Kamil Perry
Taco Bell's Pintos and Cheese is a side dish that has been on the menu since the 1960s. It consists of refried beans, a red sauce (possibly enchilada sauce), and a three-cheese blend. With 180 calories per serving, it is considered a healthy and nutritious option by some, providing protein, fibre, and potassium. However, most of the calories come from fat and carbohydrates, and it is prepared in frying oil that may also be used for meat products, which may be a concern for certain vegetarian diets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Macronutrient breakdown | 42% carbs, 34% fat, and 24% protein |
| Daily value of protein | 20% |
| Daily value of fiber | 21% |
| Daily value of potassium | 10% |
| Weight Watchers Freestyle Points | 6 |
| Weight Watchers SmartPoints | 6 |
| Weight Watchers PointsPlus | 4 |
| Ingredients | Refried beans, red sauce, three-cheese blend |
| Refried beans | Pinto beans, soybean oil, seasoning (salt, sugar, spice, beet powder, natural flavors, sunflower oil, maltodextrin, corn flour, trehalose) |
| Red sauce | Water, seasoning (maltodextrin, modified corn starch, paprika, salt, tomato powder, spices, natural flavors, paprika, onion powder, xanthan gum, malic acid, vitamin C, citric acid, torula yeast) |
| Three-cheese blend | Low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, pasteurized process Monterey Jack and American cheese with peppers, anticaking agents (potato starch, cornstarch, powdered cellulose) |
| Vegetarian | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Taco Bell's Pintos and Cheese is certified vegan
Taco Bell's Pintos and Cheese is a side dish that has been on the menu since the 1960s. It is a vegan dish, consisting of refried beans, a red sauce (reportedly enchilada sauce), and a three-cheese blend.
The refried beans are made from pinto beans, soybean oil, and a blend of seasonings, including salt, sugar, spices, beet powder, natural flavors, sunflower oil, maltodextrin, corn flour, and trehalose. The red sauce is made from water, seasoning, maltodextrin, modified corn starch, paprika, salt, tomato powder, spices, natural flavors, onion powder, xanthan gum, malic acid, vitamin C, and citric acid. The three-cheese blend includes low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, pasteurized process Monterey Jack, and American cheese with peppers.
The dish is certified vegan, and it is a good source of protein, fiber, and potassium. Each serving provides 20% of the daily recommended protein intake, 21% of fiber, and 10% of potassium. It contains 180 calories, with 42% of those calories coming from carbohydrates, 34% from fat, and 24% from protein.
Taco Bell's Pintos and Cheese is a popular option for those seeking a healthy and nutritious choice when dining at the restaurant. It is a filling snack, providing a good balance of macronutrients and essential vitamins and minerals.
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It's a good source of protein, fibre, and potassium
Taco Bell's Pintos N Cheese is a good source of protein, fibre, and potassium. The dish consists of refried beans, a red sauce, and a three-cheese blend.
The protein in Pintos N Cheese comes from the cheese and the beans. Cheese is a well-known source of protein, and beans are also a good source of protein, providing all nine essential amino acids. This makes them a valuable plant-based protein option.
The fibre content in Pintos N Cheese also comes from the beans. Beans are an excellent source of dietary fibre, which is important for digestive health and can also help lower cholesterol levels and control blood sugar.
Finally, Pintos N Cheese provides a good amount of potassium, an essential mineral that has several important roles in the body. Potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure, supports muscle function, and promotes bone health.
While Pintos N Cheese offers these nutritional benefits, it is also important to consider the overall calorie and fat content. A serving of Pintos N Cheese contains 180 calories, with 34% of those calories coming from fat. Therefore, while it can be a good source of certain nutrients, it should still be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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It's a healthy and nutritious option according to 75% of voters
Taco Bell's Pintos N Cheese is a side dish that has been on the menu since the 1960s. It consists of refried beans, a red sauce (reportedly enchilada sauce), and a three-cheese blend. The dish is certified vegan and vegetarian, containing dairy and eggs but no animal byproducts.
With 180 calories per serving, Pintos N Cheese is considered a healthy and nutritious option by 75% of voters on a fast-food nutrition website. The dish is a good source of protein, providing 20% of your daily value, as well as fiber (21%) and potassium (10%). The macronutrient breakdown is 42% carbohydrates, 34% fat, and 24% protein.
While it is a healthy option for some, it is important to note that Taco Bell uses the same frying oil for vegetarian and non-vegetarian items, so cross-contact may occur, which may not align with certain vegetarian diets.
As a soft and filling snack, Pintos N Cheese is a good option for those on a soft-food diet, such as those who have had their wisdom teeth removed. It can be a convenient and tasty way to get some protein, fiber, and potassium into your diet.
Overall, Taco Bell's Pintos N Cheese is a well-rounded side dish that offers nutritional benefits and convenience, making it a popular choice for those seeking a healthier fast-food option.
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It's a filling snack with a three-cheese blend
Taco Bell's Pintos N Cheese is a filling snack with a three-cheese blend. It is a side dish that has been on the menu since the 1960s. It is a vegan dish consisting of refried beans, a red sauce (reportedly enchilada sauce), and a three-cheese blend. The refried beans are made with pinto beans, soybean oil, and seasoning. The three-cheese blend includes low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and pasteurized process Monterey Jack and American cheese with peppers.
The dish provides 180 calories per serving, with 42% carbs, 34% fat, and 24% protein. It is a good source of protein, providing 20% of the daily recommended value, as well as fiber (21%) and potassium (10%). According to a survey, 75% of voters consider Pintos N Cheese to be a healthy and nutritious option from Taco Bell.
The dish offers a hearty and filling snack-sized portion of protein. It is a good choice for those on a soft-food diet, and its creamy cheese and bean combination make it a comforting and satisfying option. The three-cheese blend adds a creamy texture and a blend of flavours that complement the beans and sauce. The Monterey Jack and American cheese with peppers add a slight kick, while the mozzarella and cheddar provide a familiar, comforting taste.
While the dish is vegan, it is important to note that Taco Bell uses the same frying oil for vegetarian and meat items, so there may be cross-contact. This may not be suitable for certain types of vegetarian diets, and neither Taco Bell nor the American Vegetarian Association assumes responsibility for such cross-contact. However, for those who are comfortable with this, the Pintos N Cheese provides a tasty and filling snack option with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
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It's a side available at Taco Bell since the 1960s
Taco Bell's Pintos N Cheese has been a side dish on the menu since the 1960s. It was originally sold under the name "Frijoles". The dish consists of refried beans, a red sauce (reportedly enchilada sauce), and a three-cheese blend. The refried beans are made with pinto beans, soybean oil, and seasonings, while the three-cheese blend typically includes mozzarella, cheddar, and pepper jack. However, variations may include Monterey Jack or American cheese with peppers.
Being a long-standing menu item, Pintos N Cheese has a dedicated fan base. When it was reportedly removed from the menu in 2019, customers expressed their disappointment, with some even sharing that they continued to order it regardless. Fortunately for these loyal patrons, Taco Bell reinstated Pintos N Cheese as an official menu item in October 2022, much to the delight of its enthusiasts.
As a side dish, Pintos N Cheese offers a hearty snack-sized portion of protein. It is also certified vegetarian by the American Vegetarian Association, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences and requirements. This certification means that the dish allows the consumption of dairy and eggs but not animal byproducts.
While it is a popular choice, with 75% of voters on one website considering it a healthy option, it's important to note that most of the 180 calories in Pintos N Cheese come from fat (34%) and carbohydrates (45%). To burn off these calories, one would need to run for 16 minutes or walk for 26 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a side dish that consists of refried beans, a red sauce (reportedly enchilada sauce), and a three-cheese blend.
It depends on your definition of healthy. One serving without the red sauce contains 180 calories, with 42% carbs, 34% fat, and 24% protein. It is also a good source of protein, fibre, and potassium.
The ingredients include pinto beans, soybean oil, salt, sugar, spices, cheese, and maltodextrin, among other seasonings and additives.
Yes, it is certified by the American Vegetarian Association as a vegetarian option. However, it should be noted that Taco Bell uses the same frying oil for vegetarian and meat items, so cross-contact may occur.
While there were reports of its removal from the menu in 2019, it appears that it is still available for order on Taco Bell's website.
