Your Guide to Ordering a Healthy Meal at Taco Bell
Many people believe that ordering a healthy meal at a fast-food restaurant is impossible. While many of Taco Bell's menu items are high in calories, sodium, and fat, the chain has made strides to offer more customizable, health-conscious options. By understanding the menu and applying a few simple customizations, you can enjoy a satisfying meal that aligns with your nutritional goals.
The Healthiest Standout Options
While personal preference and dietary needs play a significant role, some items are consistently recommended by dietitians for their balanced nutrition profile. The Power Menu Bowls and Fresco-style tacos are frequently cited as top contenders.
- The Power Menu Bowl: Available with either grilled chicken or as a veggie version, this bowl is built on a foundation of seasoned rice and black beans, topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, and a mix of other ingredients. The grilled chicken option is particularly praised for its high protein content, which can aid in satiety. The veggie version, with its ample black beans, provides an excellent source of fiber.
- Fresco-Style Tacos and Burritos: A simple yet powerful customization is ordering any item 'Fresco style'. This swap replaces cheese, sour cream, and other creamy sauces with fresh, diced tomatoes, significantly reducing calories and fat. A Crunchy Taco Fresco, for example, is a low-calorie option, and a Fresco Bean Burrito offers satisfying protein and fiber.
How to Create Your Own Healthy Meal
Beyond selecting a single menu item, creating a healthy meal at Taco Bell is all about smart customization. The chain's online nutrition calculator is a valuable tool for planning ahead.
Start with a good base:
- Choose protein wisely: Opt for grilled chicken or steak over seasoned beef. The Power Menu bowls already feature grilled chicken, but you can also add it to other items.
- Lean on beans: Black beans are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them a great substitute for meat or an addition to any meal for extra fullness. Refried beans can also be a filling option, especially in a Bean Burrito.
Make smart substitutions:
- Embrace 'Fresco style': This is the easiest way to cut unnecessary calories and fat from most tacos and burritos.
- Request extra veggies: Add fresh pico de gallo, onions, or extra lettuce to boost flavor and nutrition without adding many calories.
- Swap creamy for healthy fats: Trade mayo-based or cheesy sauces for guacamole to get healthy fats, though be mindful of the added calories.
Mind your sides and drinks:
- Stick to simple sides: Black Beans and Rice is a simple, satisfying side that's lower in calories than nachos or fries.
- Avoid sugary drinks: A meal's nutritional benefits can be undone by a large, sugary soda. Choose water, unsweetened iced tea, or a diet soda instead.
Nutritional Comparison of Healthier Options
| Item | Calories | Protein (g) | Fiber (g) | Key Customization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cantina Chicken Power Menu Bowl | 530 | 24 | 10 | Can be customized further by omitting cheese and sour cream. |
| Veggie Power Menu Bowl | 410 | 12 | 11 | For vegans, omit cheese and sour cream. Add more black beans. |
| Beef Burrito Supreme, Fresco Style | 340 | 14 | 9 | Removing sour cream and cheese significantly reduces calories. |
| Bean Burrito, Fresco Style | 320 | 13 | 9 | A simple, filling, and vegetarian-friendly option. |
| Chicken Soft Taco, Fresco Style | 170 | 14 | 2 | A simple swap for the grilled chicken over beef keeps protein high. |
Conclusion: The Smart Strategy Wins
While the exact title of "healthiest menu option at Taco Bell" can be debated depending on your specific dietary priorities, the Cantina Chicken Power Menu Bowl and customized Fresco-style options are consistently the best choices. The key takeaway is that awareness and customization are your best tools. By prioritizing lean proteins like grilled chicken, embracing the nutrient-dense power of beans, and opting for the 'Fresco style' swap, you can enjoy Taco Bell without derailing your health goals. It's not about finding a single perfect item but about building a meal with the healthiest components. For detailed nutritional information, Taco Bell's official website provides a comprehensive calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat healthily at Taco Bell?
Yes, it is possible to eat healthily at Taco Bell by choosing wisely from their menu and making smart customizations, such as opting for grilled chicken or steak, and ordering items 'Fresco style' to reduce fat and calories.
What does 'Fresco style' mean at Taco Bell?
Ordering 'Fresco style' means that cheese, sour cream, and creamy sauces are replaced with fresh, diced tomatoes.
What is the healthiest Power Menu Bowl?
The Cantina Chicken Power Menu Bowl and the Veggie Power Menu Bowl are both excellent choices. The chicken version offers more protein, while the veggie version is higher in fiber.
Are the Doritos Locos Tacos healthy?
While not the healthiest option, a single Doritos Locos Taco with beef is relatively low in calories (170). You can make it healthier by subbing beef with black beans and ordering it 'Fresco style.'
How can I make my burrito healthier?
To make your burrito healthier, choose black beans or grilled chicken as the filling, order it 'Fresco style' to remove high-fat dairy, and skip creamy sauces.
Is the Cheesy Roll Up a healthy snack?
The Cheesy Roll Up is a relatively low-calorie snack (180 calories) that provides some protein, but it is high in fat for its size. Adding a side of black beans would improve its nutritional value.
Can vegans find options at Taco Bell?
Yes, Taco Bell offers several vegan-friendly options by modifying existing items. By removing dairy (cheese, sour cream) and creamy sauces and using beans or potatoes, many tacos and burritos can be made vegan.
