Is Taco Bell one of the healthiest fast food?

Dietitian declares Taco Bell a 'front-runner' for healthiest fast food option. If you're trying to stick to your New Year's diet but are craving some fast food, a new report has found that Taco Bell is the healthiest option.

Is Taco Bell healthier than Subway?

The Short Answer. In general, Subway offers a wider variety of healthier options compared to Taco Bell . With Subway's focus on fresh vegetables, lean meats, and customizable sandwiches, it's easier to tailor a meal that fits within your nutritional needs.

Which is more unhealthy, McDonald's or Taco Bell?

And the Winner Is… Taco Bell ! Taco Bell offers a variety of items that are lower in calories, fat, and even include vegetarian options. This makes it easier for folks looking to enjoy their favorite foods without overindulging.

Is Taco Bell really healthy?

It's absolutely possible to eat healthy at Taco Bell . Look for meals with veggies and beans while avoiding meals high in saturated fat and sodium. Not only will it still be a delicious way to satisfy your craving for Mexican food, but you'll also be less likely to feel sluggish later.

What is the #1 fast food in America?

McDonald's . McDonald's is nearly synonymous with the words “fast food,” so it's no surprise that it's often the restaurant of choice for those seeking a satisfying menu and quick bite. Like many restaurants, they frequently offer special deals for those ordering through the McDonald's app.

What is the #1 best fast food restaurant?

1: McDonald's . Of course McDonald's ranks No. 1. That's partly because when we think of fast food, the first place that comes to mind is McDonald's.

What is the most unhealthiest food at Taco Bell?

The Grilled Cheese Burrito available at Taco Bell stands out as one of the least healthy selections on the menu. Packing an astonishing 38 grams of fat in each serving, this option alone covers nearly half of your daily recommended fat intake.

Is it unhealthy to eat Taco Bell everyday?

Is It OK To Eat Taco Bell Every Day? If you're trying to be healthy, no. While there's no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you can eat Taco Bell, Sauceda gets the most specific with it. "With any fast food like Taco Bell, I would recommend no more than a couple times a month ," she says.

Why is Chipotle better than Taco Bell?

Essentially, they try to source the very best ingredients and prepare them by hand. By choosing to serve their Mexican cuisine with whole, fresh ingredients and high-quality meat , Chipotle has a clearly defined differentiator in the Mexican fast food category.

Is taco healthier than a burger?

The Verdict: A Delicious Tie So, are tacos healthier than burgers? Well, it's a tie ! Both tacos and burgers can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. It all comes down to the ingredients and portion sizes.

Is Taco Bell the slowest fast food chain?

Taco Bell offers the quickest drive-thru service in the industry , according to QRS Magazine's annual drive-thru report. Customers who don't leave their vehicle to order food at the Mexican inspired food chain wait an average of 278.84 seconds, or four minutes.

Which Taco is the healthiest?

Best: Tacos Order the grilled chicken, lean steak, or grilled fish on a baked corn tortilla . Those have 70% more fiber and less than half the fat of their white flour counterparts. Skip the chorizo, fried fish, and carnitas (fried pork or beef), which are higher in unhealthy saturated fat.

Taco Bell Is Actually One of the Healthiest Fast Food Chains Around (2024)

Two words: Power Menu.

By Jaclyn London, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.Published: Jun 19, 2018

Taco Bell Is Actually One of the Healthiest Fast Food Chains Around (1)

Taco Bell has some impressively nutritious options on their menu. For a chain that dreams up high-calorie dishes like fried chicken chalupas and candy-flavored slushies, it's actually pretty committed to nutrition nowadays. Taco Bell keeps a registered dietitian (RD) on staff and since 2008 has reduced sodium across its menu offerings by 15%.

But the thing that makes Taco Bell stand out from the rest of the fast food pack is the ability to add extra veggies, sides, and swaps to your order, which you can play around with via its online nutrition calculator.

That’s great, but what if you really just want to indulge? Yes, Taco Bell makes headlines for coming up with items like Doritos tacos, but you can always skim a few calories off the top of any order by asking to “make it fresco.” That nixes creamy, calorie-laden dressings, sour cream, and cheese, but adds pico de gallo (often on the side).

A Taco Bell Power Bowl contains about 500 calories — and that’s including guac.

With that in mind, you can find the best low-calorie options at a Taco Bell by keeping it simple. Opt for tacos, salads, power bowls, sides, and the occasional burrito. These all contain grilled meat, veggies, cheese, guac, and beans — which pack protein plus fiber. You're better off skipping the nachos and quesadillas since they're tough to make more nutritious.

An order from the vegetarian or Power Menu is a better bet, since those contain added veggies. Great picks from the vegetarian menu include the cheesy bean and rice burrito, bean burrito, black bean burrito, and even the seven-layer burrito — especially if you add extra veggies to any of the above.

See below for some more nutrient-packed ideas that won't leave you feeling overstuffed:

Power Menu Veggie Burrito: Order it with extra pico de gallo, extra romaine, easy on the cheese, regular guac, and regular beans. Skip the sour cream and avocado sauce, and choose add-ons of salsa, jalapeno peppers, and tomatoes. You’ll land yourself a nice, filling lunch that’s 380 calories, and still saves some room for a piece of fruit.
Power Menu Veggie Bowl With Chicken: Order it with extra pico de gallo, extra romaine, regular guac, cheese, and beans; skip the rice, and add chicken, onions, tomatoes, salsa, and jalapenos.
Power Menu Burrito With Chicken: Order it with extra pico de gallo, extra romaine, regular guac, cheese, and beans; skip the rice and add chicken, onions, tomatoes, salsa, and jalapenos.

The bottom line: Yes, Taco Bell can be healthy if you go easy on the sauces, cheese, and rice, and add extra veggies instead.

Jaclyn London, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.

A registered dietitian with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University, Jaclyn “Jackie” London handled all of Good Housekeeping’s nutrition-related content, testing, and evaluation from 2014 to 2019. Prior to joining GH, she was a clinical dietitian at Mount Sinai Hospital. Jackie has also appeared as an expert guest on The Dr. Oz Show and The Today Show. She is also author of the book Dressing on the Side (and Other Diet Myths Debunked).