How many calories in a bacon and egg taco on a flour tortilla?

December 1, 2025 •

4 min read

According to data from nutrition apps and food databases, a typical bacon and egg taco on a flour tortilla can contain anywhere from 277 to over 400 calories, but the exact number depends heavily on the preparation and portion sizes. This variation highlights the importance of understanding each component's contribution to the total calorie count.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a bacon and egg taco on a flour tortilla varies significantly based on ingredients and portion sizes. The tortillas, bacon, and cooking methods are the primary factors influencing the final nutritional value. Simple modifications like reducing bacon or cooking oil can lower the calorie total.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Range: The calorie count for a bacon and egg taco on a flour tortilla can range from approximately 277 to over 600 calories, depending on preparation and ingredients.
Core Ingredients Matter: The tortilla, bacon, and eggs are the main calorie contributors, with a small flour tortilla adding around 91 calories and a large egg adding about 74.
Preparation Impacts Calories: How you cook the eggs (with or without added fat) and whether you drain the bacon grease significantly affects the total calorie count.
Toppings Add Up: Additional toppings like cheese, avocado, and sour cream can quickly increase the taco's total caloric value.
Modify for Lighter Tacos: You can reduce calories by using turkey bacon, smaller or whole-wheat tortillas, and minimal added fats.
Homemade vs. Restaurant: Homemade tacos allow for precise control over ingredients and portion sizes, making it easier to manage calorie intake compared to restaurant versions.

Calorie Breakdown: The Core Ingredients

To determine how many calories are in a bacon and egg taco on a flour tortilla, you must first look at the individual components. The three main pillars are the tortilla, the eggs, and the bacon. Understanding the calories contributed by each will help you calculate the total for your specific meal.

The Flour Tortilla

Flour tortillas can vary greatly in size and thickness, which directly impacts their calorie contribution. A standard small to medium-sized flour tortilla (approximately 28 grams) adds about 91 calories to your meal. Larger, thicker tortillas will add more, while smaller or whole-wheat options might be slightly different. For example, a whole-wheat tortilla often has more fiber but can have a similar or slightly higher calorie count than a white flour one of the same size.

The Scrambled Eggs

Typically, a bacon and egg taco uses scrambled eggs. The caloric value of the eggs depends on the number of eggs used and how they are prepared. A single large egg contains roughly 70-80 calories. If a taco contains one large egg (around 50 grams), it contributes about 74 calories. This number can rise if extra fat, like butter or oil, is used during scrambling. For instance, using a tablespoon of butter (approximately 100 calories) adds a significant amount of fat and calories.

The Bacon

Bacon is one of the most variable ingredients in a breakfast taco. The cut, thickness, and cooking method all play a role. A single standard slice of bacon can have around 54 calories, but thicker-cut or more liberally used bacon will increase this number. The rendering of fat during cooking also matters; draining the grease removes some calories, while leaving it in adds to the total. Center-cut bacon is a leaner option than regular-cut bacon, which can lower the calorie load.

Additional Ingredients

Beyond the basics, many people add other items that increase the calorie count. Some common additions include:

Cheese: A tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese can add about 57 calories.
Avocado: Creamy and delicious, half a diced avocado adds healthy fats but can contribute over 100 calories.
Salsa: Most salsas are low in calories (e.g., 10-20 calories per tablespoon), but some creamy versions or sauces can add more.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can add 20-30 calories or more, depending on the amount.

Comparison of Bacon and Egg Taco Variations

To illustrate the calorie differences, consider the following examples from various nutrition databases. The calorie counts vary widely, demonstrating the effect of preparation and portion size.


Variation	Approximate Calories	Key Differences
Homemade (Basic)	250–300	1 small flour tortilla, 1 egg, 1-2 slices of bacon, no cheese
Homemade (Loaded)	350–400	1 medium flour tortilla, 2 eggs, 2-3 slices bacon, cheese, avocado
Taco Palenque	620	Larger portion size, more fat, and potentially more cheese
Nutritionix (Basic)	277	Standard portion size with 1 egg, 1 slice bacon, small tortilla

How to Reduce the Calorie Count

For those who want to enjoy a bacon and egg taco but are mindful of their calorie intake, there are several simple modifications you can make:

Use lighter ingredients: Opt for turkey bacon instead of regular pork bacon, which can significantly reduce fat and calories.
Go smaller: Choose smaller, taco-sized flour tortillas over larger ones, or use a low-carb alternative.
Minimize fat: Scramble eggs with a non-stick spray instead of butter or oil.
Portion control: Use only one egg and one slice of bacon per taco, or use egg whites only.
Skip the cheese: Omit cheese or use a reduced-fat version sparingly.
Bulk with veggies: Add low-calorie ingredients like spinach, bell peppers, or onions to the eggs to increase volume without adding many calories.

Conclusion: A Flexible Breakfast Option

The number of calories in a bacon and egg taco on a flour tortilla is not a fixed figure. It's a variable influenced by every ingredient and portion size. While a basic homemade version might be under 300 calories, a larger, restaurant-prepared taco can easily exceed 600. By understanding how each component contributes to the final total, you can make informed decisions and customize your breakfast taco to fit your nutritional goals. For more detailed nutrition information, refer to reputable food databases like Nutritionix.

Lower-Calorie Bacon and Egg Taco Recipe

Here is a simple recipe to create a lighter, yet flavorful, breakfast taco:

Prepare your turkey bacon (2 slices) in a non-stick pan until crispy.
Whisk together 1 large egg and 2 egg whites with a splash of milk.
Scramble the egg mixture in a pan sprayed with cooking spray until cooked through.
Warm 2 small whole-wheat tortillas.
Build the tacos with half the egg mixture and one slice of turkey bacon each.
Top with fresh pico de gallo for flavor without excess calories.

Total calories for this modified recipe (approximately):

2 small whole-wheat tortillas: ~180 calories
1 large egg + 2 egg whites: ~120 calories
2 slices turkey bacon: ~60 calories
Pico de gallo: negligible
Total: ~360 calories for two tacos.

This recipe offers a balanced and satisfying breakfast that is significantly lower in calories than many restaurant versions.

Key Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Tortilla type and size: A small flour tortilla has fewer calories than a large one.
Bacon preparation: Draining bacon fat reduces the overall calories and fat content.
Added fats: Cooking eggs with excessive butter or oil increases the calorie count.
Extra toppings: Adding cheese, avocado, or sour cream increases calories significantly.
Recipe variations: Homemade tacos allow for precise calorie control, unlike restaurant versions.
Overall portion size: A single, small taco is very different nutritionally from a large, overloaded one.

Conclusion

Ultimately, a bacon and egg taco's calorie count depends on your choices. Whether you are aiming for a hearty meal or a lighter breakfast, adjusting the ingredients and preparation method allows for great flexibility. A mindful approach to portion sizes and add-ons will help keep your calorie intake in check while still enjoying this classic dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard, basic bacon and egg taco on a flour tortilla typically contains between 277 and 370 calories, with variations depending on portion sizes and additional ingredients.

The size of the flour tortilla is a significant factor. A small 28-gram tortilla adds around 91 calories, whereas larger or thicker versions can easily contribute more, increasing the total taco calories.

Yes, adding cheese can increase the calories noticeably. For example, a single tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese can add approximately 57 calories.

Yes, you can. Lighter versions can be made by using turkey bacon instead of pork bacon, using egg whites, opting for smaller tortillas, and avoiding high-calorie toppings like sour cream and excessive cheese.

The fat used to cook the eggs contributes to the calorie count. Scrambling eggs in butter or oil adds more calories compared to using a non-stick cooking spray, which is a lower-calorie alternative.

Often, yes. Restaurant-made tacos frequently use larger portions of higher-fat ingredients and more oil, leading to a higher calorie count compared to a homemade version where you can control the ingredients and portions precisely.

You can add nutritious and lower-calorie ingredients such as spinach, onions, bell peppers, or fresh salsa to bulk up your taco without significantly increasing the calorie count.