Are refried beans from Taco Bell healthy?

October 31, 2025 •

3 min read

Taco Bell has made conscious efforts to offer more healthful products on their menu, reducing sodium content and providing more plant-based proteins. However, even if the chain's refried beans are a popular vegetarian and vegan-certified option, their healthfulness depends on the overall context of a meal and dietary needs.

Quick Summary

Taco Bell's refried beans are certified vegan and vegetarian, made without lard. While providing fiber and plant-based protein, they also contain high sodium, a common fast-food concern. Health impact depends on portion size and meal customization.

Key Points

Vegan-Certified: Taco Bell's refried beans are certified vegan and vegetarian by the American Vegetarian Association, made without lard.
High in Fiber and Protein: They are a good source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes fullness.
Watch the Sodium: Menu items containing the beans, like the Bean Burrito, are high in sodium, which can contribute significantly to daily intake.
Customize for Health: You can improve the healthfulness of a meal by ordering items "Fresco Style" to replace high-fat sauces with fresh tomatoes.
Minimal Fat: Unlike some traditional preparations, Taco Bell's refried beans contain only a trivial amount of soybean oil, keeping the fat content low.
Cross-Contact Risk: Be aware that potential cross-contact with animal ingredients can occur during food preparation.

The Nutritional Breakdown of Taco Bell's Refried Beans

Taco Bell's refried beans are a staple ingredient in many of their vegetarian menu items, including the popular Bean Burrito. Unlike some traditional preparations that use lard, Taco Bell’s version is vegan, making it a viable option for many diets. A look at the nutritional content reveals both benefits and potential drawbacks. Based on information for a Bean Burrito, a key item featuring the beans, some details can be inferred.

Source of fiber and protein: The pinto and pink beans used are naturally rich in dietary fiber and plant-based protein, which are important for digestive health and satiety. For instance, a Bean Burrito contains a respectable amount of fiber.
Relatively low fat: The beans themselves are not inherently high in fat, and Taco Bell’s version specifically avoids lard, using only a trivial amount of soybean oil. This contrasts with some traditional recipes that are higher in saturated fat.
High sodium content: A significant consideration for any fast-food item is the sodium level. A single Bean Burrito, containing the refried beans, can deliver nearly half of the recommended daily sodium intake for some individuals. Excess sodium is linked to health risks like high blood pressure.

Customizing Your Order for Optimal Health

One of the best strategies for eating healthier at Taco Bell is customization. The chain offers many modifications that can improve the nutritional profile of a meal, including those containing refried beans.

Order "Fresco Style"

Ordering an item “Fresco Style” is a key menu hack for reducing fat and calories. This modification replaces creamy, high-fat additions like cheese, mayonnaise-based sauces, and sour cream with fresh pico de gallo. For items with refried beans, like the Bean Burrito, choosing “Fresco Style” can substantially lower the calorie and fat content.

Add Fresh Vegetables

Incorporating more vegetables is another simple way to boost the nutritional value of a meal. Consider adding extra lettuce, onions, or tomatoes. For a more significant upgrade, some locations offer guacamole, which adds healthy monounsaturated fats and extra fiber.

Compare Refried Beans to Black Beans

For those seeking alternatives, Taco Bell also offers black beans. Here's a brief comparison to help you decide which is best for you:


Feature	Refried Beans	Black Beans
Protein Source	Plant-based (pinto/pink beans)	Plant-based
Vegan	Yes, certified by AVA	Yes, certified by AVA
Ingredients	Pinto beans, water, salt, soybean oil, dried pink beans, natural flavor, soy lecithin	Simpler preparation, served whole
Dietary Fiber	High	High
Fat Content	Very low (trivial source)	Very low
Texture	Creamy, mashed paste	Whole, firm
Sodium	High, especially in menu items	High, especially in menu items

Potential Health Concerns with Fast Food

Despite Taco Bell's efforts to provide healthier options, the fundamental nature of fast food means it's often high in sodium and uses highly processed ingredients. While the refried beans themselves are made from legumes, they are still part of a highly processed system. It is important to be mindful of intake, particularly regarding sodium. Taco Bell's nutrition calculator is a valuable tool for monitoring a meal's specific nutritional information.

Cross-contact is another point of concern. Taco Bell acknowledges that, while its vegan ingredients are certified, cross-contact with meat products can occur during preparation, which may affect those with strict dietary requirements or allergies.

Conclusion

So, are refried beans from Taco Bell healthy? The answer is nuanced. On their own, the beans are a vegan-friendly, low-fat source of plant protein and fiber, a better choice than some meat-based or fried alternatives. However, when integrated into a full meal at Taco Bell, the high sodium levels and added ingredients can negate these benefits. For those aiming to eat as healthfully as possible, the best approach is to make informed, customized choices, keeping portion sizes and overall nutritional context in mind. Incorporating strategies like ordering "Fresco Style" or swapping for black beans can further improve the health profile of a meal.

For more information on reducing sodium intake, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides useful resources: Shaking the Salt Habit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Taco Bell's refried beans are certified both vegetarian and vegan by the American Vegetarian Association (AVA), meaning they contain no animal products, including lard.

Items like the Bean Burrito can contain over 1,000 mg of sodium, which is a significant portion of the recommended daily intake. This highlights the importance of checking nutritional information and customizing an order.

No, Taco Bell's refried beans do not contain lard. They are made with water, pinto beans, salt, and soybean oil, which is why they are suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.

Yes, it is possible to eat healthfully at Taco Bell by making conscious choices. Opting for fresco-style items, choosing black beans over refried beans in some cases, and focusing on moderate portions can lead to a more nutritious meal.

The main ingredients are water, pinto beans, salt, soybean oil, pink beans, natural flavor, and soy lecithin.

Yes, while the ingredients are vegan, Taco Bell explicitly states that cross-contact with meat products can occur during preparation in their kitchen. This may not be acceptable for all vegan diets.

To reduce calories, consider ordering a item "Fresco Style," which removes cheese and creamy sauces, or ask to hold toppings like sour cream and nacho cheese sauce.