Taco Bell’s breakfast menu has been shaking up the fast-food morning scene since its introduction in 2014. This Mexican-inspired chain took a bold leap into the breakfast market, offering unique twists on traditional morning fare that quickly captured the attention of hungry customers.
Taco Bell’s innovative approach to breakfast has resulted in a lineup of surprising menu items that combine familiar ingredients in unexpected ways. From portable burritos to crunchy wraps filled with hash browns, the menu caters to those seeking a departure from standard breakfast offerings. The company’s willingness to experiment with flavors and textures has set its morning options apart in a competitive fast-food landscape.
1) A.M. Crunchwrap
The A.M. Crunchwrap stands as a cornerstone of Taco Bell’s breakfast menu. This hexagonal-shaped breakfast item offers a unique twist on the traditional morning meal.
At its core, the A.M. Crunchwrap contains scrambled eggs, cheese, and a choice of bacon or sausage. What sets it apart is the inclusion of a crispy hash brown patty, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.
The ingredients are wrapped in a large flour tortilla, which is then folded into its distinctive six-sided shape. This design makes it easy to hold and eat on the go, appealing to busy morning customers.
Taco Bell introduced the A.M. Crunchwrap as part of its breakfast menu expansion in 2014. It quickly gained popularity among fans of the fast-food chain, becoming a breakfast staple.
The A.M. Crunchwrap’s success lies in its combination of familiar breakfast elements with Taco Bell’s signature style. It effectively merges the concept of a breakfast burrito with the brand’s well-known Crunchwrap format.
2) Cinnabon Delights
Cinnabon Delights are a popular item on Taco Bell’s breakfast menu. These bite-sized pastries feature a warm, dough exterior dusted with cinnamon sugar and filled with sweet cream cheese frosting.
Originally introduced in 2013, Cinnabon Delights quickly became a fan favorite. They offer a unique twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, combining the familiar Cinnabon flavor in a convenient, portable format.
Taco Bell offers Cinnabon Delights in various pack sizes, including 2-packs, 4-packs, and 12-packs. This allows customers to choose the perfect portion for their cravings.
Each Cinnabon Delight contains approximately 50 calories, making them a relatively light treat compared to some other breakfast options. The pastries are served warm, enhancing their appeal and flavor profile.
While primarily marketed as a breakfast item, Cinnabon Delights are also enjoyed as a dessert throughout the day. Their versatility has contributed to their enduring popularity on the Taco Bell menu.
The partnership between Taco Bell and Cinnabon for this product demonstrates the fast-food chain’s strategy of collaborating with other brands to create unique offerings. This approach has helped Taco Bell diversify its menu and attract a wider customer base.
3) Breakfast Quesadilla
Taco Bell introduced the Breakfast Quesadilla on January 28, 2017 as part of their morning menu offerings. This savory item features a warm flour tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, melted cheese, and a choice of meat.
The Breakfast Quesadilla temporarily disappeared from menus in 2020 due to streamlined operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. It made a comeback in late 2021 when Taco Bell reinstated their breakfast menu.
Customers can choose from different protein options for their Breakfast Quesadilla, including bacon and steak. The steak version includes marinated grilled beef, a three-cheese blend, and eggs.
In April 2022, Taco Bell included the Breakfast Quesadilla in their $5 Breakfast Box promotion. This move helped reintroduce the item to customers and boost its popularity.
While not always a permanent menu fixture, the Breakfast Quesadilla has become a recurring favorite. Its combination of familiar breakfast ingredients in a convenient handheld format appeals to many morning diners.
4) Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito
The Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito is a popular item on Taco Bell’s morning menu. It offers a convenient and satisfying option for customers on the go.
This breakfast burrito comes in three varieties: sausage, bacon, and potato. Each version contains eggs, nacho cheese sauce, and the chosen protein wrapped in a grilled flour tortilla.
The sausage option contains 340 calories, while the bacon version has 350 calories. These burritos are part of Taco Bell’s efforts to provide affordable breakfast choices.
Nutritionally, the Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito with sausage contains 6 grams of saturated fat and 770 milligrams of sodium. While not considered low-sodium, it has less sodium than some other menu items.
Taco Bell introduced this burrito as part of their Toasted Breakfast Burrito Menu. The menu expansion aimed to offer customers more variety in their morning meal options.
5) Hash Brown Toasted Breakfast Burrito
The Hash Brown Toasted Breakfast Burrito is a popular item on Taco Bell’s morning menu. It combines classic breakfast ingredients with the chain’s signature Mexican-inspired flavors.
This hearty burrito features a crispy hash brown nestled inside a warm flour tortilla. The hash brown adds a satisfying crunch and potato goodness to each bite.
The burrito comes in several varieties, including bacon and steak options. It also contains scrambled eggs, cheese, and a flavorful sauce to tie all the ingredients together.
Calorie-wise, the Hash Brown Toasted Breakfast Burrito packs a punch. It contains around 570 calories, with about half of those coming from fat. The burrito also provides a decent amount of protein, ranging from 18 to 24 grams depending on the version.
For those watching their diet, it’s worth noting that this menu item is relatively high in calories and fat. However, it offers a filling breakfast option for those seeking a hearty start to their day.
6) Sausage Flatbread Quesadilla
The Sausage Flatbread Quesadilla is a popular breakfast item at Taco Bell. It combines scrambled eggs, crumbled sausage, and a three-cheese blend inside a warm flatbread.
This breakfast option is surprisingly affordable, often priced at just $1. It offers a satisfying combination of protein and carbohydrates to start the day.
The Sausage Flatbread Quesadilla contains 330 calories, making it a substantial breakfast choice. It also provides 17 grams of fat and 11 grams of protein.
Some customers compare the texture of this item to a Breakfast Gordita rather than a traditional quesadilla. The flatbread gives it a unique twist compared to other breakfast menu items.
Taco Bell offers a “Fresco Style” option for many menu items, which could potentially be applied to this quesadilla for those seeking a lighter alternative. This modification typically replaces cheese with fresher ingredients.
7) Breakfast Soft Taco
Taco Bell’s Breakfast Soft Taco offers a morning twist on the classic Mexican-inspired dish. This menu item features a warm, soft flour tortilla filled with scrambled eggs and melted cheese.
Customers can customize their Breakfast Soft Taco by adding crispy bacon, savory sausage, or seasoned potatoes. These protein options provide additional flavor and substance to the meal.
The Breakfast Soft Taco is designed for on-the-go convenience, making it easy for customers to enjoy a quick and satisfying breakfast. Its portable nature aligns with Taco Bell’s focus on hand-held menu items.
This breakfast option typically comes at an affordable price point, making it accessible to a wide range of customers. It can be ordered individually or as part of a breakfast combo meal.
The Breakfast Soft Taco exemplifies Taco Bell’s approach to morning offerings by combining familiar breakfast ingredients with their signature Tex-Mex style. This fusion of flavors has helped the chain carve out a unique niche in the competitive fast-food breakfast market.
8) Steak and Egg Cheesy Burrito
The Steak and Egg Cheesy Burrito is a popular item on Taco Bell’s breakfast menu. This hearty burrito combines seasoned steak and scrambled eggs with melted cheese wrapped in a warm tortilla.
According to nutritional information, the Steak and Egg Cheesy Burrito contains 450 calories. Fat accounts for 46% of these calories, while carbohydrates make up 33%.
For those looking to balance their calorie intake, it’s worth noting that burning off this burrito would require about 39 minutes of running or 64 minutes of walking.
Taco Bell offers a lighter version called the Fresco Style Steak and Egg Cheesy Burrito. This variation has 320 calories, with 46% coming from carbohydrates.
The Steak and Egg Cheesy Burrito provides a satisfying breakfast option for those seeking a protein-packed start to their day. Its combination of savory steak and eggs appeals to many customers looking for a heartier morning meal.
Nutritional Insights
Taco Bell’s breakfast menu offers a mix of indulgent and more balanced options. The nutritional content varies widely across different menu items, with some providing better nutritional value than others.
Balanced Breakfast Choices
Taco Bell’s breakfast menu includes some healthier choices for those watching their nutrition. The Breakfast Soft Taco with egg and cheese contains 230 calories and 11g of protein, making it a lighter option. For a more substantial meal, the Hash Brown Toasted Breakfast Burrito with bacon provides 570 calories and 21g of protein.
Customers can customize their orders to boost nutritional value. Adding extra vegetables or opting for “Fresco” style removes cheese and sauces, reducing calories and fat. The Power Menu Bowl – Veggie offers a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fiber with black beans, eggs, and vegetables.
Calorie Considerations
Taco Bell’s breakfast items range from 220 to over 700 calories. The Breakfast Crunchwrap with bacon is one of the higher-calorie options at 670 calories. On the lower end, the Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito with potato contains 340 calories.
For those monitoring sodium intake, many breakfast items contain 500-1000mg of sodium. The A.M. Crunchwrap with sausage has 1,290mg of sodium, over half the recommended daily limit. Fat content varies widely, from 11g in the Breakfast Soft Taco to 41g in the Grande Toasted Breakfast Burrito with steak.
Taco Bell provides full nutritional information online and in restaurants, allowing customers to make informed choices based on their dietary needs and preferences.
Ingredient Quality
Taco Bell’s breakfast menu incorporates a mix of fresh and processed ingredients. The chain strives to balance convenience with quality in their morning offerings.
Locally-Sourced Ingredients
Taco Bell has made efforts to source ingredients locally when possible. Their eggs come from cage-free hens, reflecting a commitment to animal welfare. The chain uses real cheddar cheese in many breakfast items, avoiding processed cheese alternatives.
Fresh vegetables like tomatoes and lettuce are used in some breakfast dishes. These are typically delivered to stores multiple times per week to ensure freshness.
Innovative Flavors
Taco Bell’s breakfast menu features unique flavor combinations. The chain uses a proprietary blend of spices in their seasoned potatoes, giving them a distinctive taste.
Sauces play a key role in enhancing flavors. The creamy jalapeño sauce adds a spicy kick to breakfast burritos. Cinnabon Delights feature a sweet cinnamon filling made with real cream cheese.
Taco Bell has experimented with novel ingredients like the waffle taco shell. This innovation combined traditional breakfast flavors with the chain’s signature Tex-Mex style.