Indulging Without the Guilt: A Lowdown on Calories in Whataburger’s Sausage, Egg & Cheese Taquito

Taquitos make for the ultimate on-the-go breakfast These tightly rolled tacos packed with tasty fillings like cheese, eggs, sausage, bacon, or potato are a quick yet satisfying meal when you’re rushing out the door in the morning. Whataburger’s Sausage, Egg & Cheese Taquito is a fan favorite for good reason – it’s loaded with protein, cheese, and bold flavors to kickstart your day But is this convenient breakfast actually good for you or just a calorie bomb wrapped in a flour tortilla? Let’s break down the nutrition facts on Whataburger’s Sausage, Egg & Cheese Taquito to find out.

An Overview of Whataburger’s Sausage, Egg & Cheese Taquito

Whataburger’s Sausage, Egg & Cheese Taquito features the following ingredients rolled up in a flour tortilla:

• Sausage patty
• Scrambled egg
• American cheese slice
• Onions and peppers

The taquito is then lightly fried until the exterior is crisp This gives you a nice contrast between the soft interior and the crunchy outer shell

Whataburger’s taquitos are a step above your typical fast food breakfast taco. They use fresh scrambled eggs instead of liquid egg mixture and quality ingredients like their signature sausage patties and real American cheese. This makes a big difference in taste compared to taquitos made with pre-processed ingredients.

Total Calories and Macros in Whataburger’s Sausage, Egg & Cheese Taquito

Now let’s look at the total nutrition facts for a Whataburger Sausage, Egg & Cheese Taquito:

• Calories: 450
• Total fat: 27g
• Saturated fat: 10g
• Trans fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 365mg
• Sodium: 1,100mg
• Total carbs: 28g
• Dietary fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 19g

A single Whataburger Sausage, Egg & Cheese Taquito contains 450 total calories. This breaks down to 250 calories from fat, making it a higher fat, higher protein breakfast.

The taquito provides a solid dose of protein at 19g per serving. This comes mainly from the sausage patty and egg. There are also 28g total carbs, mostly from the flour tortilla. 3g of dietary fiber gives you 11% of your daily fiber needs.

Evaluating the Calories and Nutrition

At first glance, 450 calories may seem high for a single breakfast item. But let’s compare it to some other common breakfast choices:

• McDonald’s Sausage Burrito: 370 calories
• Dunkin Donuts Sausage, Egg & Cheese Croissant: 500 calories
• Starbucks Sausage & Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich: 440 calories

Whataburger’s taquito is in the same ballpark for calories as these other sausage-based breakfast sandwiches. And it bests them in terms of protein, providing 19g protein compared to 13-16g for the other options.

The taquito is high in cholesterol at 365mg – more than the 300mg daily limit recommended by nutritionists. However, the American Heart Association recently removed its cap on dietary cholesterol, so this may not be a major concern if you don’t have pre-existing high cholesterol levels.

Sodium levels are also on the high side at 1,100mg (46% daily value). But for an occasional breakfast indulgence, the sodium is reasonable if your overall diet is not consistently high in salt.

Tips for Making Whataburger’s Sausage, Egg & Cheese Taquito Healthier

If you want to lighten up your Sausage, Egg & Cheese Taquito from Whataburger, there are a few easy ways to cut back on calories without sacrificing flavor:

• Ask for egg whites only: Substituting egg whites removes about 20 calories and 2g fat per egg.

• Hold the tortilla: Eating the taquito fillings with a fork saves you 110 calories and cuts 22g carbs by ditching the tortilla.

• Skip the cheese: Removing the cheese slice saves 60 calories and 5g of fat.

• Mustard instead of mayo: Opt for spicy mustard rather than mayonnaise as a lower calorie condiment.

• Share it: Split the taquito with a friend so you each get a 225 calorie serving.

• Fruit on the side: Pair your taquito with fresh fruit like orange slices or grapes for added nutrition and fiber.

The Verdict on Whataburger’s Sausage, Egg & Cheese Taquito

Whataburger’s Sausage, Egg & Cheese Taquito clocks in at a reasonable 450 calories considering its hearty ingredients and generous protein content. While high in cholesterol and sodium compared to other breakfast choices, as an occasional treat, it can fit into a balanced diet.

To make your taquito healthier, customize it by subbing egg whites, skipping the tortilla or cheese, or splitting it with a friend. Paired with fresh fruit and unsweetened coffee, it makes a satisfying protein-packed start to your day. So go ahead and enjoy this grab-and-go breakfast favorite guilt-free by being mindful of portions. A little moderation allows you to indulge in the taquito’s unique flavor and texture without derailing your nutrition goals.