Is Taco Bell one of the healthier fast food chains?

Taco Bell You can also turn any menu item 'Fresco-Style' which uses diced tomatoes in place of mayo-based sauces, cheese and sour cream. Doing this can make a soft taco only 160 calories or a Burrito Supreme 340 calories, which makes Taco Bell one of the healthiest fast food chains .

How unhealthy is Taco Bell?

Sodium: Many of the menu items are so high in sodium that you can hit your recommended daily allowance for sodium—2,300 milligrams—in just one meal . A diet high in sodium and low in fruits and vegetables can contribute to high blood pressure problems and heart disease risk.

What's healthier, Taco Bell or McDonald's?

And the Winner Is… Taco Bell ! Well, it all comes down to the menu options and nutritional content. Taco Bell offers a variety of items that are lower in calories, fat, and even include vegetarian options. This makes it easier for folks looking to enjoy their favorite foods without overindulging.

What percent of Taco Bell meat is real?

It then is slow-cooked and simmered with proprietary seasonings and spices to provide Taco Bell's signature taste and texture. Our seasoned beef recipe contains 88% quality USDA-inspected beef and 12% seasonings, spices, water and other ingredients that provide taste, texture and moisture.

Are tacos healthy yes or no?

Tacos are an overall balanced dish, pairing carbs with protein and vegetables . To make the healthiest tacos, choose corn tortillas, a high-protein filling, and top with plenty of vegetables. Want more ideas for building healthy meals with your favorite Latino foods?

"In-N-Out Burger's menu is simple—burgers, French fries, and milkshakes. There are no vegetable, salad, or meatless options on the basic menu (excluding fries). These types of foods are very low in filling fiber and rich in calories, saturated fat, sodium, and sugar , so they should be consumed less frequently.

Is Taco Bell healthier than Subway?

The Short Answer. In general, Subway offers a wider variety of healthier options compared to Taco Bell . With Subway's focus on fresh vegetables, lean meats, and customizable sandwiches, it's easier to tailor a meal that fits within your nutritional needs.

What is the most unhealthy fast food Taco Bell?

The Least Healthy Menu Items at Taco Bell If you want to keep your Taco Bell order as healthy as possible, registered dietitian Yelena Wheeler, RDN, says to steer clear of the steak grilled cheese burrito , which she says is the absolute least healthiest item on the menu.

What's the number one fast food in America?

McDonald's position as the top restaurant chain in the United States has been consistent since Technomic started their annual report. But the list has shifted over the past several years. In the 2014 report, Pizza Hut was the biggest pizza chain—only to be replaced by Domino's.

What is the most ordered item at Taco Bell?

By analyzing Google Trends data from October 2020 to October 2021, apartment group The Waycroft has rounded up the most popular Taco Bell orders based on state. The Crunchwrap Supreme won favor in 70% more states than the second-place Quesarito. The race was hardly tight either.

Does Taco Bell use high quality meat?

We use 100 percent USDA premium beef in our seasoned beef.

Is Taco Bell the slowest fast-food chain?

Taco Bell offers the quickest drive-thru service in the industry , according to QRS Magazine's annual drive-thru report. Customers who don't leave their vehicle to order food at the Mexican inspired food chain wait an average of 278.84 seconds, or four minutes.

Taco Bell Is Actually One of the Healthiest Fast Food Chains Around (2024)

Two words: Power Menu.

By Jaclyn London, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.Published: Jun 19, 2018

Taco Bell Is Actually One of the Healthiest Fast Food Chains Around (1)

Taco Bell has some impressively nutritious options on their menu. For a chain that dreams up high-calorie dishes like fried chicken chalupas and candy-flavored slushies, it's actually pretty committed to nutrition nowadays. Taco Bell keeps a registered dietitian (RD) on staff and since 2008 has reduced sodium across its menu offerings by 15%.

But the thing that makes Taco Bell stand out from the rest of the fast food pack is the ability to add extra veggies, sides, and swaps to your order, which you can play around with via its online nutrition calculator.

That’s great, but what if you really just want to indulge? Yes, Taco Bell makes headlines for coming up with items like Doritos tacos, but you can always skim a few calories off the top of any order by asking to “make it fresco.” That nixes creamy, calorie-laden dressings, sour cream, and cheese, but adds pico de gallo (often on the side).

A Taco Bell Power Bowl contains about 500 calories — and that’s including guac.

With that in mind, you can find the best low-calorie options at a Taco Bell by keeping it simple. Opt for tacos, salads, power bowls, sides, and the occasional burrito. These all contain grilled meat, veggies, cheese, guac, and beans — which pack protein plus fiber. You're better off skipping the nachos and quesadillas since they're tough to make more nutritious.

An order from the vegetarian or Power Menu is a better bet, since those contain added veggies. Great picks from the vegetarian menu include the cheesy bean and rice burrito, bean burrito, black bean burrito, and even the seven-layer burrito — especially if you add extra veggies to any of the above.

See below for some more nutrient-packed ideas that won't leave you feeling overstuffed:

Power Menu Veggie Burrito: Order it with extra pico de gallo, extra romaine, easy on the cheese, regular guac, and regular beans. Skip the sour cream and avocado sauce, and choose add-ons of salsa, jalapeno peppers, and tomatoes. You’ll land yourself a nice, filling lunch that’s 380 calories, and still saves some room for a piece of fruit.
Power Menu Veggie Bowl With Chicken: Order it with extra pico de gallo, extra romaine, regular guac, cheese, and beans; skip the rice, and add chicken, onions, tomatoes, salsa, and jalapenos.
Power Menu Burrito With Chicken: Order it with extra pico de gallo, extra romaine, regular guac, cheese, and beans; skip the rice and add chicken, onions, tomatoes, salsa, and jalapenos.

The bottom line: Yes, Taco Bell can be healthy if you go easy on the sauces, cheese, and rice, and add extra veggies instead.

Jaclyn London, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.

A registered dietitian with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University, Jaclyn “Jackie” London handled all of Good Housekeeping’s nutrition-related content, testing, and evaluation from 2014 to 2019. Prior to joining GH, she was a clinical dietitian at Mount Sinai Hospital. Jackie has also appeared as an expert guest on The Dr. Oz Show and The Today Show. She is also author of the book Dressing on the Side (and Other Diet Myths Debunked).