TACO BELL CHEESY NACHO TACO DINNER KIT, CHEESY NACHO
The TACO BELL CHEESY NACHO TACO DINNER KIT scores 42/100 (Poor) due to its **high sodium content** and classification as an ultra-processed food.
This TACO BELL dinner kit receives a FoodScore of 42/100 (Poor).
It is classified as NOVA class 4, indicating it is ultra-processed.
A significant concern is the sodium content at 1210.53mg per 100g.
It provides some iron (16% DV) and Vitamin A (47% DV) per 100g.
Consider this product for occasional use rather than a dietary staple.
Scores +0 points above the other category average (42/100 across 979 foods).
Fiber
2.11g
8% of Daily Value
Protein
8.42g
17% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
1210.53mg
53% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (2.1g)+1
Protein (8.4g)+4
Micronutrients (Iron, Vitamin A)+4
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (3.7g)-1
Sodium (1210.5mg)-6
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 42
The TACO BELL CHEESY NACHO TACO DINNER KIT earns a FoodScore of 42 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is primarily driven by its high sodium content, which contributes a significant penalty of -6 points due to 1210.53mg per 100g. The product's classification as NOVA class 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, incurs a further -10 point penalty. While it does receive some positive points for its protein content (8.42g per 100g) and the presence of certain micronutrients like iron (16% DV) and Vitamin A (47% DV), these are outweighed by the penalties. The saturated fat content of 3.68g per 100g also contributes a minor penalty. Ingredients like corn syrup solids in the tortillas and sodium phosphate in the cheese sauce are common in ultra-processed foods and contribute to the overall formulation that impacts its score. Compared to a generic, unbranded taco kit, this TACO BELL product's formulation and nutrient profile are similar, reflecting common characteristics of convenience dinner kits.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in taco bell cheesy nacho taco dinner kit, cheesy nacho actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Iron
This dinner kit provides 2.84mg of iron per 100g, contributing 16% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral involved in oxygen transport and energy metabolism. While not a primary source, this contribution can help individuals meet their daily iron needs, especially when combined with other iron-rich foods in the diet. The iron in this product comes from the enriched bleached wheat flour used in the tortillas.
Contains Vitamin A
The TACO BELL CHEESY NACHO TACO DINNER KIT offers 47% of the Daily Value for Vitamin A per 100g. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and cell growth. This nutrient is likely contributed by the cheese sauce component. Including foods with Vitamin A can support overall health, though a balanced diet with diverse whole foods is ideal for meeting all micronutrient requirements.
Provides Protein
With 8.42g of protein per 100g, this product contributes to daily protein intake. Protein is vital for muscle repair and growth, enzyme production, and satiety. While this amount is not exceptionally high, it can add to the protein content of a meal, particularly when combined with additional protein sources like lean ground meat or beans, which are often added to tacos.
The TACO BELL CHEESY NACHO TACO DINNER KIT scores 42/100 (Poor) due to its high sodium content and classification as an ultra-processed food.
How to eat it
TACO BELL CHEESY NACHO TACO DINNER KIT is designed for convenient home preparation of tacos. It typically serves as a main meal component, often consumed for lunch or dinner. Common pitfalls include adding excessive high-fat toppings, which can further increase the calorie and saturated fat content.
To enhance the nutritional profile, add lean protein such as grilled chicken, fish, or black beans to your tacos.
Incorporate a generous amount of fresh vegetables like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, or bell peppers to increase fiber and micronutrient intake.
Consider using only one of the provided flour tortillas per taco to manage portion size and reduce carbohydrate intake.
Pair with a side salad or a serving of fruit to create a more balanced meal.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with certain dietary restrictions should be aware of the ingredients in this product. The flour tortillas contain enriched bleached wheat flour, making this product unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The cheese sauce contains milk and whey, posing an allergen risk for individuals with dairy allergies. Additionally, the presence of interesterified soybean oil and various preservatives like calcium propionate and potassium sorbate are common in ultra-processed foods. The high sodium content (1210.53mg per 100g) is a concern for individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension.
Is TACO BELL CHEESY NACHO TACO DINNER KIT healthy?
The TACO BELL CHEESY NACHO TACO DINNER KIT scores 42/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it provides some iron and Vitamin A, its high sodium content and ultra-processed nature mean it is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a varied diet.
How does TACO BELL CHEESY NACHO TACO DINNER KIT compare to other taco kits?
Compared to many other branded taco dinner kits, such as those from Old El Paso, the TACO BELL kit has a similar nutritional profile, often characterized by high sodium and saturated fat from the cheese sauce and seasoning. Most convenience taco kits tend to be ultra-processed and benefit from the addition of fresh ingredients to improve their overall nutritional value.
What is 'interesterified soybean oil' in the tortillas?
Interesterified soybean oil is a type of fat that has been chemically modified to alter its texture and stability. It is often used in processed foods as a replacement for partially hydrogenated oils, which contain trans fats. While it doesn't contain trans fats, it is still a highly processed fat and its long-term health effects are an area of ongoing research.
What is a reasonable portion size for this dinner kit?
The declared serving size is 0.2 package, which makes 2 tacos. This portion contains 315.79 calories per 100g, and a full serving would be higher. To manage calorie and sodium intake, consider preparing only one taco per meal, or filling tacos with more vegetables and less cheese sauce.
Can I make this dinner kit more nutritious?
Yes, you can significantly improve the nutritional value. Add plenty of fresh, raw vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Incorporate a lean protein source such as grilled chicken, fish, or beans. Opt for a homemade salsa instead of relying solely on the provided sauces to reduce sodium.