440-450 calories, representing a decent portion for a single meal, but easily fitting within a daily calorie budget for many individuals.
Protein: 18-21 grams, offering a substantial amount of protein to help keep you full.
Fiber: 12 grams, which is excellent, providing nearly half of the recommended daily value and aiding in digestive health.
Carbohydrates: 54-70 grams, with the majority coming from the beans and the large flour tortilla.
Total Fat: 9-10 grams, which is relatively low for a fast-food item.
Saturated Fat: 4-6 grams, which contributes a moderate amount towards the daily limit.
Sodium: An alarmingly high 1250-1267 mg, which is over half of the recommended daily intake for an average adult.

The Good, The Bad, and The Modifiable

The Health Benefits

High in Fiber: The use of pinto beans is a major plus, as the high fiber content can help regulate blood sugar and promote a feeling of fullness.
Good Source of Protein: The beans and cheese together provide a solid dose of protein, which is vital for muscle repair and satiety.
Vegetarian Option: The basic bean and cheese burrito is a satisfying vegetarian choice in a fast-food landscape often dominated by meat.

The Health Concerns

Excessive Sodium: This is the most significant health issue. The extremely high sodium content can contribute to high blood pressure and other health problems if consumed regularly.
Refined Carbohydrates: The large flour tortilla is a source of refined carbs, which can cause blood sugar spikes and offer less nutritional value than whole-grain alternatives.
Saturated Fat: While not excessively high, the saturated fat from the cheese should be monitored, especially for those with heart health concerns.

How to Make a Del Taco Burrito Healthier

Fortunately, there are several easy customizations to mitigate the less healthy aspects of the burrito.

Order a smaller size: Opt for the smaller, regular-sized burrito instead of the 1/2 lb version to automatically reduce calories, fat, and sodium.
Go easy on the cheese: Less cheese means less saturated fat and sodium without sacrificing the flavor of the beans and sauce.
Request no sauce: The sauces, particularly the red and green sauces, are significant sources of sodium. Ask for your burrito without or with a very light amount of sauce.
Pair it with fresh sides: Instead of chips or fries, consider adding a side salad (without creamy dressing) or a cup of black beans to boost fiber and nutrients.

Comparison: Del Taco vs. a Standard Homemade Burrito

To put the Del Taco burrito's nutritional profile into context, let's compare it with a hypothetical homemade version.


Nutritional Aspect	Del Taco Bean & Cheese Burrito (1/2 lb)	Homemade Bean & Cheese Burrito
Calories	~450 kcal	~350-400 kcal
Sodium	~1250 mg	~300-500 mg (using low-sodium beans)
Saturated Fat	~6 g	~3-4 g (using low-fat cheese)
Fiber	12 g	~10-15 g (depending on beans used)
Control	Low (preset ingredients)	High (choice of ingredients)

Conclusion: So, Are Del Taco Bean and Cheese Burritos Healthy?

The short answer is: they are not inherently healthy, but can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and with strategic modifications. The main trade-off is between the burrito's notable fiber and protein content and its exceptionally high sodium level. For a person watching their sodium intake, it's a poor choice. For someone looking for a quick and filling vegetarian meal, it's a reasonable option if they are mindful of their daily sodium limits and overall dietary balance. By opting for a smaller portion or customizing it with less cheese and sauce, you can make it a more sensible fast-food selection. When in doubt, a homemade burrito will always offer better control over nutrition. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check the official Del Taco nutritional website.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 1/2 lb Del Taco bean and cheese burrito contains approximately 440-450 calories, though it can vary slightly based on the sauce (red or green).

Yes, the Del Taco bean and cheese burrito is very high in sodium, containing between 1180 mg and 1250 mg, which is over half of the daily recommended intake for many individuals.

Yes, you can make it healthier by ordering the smaller size, asking for less cheese, and having less or no sauce to reduce the sodium and saturated fat content.

Yes, thanks to the pinto beans, the burrito is a very good source of dietary fiber, providing about 12 grams in a 1/2 lb serving.

Yes, the basic bean and cheese burrito is a vegetarian option, as it does not contain meat.

The 1/2 lb burrito provides a good amount of protein, with approximately 18-21 grams per serving.

While the beans are a great source of fiber and protein, they are also a significant contributor to the burrito's high sodium content due to how they are processed and prepared in a fast-food environment.