If you’re in need of a quick breakfast fix, Taco Bell might just be your go-to fast-food spot. Known primarily for their tacos, burritos, and other specialty items, Taco Bell also offers a surprisingly diverse breakfast menu. Whether you’re craving something different or simply don’t have much in your pantry, a trip to Taco Bell could be just what you need. However, it’s important to know that not all breakfast items on the menu are equally healthy. While everything is packed with flavor, you might want to carefully review the options if you’re aiming for a nutritious start to your day.
If you find yourself unsure about what to order, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with the top six healthiest and unhealthiest breakfast options at Taco Bell, as recommended by dietitians.
Tips for a Healthier Breakfast at Taco Bell
When aiming for a healthier breakfast at Taco Bell, there are a few key points to consider:
- Limit Fried Foods: Items like hash browns and donuts may be tempting, but they’re typically high in fat and calories. It’s best to avoid these if you’re watching your intake.
- Skip the Combo Meals: A combo meal that includes an entrée, side, and a sugary drink can quickly turn into a calorie-dense option filled with sugar, salt, and fat. Instead, focus on just the entrée, and if you’re still hungry, pair it with some fruit from home.
- Customize Your Order: Don’t hesitate to ask for adjustments. Request less cheese, skip the high-calorie sauces, and opt for leaner meats to create a healthier meal without sacrificing taste.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy a satisfying and nutritious breakfast from Taco Bell without compromising on flavor. For more on what to order at this popular fast-food chain, don’t miss
1. Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito Potato
CALORIES (PER ORDER): 340, 14 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat), 770 mg sodium, 44 g carbohydrates (3 g sugar, 3 g fiber), and 9 g protein.
The ingredients for this easy breakfast burrito include eggs, potatoes, nacho cheese, and tomatoes. With a respectable amount of fiber to start your day, the calorie count makes for a sensible lunch. This option’s drawback is its comparatively low protein content. It has less protein than you should have during a meal—just 9 grams. Better still, order an extra egg instead of the nacho cheese. This will increase protein while maintaining a roughly constant calorie intake.
2. Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito Sausage
350 calories, 17 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 770 mg sodium, 38 g carbohydrates (2 g fiber, 3 g sugar), and 10 g protein are the nutritional values per order.
For meat enthusiasts looking for a substantial breakfast, here’s another burrito choice. Though sausage is included, the amount of protein is a little lacking. You could want to add an extra egg and skip the nacho cheese to increase the enjoyment factor. Add some tomatoes for a small nutritional boost, and for some healthy fats, add some guacamole if you’re feeling extra calorie-conscious.
3.Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito Bacon
350 calories, 16 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 880 mg sodium, 38 g carbohydrates (2 g fiber, 3 g sugar), and 13 g protein are the nutritional values per order.
This is the highest protein burrito option under 400 calories, with a good 13 grams of protein. But take note—compared to other egg burritos, it does have a little greater salt level. Thus, take this salt intake into account when you plan your meals for the day and make sure to offset it later with lower-sodium options.
4. Breakfast Quesadilla Steak
CALORIES (PER ORDER): 510; 25 g fat (14 g saturated fat); 1310 mg sodium; 41 g carbohydrates (3 g fiber, 4 g sugar); 28 g protein.
Despite having a high lipid and saturated fat content, this breakfast quesadilla includes 28 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. Asking them to go “easy” on the cheese will save you 100 calories and many grams of fat, including saturated fat, and this will make for a satisfying dinner. To make a balanced lunch, add some fruit from your own kitchen.
5. Grande Toasted Breakfast Burrito Steak
NUTRITION (PER ORDER): 570 calories, 10 g saturated fat, 28 g fat, 1370 mg sodium, and 27 g protein are found in 52 g of carbohydrates and 4 g of fiber and sugar.
While 570 calories might be too much for some people to consume in one sitting, there are simple ways to reduce the calorie count of this tortilla to under 500. Fortunately, it starts off on the “best” list with a good protein and fiber content. Order the steak and cheese “easy” to cut down on fat in this dish. This will get your lunch under 500 calories without sacrificing fiber, but it will also slightly lower the protein.
6.Breakfast Quesadilla Bacon
CALORIES (PER ORDER): 510; 27 g fat (14 g saturated fat); 1250 mg sodium; 41 g carbohydrates (3 g sugar, 3 g fiber); 25 g protein.
Despite having a higher fat level due to the cheese, the breakfast quesadillas are still superior to a lot of other things on the Taco Bell breakfast menu. Omit the bacon to make this order better. You will save several grams of fat, including saturated fat, and roughly 60 calories by doing this. There will be an abundance of cheese and egg left over for a substantial lunch. To balance up your dinner, pack fruit from home or add tomatoes for some added nutrition.
