The grilled cheese steak burrito from Taco Bell contains a whopping 830 calories. This makes it one of the highest calorie items on the Taco Bell menu. For anyone watching their calorie intake or trying to eat healthy, the grilled cheese steak burrito should probably be avoided. But if you have a big appetite and aren’t too concerned about calories, then dive right in! This burrito is packed with flavor and sure to satisfy.
Nutrition Facts
Here is the complete nutrition information for a Taco Bell grilled cheese steak burrito (178g):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 830 |
| Total Fat | 40g |
| Saturated Fat | 16g |
| Trans Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 105mg |
| Sodium | 1830mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 71g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 39g |
As you can see, the grilled cheese steak burrito is very high in calories, fat, saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol. The 830 calories come mostly from the 40g of total fat. The 71g of carbohydrates also contribute significantly to the calorie count.
Ingredients
What exactly is in this burrito that makes it so high in calories and fat? Here are the main ingredients:
– Flour tortilla – The large tortilla accounts for a good portion of the carbs and calories. Flour tortillas are higher in calories and carbs than corn tortillas.
– Steak – Taco Bell uses seasoned steak for the filling. Steak provides a good amount of protein but can also be high in saturated fat.
– Cheese – Lots of melted cheese is stuffed into the burrito. Cheese adds a lot of fat and calories. Using a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses adds even more fat than a single cheese.
– Chipotle sauce – The creamy, spicy chipotle sauce adds flavor, but it’s made with sour cream so it also adds fat and calories.
– Rice – A portion of seasoned rice is also stuffed inside the burrito, adding to the carb count.
– Reduced fat sour cream – Though reduced fat, the sour cream still provides fat and calories.
So in summary, it’s the combination of the large tortilla, steak, cheese, sauce, rice and sour cream that contributes to the high calorie and fat totals for this burrito. All of the ingredients taste great together, but they definitely come at a nutritional cost.
Calorie and Fat Breakdown
Here is an approximate breakdown of where the calories and fat come from in a Taco Bell grilled cheese steak burrito:
| Ingredient | Calories | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Flour tortilla | 150 | 1.5 |
| Steak | 200 | 12 |
| Cheese | 300 | 24 |
| Chipotle sauce | 50 | 5 |
| Rice | 100 | 0.5 |
| Sour cream | 30 | 3 |
| Total | 830 | 40 |
As shown, the cheese contributes the most calories and fat, providing 300 calories and 24g fat. The steak also accounts for 200 calories and 12g fat. So those two filling ingredients make up the bulk of the calories and fat in this burrito. The flour tortilla, chipotle sauce, rice and sour cream make up the remainder.
How it Compares to Other Taco Bell Items
The grilled cheese steak burrito is one of the higher calorie items you’ll find at Taco Bell. Here’s how it compares to some other popular menu items:
| Item | Calories |
|---|---|
| Grilled cheese steak burrito | 830 |
| Burrito Supreme | 370 |
| Soft taco | 170 |
| Crunchy taco | 170 |
| Quesadilla | 440 |
| Nachos BellGrande | 760 |
| Mexican Pizza | 770 |
As you can see, at 830 calories, the grilled cheese steak burrito contains nearly double the calories of a standard taco or burrito from the menu. Only the nachos and Mexican pizza come close in terms of calorie count. So if you’re looking for something lighter, go for a simple taco or burrito. But if you want to indulge, the grilled cheese steak burrito is a top choice!
Healthier Options at Taco Bell
Despite the grilled cheese steak burrito’s high calorie count, Taco Bell does offer some healthier alternatives. Here are a few lower calorie options to consider:
– Chicken soft taco or crunchy taco – Order it with pico de gallo instead of cheese and get it in a corn tortilla to save around 200 calories compared to the grilled cheese steak burrito.
– Veggie power bowl – This vegetarian bowl has under 500 calories and provides a good amount of nutrients from veggies, beans, and brown rice.
– Chicken power bowl – Very similar to the veggie version but with grilled chicken instead. Also under 500 calories.
– Fresco style – Order any burrito, taco or other entree “Fresco style” to replace cheese, sour cream and mayo with pico de gallo. This shaves off calories and fat.
– Chicken or steak salad – Go for a salad with grilled chicken or steak for a lighter option under 400 calories. Ask for light dressing.
– Soft taco fresco – Get a soft taco with chicken or steak, and order it fresco style. This comes in at around 150 calories.
So in summary, tacos, bowls, salads, and fresco style orders are your best bets for lighter options at Taco Bell. Load up on veggies and protein but avoid heavy cheeses, creamy sauces and large tortillas when trying to cut calories.
Health Concerns of High Calorie Meals
The grilled cheese steak burrito contains over 800 calories, which is about 40% of the FDA’s recommended 2,000 daily calorie intake for the average adult. Consuming high calorie meals on a regular basis can lead to the following health concerns:
– Weight gain – Taking in more calories than you burn over an extended period causes weight gain and obesity. The burrito provides over a third of your daily caloric needs.
– Increased risk for chronic diseases – Obesity puts you at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
– High cholesterol and blood pressure – The saturated fat and sodium in these high calorie items can negatively impact cholesterol and blood pressure.
– Nutritional deficiencies – Filling up on high calorie fast food means you may not have room for healthier foods containing beneficial nutrients.
– Decreased energy – Heavy, high calorie meals can leave you feeling sluggish as your body works to digest.
Moderation is key when indulging in high calorie fast food like the grilled cheese steak burrito. Split it with a friend or opt for lighter menu items to help control your daily calorie intake. Also aim to balance out the meal with more nutritious foods and physical activity.
Tips for Making Healthier Choices at Taco Bell
If you want to enjoy Taco Bell but still watch your calorie and fat intake, here are some tips:
– Check out nutrition info online and choose lower calorie options. Tacos, soft tacos, bowls, and Fresco style items are great choices.
– Downsize portions – Opt for a regular taco rather than a doubledilla or XXL burrito. Portion control is key.
– Skip the extras – Say no to chips, queso, and creamy sauces that pile on calories.
– Choose chicken, steak or veggie fillings – These are lower in fat and calories than ground beef. Go for beans to add fiber.
– Ask for lettuce instead of cheese – Replace cheese with shredded lettuce to cut fat and calories.
– Get soft flour tacos made with corn tortillas – Corn has fewer carbs and calories than flour.
– Drink water instead of sugary drinks – Avoid hundreds of calories from soda, lemonade, and shakes.
Making customized orders and paying attention to portions, fillings, and side items are the best ways to enjoy your Taco Bell favorites while keeping your calorie count in check. A few small tweaks can lead to big calorie savings.
Conclusion
The grilled cheese steak burrito from Taco Bell certainly satisfies big appetites with its 830 calories and abundant portions of steak, cheese, sauce, rice and more stuffed into a tasty flour tortilla. But all those indulgent fillings come at a hefty nutritional cost. With nearly half of the FDA’s recommended daily calories for an average adult in just one burrito, this Taco Bell item should be enjoyed occasionally as a treat alongside regular exercise. By opting for lighter menu choices like Fresco style tacos, bowls, salads and other customizations, you can still enjoy Taco Bell while maintaining balanced nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. Moderation and making smart swaps are the keys to healthfully savoring Taco Bell’s tempting Tex-Mex flavors.
