Menu
Taco Bell menu
Flavor:
Pintos N Cheese
Ingredients:
Refried Beans: Pinto beans, soybean oil, seasoning (salt, sugar, spice, beet powder (VC), natural flavors, sunflower oil, maltodextrin, corn flour, trehalose, modified cornstarch). [certified vegan], Red Sauce: Water, seasoning (maltodextrin, modified corn starch, paprika, salt, tomato powder, spices, natural flavors, paprika (VC), onion powder, xanthan gum, malic acid, vitamin C, citric acid, torula yeast). [certified vegan], Three Cheese Blend: Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Pasteurized Process Monterey Jack and American Cheese with Peppers (Cultured Milk, Cultured Part-Skim Milk, Water, Cream, Salt, Sodium Citrate, Jalapeno Peppers, Sodium Phosphate, Lactic Acid, Sorbic Acid [P], Color Added, Annatto and Paprika Extract Blend [VC], Enzymes), Anticaking Agents (Potato Starch, Cornstarch, Powdered Cellulose). Contains: Milk [certified vegetarian]
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
The Taco Bell menu Pintos N Cheese receives a rating of 1/5 green leaves, indicating a product that falls short of the cleaner food standards sought by health-conscious consumers. This dish comprises refried beans, red sauce, and a three-cheese blend. Its ingredients raise several concerns regarding health and environmental impact.
The product is not organic, a significant factor for those aiming to reduce exposure to pesticides and support environmentally sustainable farming practices. Moreover, the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) may deter individuals seeking to avoid genetically altered ingredients due to personal health or ecological reasons.
Added sugars in the form of sugar and citric acid contribute to the product’s low rating. Excess sugar consumption is a well-documented health risk, associated with various negative outcomes such as obesity and heart disease. The product also includes ingredients like natural flavors and maltodextrin, which are often scrutinized for their potential health effects. Maltodextrin, specifically, has been identified as a known harmful additive.
Furthermore, the inclusion of soybean oil, which is flagged as a harmful oil, possibly due to its typically high omega-6 fatty acid content and the potential for oxidation, also detracts from the product’s score. The use of additives such as xanthan gum and sodium citrate, while common in processed foods, can be a concern for those seeking a more natural diet.
The Taco Bell Pintos N Cheese is a food item that does not meet the criteria for a clean and healthy option as defined by the rating system in place. For consumers prioritizing organic ingredients, non-GMO products, and the absence of added sugars and potentially harmful additives, this product is not recommended. The 1/5 green leaves rating reflects the product’s alignment with these values, suggesting that there are better choices available for those seeking cleaner food options.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
Alternatives
No Items found.
How We Rate
Every company today has a responsibility to be a net positive for the planet,
for society, and for our ecosystem