Taco Bell’s breakfast menu offers a variety of options for those seeking a quick morning meal. From burritos to hash browns, the fast-food chain provides choices to satisfy different tastes and preferences. While many fast-food breakfast items are known for being high in calories and unhealthy fats, some selections at Taco Bell can be more nutritious than others.
For health-conscious customers, identifying the healthier options on Taco Bell’s breakfast menu is key. Several items on the breakfast menu contain fewer calories, less saturated fat, and lower sodium levels compared to other choices. By selecting these options, diners can enjoy a convenient breakfast while making more mindful choices about their morning nutrition.
1) Egg and Cheese Breakfast Soft Taco
The Egg and Cheese Breakfast Soft Taco is a simple yet satisfying option on Taco Bell’s breakfast menu. This item features scrambled eggs and melted cheese wrapped in a soft flour tortilla.
With approximately 170 calories, it provides a moderate amount of energy to start the day. The eggs offer a good source of protein, essential for muscle maintenance and satiety.
The cheese adds calcium and additional protein, contributing to bone health. The soft tortilla provides carbohydrates for quick energy, making this a balanced breakfast choice.
This menu item is relatively low in added sugars and unhealthy fats compared to some other fast-food breakfast options. It can be a suitable choice for those watching their calorie intake or seeking a lighter breakfast option.
For added nutrition, customers can request extra vegetables like tomatoes or onions. This customization can increase the fiber and vitamin content of the meal without significantly impacting the calorie count.
2) Bacon, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Soft Taco
The Bacon, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Soft Taco is a popular choice for those seeking a balanced morning meal at Taco Bell. This breakfast item combines protein-rich ingredients in a convenient handheld format.
The soft flour tortilla contains a mixture of fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon pieces, and melted cheese. This combination provides a good balance of macronutrients to start the day.
At 230 calories, this breakfast taco is relatively low in calories compared to other fast food breakfast options. It contains 14 grams of protein, which can help keep diners feeling satisfied throughout the morning.
The sodium content is worth noting, as it contains 580 mg. Those watching their salt intake may want to be mindful of this. Despite this, the Bacon, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Soft Taco remains a reasonable choice for a quick breakfast on the go.
For those looking to add some vegetable content, requesting added tomatoes or onions can increase the nutritional value of this breakfast item. This simple modification can boost fiber and vitamin intake without significantly altering the calorie count.
3) Hash Brown Toasted Breakfast Burrito
The Hash Brown Toasted Breakfast Burrito offers a satisfying morning meal option at Taco Bell. This menu item combines classic breakfast ingredients in a convenient handheld format.
The burrito contains scrambled eggs, cheese, and a crispy hash brown patty. These ingredients are wrapped in a soft flour tortilla and then toasted for added texture.
At 570 calories, it provides a moderate energy boost to start the day. The hash brown adds a pleasant crunch and potato flavor to complement the other fillings.
This breakfast option contains 10 grams of protein, which can help keep diners feeling full. The combination of carbohydrates and protein offers a balance of nutrients.
For those watching their sodium intake, it’s worth noting that this burrito contains a significant amount of salt. Customers concerned about sodium levels may want to consider other menu choices.
4) Sausage Breakfast Soft Taco
The Sausage Breakfast Soft Taco is a protein-packed option on Taco Bell’s breakfast menu. It features a soft flour tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, seasoned sausage crumbles, and melted cheese.
This breakfast item provides a good balance of macronutrients, including protein from the eggs and sausage, carbohydrates from the tortilla, and fats from the cheese and sausage. The combination helps provide sustained energy for the morning.
With a moderate calorie count, the Sausage Breakfast Soft Taco can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. It offers a satisfying portion size without excessive calories.
The soft taco format makes this breakfast item easy to eat on-the-go, appealing to busy individuals looking for a quick morning meal. Its simple ingredients also make it a straightforward choice for those who prefer less complex breakfast options.
While not the lowest in sodium or fat among Taco Bell’s breakfast offerings, the Sausage Breakfast Soft Taco remains a relatively balanced choice compared to some other fast food breakfast options.
5) Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito with Bacon
The Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito with Bacon is a popular choice at Taco Bell. This breakfast item contains 350 calories, making it a moderate option for those watching their calorie intake.
The burrito provides 13 grams of protein, which can help keep diners feeling satisfied throughout the morning. It also contains 38 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber.
Sodium content is a consideration, as this burrito contains 880 milligrams. This amount is lower than some other Taco Bell breakfast options, but still significant for those monitoring their sodium intake.
The burrito includes 16 grams of fat, with 5 grams being saturated fat. While not the lowest in fat, it offers a balance of nutrients that can fit into a varied diet.
For those seeking a tasty breakfast option with a good protein content, the Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito with Bacon can be a reasonable choice. It’s important to consider personal dietary needs and balance this item with other food choices throughout the day.
6) Grande Toasted Breakfast Burrito
The Grande Toasted Breakfast Burrito is a hearty option on Taco Bell’s breakfast menu. It comes in three varieties: steak, bacon, and sausage.
The steak version contains 570 calories, making it a substantial morning meal. It includes double eggs, potato bites, tomatoes, and three melted cheeses.
This burrito provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. The steak and eggs offer protein to help keep you feeling full throughout the morning.
The potato bites and tortilla provide energy-giving carbohydrates. The cheese adds flavor and some additional protein and calcium.
While not the lowest-calorie option, this burrito can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. It’s a filling choice that may help prevent overeating later in the day.
For those watching their sodium intake, it’s worth noting that this item contains 1370 mg of sodium. This is a significant portion of the daily recommended limit for most adults.
Nutritional Insights
Taco Bell’s breakfast menu offers some healthier options that can fit into a balanced diet. Key factors to consider are the calorie content and protein levels of different items.
Calorie Count
The Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito Potato is one of the lower-calorie options, containing around 340 calories. For those watching their calorie intake, the A.M. Grilled Taco with bacon or sausage provides about 230 calories per serving. The Egg and Cheese Waffle Taco is another lighter choice at approximately 260 calories.
Higher-calorie items include the Grande Toasted Breakfast Burrito, which can reach up to 560 calories depending on customizations. It’s important to note that adding extras like sauces or cheese can significantly increase the calorie content of any menu item.
Protein Content
Protein is an essential nutrient for a satisfying breakfast. The Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito with Sausage offers a substantial 16 grams of protein. The A.M. Crunchwrap with bacon or sausage provides about 12-14 grams of protein, making it a filling option.
For vegetarian choices, the Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito Potato contains around 10 grams of protein. Adding beans to any breakfast item can boost the protein content. It’s worth noting that egg-based items generally provide a good protein source, with most breakfast tacos and burritos containing 8-12 grams of protein per serving.
Customization Options
Taco Bell offers various ways to personalize breakfast items for health-conscious customers. Diners can modify their orders to align with specific dietary needs or preferences.
Add-Ons and Extras
Taco Bell’s breakfast menu allows for several nutritious add-ons. Egg whites can be substituted for whole eggs, boosting protein without extra fat. Guacamole adds healthy fats and fiber. Black beans provide plant-based protein and fiber.
Fresh pico de gallo increases vegetable intake. Jalapeños offer a spicy kick with minimal calories. Reduced-fat sour cream is available for those seeking lower-fat options.
Healthier Swaps
Customers can make healthier choices by swapping ingredients. Choosing corn tortillas over flour reduces calorie and carbohydrate content. Opting for grilled chicken instead of bacon lowers saturated fat intake.
Requesting “fresco style” removes cheese and sauces, replacing them with pico de gallo. This significantly reduces calories and fat. Skipping cheese altogether is another option for calorie reduction.
Selecting water or unsweetened iced tea instead of sugary drinks cuts down on empty calories.