Unleashing the Power of Protein at Taco Bell: Top 10 Protein-Packed Choices
In our health-conscious society, choosing meals that pack a powerful protein punch is key, even when we’re grabbing a quick meal on the go. Protein is a crucial macronutrient, essential for building muscle, repairing tissues, and producing enzymes and hormones.
So, let’s explore the top 10 protein-rich items you can find at Taco Bell as well as the Best keto-friendly option at Taco Bell, Best low-fat option at Taco Bell and whether Taco Bell a good post workout meal?
1.Double Steak Grilled Cheese Burrito
920 Calories, 44g Fat, 91g Carbs, 40g Protein
It may not be the pinnacle of balanced nutrition, but it undeniably delivers a protein punch.
The Double Steak Grilled Cheese Burrito provides a hefty 40 grams of lean protein derived from steak, but it’s a bit of a calorie bomb, boasting over 900 calories. Therefore, it may not be your go-to choice.
To keep your protein high and trim a few calories, consider ordering this same burrito sans sour cream and nacho cheese. The difference might not be enormous, but it should decrease the overall calorie count to around 800 without compromising the protein quantity.
2. Chicken Power Menu Bowl
Protein – 26 grams l Fat – 20 grams l Carbs – 48 grams
Offering a whopping 26 grams of protein, the Power Menu Bowl with Chicken also includes 20 grams of fat and 48 grams of carbs. Ingredients include seasoned rice, black beans, lettuce, shredded cheese, reduced-fat sour cream, guacamole, avocado ranch sauce, and fire-grilled chicken.
3. Fiesta Taco Salad – Chicken
Protein – 32 grams l Fat – 35 grams l Carbs – 71 grams l Calories – 730
The Fiesta Taco Salad with Chicken provides a solid 32 grams of protein, accompanied by 35 grams of fat and 71 grams of carbs. For a healthier option go without the shell. A Fiesta Chicken Taco Salad No Shell – Taco Bell, has 30 grams of protein, 18 grams of fat, 38 grams of carbs and a total 430 calories.
The ingredients list includes seasoned rice, black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and fire-grilled chicken. For an extra protein boost, add more chicken.
4. Steak Quesarito
Protein – 24 grams l Fat – 30 grams l Carbs – 66 grams l Calories – 630
Packing 24 grams of protein, the Steak Quesarito also contains 30 grams of fat and 66 grams of carbs. It’s made with seasoned beef, seasoned rice, cheddar cheese, nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, and chipotle sauce. To ramp up the protein, consider doubling the steak.
5. Beefy 5-Layer Burrito
Protein – 18 grams l Fat – 18 grams l Carbs – 63 grams l Calories – 490
Providing 18 grams of protein, the Beefy 5-Layer Burrito also has 18 grams of fat and 63 grams of carbs. It consists of seasoned beef, beans, nacho cheese sauce, cheddar cheese, and reduced-fat sour cream. Opt for extra beef to increase the protein content.
6. Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito
Protein – 10 grams l Fat – 16 grams l Carbs – 49 grams l Calories – 410
The vegetarian-friendly Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito offers 10 grams of protein, 16 grams of fat, and 49 grams of carbs. It includes refried beans, seasoned rice, nacho cheese sauce, and creamy jalapeno sauce. Double the beans for an easy protein boost.
7. Power Menu Bowl – Veggie
Protein – 12 grams l Fat – 18 grams l Carbs – 57 grams l Calories – 430
The meat-free Power Menu Bowl – Veggie provides a respectable 12 grams of protein, along with 18 grams of fat and 57 grams of carbs. It includes seasoned rice, black beans, lettuce, cheddar cheese, reduced-fat sour cream, guacamole, and avocado ranch sauce. To enhance the protein, add extra beans and cheese.
This vegetable dish contains many plant-based foods and the needs saturated fat to make it a nutritious meal. It can be eaten in cream sauce such as a hot sauce or avocado ranch sauce.
8. Chicken Soft Taco
Protein – 14 grams l Fat – 7 grams l Carbs – 17 grams l Calories – 200
Despite its size, the Chicken Soft Taco contains 14 grams of protein, alongside 7 grams of fat and 17 grams of carbs. It is composed of fire-grilled chicken, lettuce, and cheddar cheese. For more protein, double the chicken.
9. Soft Breakfast Taco – Bacon
Protein – 12 grams l Fat – 14 grams l Carbs – 15 grams l Calories – 230
The Soft Breakfast Taco with Bacon starts your day with 12 grams of protein, 14 grams of fat, and 15 grams of carbs. It’s made with eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese. To supercharge your protein intake in the morning, double the egg and bacon.
10. Crunchy Taco Supreme – Beef
Protein – 9 grams l Fat – 11 grams l Carbs – 14 grams l Calories – 190
The classic Crunchy Taco Supreme with Beef delivers 9 grams of protein, along with 11 grams of fat and 14 grams of carbs. It includes seasoned beef, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and reduced-fat sour cream. Boost your protein intake by adding more beef.
Best keto-friendly option at Taco Bell
Power Bowl With No Rice or Beans
Navigating fast food menus can be challenging when you’re adhering to a specific dietary plan, especially the low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet. But don’t worry, Taco Bell has your back. The best keto-friendly option you can get is the Power Bowl, with a couple of simple modifications – no rice or beans.
240 Calories, 14g Fat, 4g Net Carbs, 21g Protein
Best low-fat option at Taco Bell
Soft Grilled Chicken Taco Fesco Style
If you’re conscious about maintaining a low-fat diet but still want to enjoy a satisfying meal at Taco Bell, look no further than the Soft Grilled Chicken Taco ordered ‘Fresco Style’.
Now, the magic of ‘Fresco Style’ is that when you order any item ‘Fresco Style’ at Taco Bell, they replace the cheese, creamy sauces, sour cream, and guacamole with freshly prepared pico de gallo. This simple swap significantly reduces the overall fat content and gives the taco a fresh, zesty flavor.
130 Calories, 3.5g Fat, 16g Carbs, 11g Protein’
Is Taco Bell a good post workout meal?
If you’re looking to gain muscle and decide to stop by Taco Bell on your way home after the gym consider the Power Menu Bowl. Offering 27 grams of protein and totaling 460 calories per serving, it’s a solid choice for post-exercise nutrition. What’s more, Taco Bell allows for customization – you can adjust ingredients like chicken or rice according to your personal dietary needs.
