Taco Bell Protein Ranking: Best Choices Reviewed
Discover the tastiest and most satisfying Taco Bell proteins ranked by a food editor.
As a food editor, I’ve spent countless hours sampling Taco Bell’s menu innovations—from crispy chicken burritos to Cheddar Street Chalupas. But when you strip away the flashy new items, what’s left are the classics: tacos, burritos, and the proteins that make them shine. To help you decide what to order next, I tasted every protein option available at Taco Bell, ranking them from least to most satisfying. Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat lover, this guide covers every filling, from grilled chicken to black beans, and everything in between.
Why Protein Matters at Taco Bell
Protein is a key component of any balanced meal, especially when you’re grabbing fast food on the go. At Taco Bell, protein not only keeps you full longer but also adds flavor and texture to your favorite items. Whether you’re fueling up after a workout or just looking for a satisfying meal, choosing the right protein can make all the difference. Here’s a breakdown of Taco Bell’s protein options, ranked and reviewed for taste, texture, and overall satisfaction.
7. Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is one of Taco Bell’s leaner protein options, but it often falls short in flavor and texture. The chicken is tender but can be dry and bland, especially when compared to other proteins on the menu. It’s a decent choice if you’re looking for something lighter, but it’s not the most exciting option. Grilled chicken works best in bowls or burritos, where it can be paired with fresh ingredients like lettuce, pico de gallo, and guacamole to add some much-needed flavor.
- Best paired with: Cantina Chicken Bowl, Chicken Burrito
- Pros: Lean, low-fat, versatile
- Cons: Can be dry, lacks flavor
6. Black Beans
Black beans are a vegetarian-friendly protein option that adds a hearty, earthy flavor to Taco Bell’s menu. They’re a staple in items like the 7-Layer Burrito and Cheesy Bean & Rice Burrito. While black beans are nutritious and filling, they can be a bit bland on their own. However, when paired with cheese, rice, and fresh vegetables, they become a satisfying and flavorful choice. Black beans are also a great source of fiber, making them a smart pick for anyone looking to boost their daily intake.
- Best paired with: 7-Layer Burrito, Cheesy Bean & Rice Burrito
- Pros: Vegetarian, high in fiber, filling
- Cons: Can be bland, not as flavorful as meat options
5. Potatoes
Potatoes are a unique protein option at Taco Bell, often found in items like the Spicy Potato Soft Taco. While potatoes aren’t a traditional protein source, they add a satisfying, starchy texture to your meal. The potatoes are seasoned with spices and paired with cheese and sour cream for extra flavor. While they’re not as protein-rich as other options, potatoes are a fun and filling choice, especially for vegetarians or those looking to mix things up.
- Best paired with: Spicy Potato Soft Taco, Cheesy Roll Up
- Pros: Vegetarian, filling, unique flavor
- Cons: Lower in protein, not as nutritious as beans or meat
4. Steak
Steak is one of Taco Bell’s more flavorful protein options, offering a rich, savory taste that stands out on the menu. The steak is tender and well-seasoned, making it a great choice for tacos, burritos, and bowls. While it’s not as lean as grilled chicken, steak adds a hearty, satisfying element to your meal. It’s also a good source of protein, making it a smart pick for anyone looking to boost their intake.
- Best paired with: Steak Burrito, Steak Bowl
- Pros: Flavorful, tender, high in protein
- Cons: Higher in fat, not as lean as chicken
3. Slow Roasted Chicken
Slow roasted chicken is a standout protein option at Taco Bell, offering a juicy, flavorful alternative to grilled chicken. The slow roasting process gives the chicken a rich, savory taste that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. It’s a great choice for burritos, bowls, and tacos, adding a satisfying element to your meal. Slow roasted chicken is also a good source of protein, making it a smart pick for anyone looking to boost their intake.
- Best paired with: Cantina Chicken Burrito, Cantina Chicken Bowl
- Pros: Juicy, flavorful, high in protein
- Cons: Can be higher in fat, not as lean as grilled chicken
2. Ground Beef
Ground beef is a classic Taco Bell protein, offering a hearty, savory flavor that’s a staple on the menu. It’s used in items like the Beefy 5-Layer Burrito and Crunchy Taco, adding a satisfying element to your meal. Ground beef is also a good source of protein, making it a smart pick for anyone looking to boost their intake. While it’s not as lean as chicken, ground beef is a flavorful and filling choice.
- Best paired with: Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, Crunchy Taco
- Pros: Flavorful, filling, high in protein
- Cons: Higher in fat, not as lean as chicken
1. Seasoned Beef
Seasoned beef is Taco Bell’s top-rated protein, offering a bold, savory flavor that stands out on the menu. The beef is well-seasoned and tender, making it a great choice for tacos, burritos, and bowls. It’s also a good source of protein, making it a smart pick for anyone looking to boost their intake. Seasoned beef is a classic Taco Bell staple, and for good reason—it’s flavorful, satisfying, and versatile.
- Best paired with: Crunchy Taco, Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, Burrito Supreme
- Pros: Bold flavor, tender, high in protein
- Cons: Higher in fat, not as lean as chicken
Protein Comparison Table
| Protein | Best Paired With | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken | Cantina Chicken Bowl, Chicken Burrito | Lean, low-fat, versatile | Can be dry, lacks flavor |
| Black Beans | 7-Layer Burrito, Cheesy Bean & Rice Burrito | Vegetarian, high in fiber, filling | Can be bland, not as flavorful as meat options |
| Potatoes | Spicy Potato Soft Taco, Cheesy Roll Up | Vegetarian, filling, unique flavor | Lower in protein, not as nutritious as beans or meat |
| Steak | Steak Burrito, Steak Bowl | Flavorful, tender, high in protein | Higher in fat, not as lean as chicken |
| Slow Roasted Chicken | Cantina Chicken Burrito, Cantina Chicken Bowl | Juicy, flavorful, high in protein | Can be higher in fat, not as lean as grilled chicken |
| Ground Beef | Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, Crunchy Taco | Flavorful, filling, high in protein | Higher in fat, not as lean as chicken |
| Seasoned Beef | Crunchy Taco, Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, Burrito Supreme | Bold flavor, tender, high in protein | Higher in fat, not as lean as chicken |
FAQs About Taco Bell Proteins
What is the healthiest protein at Taco Bell?
Grilled chicken is generally considered the healthiest protein option at Taco Bell due to its lower fat content and higher protein-to-calorie ratio. However, black beans are also a nutritious choice for vegetarians.
Which protein has the most flavor?
Seasoned beef is widely regarded as the most flavorful protein at Taco Bell, thanks to its bold seasoning and tender texture.
Are there vegetarian protein options at Taco Bell?
Yes, Taco Bell offers several vegetarian protein options, including black beans and potatoes. These are great choices for vegetarians or anyone looking to add more plant-based protein to their diet.
How can I make my Taco Bell order higher in protein?
To boost the protein content of your Taco Bell order, consider adding extra beans, chicken, or beef to your meal. You can also opt for protein-rich sides like guacamole or cheese.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, Taco Bell offers a variety of protein options to suit your taste and dietary needs. From grilled chicken to seasoned beef, each protein brings something unique to the table. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each option, you can make smarter choices and enjoy a more satisfying meal. So next time you’re at Taco Bell, use this ranking as your guide to the best proteins on the menu.
References
- https://www.eatthis.com/high-protein-taco-bell-orders/
- https://www.purewow.com/food/taco-bell-protein-ranking
- https://www.accio.com/biz-cheap/taco-bell-cheap-menu
- https://www.purewow.com/food/taco-bell-chicken-nuggets-review
- https://www.aol.com/articles/unexpected-grain-taco-bells-meat-191700851.html
