A Taco Bueno bean burrito is a popular menu item at the Tex-Mex fast food chain Taco Bueno. Many customers enjoy Taco Bueno’s bean burritos as a protein-packed yet meatless option. However, some health-conscious diners may wonder just how many calories are contained in a Taco Bueno bean burrito. This can help them determine if it fits into their daily calorie goals or nutrition plan. In this article, we will provide a thorough breakdown of the calorie and nutritional contents of a standard Taco Bueno bean burrito.
Overview of Taco Bueno
Taco Bueno is a fast-food chain specializing in Tex-Mex cuisine. The company was founded in 1967 in Abilene, Texas and has since expanded to over 145 locations across the Southern and Midwestern regions of the United States. Taco Bueno is known for its variety of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and other Mexican-inspired fare. The restaurant aims to provide fresh, made-to-order items at an affordable price point.
Taco Bueno’s menu contains many vegetarian and diet-conscious options, including salads, rice bowls, and of course, bean burritos. The bean burritos are a popular item, filled with refried beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and Taco Bueno’s signature red sauce. Customers can customize their burritos by adding items like guacamole, jalapeños, or sour cream for an additional charge. The bean burritos provide a meatless and relatively low-calorie alternative to some of Taco Bueno’s other offerings.
Nutritional Information for Taco Bueno Bean Burritos
So how many calories are actually in one of Taco Bueno’s regular sized bean burritos?
According to the official Taco Bueno website, here is the basic nutritional information for a standard bean burrito:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 calories |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 580mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 8g |
So a regular Taco Bueno bean burrito contains 230 calories. It also provides 8g of protein from the beans and cheese.
The burrito is relatively low in sugars at just 2g, but it does contain a sizable amount of carbohydrates primarily from the tortilla and beans. The fat content is moderate at 7g, about 3.5g coming from saturated fat. Lastly, the burrito also contains a good amount of dietary fiber at 4g.
Overall, while not the healthiest menu option available, a Taco Bueno bean burrito contains a reasonable number of calories for a fast food meal. The fiber, protein, and lack of trans fat are also beneficial nutritional qualities.
How the Calorie Count Compares to Other Taco Bueno Menu Items
To better evaluate the bean burrito’s 230 calorie count, let’s compare it against some other popular items on Taco Bueno’s menu:
| Menu Item | Calories |
|---|---|
| Bean Burrito | 230 calories |
| Soft Taco | 170 calories |
| Crunchy Beef Taco | 210 calories |
| Chicken Soft Taco | 200 calories |
| Quesadilla | 320 calories |
| Ultimate Cheesy Burrito | 370 calories |
| Chicken Burrito | 300 calories |
The bean burrito clocks in a bit higher than some of Taco Bueno’s lighter options like the soft or crunchy beef tacos. However, it contains significantly fewer calories than heavier items like the quesadilla, ultimate cheesy burrito, or chicken burrito.
So while not the lowest calorie choice available, the 230 calories in a regular Taco Bueno bean burrito is still on the lower end of their typical per-item calorie counts. It can fit into a daily 2000 calorie diet with room for other foods.
Tips for Making Your Taco Bueno Meal Healthier
If you want to reduce the calorie content or improve the nutritional profile of your Taco Bueno bean burrito meal, here are some tips:
– Skip the chips and soda – Chips, fries, and sugary soft drinks add a lot of empty calories and fat. Opt for a side salad or water instead.
– Go easy on sauces – The creamy sauces like sour cream, cheese sauce, and guacamole quickly increase the calorie count. Use sparingly or leave off entirely.
– Choose corn over flour tortillas – The corn tortillas are slightly lower in carbs and calories than Taco Bueno’s flour tortillas.
– Load up on veggies – Get extra lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers and other veggies on your burrito or in a side salad.
– Ask for any meat grilled – Grilled chicken or steak is a lower fat option than fried meats.
– Share a meal – Split one burrito along with a side salad for a satisfying lighter meal.
– Build your own bowl – Make your own lower calorie Mexican-inspired bowl with rice, beans, salsa, and veggies.
Making customized tweaks like these can help reduce the calorie content of your Taco Bueno meal featuring a bean burrito.
Daily Calorie Needs
Whether that 230 calorie bean burrito fits into your diet depends largely on your individual daily calorie needs. Here is an overview of recommended daily calorie intakes by age and gender according to the USDA:
| Age and Gender | Daily Calorie Needs |
|---|---|
| Women 19-30 years old | 2,000 calories |
| Men 19-30 years old | 2,400-2,600 calories |
| Women 31-50 years old | 1,800 calories |
| Men 31-50 years old | 2,200-2,400 calories |
| Women 51+ years old | 1,600 calories |
| Men 51+ years old | 2,000-2,200 calories |
Based on these estimates, a 230 calorie bean burrito represents about 10-15% of the daily recommended intake for an average adult. For someone with a higher activity level or calorie needs, it may make up an even lower percentage of their total daily intake.
Of course, individual calorie needs vary based on factors like age, weight, height, muscle mass, and activity level. Those trying to lose weight may aim for a lower calorie target, while more active individuals likely require higher calorie diets. Speak to your doctor or dietitian to determine your personalized daily calorie goals.
Nutritional Pros and Cons
Like most fast food menu items, Taco Bueno’s bean burrito offers both nutritional advantages and disadvantages:
Potential Pros
– Provides protein and fiber from the beans
– Contains no trans fat
– Lower in fat and calories than many meat-based options
– Meatless option suitable for vegetarians
– Reasonable calories as part of a balanced fast food meal
Potential Cons
– High in sodium content
– Made with refined white flour tortilla
– Added cheese increases saturated fat and calories
– Lacks nutritional value of unprocessed whole foods
– Customers may add less healthy sauces or sides
As part of an overall healthy diet, eating a Taco Bueno bean burrito in moderation should be fine for most people. But it shouldn’t be a daily habit or completely replace meals prepared at home using nutritious, whole food ingredients.
Conclusion
A standard Taco Bueno bean burrito contains 230 calories and offers a meatless, moderately low-calorie option for a fast food meal. Compared to other menu choices like quesadillas or specialty burritos, the bean burrito is on the lower end for calories, fat, and carbs. It provides about 10-15% of the recommended daily calorie intake for the average adult. Customizing your bean burrito to limit extras like cheese or sauces can further reduce the calorie count. While not the healthiest choice available, a Taco Bueno bean burrito can be part of a balanced fast food meal in moderation. Those watching their calories or nutrition should still emphasize whole foods and home cooked meals as much as possible. But for an occasional quick Tex-Mex meal, a bean burrito is not a bad option.