How Many Calories Are in a Taco Bell Bean and Cheese Burrito?

When a Tex-Mex food craving hits, few quick meals satisfy quite like a bean and cheese burrito from Taco Bell. But if you’re watching your calorie intake, you may wonder – just how many calories are packed into this convenient fast food option? Let’s break down the nutrition facts and ingredients so you know exactly what you’re getting when you grab a Taco Bell bean and cheese burrito.

Calorie Count of a Taco Bell Bean and Cheese Burrito

A standard Taco Bell bean and cheese burrito contains approximately 350 calories This is based on the following nutrition information for their Bean Burrito

• Total Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 9g
• Carbs: 54g
• Protein: 13g

While 350 calories is considered relatively low for a typical fast food meal, it’s still a significant portion of your daily intake if you’re aiming for around 2,000 calories per day. Ordering multiples or adding sides and drinks can quickly drive up the totals.

Macronutrient and Micronutrient Profile

Beyond just calories a Taco Bell bean and cheese burrito provides a mix of macros and micros

• 44% of calories come from carbs, primarily from the tortilla. A burrito has 18% of your Daily Value for carbs.

• Fat makes up 14% of Daily Value, with saturated fat quite high at 18% DV.

• Protein is a decent 26% Daily Value thanks to the beans and cheese.

• You get 20% DV for calcium and iron plus some vitamin C.

• Sodium is very high, with 42% of your Daily Value in just one burrito.

So while the burrito offers protein, fiber and nutrients, the saturated fat and sodium are drawbacks. Moderating portions is key.

How Taco Bell Bean and Cheese Burritos Are Made

Taco Bell’s simple Bean Burrito contains just a few ingredients:

• Flour tortilla

• Refried beans

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Onions

• Red sauce

The tortilla provides carbs, the beans bring protein and fiber, the cheese adds calcium and fat, while the onions and sauce offer flavor. There are no other add-ons or extras.

Tips for Lightening Up Your Taco Bell Bean and Cheese Burrito

If you want to trim calories, fat, or sodium from your Taco Bell bean and cheese burrito, consider these easy modifications:

• Ask for a Fresco-style burrito to replace cheese and sauce with pico de gallo.

• Swap the flour tortilla for a lower carb lettuce wrap.

• Skip the red sauce and request extra veggies instead of cheese.

• Order a sides of black beans or pintos for more fiber.

• Request light red sauce rather than the full creamy sauce.

• Stick to water or unsweetened tea instead of sugary fountain drinks.

With just a few tweaks, you can make this 350 calorie fast food option a bit lighter and more nutritious.

How Taco Bell’s Bean Burrito Compares to Other Options

Taco Bell’s Bean Burrito clocks in with a moderate 350 calories. How does it compare to other menu options?

• The Beefy 5-Layer Burrito has over 500 calories.

• A chicken or steak quesadilla can top 700 calories.

• Nachos with beef and beans are around 600 calories.

• The 7-Layer Burrito without rice is 420 calories.

• Crunchy tacos are 160-200 calories each.

So the bean and cheese burrito is one of the lower-cal picks in Taco Bell’s line-up.

Healthier Alternatives to Taco Bell’s Bean and Cheese Burrito

If you want to lighten up your fast food fix, consider these lower-calorie alternatives:

• Two soft tacos with chicken or steak (order Fresco-style)

• Chicken Fresco soft taco + black beans + side salad

• Veggie Power Menu Bowl with no rice

• Soft taco salad with salsa instead of dressing

• Lettuce-wrapped taco “burritos” without tortilla

With a few substitutes, you can still enjoy Taco Bell’s flavors while making smarter choices to suit your diet.

When an afternoon hunger pang strikes, a bean and cheese burrito from Taco Bell can certainly do the trick. Just be mindful of your portions and accompaniments. With 350 calories and 14g of fat per burrito, these can quickly add up. But with a few healthy tweaks, you can keep this fast food favorite in your regular rotation while still staying on track with your nutrition goals. ¡Buen provecho!