Taco Bell’s Beef Street Tacos are a popular menu item that many people enjoy. However, with increasing focus on healthy eating and calorie counting, a common question is: how many calories are actually in a Beef Street Taco? In this comprehensive article, we will analyze the Beef Street Taco’s nutritional information and calorie content in detail.
A Quick Overview of the Beef Street Taco
The Beef Street Taco from Taco Bell features the following ingredients:
- Seasoned beef
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Crispy lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Red tortilla strips
- Salsa
This taco comes in an open-faced, folded flatbread rather than a classic crunchy taco shell. The flatbread is made from wheat flour and contains strips of crispy red tortilla chips inside for added texture.
The Beef Street Taco provides a mix of flavors and textures, from the savory seasoned beef to the cool crunch of lettuce and tart tomatoes. The melted cheddar cheese and salsa add creaminess and a mild spicy kick.
Nutritional Information for the Beef Street Taco
Now let’s take a detailed look at the nutritional information and calorie content of a Taco Bell Beef Street Taco:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount Per Taco |
|---|---|
| Calories | 170 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 430mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 9g |
As you can see, one Beef Street Taco from Taco Bell contains 170 calories. It also contains 8g of total fat, 430mg of sodium, 16g of carbohydrates, and 9g of protein.
Breaking Down the Calorie Content
Now let’s take a closer look at where those 170 calories come from in the Beef Street Taco:
- Seasoned Beef (70 calories) – The seasoned beef provides a good amount of protein while keeping the calorie content moderate.
- Cheddar Cheese (45 calories) – The melted cheddar cheese adds creaminess and a sharp flavor note, but also contributes additional calories and saturated fat.
- Tortilla Flatbread (35 calories) – The wheat flatbread adds carbohydrates and calories from the flour.
- Lettuce & Tomatoes (10 calories) – The fresh veggies provide nutrients like vitamin C and fiber with minimal calorie impact.
- Salsa (10 calories) – The salsa adds moisture and a spicy kick for very few calories.
As you can see, the two biggest calorie contributors are the seasoned beef and cheddar cheese. The tortilla flatbread also has a significant calorie impact compared to the fresh produce.
How the Beef Street Taco Compares to Other Taco Bell Items
To put the Beef Street Taco’s calorie count into perspective, let’s see how it compares to some other popular Taco Bell menu items:
| Taco Bell Menu Item | Calories |
|---|---|
| Beef Street Taco | 170 |
| Crunchy Taco | 170 |
| Soft Taco | 150 |
| Chicken Soft Taco | 180 |
| Cheesy Gordita Crunch | 250 |
| Nachos BellGrande | 740 |
As you can see, the Beef Street Taco is very comparable calorie-wise to the classic Crunchy and Soft Tacos. It contains slightly more calories than the Soft Taco, likely due to the tortilla strips and extra ingredients. However, it’s significantly less than heavier options like the Cheesy Gordita Crunch or Nachos BellGrande.
Tips for Enjoying the Beef Street Taco as Part of a Healthy Diet
While the Beef Street Taco clocks in at 170 calories, here are some tips to enjoy it as part of a healthy diet:
- Ask for any heavy sauces or sour cream on the side to control calorie intake.
- Opt for healthier customizations like extra tomatoes, lettuce, or grilled veggies instead of cheese and beef.
- Portion control is key – consider just ordering one taco instead of multiple if watching calories.
- Pair your taco with lower calorie side options like beans, rice, or salad instead of high-calorie add-ons.
- Drink water or unsweetened tea instead of soda or sugary drinks.
- Balance out your taco with fruits, vegetables and lean proteins the rest of the day.
By making smart customizations and balanced choices for your sides and drink, you can enjoy the Beef Street Taco guilt-free as part of an overall healthy diet!
The Bottom Line
So how many calories are in Taco Bell’s Beef Street Taco? A single Beef Street Taco clocks in at 170 calories. This comes primarily from the seasoned beef, cheddar cheese, and tortilla flatbread. While not the lowest calorie option, the Beef Street Taco compares favorably to many other menu choices.
By practicing portion control and balancing the taco with nutritious sides and beverages, it can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle. At just 170 calories, you can fulfill your Taco Bell craving without derailing your diet!