The number of calories in a Taco Time crisp burrito is not a single value but depends on the filling you choose and the specific franchise location, such as Taco Time Northwest. Because the burrito is deep-fried, it naturally contains a higher fat content than non-fried items, which contributes significantly to its overall caloric value. Understanding these differences is key to making an informed decision about your meal. The beef, chicken, and pinto bean crisp burritos all have distinct calorie counts and nutritional profiles.
Calorie Breakdown by Crisp Burrito Filling
Crisp Burrito (Beef) Calories
For those who enjoy the classic beef and cheddar option, the calorie count varies slightly depending on the specific franchise location. In the Taco Time Northwest region, the Crisp Beef Burrito is listed at 350 calories. However, other nutrition guides may list a "Crisp Meat Burrito" with a slightly higher calorie count, sometimes around 390 calories. This small difference highlights the importance of checking local menus or nutritional information if precise data is needed. The primary caloric contributors in this version are the deep-fried tortilla, seasoned ground beef, and cheddar cheese.
Crisp Burrito (Chicken) Calories
The chicken version offers a different nutritional profile. The Taco Time Northwest menu lists the Crisp Chicken Burrito at 300 calories, the lowest of the three options in that region. This burrito features a filling of tender chicken, onions, green chilies, and cream cheese. Similar to the beef version, a deep-fried flour tortilla and cheese are also key components. For other locations, a Crisp Chicken Burrito might be listed at 380 calories, underscoring the regional variance in preparation and ingredients.
Crisp Burrito (Pinto Bean) Calories
For a vegetarian option, the Crisp Pinto Bean Burrito is an excellent choice. The Taco Time Northwest version contains 310 calories. This filling consists of fat-free pinto beans and cheddar cheese, rolled in a flour tortilla and then deep-fried. Some non-regional nutritional data, such as from CalorieKing, may cite a Crisp Pinto Bean Burrito at 380 calories, highlighting another example of regional differences. This burrito offers a good amount of fiber from the pinto beans.
Factors Influencing the Final Calorie Count
- Regional Differences: As noted, the calorie counts from Taco Time Northwest may differ from general franchise locations. This can be due to ingredient sourcing, portion sizes, or preparation methods.
- Deep-Frying Process: The deep-fried nature of all crisp burritos adds a significant amount of fat and, consequently, calories, compared to a soft, non-fried burrito.
- Filling Variations: The choice of filling—beef, chicken, or pinto bean—directly impacts the total calories, with the beef option often being the highest among the specific crisp burrito choices.
- Added Toppings: Adding extra cheese, sour cream, or sauce can further increase the final calorie count of your meal. These additions are not included in the base burrito calorie figure.
Crisp Burrito Nutritional Comparison
| Burrito Type (NW Menu) | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Sodium (mg) | Fiber (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crisp Beef Burrito | 350 | 20.0 | 26.0 | 18.0 | 940 | 4.0 |
| Crisp Chicken Burrito | 300 | 16.0 | 19.0 | 20.0 | 660 | 2.0 |
| Crisp Pinto Bean Burrito | 310 | 15.0 | 32.0 | 11.0 | 550 | 6.0 |
A Closer Look at Macronutrients
While calories are a primary concern for many, understanding the macronutrient breakdown of fat, carbohydrates, and protein can provide a more complete picture of the meal. The Crisp Beef Burrito from Taco Time NW contains 20 grams of total fat, 26 grams of carbohydrates, and 18 grams of protein. For a leaner option, the Crisp Chicken Burrito has 16 grams of total fat and a higher protein count at 20 grams. The vegetarian Crisp Pinto Bean Burrito provides a decent amount of fiber and is relatively lower in fat and protein compared to its meat counterparts.
Conclusion
When considering how many calories are in a Taco Time crisp burrito, it is essential to remember that the number is not universal. The caloric content varies by filling type and regional menu offerings. For precise nutritional information, it is always recommended to consult the official Taco Time website for the location you are visiting. The deep-fried preparation is a consistent caloric factor, but choosing between a beef, chicken, or pinto bean filling allows for some control over the final numbers. For a lower-calorie meal, consider alternatives like a soft taco or a light meal option.
For more detailed nutritional information, visit the Taco Time website at tacotimenw.com.
