Quick Answer
A grilled chicken burrito from Taco Bell contains 370 calories. This is based on the nutrition information provided on the Taco Bell website for their standard grilled chicken burrito. The burrito contains 19 grams of fat, 44 grams of carbs, and 18 grams of protein.
Calorie and Nutrition Breakdown
Here is a more detailed look at the calorie and nutrient breakdown for a Taco Bell grilled chicken burrito:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 |
| Total Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 1290mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 18g |
As you can see, the grilled chicken burrito contains 370 total calories. It also has 19g of fat, 44g of carbs, and 18g of protein. The burrito gets a decent amount of calories from fat, but also has protein from the grilled chicken.
Ingredients in the Grilled Chicken Burrito
The grilled chicken burrito at Taco Bell is made up of the following main ingredients:
– Flour tortilla – This is the main wrap of the burrito. Taco Bell’s flour tortillas are quite large and contain calories, carbs, and some fat.
– Grilled chicken – The burrito contains marinated, grilled chicken for the protein. This adds a good amount of the protein.
– Rice – There is seasoned rice in the burrito which contributes carbs and some calories.
– Beans – The burrito contains Taco Bell’s signature pinto beans which provide fiber.
– Cheese – There is a 3-cheese blend melted on top, adding more calories and fat.
– Lettuce – Shredded lettuce is added for texture and minimal calories.
– Sauce – The burrito comes with a creamy avocado ranch sauce drizzled on top.
So in summary, the main calorie sources come from the large tortilla, chicken, rice, beans, and cheese. There are also smaller amounts from the avocado ranch sauce and shredded lettuce.
How the Grilled Chicken Burrito Compares to Other Taco Bell Items
The grilled chicken burrito sits around average in terms of calories and nutrition compared to other items on the Taco Bell menu:
– It is lower in calories than heavier options like the steak quesadilla (590 calories) or loaded nacho taco (500 calories).
– It is higher in calories than lighter options like the soft taco supreme (210 calories) or the fresco crunchy taco (150 calories).
– It has less fat and sodium compared to higher fat/sodium options like the quesadilla and nachos.
– It has more protein than most of the basic tacos which average 12 grams of protein.
So in terms of the whole Taco Bell menu, the grilled chicken burrito is a solid medium-calorie option with ample protein.
Tips for Reducing the Calories in the Grilled Chicken Burrito
If you are looking for ways to lighten the grilled chicken burrito, here are some tips:
– Order it “Fresco style” – This removes the cheese and ranch sauce for a 70 calorie savings.
– Skip the large tortilla – Order it as a grilled chicken salad bowl instead.
– Use hot sauce instead of ranch sauce.
– Ask for just 1 serving of rice instead of the standard 2 servings.
– Get it without beans to reduce carbs.
– Order soft taco shells on the side and make 2 mini chicken tacos.
– Load up on lettuce and tomato to add bulk with minimal calories.
Making combinations of the above modifications can help significantly reduce the calories while still keeping the burrito flavor. Just removing the tortilla, cheese, and ranch saves over 200 calories.
Health Benefits of the Grilled Chicken Burrito
Despite being a fast food menu item, the grilled chicken burrito does have some health benefits:
– High protein – With 18g of protein, it provides over 30% of the recommended daily intake. The grilled chicken provides quality lean protein.
– Fiber – It contains a decent 4g of fiber from the beans, rice, and tortilla. Fiber aids digestion.
– Vitamins – Ingredients like the lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, and beans contain vitamins A, C, and K.
– Whole grains – The flour tortilla and rice provide whole grains which have more nutrients than refined grains.
– Hydration – Foods with high water content like lettuce, tomato, and chicken help hydrate the body.
– Calories from produce – Much of the calories come from produce like rice, beans, lettuce which have more nutrients than processed fast foods.
So while it’s still considered fast food, the grilled chicken burrito has some redeeming nutritional qualities from its fresh ingredients.
Who the Grilled Chicken Burrito is Good For
The grilled chicken burrito can be a decent option for:
– People looking for a protein-filled meal – With 18g of protein, it can help satisfy protein needs.
– Vegetarians – For a veggie burrito, you can substitute black beans for the chicken.
– Low-carb dieters – Ditching the tortilla and rice keeps carbs under 20g.
– People who want produce – Veggies like tomatoes, lettuce, beans get you produce servings.
– Light eaters – At 370 calories, it’s lighter than many burrito options out there.
– Students and office workers – Provides a portable meal that’s easy to eat on-the-go.
The combination of protein, fiber, and produce makes the grilled chicken burrito an okay choice for those looking for a fast, convenient source of nutrition.
Who Should Avoid the Grilled Chicken Burrito
While the grilled chicken burrito has its merits, it may not be the best option for:
– Those limiting sodium – With 1290mg of sodium, it exceeds daily limits.
– People with food sensitivities – Contains dairy, gluten, nightshades which can trigger issues for some.
– Strict whole food diets – Being processed fast food, it doesn’t fit clean eating plans.
– Low-calorie diets – At 370 calories, it’s higher than lower calorie meal options.
– Low-fat diets – 19g of fat is fairly high for a single meal.
– Low-carb diets – The tortilla and rice add a substantial amount of carbs.
– Food quality focused diets – The ingredients are not organic, local, or grass-fed.
Overall, the grilled chicken burrito may not be the best for people with dietary restrictions, allergies, or focusing on whole, minimally processed foods.
Cost of a Grilled Chicken Burrito at Taco Bell
At most Taco Bell locations in 2023, the price for an individual grilled chicken burrito ranges from:
– $2.49 – $2.99 for a regular grilled chicken burrito
– $3.49 – $3.99 for a combo that includes burrito, drink, and side
So you’re looking at around $2.50 – $4 if getting it as a meal combo. The price may be slightly cheaper in some areas.
Some ways to reduce the cost include:
– Order just the burrito a la carte to save around $1 versus the combo
– Look for deals in their mobile app such as burritos starting at $1
– Go during happy hour when certain items may be discounted
– Look for deals or coupons on Foodbeast or Groupon
– Stick to the basic burrito and avoid extras or substitutions
– Order a water cup and add free water instead of a high-calorie soft drink
With the right promotions or coupons, it’s possible to get the grilled chicken burrito for under $2 at Taco Bell.
Nutrition Options for Alternatives to the Grilled Chicken Burrito
If you are looking for a lower calorie, healthier alternative to the grilled chicken burrito, here are some options with approximate calories:
Make Your Own Burrito Bowl at Home
– Start with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice (50 calories per serving)
– Load up with veggies like lettuce, tomato, onion, salsa (25 calories)
– Add 1/2 cup black beans (110 calories)
– Include 3 ounces grilled chicken breast (140 calories)
– Drizzle with 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt instead of sour cream (17 calories)
– Sprinkle 1 ounce shredded cheese (110 calories)
Total Calories: Around 450 calories
Chicken Salad Wrap
– High-fiber low-carb wrap (80 calories)
– 3 oz chicken breast, chopped (140 calories)
– 1/4 cup diced celery and onion mix (10 calories)
– 2 tablespoons light mayo (50 calories)
– Lettuce and tomato (5 calories)
Total Calories: Around 285 calories
Veggie Bowl
– 1 cup cooked quinoa (222 calories)
– 1 cup black beans (227 calories)
– 1 cup sautéed veggies – bell pepper, zucchini, onion, garlic (70 calories)
– 1/4 cup salsa and guacamole (90 calories)
– 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (35 calories)
Total calories: Around 644 calories
As you can see there are many ways to get a burrito or bowl with similar savory flavors while reducing the calories by swapping out ingredients. The key is choosing lower calorie grains, healthy fats, and lots of veggies.
Conclusion
In summary, a grilled chicken burrito from Taco Bell contains approximately 370 calories and 19g of fat. It’s moderately high in calories, fat, and sodium compared to other menu options. The burrito gets most of its calories from the flour tortilla, rice, beans, cheese, and creamy sauce. Some healthier alternatives include making your own lower-calorie burrito bowl at home or choosing a veggie bowl with quinoa and black beans. While the Taco Bell burrito does have some nutritional value from its ingredients like chicken, lettuce, and beans, it may need modifications for those focused on low calorie, low sodium, or whole food diets. Overall, it can make an convenient, portable meal for some occasions, but shouldn’t be a daily dietary habit for good nutrition.