Decoding the Calories in Taco Bell’s Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito

As one of the most popular items on Taco Bell’s value menu the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito provides a tasty meatless option for vegetarians or anyone craving a budget-friendly Mexican-inspired meal. But how does this seemingly simple bean burrito stack up in terms of nutrition and calories?

In this article, we’ll break down the calorie count and ingredients in Taco Bell’s Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito to help you make an informed decision about whether it fits into your dietary needs and goals

An Overview of Taco Bell’s Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito

The Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito features a warm flour tortilla stuffed with a mix of rice, beans, and shredded cheese. The ingredients are relatively simple compared to some of Taco Bell’s more elaborate menu items. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect in each burrito:

• Flour Tortilla – Provides carbohydrates and a bit of protein
• Beans – Supply fiber, protein, and antioxidants
• Rice – Contributes starchy carbs and some B vitamins
• Shredded Cheese – Adds calcium, protein, and fat
• Onions – Provide fiber, vitamin C, and phytonutrients

Customers can also add other toppings like red sauce, sour cream, or jalapeños for an extra charge. Overall, the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito aims to deliver a quick vegetarian meal on a budget. Now let’s analyze the all-important calorie count.

Total Calorie Count in a Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito

A regular Taco Bell Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito contains a total of 410 calories

This places it on the lower end of Taco Bell’s menu that ranges from lower calorie items like the 180 calorie Fresco Crunchy Taco to higher calorie options like the 770 cal Crunchwrap Supreme.

At 410 calories, the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito provides close to 20% of the recommended 2000 daily calorie intake for an average adult. For some diet contexts, 410 calories could be considered on the higher side for a single menu item. But overall, it’s a reasonable calorie count for a filling burrito.

Calorie Breakdown by Macronutrients

To understand where those 410 calories come from, let’s break down the macros:

• Total Carbohydrates: 56g
• Net Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fat: 16g
• Protein: 10g

The majority of the calories come from the carbohydrate-dense flour tortilla and rice. But there is also a notable amount of calories from the cheese and small amounts of fat in the beans and rice.

The protein content clocks in at 10g per burrito, which is a decent protein hit for a meatless meal.

Comparing Calories to Other Taco Bell Items

How does the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito compare calorie-wise to other popular Taco Bell picks?

• Crunchwrap Supreme: 770 calories
• Quesarito: 520 calories
• Soft Taco: 170 calories
• Doritos Locos Taco: 170 calories
• Bean Burrito: 370 calories

The Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito lands around the middle of Taco Bell’s calorie spectrum. It provides more bulk than lighter items like the Soft Taco while packing far fewer calories than heftier choices like the Crunchwrap.

Best Options for Cutting Calories

For customers looking to trim calories from the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito, there are a few easy options:

• Skip the cheese to shed 110 calories
• Opt for pico de gallo instead of cheese to save around 80 calories
• Order it “Fresco style” to replace cheese with pico and eliminate the sour cream
• Choose a bowl without the tortilla to decrease carbs
• Ask for extra veggies like lettuce, onion, or tomato

With a few tweaks, you can enjoy the beans, rice, and veggies without all the calories from the cheese and tortilla. A fresco style bowl with extra produce could come in around 200-300 calories.

Should You Eat the Whole Burrito?

At 410 calories, the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito is relatively filling but not incredibly high in calories compared to some fast food meals. Whether or not you should eat the whole burrito depends on your individual calorie needs and diet:

• If you have a higher calorie allowance for the day, the whole burrito can be a reasonable option.

• For those limiting calories, splitting the burrito in half and saving part of it for later is one strategy.

• If you’re really hungry, pair it with lower calorie sides like cinnamon twists (150 calories) or hot sauce packets (~0-5 calories).

In the end, Taco Bell’s Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito can be part of a balanced diet for many people when enjoyed in moderation. Taking a look at the nutrition facts helps ensure it aligns with your diet and weight goals.

When it comes to calories, Taco Bell’s Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito clocks in at a moderate 410 calories per serving. This plant-based, budget-friendly menu item gets most of its calories from carbohydrates via the tortilla and rice, along with notable calories from the cheese. At 410 calories, it lands around the middle of Taco Bell’s calorie range. With a few tweaks or by splitting the burrito, you can enjoy this tasty bean and rice meal while keeping calories in check.