The base bowl (which comes in a meat or in a veggies-only variety) contains black beans, rice, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, cheese, avocado ranch sauce, and reduced-fat sour cream, with either steak or chicken in the non-vegetarian version. The Taco Bell website lists the Power Menu Bowl with Chicken 460 calories, with the Veggie Power Menu Bowl at420 calories. But, as the Reddit commenter noted, you can make some swaps and eliminations to bring the meal down to 350 calories even while keeping the chicken.
If you're looking to still stay on the lower-cal side but add in some upgrades, the bowl is quite customizable—when ordering on the Taco Bell website, you can add (for a small fee per addition) jalapeño peppers, onions, refried beans, potatoes, seasoned fries, a three-cheese blend, and a wide variety of sauces.
Many Lower-Calorie Options Highlighted At Taco Bell
The Power Menu Bowl wasn't the only recommended lower-calorie Taco Bell item on the Reddit post. Another was the Breakfast Mini Skillet Bowl, which clocks in at only 190 calories (though, of course, contains less elements than the Power Menu Bowl). The base Breakfast Mini Skillet Bowl includes breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs, nacho cheese sauce and pico de gallo. If it's not available at your location, the Cheesy Toasted Potato Breakfast Burrito is a comparable option (at 340 calories).
Soft Tacos were also the subject of discussion, the base version of which (with seasoned beef, lettuce, and shredded cheese) come in at 180 calories each. Making it supreme with reduced-fat sour cream and diced tomato is only an additional $0.90, with just 20 extra calories.
If you're not looking for a big meal, there are plenty of smaller bites and sides that are sure to satisfy on a calorie budget. A Cheesy Roll Up (three-cheese blend on a soft tortilla) is also just 180 calories, and the regular Nachos with just chips and cheese sauce is 220 calories per serving. And, the Cinnamon Twists make a lovely little dessert at just 170 calories.
One user gave a very helpful tip for checking out the lowest-calorie items at Taco Bell:
Using the website, it's super easy to see exactly what every item and meal includes, and how any customization or swap will change that. Plus, you can order online when you're finished personalizing your perfect TBell meal!