If you’re trying to lose weight, it probably goes without saying that it isn’t the best idea to regularly eat at fast food restaurants like Taco Bell. After all, fast food is loaded with additives, calories, and unhealthy fats. But it can be difficult to avoid altogether. When you do find yourself pulling up to the Taco Bell drive-thru, it’s helpful to know exactly what to avoid to stay on track with your weight loss goals. That’s why we gathered insight from experts to round up a list of a few of the most unhealthy menu items. Find 7 you may want to steer clear of below.
1. Beef Crunchwrap Supreme
Despite how delicious it is, this classic, beloved Taco Bell item is an all-around poor choice for your health. This is largely due to the high amount of sodium it packs in.
"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. For a healthier option, choose a soft taco topped with shredded lettuce, tomato, onions, and salsa," Mandy Tyler, M.Ed., RD, CSSD, LD says.
2. Beef NachoBell Grande
Nachos are an undeniably delicious, simple meal when you're craving something crunchy and cheesy. However, next time you roll up to the Taco Bell drive-thru aiming to order something that's at least slightly healthy, experts recommend avoiding the Beef NachoBell Grande.
"Beware of the Nacho Bell Grande… 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," Dr. Su-Nui Escobar, DCN, RDN, FAND tells Eat This, Not That. Noted!
3. Steak Quesadilla
If you're seeking optimal health, it's always a good idea to cut back on sodium—which means you're better of skipping this simple yet sodium-packed menu item at Taco Bell. Joanna Ayalloore, MS, RD, warns in Eat This, Not That! that despite the decent protein content, the Steak Quesadilla could do a number on your health. "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. All that salt could result in a higher risk of heart disease, among other issues.
4. Steak Grilled Cheese Burrito
The thing about this order that will get you is the high fat content. Coming in at 38 grams of fat—and not the good kind—you'll want to avoid this one if you're trying to shed some pounds. “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 recommends that just 5-6% of your daily fat intake should come from saturated fat, which comes to about 13 grams—just a fraction of the amount in one meal from Taco Bell.
5. Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco Deluxe Box
This monstrosity of a meal contains a Chalupa Supreme, a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, a shredded beef Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco with Nacho Cheese sauce and Red sauce to dip, chips & Nacho Cheese sauce, and a medium fountain drink. Basically enough for a whole day in one meal!
"I strongly caution against indulging in the Shredded Beef Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco Deluxe Box at Taco Bell," Atlanta-based registered dietitician Jessie 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."
6. Breakfast Crunchwrap Sausage
It isn't just the beef Crunchwraps that can take a toll on your health. Eating a healthy breakfast is crucial to your overall wellness. And although Taco Bell may sound great when your stomach is rumbling in the morning, their breakfast section actually offers some of the worst items on the menu. Take the Breakfast Crunchwrap, for example. The sausage variety packs in 750 calories, 49g of fat, and 1220mg 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 told Eat This, Not That. "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."
7. Cinnabon delights
Craving dessert? You might want to to go with something healthier than these sugar bombs. Not only are these sweet treats a whopping 1010 calories, but they also come with 68g of fat, 430mg of sodium, and 88g of carbs. The sugar content is no joke either, and it shouldn't be a surprise to hear that eating too much sugar can set you up for some serious health risks.
"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 of One Pot Wellness told Eat This. Yikes!
