Taco Bell menu

Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the Taco Bell menu Black Beans fall short in the realm of clean eating options. This product is not organic and contains genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, which significantly detracts from its clean food status. Furthermore, the presence of dextrose—a type of added sugar—raises concerns about its healthfulness. The inclusion of natural flavors and modified corn starch, both of which are viewed as potentially harmful additives, further diminishes the product’s standing. The use of canola and corn oil, categorized as harmful oils, also contributes negatively to the overall assessment of the beans.

The Taco Bell menu Black Beans feature a simple base of black beans and water, with the addition of onion for flavor. However, the health potential of these beans is compromised by the seasoning blend that includes dextrose and natural flavor, both of which are penalized in our clean food criteria. The corn starch used to modify texture is another ingredient that does not align with the standards of clean eating. The oils chosen for this product, specifically canola and corn oil, are not favored in a clean eating diet due to their processing methods and potential health implications.

This product has room for improvement. A transition to organic black beans would eliminate the penalty for non-organic ingredients. Similarly, sourcing non-GMO ingredients would enhance the cleanliness of this menu item. Replacing dextrose with a less processed sweetener, or removing it altogether, would address the issue of added sugars. Furthermore, substituting natural flavor and modified corn starch with less controversial alternatives could improve the product’s score. Lastly, using oils with a better health profile, such as olive oil, could significantly raise the product’s standing in terms of clean eating.

Overall, the Taco Bell menu Black Beans have a low rating in our clean food assessment. The product’s ingredients do not meet the criteria for a cleaner food option, indicating a need for reformulation to better serve health-conscious consumers seeking purer, more natural food choices.