Taco Bell is a popular fast food chain known for its bold flavors, affordable meals, and convenient drive-thru service.
However, like many fast food restaurants, Taco Bell’s menu is filled with items that may not be the healthiest options, such as fried foods, heavy sauces, and high-calorie items. If you’re trying to eat healthier or simply looking for a lighter option, it can be difficult to know what to order. But don’t worry—Taco Bell offers a variety of healthier choices that are still satisfying and delicious. In this article, we’ll explore the healthiest options on the Taco Bell menu, so you can make an informed decision the next time you’re craving Mexican-inspired fast food.
Taco Bell’s Healthiest Menu Options
When looking for healthier items at Taco Bell, it’s important to focus on things like calories, fat content, protein, and sodium levels. Choosing items that are lower in calories, higher in protein, and packed with fresh ingredients can help you maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing taste. Here are some of the healthiest things to order at Taco Bell:
1. Power Bowl
The Power Bowl is one of the healthiest options on Taco Bell’s menu. It’s packed with lean protein, fiber, and plenty of fresh vegetables. The Power Bowl comes in several varieties, including the Chicken Power Bowl, the Beef Power Bowl, and the Veggie Power Bowl.
Calories: Around 450-500 calories, depending on the protein choice.
Protein: 26-27 grams of protein.
Key Ingredients: Grilled chicken, black beans, brown rice, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and reduced-fat sour cream.
This meal is a great choice because it’s balanced and filling, offering lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep you satisfied for hours. The brown rice and black beans provide complex carbohydrates and fiber, while the grilled chicken or beef offers a good source of protein. Plus, the vegetables add important vitamins and minerals.
2. Crunchy Taco (Soft Taco)
If you’re in the mood for something light, a simple taco can be a great option. Taco Bell’s Crunchy Taco or Soft Taco can be customized with healthier ingredients to suit your preferences.
Calories: A regular Crunchy Taco has about 170 calories, while a Soft Taco has around 180 calories.
Protein: 8-10 grams of protein, depending on the protein choice.
Key Ingredients: Soft corn or flour tortilla, seasoned beef or chicken, lettuce, and cheese.
To make it even healthier, consider skipping the cheese or opting for a chicken taco instead of beef. Chicken is lower in fat and calories, making it a better choice if you want to cut down on calories.
3. Fresco Style Items
Taco Bell offers a “Fresco Style” option for many of its menu items.
When you order Fresco Style, your taco or burrito will be topped with fresh diced tomatoes instead of cheese and creamy sauces. This can significantly cut down on calories and fat.
Calories: Cutting out cheese and sauces can reduce an item’s calorie count by 100-200 calories.
Protein: The protein content will remain the same as the original, but you’ll be getting fewer unhealthy fats.
Key Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, lettuce, protein of your choice (chicken, beef, or steak), and any other basic taco ingredients.
Fresco Style is a great option for those looking to eat lighter. The tomatoes add a refreshing burst of flavor without adding unnecessary calories.
4. Bean Burrito
The Bean Burrito is another healthier choice at Taco Bell, especially for vegetarians or those looking for a plant-based option. Beans are a great source of fiber and protein, and this burrito is simple, filling, and satisfying.
Calories: Approximately 350 calories.
Protein: 13 grams of protein.
Key Ingredients: Refried beans, flour tortilla, onions, and red sauce.
While the Bean Burrito does have cheese, you can opt to ask for it without cheese to lower the calorie count. The beans provide fiber, which will help you feel full longer.
5. Grilled Chicken Soft Taco
If you want a light taco, consider the Grilled Chicken Soft Taco. Grilled chicken is a lean protein choice that is lower in fat and calories compared to other proteins like beef or pork.
Calories: About 150 calories per taco.
Protein: 10 grams of protein.
Key Ingredients: Grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and soft flour tortilla.
This taco is a great choice if you’re trying to watch your calorie intake but still want something flavorful. It’s lower in calories than many other taco options but still provides a good amount of protein to keep you satisfied.
6. Veggie Cravings Menu
For those following a vegetarian or plant-based diet, Taco Bell offers a Veggie Cravings Menu. This menu features a variety of meatless options that are both nutritious and delicious.
Some of the top picks from the Veggie Cravings Menu include:
Veggie Power Bowl: Includes rice, black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and other fresh vegetables.
Black Bean Chalupa: A crispy shell filled with black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. You can ask for it without cheese to make it even lighter.
These options are packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making them a nutritious choice for anyone looking to eat more plant-based meals.
7. Chicken Soft Taco (Without Cheese)
The Chicken Soft Taco is a healthy choice when you want a simple taco. By removing the cheese, you can cut back on calories and fat. Chicken provides a lean protein source, while the soft tortilla is a lighter option compared to a fried shell.
Calories: Approximately 150 calories (without cheese).
Protein: 10 grams of protein.
Key Ingredients: Grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and a soft tortilla.
If you’re craving a taco but want to make it as healthy as possible, this is a great option. It’s light, satisfying, and provides the protein your body needs.
8. Chicken Caesar Grilled Wrap
If you’re looking for a wrap that’s healthy but still packed with flavor, the Chicken Caesar Grilled Wrap is a solid choice. This wrap features grilled chicken, lettuce, and a light Caesar dressing, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla.
Calories: Around 430 calories.
Protein: 27 grams of protein.
Key Ingredients: Grilled chicken, lettuce, Caesar dressing, flour tortilla.
This wrap offers a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it a filling and healthier alternative to other wraps on the menu.
9. Side of Black Beans
If you want to add something to your meal for extra protein and fiber without adding too many calories, a side of black beans is a great option.
Calories: 80 calories per serving.
Protein: 5 grams of protein.
Key Ingredients: Black beans, seasoned with Taco Bell’s signature spices.
Black beans are a great addition to any meal. They’re low in calories and high in fiber and protein, which can help keep you full without adding unnecessary calories.
10. Side Salad
For those who want to keep their meal even lighter, a side salad is a healthy choice. It’s a simple option that pairs well with any of the other healthier items on Taco Bell’s menu.
Calories: About 40 calories.
Protein: 1 gram of protein.
Key Ingredients: Lettuce, tomatoes, and a light dressing (optional).
A side salad can be a great way to add some fresh vegetables to your meal, and it’s low in calories. Opt for a low-fat dressing or skip the dressing entirely to keep it as healthy as possible.
Tips for Making Healthier Choices at Taco Bell
While Taco Bell offers many healthier options, there are a few extra tips that can help you make the best choice for your health:
1. Customize Your Order
Most menu items at Taco Bell can be customized to suit your needs. You can ask for less cheese, skip the sour cream, or even substitute a healthier sauce. Taco Bell’s “Fresco Style” option is a great way to cut calories without sacrificing flavor.
2. Watch the Portion Sizes
Some Taco Bell meals come in large portions, which can make it easy to overeat. If you’re trying to watch your calories, consider ordering a smaller portion or sharing a larger meal with a friend.
3. Drink Water or Diet Drinks
Instead of soda, opt for water, iced tea, or a diet drink to reduce extra calories from sugary beverages.
4. Skip Fried Foods
Fried foods, like the Taco Bell’s Chalupas, are high in calories and fat. If you want a healthier option, go for grilled or soft items instead.
Conclusion
Taco Bell offers a variety of healthier menu options that can help you stick to your nutritional goals without sacrificing flavor. From the Power Bowls to the Chicken Soft Taco, there are plenty of choices that are lower in calories, high in protein, and packed with fresh ingredients. By customizing your order and making small adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious and healthier meal at Taco Bell anytime.
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