How healthy is bean and cheese burrito?
Is bean and cheese burrito healthy? Yes, in moderate portions. Bean and cheese burrito scores 27/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provides 195 kcal, 8 g protein and 154 mg calcium. A bean and cheese burrito wraps refried beans and cheddar in a large flour tortilla: it delivers fiber, plant protein and calcium, but the tortilla is refined flour and the whole thing is fairly salty. Source: standard recipe, USDA FoodData Central ingredients.
Score explained
The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Bean and cheese burrito ranks higher than 27% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Protein8%
- Calcium6%
- Fiber6%
- Iron5%
- Magnesium3%
- Vitamin A3%
- Potassium2%
- Vitamin C2%
- Vitamin E1%
Counts against
- Saturated fat9%
- Added sugars0%
- Sodium12%
Raw NRF9.3: 36 minus 21 = 15. The score is not a verdict on whether to eat a food; portion, the whole meal and your own health matter more. Full methodology
How many calories are in bean and cheese burrito?
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 195 kcal | 458 kcal | |
| Protein | 8 g | 19 g | 38% |
| Carbohydrates | 23 g | 55 g | 20% |
| Fiber | 3 g | 7.2 g | 26% |
| Sugars | 1.9 g | 4.3 g | |
| Added sugars | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Fat | 7.8 g | 18 g | 23% |
| Saturated fat | 3.6 g | 8.6 g | 43% |
| Omega-3 fats | 0.2 g | 0.4 g | |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 44 µg | 105 µg | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 3.1 mg | 7.4 mg | 8% |
| Vitamin D | <0.1 µg | 0.2 µg | 1% |
| Vitamin E | 0.2 mg | 0.5 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin K | 3.9 µg | 9.1 µg | 8% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.1 µg | 0.3 µg | 14% |
| Folate | 57 µg | 134 µg | 33% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 154 mg | 361 mg | 28% |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 4.5 mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 223 mg | 524 mg | 11% |
| Magnesium | 28 mg | 67 mg | 16% |
| Zinc | 0.9 mg | 2.2 mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 541 mg | 1271 mg | 55% |
Estimated from the standard recipe below, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Values rounded.
What is in a standard bean and cheese burrito?
We estimate bean and cheese burrito from this standard recipe (serves 4, about 940 g cooked), using USDA values for each ingredient. Home and restaurant versions vary. Modeled with canned traditional refried beans; homemade beans cooked with lard will be higher in fat.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| 4 large flour tortillas | 300 g |
| 1 can refried beans | 450 g |
| Shredded cheddar | 120 g |
| Salsa | 60 g |
| Onion | 20 g |
Why is bean and cheese burrito good for you?
- 19 g protein in 1 burrito, 38% of the daily value. Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
- 134 µg folate in 1 burrito, 33% of the daily value. Folate contributes to normal blood formation.
- 361 mg calcium in 1 burrito, 28% of the daily value. Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones.
Good ways to use it
- An inexpensive vegetarian lunch
- Adding lettuce, peppers or rice and beans on the side for a fuller meal
What should you watch out for?
- Canned refried beans and cheese both add salt; one burrito covers a large share of the daily sodium limit.
- Restaurant burritos are often twice this size.
What can you eat instead of bean and cheese burrito?
Foods you can use the same way with a higher HowHealthyIs Score.