Here's our guide to the healthiest food you can get from Taco Bell.
Yes, You CAN Order Healthy Food at Taco Bell. Here’s What to Get.
Updated on Dec. 15, 2023
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 BurritoThis classic vegan burrito is packed with rice and beans for a filling plant-based meal that's so easy to make.
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.
Breakfast TacosAny taco can be a breakfast taco if you want it to be, but it's hard to beat breakfast tacos filled with migas, fluffy scrambled eggs with soft bits of corn tortillas folded in. They're a lovely way to start your day.
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 BurritoOur baked chicken burritos recipe is wonderfully delicious thanks to loads of cheese, a delightful blend of spices and chicken broth that keeps the filling perfectly moist.
Inspired By: Guacamole SideI always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —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
Taco Salad for a Large CrowdI made this huge taco salad to bring to a party and people were scrambling to figure out who made it. Needless to say I only brought home an empty bowl and the guests went home with a full stomach! Everyone loves this taco salad recipe. —Lisa Homer, Avon, New York
Inspired By: Grande ScramblerBurritos for breakfast? Why not! These zesty handheld breakfast burritos will start your day with a smile. You can also make and freeze them ahead, then just pop them into the microwave for a quick meal.
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 slow-cooker nacho dip recipe is simple to prep but delivers huge flavor. The basic recipe features creamy cheese, chunky salsa, ground beef and spices, but it's endlessly adaptable. You can make it meatless, hot or mild, extra cheesy or veggie-rich.
Inspired By: Chalupa SupremeForget everything you've learned from Taco Bell. Our chicken chalupa recipe is a lighter version of the traditional Mexican dish, with seasoned shredded chicken baked on top of a crispy corn tortilla shell.
Inspired By: Grilled Breakfast BurritoEgg burritos are a fusion between Mexican and American cooking styles. This recipe isn't quite as stuffed as a traditional burrito, so it's lighter on the stomach.
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 QuesadillaThese stuffed chicken quesadillas pack impressive flavor, but they couldn't be easier to make. Finish them with sour cream and guacamole or your favorite Mexican-inspired toppings for a quesadilla feast that'll satisfy that craving.
Inspired By: Combo BurritoMake-ahead freezer burritos are fully loaded with seasoned beef, beans, and cheese for an easy, delicious meal ready when you are.
Inspired By: Nachos SupremeTaco-seasoned ground beef with tomatoes and rice makes a fast and easy nacho topping. Melt the cheese in the skillet in the residual heat of the beef, and then pour it onto individual plates of chips. People can customize their own toppings to their liking!
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 TacoThis easy and fast recipe is the kind of dinner you’re going to want to have in your back pocket for busy weeknights.
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
