Calories in a Taco Bell Taco: Full Nutrition Breakdown

The Taco Bell Crunchy Taco is one of the most iconic fast food items in America, packing about 170 calories into a simple seasoned beef, lettuce, and cheese shell. It is one of the lower-calorie options on the Taco Bell menu, making it a reasonable choice for calorie-conscious diners. Here is a full nutrition comparison of popular Taco Bell taco varieties.

Calories by serving size:

Taco Bell tacos are relatively modest in calories compared to burritos and specialty items. However, sodium can add up quickly when ordering multiple items, and toppings like sour cream and extra cheese on Supreme versions increase both calories and fat content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the calorie difference between a Crunchy Taco and a Soft Taco?

The Crunchy Taco has about 170 calories while the Soft Taco has about 180 calories. The main difference is the flour tortilla on the Soft Taco, which adds slightly more carbohydrates and sodium compared to the corn-based crunchy shell.

How many calories are in a Doritos Locos Taco?

A Doritos Locos Taco (Nacho Cheese) contains approximately 170 calories, which is essentially the same as a standard Crunchy Taco. The Doritos-flavored shell adds a slightly different flavor profile and marginally more sodium, but the calorie count is nearly identical.

How does a Taco Bell taco compare to a burrito in calories?

A single Crunchy Taco at 170 calories is far lower than most Taco Bell burritos. For example, a Bean Burrito has about 380 calories and a Burrito Supreme has around 390 calories. Ordering two or three tacos can still come in under the calorie count of a single burrito.

What is the lowest calorie item at Taco Bell?

The Crunchy Taco at 170 calories is one of the lowest-calorie items on the Taco Bell menu. Other low-calorie options include the Black Bean Crunchwrap Sliders at around 150 calories and the Spicy Tostada at about 190 calories.

Is Taco Bell unhealthy?

Taco Bell can fit into a balanced diet depending on what you order. Single tacos are relatively low in calories, and you can customize orders by choosing fresco-style preparations that replace cheese and sour cream with pico de gallo. The biggest nutritional concerns are high sodium content and the temptation to add high-calorie extras like nacho cheese sauce and creamy jalapeno sauce.