We’re going to take a guess and say that most people don’t pull up to Taco Bell because they’re craving a particularly healthy meal. After all, the Mexican fast-food restaurant definitely has some delicious items on the menu, but very few of those are actually good for you. However, while it may be a no-brainer that you’re not going to find the most weight loss-friendly foods at Taco Bell, it still may surprise you just how unhealthy some of their meals are.
Like most fast food, Taco Bell items are loaded with saturated fat, sodium, and calories. Below, we’ve rounded up a list of a few of the worst ones health experts say you should avoid at all costs.
1. Breakfast Crunchwrap Sausage
Eating a healthy breakfast is crucial to your overall wellness. And although Taco Bell may sound great when your stomach is rumbling in the morning, their breakfast section actually offers some of the worst items on the menu. Take the Breakfast Crunchwrap, for example. The sausage variety packs in 750 calories, 49g of fat, and 1220mg of sodium.
"The Breakfast Crunchwrap Sausage at Taco Bell falls under the category of the worst menu options. Its excessive 47 grams of fat per serving can contribute to weight gain and negatively impact heart health when consumed regularly," Jessie Hulsey, RD, LD an Atlanta-based registered dietitian told Eat This, Not That. "Additionally, with only 4 grams of fiber, this meal lacks the essential nutrients needed for proper digestion and satiety, leaving you feeling unsatisfied and potentially leading to overeating later in the day. Opting for more balanced breakfast choices with higher fiber content can help support your digestive health and overall nutritional goals."
2. Cinnabon delights
Who doesn't love dessert? If you have a sweet tooth, you may give into your cravings and order some Cinnabon delights with your meal. But health experts say you might want to give this an second thought. Not only are these sweet treats a whopping 1010 calories, but they also come with 68g of fat, 430mg of sodium, and 88g of carbs. The sugar content is no joke either, and it shouldn't be a surprise to hear that eating too much sugar can set you up for some serious health risks.
"The Cinnabon Delights are deep-fried dough balls filled with cinnamon and cream cheese frosting. They are high in calories, with approximately 50 grams of sugar per 12-pack. They are also high in saturated fat, which is a risk factor for many chronic diseases," Wan Na Chun, RD, CPT of One Pot Wellness told Eat This. Yikes!
3. Deluxe Boxes
Ordering one of Taco Bell's box deals might be able to save you money and allow you to enjoy a range of different items, but eating it all as one meal can take a serious toll on your health if done frequently. The Shredded Beef Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco Deluxe Box, for example, packed in 1505 calories, 75g fat, 1850mg sodium, and 96g carbs. In addition to the obvious roadblock this could be for your weight loss goals, the sodium is one major issue of concern, as excessive sodium intake has been linked to a number of health issues.
"I strongly caution against indulging in the Shredded Beef Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco Deluxe Box at Taco Bell, Husley told Eat This. "This meal, with its calorie range of 1505 to 1785, poses a significant risk of exceeding daily calorie limits in a single sitting. Packed with various tacos, a burrito, chips, and nacho cheese sauce, it offers a high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium combination that can be detrimental to your health when consumed regularly."
The bottom line
From time to time, a fast-food meal from a restaurant like Taco Bell can be a tasty treat for yourself. It's simple, easy, oftentimes tastes great, and is generally affordable ("shrinkflation" aside). However, if health is your goal, experts encourage you keep your trips to the drive-thru to a minimum. And when you do pull up to Taco Bell, avoiding these ultra-unhealthy items is a good rule of thumb.
