14 Best High-Protein Taco Bell Items To Order in 2025

Nobody thinks of Taco Bell as a diet-friendly spot, but if you’re a hardcore macro-counter, there’s a case to be made for high-protein Taco Bell offerings. Fast food is fast food, but with meat nearly always in a starring role, eating at Taco Bell will definitely get you closer to your daily protein goals.

Granted, don’t take this article the wrong way: eating at Taco Bell is not the healthiest way to get your protein in. Most of its offerings are extremely high in calories, sodium and fat, and they often include ultra-processed ingredients, which, as sources like Yale Medicine explain, don’t exactly fit into an optimally healthy diet. 

So don’t take this list of high-protein Taco Bell orders as proof that the place is good for you — this article is definitely not saying anything as audacious as that.

But, with more people prioritizing a high protein intake — as highlighted by surveys like Cargill’s 2025 Protein Profile, which showed that 61% of consumers increased protein intake in 2024 — high protein options at fast food places like Taco Bell are more in demand than ever before. 

And, if you’re stopping in at this popular Tex-Mex chain, we’re here to help you find the highest protein items at Taco Bell, including low-calorie and vegetarian dishes. So, whether you’re in a pinch or looking to enjoy an easy cheat day while still hitting your protein goals, these 14 high-protein Taco Bell orders are the ones to go for. 

 Jump to Section

• How We Choose These Taco Bell High-Protein Items
• The 14 Highest-Protein Taco Bell Items
• What Is the Highest-Protein Taco Bell Item?
• Best High-Protein Taco Bell Orders Under 500 Calories

How We Choose These Taco Bell High-Protein Items

No matter your nutritional goals, it’s our goal here at Cozymeal to give you the information you need to smash them. 

Trying to feel a little less guilty about breaking from your usual habits for a road trip Taco Bell stop? Or, trying to figure out which cheap fast food options are best for getting your protein in? No matter the reason for landing on this article, we’ve done our research, so you don’t have to.

For the most part, protein was the only stat we looked at when we were choosing which high-protein Taco Bell items to include on this list. While we made an effort to include some low-calorie, high-protein Taco Bell picks for more well-rounded nutritional profiles, we mostly selected these items based solely on their protein content. 

While the healthiest items at Taco Bell get a feature, so do some most popular Taco Bell items with less stellar nutritional profiles. We did, however, give special shoutouts to high-protein Taco Bell items that kept it light on the sodium, fat and cholesterol. We’ll make special note of those dishes so that anyone looking not just for protein but for overall healthfulness can choose accordingly.

Plus, we don’t want to refer our readers to high-protein Taco Bell dishes at the expense of taste, so popularity and customer reviews played a role, too. All of these high-protein Taco Bell menu mainstays have proven themselves with their popularity, so you can be sure that your order at this most popular of Mexican restaurant chains will be as delicious as it is protein-packed. 

The 14 Highest-Protein Taco Bell Items

1. Cheesy Double Beef Burrito

This simple, relatively small wrap is one of the best high-protein Taco Bell orders if you’re on a budget. Though prices fluctuate based on location and change over time, they’re consistently low and always impressive for the 21 grams of protein you get in this meal.

While it’s quite high in sodium (clocking in at almost 60% of your daily recommended amount of 2,300 as outlined by the FDA), the Cheesy Double Beef Burrito offers pretty great bang for your caloric buck at under 600 calories per burrito. The fat, cholesterol and calories also aren’t as high as many other high-protein Taco Bell meals on this list, so while this wouldn’t be called a healthy item, it’s certainly not the most unhealthy thing at Taco Bell. 

Is it the most protein-packed option on the menu? Also, no. But is it still one of the better high-protein fast food orders to grab in a pinch? Yes, we think that’s fair to say. Plus, we’d say it’s one of the tastiest!

Cheesy Double Beef Burrito Nutritional Info

Protein: 21 grams

• Calories: 560
• Total Fat: 25 grams (32% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 10 grams (50% DV)
• Cholesterol: 50 milligrams (17% DV)
• Sodium: 1,350 milligrams (59% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 63 grams (23% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 7 grams (25% DV)
• Total Sugar: 3 grams 
• Added Sugar: 2 grams (4% DV)

2. Chicken Enchilada Burrito 

Combining two favorites, the Chicken Enchilada Burrito isn’t only delicious, but also packed with 19 grams of protein. It’s also low in calories and cholesterol. While the saturated fat and sodium are a little high, these values shouldn’t be too concerning if this is eaten for lunch or dinner and intake of these is watched at other meals.

Plus, it’s easily modified if you want to make it healthier. Chicken, cheese and enchilada sauce are about all we’re working with here, but you could nix the sauce or cheese to cut down on some of the more borderline-unhealthy stats even more. 

It’s up to you to decide if that defeats the purpose of this high-protein Taco Bell meal. 

But if not, you’ll end up with an item to rival the offerings of the healthiest fast food chains. There’s also the option to swap the saturated-fat-filled cheese with more chicken, refried beans or black beans to avoid reducing protein content. 

Chicken Enchilada Burrito Nutritional Info

Protein: 19 grams

• Calories: 380 
• Total Fat: 12 grams (15% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 6 grams (30% DV)
• Cholesterol: 40 milligrams (13% DV)
• Sodium: 1,140 milligrams (50% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 49 grams (18% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 3 grams (11% DV)
• Total Sugar: 3 grams 
• Added Sugar: 2 grams (4% DV)

3. 3 Cheese Chicken Flatbread Melt 

And here we have the order with the lowest calorie count on our list of the best high-protein Taco Bell menu items. With not a single Daily Value stat over 35%, the 3 Cheese Chicken Flatbread Melt offers a comparatively stellar nutritional profile. 

Granted, it could do with more fiber, but that’s the least of our worries here. What’s much more important: 20 grams of protein in a 330-calorie package that’s not too high in fat, sodium, carbohydrates or cholesterol. You can also add a side of beans to boost the fiber content of your meal as a whole. 

If you want to cut down nutritional values like saturated fat and sodium even more, ask for the sauce on the side. The melted cheese is moist enough to make up for it, and you can still use a little bit of the sauce without going all out. 

While we do feel that the sauce’s flavor is a big part of what makes this dish great, if you value reducing sodium and saturated fat intake over flavor, this is a good way to go. And the dish is still delicious without it. Those who don’t enjoy overly rich dishes may even find the sauce-free version of this high-protein Taco Bell food better. 

3 Cheese Chicken Flatbread Nutritional Info

Protein: 20 grams

• Calories: 330
• Total Fat: 15 grams (19% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 6 grams (30% DV)
• Cholesterol: 50 milligrams (17% DV)
• Sodium: 750 milligrams (33% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 28 grams (10% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 2 grams (7% DV)
• Total Sugar: 4 grams 
• Added Sugar: <1 gram

4. Cheesy Gordita Crunch  

No one is under the illusion that the Cheesy Gordita Crunch is healthy. Notably, it’s quite high in saturated fat, contributing to 55% of your daily recommended intake. But it’s also a truly impressive example of high-protein fast food: a single order nets you 20 grams of protein. 

Is that any surprise, though, when a taco consists of meat in a hard shell enrobed in a quesadilla? Cheese is full of protein, after all. 

Now, we could talk a bit more about how said single taco is also nearly 500 calories. This is no high-protein snack, despite the diminutive portion size; it’s definitely a lunch or dinner item. 

However, it does have quite low sodium for a Taco Bell item, along with 5 grams of fiber, which could be increased more if desired by adding black beans. 

Cheesy Gordita Crunch Nutritional Info

Protein: 20 grams

• Calories: 490
• Total Fat: 28 grams (36% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 11 grams (55% DV)
• Cholesterol: 55 milligrams (18% DV)
• Sodium: 850 milligrams (37% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 42 grams (15% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 5 grams (18% DV)
• Total Sugar: 4 grams 
• Added Sugar: 1 gram (2% DV)

5. Breakfast California Crunchwrap 

This may be a high-protein Taco Bell hit, but wow, it’s a whopper. A hash brown, eggs, bacon, cheese and vegetables wrapped up in a thick tortilla — this is basically a really oily diner breakfast wrapped up in a bundle and handed to you through the open window of your car. It’s truly one of the Bell’s most audacious attempts to execute its Live Más mission.

But that crazy Crunchwrap is also not a bad source of protein first thing in the morning. With 21 grams, it’s doing well for itself. The only issue? It’s one of the highest-calorie orders on this list, and two problematic stats — sodium and saturated fat — top 50% of the recommended daily value, with cholesterol and total fat nearly hitting the 50% DV mark. 

High-protein Taco Bell smash-hit? You bet. But is this the best Taco Bell order first thing in the morning? If you haven’t just finished a grueling workout, this might not be the most healthful way to get your morning protein in. 

Breakfast California Crunchwrap Nutritional Info

Protein: 21 grams

• Calories: 640
• Total Fat: 38 grams (49% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 12 grams (60% DV)
• Cholesterol: 135 milligrams (45% DV)
• Sodium: 1330 milligrams (58% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 53 grams (19% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 5 grams (18% DV)
• Total Sugar: 3 grams 
• Added Sugar: 2 grams (4% DV)

6. Black Bean Grilled Cheese Burrito 

Those who don’t eat meat might think that a list of Taco Bell high-protein meals has little to offer them, but that isn’t the case. The Black Bean Grilled Cheese Burrito is surprisingly high in protein for a vegetarian option at Taco Bell. 

Plus, with all those beans comes a great bonus: lots of fiber — 8 grams to be exact — a rarity on this list. That said, it’s also one of the most caloric, saturated-fat-heavy, and overall nutritionally questionable items on this list. 

This pick is best for non-meat-eaters and people who emphasize fiber in their diets, because most other diners can find healthier high-protein Taco Bell options. It may be vegetarian, but it's not quite the low-calorie, high-protein Taco Bell meal you'd hope.

Black Bean Grilled Cheese Burrito Nutritional Info

Protein: 23 grams

• Calories: 690
• Total Fat: 37 grams (47% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 14 grams (70% DV)
• Cholesterol: 55 milligrams (18% DV)
• Sodium: 1,390 milligrams (60% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 68 grams (25% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 8 grams (29% DV)
• Total Sugar: 5 grams  
• Added Sugar: 2 grams (4% DV)

7. Grande Toasted Breakfast Burrito With Bacon  

Okay, look. Nothing where the starring ingredient is bacon was ever going to be all that healthy, and this high-protein Taco Bell order certainly isn’t. With over half your daily recommended intake of saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol, the Grande Toasted Breakfast Burrito is…a nutritional splurge, to say the least. 

With eggs, cheese, bacon and potatoes, this high-protein breakfast is basically a breakfast buffet wrapped in a tortilla. And with 23 grams of protein, it’ll have you crushing your protein goals first thing in the morning. But is that worth the trade-offs? We’ll leave that for you to decide.

If you’re a workout-a-holic with a healthy ticker who needs a recovery snack after a morning gym session, this could be a decent high-protein Taco Bell order for breakfast. But if you’re watching your consumption of sodium or cholesterol for heart health, it may be one to skip. 

Grande Toasted Breakfast Burrito With Bacon Nutritional Info

Protein: 23 grams

• Calories: 570
• Total Fat: 30 grams (38% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 11 grams (55% DV)
• Cholesterol: 225 milligrams (75% DV)
• Sodium: 1,320 milligrams (57% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 51 grams (19% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 4 grams (14% DV)
• Total Sugar: 14 grams 
• Added Sugar: 2 grams (4% DV)

8. Cantina Chicken Burrito  

Cantina Chicken is a frequent flyer on this list of Taco Bell high-protein meals, and the Cantina Chicken Burrito is no exception. Moreover, it’s got actual vegetables in it — imagine that. 

But with two types of creamy sauce inside, it’s also not quite as healthy as it could be. Yet, that can be easily rectified by leaving off the chipotle sauce and/or avocado ranch.

Take care of the sauce issue, and you’ve got yourself a genuinely decent meal. Cutting those Taco Bell sauces will bring down the fat, cholesterol and sodium content, leaving behind 24 grams of protein and lots of vegetables, more of which can be added if desired. 

Cantina Chicken Burrito Nutritional Info

Protein: 24 grams

• Calories: 540
• Total Fat: 31 grams (40% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 9 grams (45% DV)
• Cholesterol: 80 milligrams (27% DV)
• Sodium: 1,180 milligrams (51% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 42 grams (15% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 5 grams (18% DV)
• Total Sugar: 4 grams 
• Added Sugar: 2 grams (4% DV)

9. Bacon Breakfast Quesadilla 

So, this is about as healthy as you’d expect it to be. While eggs, bacon and cheese combined give it tons of protein, that is its only shining nutritional statistic. Otherwise, fat, cholesterol and sodium are much higher here than is probably reasonable in your first meal of the day.

It also contains processed cheese and ultra-processed meat, neither of which should be consumed if you’re trying to eat as healthily as possible. 

That said, it could be worse, and this high-protein Taco Bell order isn’t the absolute worst thing you could choose for breakfast, especially at a fast food chain. We would also recommend this nutritionally over the Breakfast California Crunchwrap, but only just.  

Bacon Breakfast Quesadilla Nutritional Info

Protein: 25 grams

• Calories: 510
• Total Fat: 27 grams (35% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 14 grams (70% DV)
• Cholesterol: 155 milligrams (52% DV)
• Sodium: 1,260 milligrams (55% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 40 grams (15% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 3 grams (11% DV)
• Total Sugar: 3 grams 
• Added Sugar: 2 grams (4% DV)

10. Cantina Chicken Bowl 

A light in the darkness: this high-protein Taco Bell item cannot be called anything else. Sure, the sodium content seems too high for a single meal, but it more than evens out. Vegetables, chicken, beans and cheese are about all you’ll find in this bowl, which makes it one of the healthiest items at Taco Bell, especially in the high-protein category. 

With all of that and more fiber than any other item on this list of high-protein Taco Bell orders, the Cantina Chicken Bowl is a shining star. You couldn’t choose a healthier Taco Bell item, even if you do have to keep an eye on sodium intake for the rest of the day.

Cantina Chicken Bowl Nutritional Info

Protein: 24 grams

• Calories: 530
• Total Fat: 24 grams (31% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 7 grams (35% DV)
• Cholesterol: 75 milligrams (25% DV)
• Sodium: 1,170 milligrams (51% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 43 grams (16% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 10 grams (36% DV)
• Total Sugar: 3 grams 
• Added Sugar: 0 grams

11. Steak Quesadilla 

If you think cheese and beef are always a winning combination, you’ll be pleased to hear that this is one of the highest-protein Taco Bell menu offerings. Melty cheese and tender steak between crisp tortillas — just take our money, especially to the tune of 26 grams of protein. 

It is worth noting, though, that the Steak Quesadilla is pretty high in saturated fat and sodium. While it’s delicious, you should be aware of those stats and avoid this otherwise-tantalizing offering if you’re watching your heart health or blood pressure. 

Steak Quesadilla Nutritional Info

Protein: 26 grams

• Calories: 520
• Total Fat: 27 grams (35% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 14 grams (70% DV)
• Cholesterol: 70 milligrams (23% DV)
• Sodium: 1,270 milligrams (55% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 42 grams (15% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 3 grams (11% DV)
• Total Sugar: 4 grams
• Added Sugar: 2 grams (4% DV)

12. Grande Toasted Breakfast Burrito With Steak 

If you want a higher-protein version of the Grande Toasted Breakfast Burrito, this is it. Most steak-based dishes are high-protein Taco Bell orders per excellence. 

And although your cholesterol and sodium counts for the day will take a massive hit, it’s an absolute beast when it comes to protein.

This is an ideal meal for returning marathoners or those who have had a serious workout at the gym. But us ordinary folk? Tread with caution if you want this high-protein Taco Bell order to be your signature. 

Grande Toasted Breakfast Burrito With Steak Nutritional Info

Protein: 27 grams

• Calories: 570
• Total Fat: 28 grams (36% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 10 grams (50% DV)
• Cholesterol: 230 milligrams (77% DV)
• Sodium: 1,370 milligrams (60% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 52 grams (19% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 4 grams (14% DV)
• Total Sugar: 4 grams 
• Added Sugar: 2 grams (4% DV)

13. Steak Breakfast Quesadilla

Again, steak stands out for its high protein and its high fat, sodium and cholesterol content. But remember, that this isn’t just a problem with high-protein Taco Bell items: fast food beef is often like this, especially at the unhealthiest fast food chains. 

So, is this a great source of energy to start your day? Yes and no. Yes, it’s full of satiating protein, and the calorie count could be worse. But it also comes with quite a bit that weighs you down, so you’ll have to be the one to make the call whether this is the ideal order for you.  

Steak Breakfast Quesadilla Nutritional Info

Protein: 28 grams

• Calories: 510
• Total Fat: 25 grams (32% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 14 grams (70% DV)
• Cholesterol: 160 milligrams (53% DV)
• Sodium: 1,310 milligrams (57% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 41 grams (15% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 3 grams (11% DV)
• Total Sugar: 4 grams
• Added Sugar: 2 grams (4% DV)

14. Cantina Chicken Quesadilla 

If the vegetable-heavy Cantina Chicken Bowl wasn’t indulgent enough for you, try this one on for size. Although it’s much too high in sodium and saturated fat for our taste, it’s currently the highest-protein item on this list of high-protein Taco Bell orders, and who doesn’t love a quesadilla? Name a more fun way to get your protein in…we’ll wait.

While it’s definitely nowhere near as healthy as the light, fiber-rich Cantina Chicken Bowl, it’s not a bad splurgy alternative (other than the 80% of your daily recommended saturated fat). 29 grams of protein is a pretty convincing argument, after all. 

Cantina Chicken Quesadilla Nutritional Info

Protein: 29 grams

• Calories: 570
• Total Fat: 32 grams (41% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 16 grams (80% DV)
• Cholesterol: 90 milligrams (30% DV)
• Sodium: 1,340 milligrams (58% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 42 grams (15% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 4 grams(14% DV)
• Total Sugar: 3 grams 
• Added Sugar: 1 gram (2% DV)

What Is the Highest-Protein Taco Bell Item?

The Cantina Chicken Quesadilla currently tops the list of high-protein Taco Bell menu items. Although it may not be the healthiest way to meet your macro goals, 29 grams of protein will get you a long way. 

It’ll give you more lasting energy and muscle-repair assistance than any other item on the Taco Bell menu. So if you’re going to grab something from Taco Bell on the way home from the gym, and you’re prioritizing protein content, make it the Cantina Chicken Quesadilla. 

If this item doesn’t appeal to you, but the almost 30 grams of protein does, you can up the protein content of any of the highest-protein Taco Bell orders by adding extra chicken, seasoned beef or beans (refried beans or black beans). You can also check out the Taco Bell secret menu for some unique and high-protein custom orders. 

What Is the Highest-Protein Vegetarian Taco Bell Item? 

If you’re looking for high-protein Taco Bell orders that suit a plant-based diet, you’re going to want to go for the Grilled Cheese Bean Burrito. It’s one of the few plant-based items on Taco Bell’s menu that tops 20 grams, with an impressive 23 grams of protein.

Is it the highest-protein menu item at Taco Bell? Not quite. But for those who need vegetarian-friendly meals that pack in the protein, it’s one of the best vegetarian fast food items anywhere. 

What Is the Best Low-Calorie High-Protein Taco Bell Item? 

In terms of low-calorie, high-protein Taco Bell items, there are a few options under 500 calories, with the majority of items featured on this list of the Taco Bell high-protein items being under 700 calories. 

The lowest-calorie item among the highest-protein Taco Bell orders is the 3 Cheese Chicken Flatbread Melt, with 330 calories and 20 grams of protein. Other good options include the Chicken Enchilada Burrito, the Cheesy Gordita Crunch and the Cantina Chicken Bowl (although this has slightly over 500 calories). 

Best High-Protein Taco Bell Orders Under 500 Calories

If some of the nutrition stats of these high-protein Taco Bell orders are giving you sticker shock, you’ll no doubt want to know if any clock in at lower calorie counts. The great news is that several items on this list do, so anyone who’s watching more than just their macros can choose an appropriate order. 

The following high-protein Taco Bell meals are under 500 calories, making them great choices if you’re looking for a lighter meal. 

• Chicken Enchilada Burrito (380 calories) 
• 3 Cheese Chicken Flatbread Melt (330 calories) 
• Cheesy Gordita Crunch (490 calories)

That said, calories aren’t the only stat you need to evaluate to determine which high-protein Taco Bell orders are healthiest. Remember to take sodium, fat, cholesterol and fiber counts into account when deciding which best suits your nutritional needs. 

We’re not here to pretend that Taco Bell is the epitome of healthfulness. But that doesn’t mean there’s no redeeming value in any of its many quick and tasty Tex-Mex offerings. For those wanting to increase protein intake, Taco Bell can actually be a decent option for protein-packed meals on the go, as long as you choose wisely. 

So, while we wouldn’t recommend making it a habit, these high-protein Taco Bell meals will do in a pinch. And if you’re a big fan of the Bell who can’t bear to give it up when the siren call of healthy eating beckons, don’t worry: there’s enough substantial nutrition in many high-protein Taco Bell orders to justify a once-in-a-while splurge.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.