Whether you’re aiming to shed some pounds or focus on heart health, it’s clear that frequenting fast food joints like Taco Bell often isn’t the wisest choice. Fast food, as experts warn, can be packed with additives, calories, and unhealthy fats, making it a less-than-ideal option. Still, avoiding it completely can be a challenge.
When you do find yourself at the Taco Bell drive-thru, it’s beneficial to know which items to skip to keep your weight loss journey on track. We consulted experts and conducted our own research to compile a list of some of the least healthy menu options. Here are 7 items you might want to avoid.
7 Taco Bell Orders To 'Stay Away' From, According To Dietitians
1. Steak Grilled Cheese Burrito
What makes this dish particularly concerning, experts say, is its high fat content. With 38 grams of unhealthy fats, it’s definitely something to skip if you’re looking to lose weight.
“The high fat and sodium content can cause high blood pressure, kidney issues, liver issues, and cardiovascular issues such as congestive heart failure, heart attack, and stroke," registered dietitian Yelena Wheeler said of the meal.
The American Heart Association advises that only 5-6% of your daily fat consumption should be from saturated fats, totaling roughly 13 grams. This amount is merely a small portion of what you might consume in a single meal from Taco Bell.
2. Steak Quesadilla
If you're aiming for peak health, reducing sodium intake is a wise move. This means steering clear of this deceptively simple yet sodium-laden option at Taco Bell. Nutrition expert Joanna Ayalloore, MS, RD, cautions that although the Steak Quesadilla offers a fair amount of protein, it could significantly impact your well-being.
"Although this menu item may be filling it has the worst nutrition profile. One quesadilla has 520 calories, 26 grams of protein, 14 grams of saturated fat, and 1,270 milligrams of sodium," she says. Excessive salt intake may increase the likelihood of heart disease and lead to various other health problems.
3. Breakfast Crunchwrap Sausage
Starting your day with a nutritious breakfast is essential for maintaining good health. While the idea of grabbing breakfast from Taco Bell might be tempting when you're hungry, their morning menu is one of the least healthy options available. Consider the Breakfast Crunchwrap, for instance.
The sausage version alone contains a staggering 750 calories, 49 grams of fat, and 1,220 milligrams of sodium. "The Breakfast Crunchwrap Sausage at Taco Bell falls under the category of the worst menu options. Its excessive 47 grams of fat per serving can contribute to weight gain and negatively impact heart health when consumed regularly," Jessie Hulsey, RD, LD, an Atlanta-based registered dietitian noted.
"Additionally, with only 4 grams of fiber, this meal lacks the essential nutrients needed for proper digestion and satiety, leaving you feeling unsatisfied and potentially leading to overeating later in the day. Opting for more balanced breakfast choices with higher fiber content can help support your digestive health and overall nutritional goals."
4. Beef Crunchwrap Supreme
Despite its mouthwatering taste, this classic and cherished Taco Bell favorite is a poor choice for your health. The primary reason lies in its excessive sodium content.
"I would stay away from the Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme. One wrap contains 540 calories, 7 grams of saturated fat, and 1,210 mg of sodium, which is over half of the recommended maximum daily intake of sodium," Mandy Tyler, M.Ed., RD, CSSD, LD says.
She suggests opting for a soft taco garnished with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and salsa for a healthier alternative.
5. Nachos BellGrande
Nachos offer a delightful crunch and cheesy goodness, making them a tempting and easy snack. But if you're swinging by the Taco Bell drive-thru and hoping for a healthier option, experts advise steering clear of the Beef NachoBell Grande. "Beware of the Nacho Bell Grande, Dr. Su-Nui Escobar, DCN, RDN, FAND, explains.
"This menu item contains a whopping 38 grams of fat and a staggering 1,130 grams of sodium per serving. A great way to make healthier choices at Taco Bell is to use their online nutrition calculator. By entering the menu items of your order, this calculator will show you exactly how much fat and sodium is in your meal, along with other important nutrition facts."
6. Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco Deluxe Box
This colossal meal features a Chalupa Supreme, a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, a shredded beef Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco served with both Nacho Cheese and Red sauces for dipping, a side of chips with Nacho Cheese sauce, and a medium fountain drink. Essentially, it's an entire day's worth of food packed into one feast.
"I strongly caution against indulging in the Shredded Beef Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco Deluxe Box at Taco Bell," Hulsey says. "This meal, with its calorie range of 1505 to 1785, poses a significant risk of exceeding daily calorie limits in a single sitting. Packed with various tacos, a burrito, chips, and nacho cheese sauce, it offers a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium combination that can be detrimental to your health when consumed regularly."
7. Cinnabon Delights
Experts suggest considering opting for a healthier choice instead of these sugar-laden indulgences. These decadent sweets pack a staggering 1010 calories, alongside 68 grams of fat, 430 milligrams of sodium, and 88 grams of carbohydrates.
The sugar content is alarmingly high as well, and it's well-known that excessive sugar consumption can lead to significant health issues.
The Bottom Line
"The Cinnabon Delights are deep-fried dough balls filled with cinnamon and cream cheese frosting. They are high in calories, with approximately 50 grams of sugar per 12-pack. They are also high in saturated fat, which is a risk factor for many chronic diseases," Wan Na Chun, RD, CPT concluded. The more you know!
