Calories in Taco Bell’s Black Beans & Rice – What You Need To Know

Taco Bell’s Black Beans & Rice has become a popular menu item for many looking for a meatless option at the famous Tex-Mex fast food chain, But how many calories are actually in Taco Bell’s Black Beans & Rice? This article will break down the nutrition facts and calorie count of this menu item to help you make informed choices

An Overview of Taco Bell’s Black Beans & Rice

Taco Bell first introduced their Black Beans & Rice as a limited time offer back in 2013. However it proved so popular that it became a permanent menu fixture for the chain.

The Black Beans & Rice consists of seasoned rice mixed together with black beans The rice contains ingredients like enriched long grain rice, canola oil, and various seasonings and spices The black beans contain black beans (of course), water, onions, canola oil, and more seasonings.

For those looking for vegetarian options at Taco Bell, the Black Beans & Rice provides a meatless alternative that has a mix of proteins from the beans and carbs from the rice. It’s a simple but filling combo.

Calorie Count – How Many Calories Are in Taco Bell’s Black Beans & Rice?

When examining the nutrition facts, the first thing most people want to know is – how many calories are in this menu item?

According to the Taco Bell website, a bowl of their Black Beans & Rice contains 390 calories.

This calorie count is based on the standard serving size of 1 bowl. Of course, calorie needs vary greatly depending on factors like gender, age, height, weight, and activity level. But in general, 390 calories lands right in the typical range for a moderate meal.

To put it in perspective, here’s how Taco Bell’s Black Beans & Rice calorie count stacks up to some other menu items:

• Beef Burrito Supreme – 450 calories
• Chicken Quesadilla – 500 calories
• Crunchy Taco – 170 calories
• Soft Taco – 150 calories

As you can see, the Black Beans & Rice falls somewhere in the middle calorie-wise. It has a bit more calories than items like the Crunchy Taco, but less than heavy hitters like the Quesadilla.

For many people, a meal in the 300-400 calorie range is perfectly reasonable. The Black Beans & Rice can pair nicely with some lower calorie sides like a salad or small taco to create a satisfying Taco Bell lunch or dinner.

Nutritional Breakdown – More Than Just Calories

When evaluating any food or menu item, it’s important to look beyond just calories. The full nutritional breakdown can give you a better sense of the quality of calories and how the food will impact your overall diet.

In the case of the Black Beans & Rice, here is a quick rundown of some key nutritional facts:

• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 57g
• Dietary Fiber: 8g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 9g

What can we determine from these numbers?

First, the Black Beans & Rice is relatively low in saturated fat at just 1 gram. It also provides a solid 8 grams of fiber per bowl, which is important for digestive health.

However, the sodium content is a bit high at 580 mg (about 25% of the daily recommended value). The total carbohydrates are also quite high, with 57g accounting for a large portion of the calories.

Overall, the nutritional profile of the Black Beans & Rice is decent but could be improved. It packs a hearty punch of carbs and fiber, but lighter on protein. The sodium is elevated so this may not be the best option for those monitoring salt intake closely.

How the Calorie Count Compares to Homemade Black Beans & Rice

Being one of Mexico’s most famous dishes, many people are accustomed to enjoying black beans and rice that are homemade or from a traditional Mexican restaurant.

So how does Taco Bell’s version compare when counting calories?

Let’s look at some estimated calorie counts for homemade black beans and rice combinations:

• 1 cup cooked brown rice + 1/2 cup black beans = 215 calories
• 1 cup cooked white rice + 1/2 cup black beans = 255 calories
• 1 cup cooked brown rice + 1 cup black beans = 430 calories

The calorie count can shift a lot depending on exact ingredients and portions. But in general, homemade bean and rice bowls tend to have fewer calories than Taco Bell’s version.

This makes sense given that restaurant food is more likely to use extras like oil, salt, and rich ingredients to enhance the flavor. Home cooking allows you to better control what goes into your beans and rice.

So if limiting calories is your priority, making your own black beans and rice is likely the better route. But Taco Bell’s version can still fit into a balanced diet as an occasional fast food treat.

Tips for Enjoying Taco Bell’s Black Beans & Rice While Watching Calories

Here are some tips to keep in mind if you want to enjoy Taco Bell’s convenient Black Beans & Rice while still watching your calorie consumption:

• Size down when possible. You can order the Black Beans & Rice as a side instead of a full bowl to cut calories.

• Fill up on veggies. Pair it with lower calorie sides like the Power Menu Bowl or salads.

• Skip extras. Resist the temptation to add high-calorie extras like guacamole, cheese, or creamy sauces.

• Watch the tortilla chips. The tortilla chips served on the side can add 150 calories or more. Consider asking them to leave the chips off.

• Split it. Share the Black Beans & Rice with a friend or eat half now and half later to cut the calories in half.

• Drink water. Skip the liquid calories of sugary sodas and stick with water.

The Bottom Line

Taco Bell’s Black Beans & Rice can be a smart menu choice in moderation, packing fiber, plant-based protein, and convenience. At 390 calories per bowl, it has a moderate calorie count that can fit into most daily calorie goals.

To make the most out of Taco Bell’s meatless meal, pay attention to portion sizes, choose healthy add-ons, and balance it with lower calorie items. While not the lowest calorie option at Taco Bell, the Black Beans & Rice hits the spot for occasional Tex-Mex cravings.