Craving Taco Bell but don’t want to overindulge? You’re in luck! Because, believe it or not, Taco Bell is considered one of the healthiest fast food chains. Over the past few years, the chain has been working to create healthier options for eaters, including menu items with fewer calories and less sodium and fat.
Taco Bell also gives customers the power to customize most menu items to make dishes a bit healthier. The chain’s official website even provides ideas for what to order if you’re counting calories.
Before you hit the drive-thru, learn how to chow down on the healthiest food at Taco Bell. Here are the top options to order:
Power Menu Bowl
The Power Menu at Taco Bell consists of items that are packed with protein, giving you the flavorful boost you need to get through the day. Here’s the description according to the Taco Bell online menu: “Packed with protein in the form of grilled steak or chicken, and made with freshly-prepared Pico de Gallo, Black Beans and Rice, and more delicious ingredients, Taco Bell’s protein packed food will give you just the lift you need.” (To make it vegetarian, you can sub meat for a double scoop of black beans.)
Bean Burrito
Need a quick boost of energy without sacrificing flavor or texture? Fuel up on protein and vitamins with Taco Bell’s longstanding bean burrito. Beans are full of protein, fiber and antioxidants, which makes the bean burrito a great option for a quick and healthy meal.
Don’t have time to hop in the car? Make your own black bean burritos at home.
7-Layer Burrito, Fresco Style
Ah, the classic 7-layer burrito. Refried beans, seasoned rice, guacamole, shredded lettuce, three-cheese blend, diced tomatoes, reduced-fat sour cream…all rolled into a warm, soft tortilla. And when you order it “Fresco style,” you replace the unhealthiest ingredients with pico de gallo—a blend of diced tomatoes, onions and cilantro—ultimately saving you calories and fat.
Soft Taco, Fresco Style
Load up on meaty goodness. Whether you opt for chicken or steak, you’ll still be able to enjoy delicious, nutritious Taco Bell tacos without the guilt. Protein, shredded lettuce and pico de gallo (if you get it Fresco style) on a warm, chewy tortilla…sounds and tastes like heaven. Recreate the magic at home with these chiles rellenos grilled chicken tacos or these grilled steak and onion tacos.
Mini Skillet Bowl
For just $1, you can enjoy a wholesome fast food breakfast. The mini skillet bowl is a simple medley of scrambled eggs, potatoes, pico de gallo and nacho cheese sauce. If you want to save a few calories, simply omit the cheese and add hot sauce for a zesty kick.
If you’re seeking healthful Mexican dishes to create at home, we recommend these tasty baked chicken fajitas, these guilt-free veggie bean tacos and these savory steak burritos.
P.S. Did you know Taco Bell’s first location was in San Bernadino, California and its original name was Bell’s Drive-In and Taco Tia? That’s just one of many fascinating facts about the chain.
Make These Tasty Taco Bell Copycat Recipes At Home
Inspired By: Cheesy Bean and Rice BurritoThese hearty and zippy burritos can be whipped up in a jiffy. —Kimberly Hardison, Maitland, Florida
Inspired By: Nacho FriesDon't plan on coming away with clean fingers after digging into these cheese fries! For a more authentic copycat, add some of this
homemade taco seasoning to your fries.
Inspired By: Dressed Egg TacoThis is a really simple, tasty breakfast. It has been a mainstay for our mornings together as a family. —Jo Ferguson, Arnold, Missouri
Inspired By: Cheese QuesadillaWe serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Inspired By: Chicken BurritoThis mouthwatering chicken burrito recipe makes enough for two casseroles, so you can enjoy one today and freeze the other for a busy weeknight. They're super to have on hand for quick meals or to take to potlucks. —Sonya Nightingale, Burley, Idaho.
Inspired By: Guacamole SideNothing is better than freshly made guacamole when you're eating something spicy. It is easy to whip together in a matter of minutes and quickly tames anything that's too hot. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Inspired By: Spicy TostadaYou only need a handful of ingredients to make one of our family’s favorites. It's also easy to double for company! —Susan Brown, Kansas City, Kansas
Inspired By: Fiesta Taco SaladI found this recipe in an old school cookbook, and I've taken it to many potlucks since then. The layers look so pretty in a glass bowl. —Sandy Fynaardt, New Sharon, Iowa
Inspired By: Grande ScramblerBurritos for
breakfast? Why not! These zesty little handfuls will wake up your taste buds and start your day with a smile. And you can make and freeze them ahead, then just pop them into the microwave for a quick meal. —Linda Wells, St. Mary's, Georgia
Inspired By: Chicken Soft TacoMy family loves these tacos. The chicken cooks in the slow cooker, so it’s convenient to throw together before I leave for work. Then we just roll it up in tortillas with the remaining ingredients and dinner’s ready in minutes. —Cheryl Newendorp, Pella, Iowa
Inspired By: Nacho Cheese SauceThis zesty nacho dip is great for any get-together and allows me to spend more time with my guests. I always have requests to bring it when my husband and I attend parties. —Sally Hull, Homestead, Florida
Inspired By: Chalupa SupremeI wanted an easy alternative to deep-fried chalupas, so I bake them with filling on top. —Magdalena Flores, Abilene, Texas
Inspired By: Grilled Breakfast BurritoZap one of these frozen burritos in the microwave and you'll stave off hunger all morning. This recipe is my family’s favorite combo, but I sometimes use breakfast sausage instead of bacon. —Audra Niederman, Aberdeen, South Dakota
Inspired By: Grilled Steak Soft TacosZesty salsa and tender strips of steak make these traditional fajitas extra special. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
Inspired By: Chicken QuesadillaLeftover chicken gets Mexican flair from cumin in this fun main dish. The chicken quesadilla recipe has an impressive look and taste yet requires little preparation. —Linda Wetzel, Woodland Park, Colorado
Inspired By: Combo BurritoI love burritos, but the frozen ones are high in salt and chemicals. So I created these. They're wonderful to have on hand for quick dinners or late-night snacks—I've even had them for breakfast! —Laura Winemiller, Delta, Pennsylvania
Inspired By: Nachos SupremeMy mom gave me a fundraiser cookbook, and this is the recipe I’ve used most. My whole family is on board. For toppings, think sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeno and red onion. —Judy Hughes, Waverly, Kansas
Inspired By: Cheesy Potato BurritoI have a son who lives in Mexico, so we don’t see him very often. When I make these burritos, it feels as if he is right there at the table with us, inhaling them. —Marina Castle, Canyon Country, California
Inspired By: Crunchy TacoA taco seasoning made from scratch with pantry staples deliciously jazzes up ground beef, turning Tuesday night into an all-out fiesta. Add your favorite toppings, and dinner is served! —Rebecca Levesque, St. George, New Brunswick
Inspired By: XXL Grilled Stuffed BurritoAfter a busy day, this is a dish that I can get on the table fast. The recipe came about totally by accident: I started throwing things together and soon I had a winner! Everyone who has tried these burritos goes home with the recipe. —Amanda Alford, Hopedale, Illinois
Updated: Aug. 19, 2020
