I tried a fresco style crunchy ground beef taco at Taco Bell yesterday, but just one.

I wasn’t holding out much hope that it was going to taste good because what’s a taco without cheese? (which is why I only ordered one instead of two or three.)

But I was pleasantly surprised. It was really good (either that or I was really hungry).

I actually didn’t miss the cheese at all and I’m from Wisconsin where we pretty much think everything is better with cheese!

But, it’s not like I saved a ton of calories by ordering the fresco taco. According to Taco Bell’s nutrition guide I only saved 20 calories, and also saved 3 grams of fat.

But the calorie and fat savings was enough to cut the taco down from 4 Weight Watchers points to 3 Weight Watchers points (but always check points values yourself because nutrition information for food can change at any time). If I can save a point without feeling like I’m missing out on flavor I’ll do it so I’ll definitely go “freso style” the next time I go to Taco Bell (if I can resist the “siren call” of the Nachos Bel Grande).

Here’s the comparison of the two tacos:
Regular Taco Bell ground beef taco
170 calories
10 grams fat
330 milligrams sodium
12 grams carbs
3 grams fiber
8 grams protein
1 gram sugar (that stuff sneaks into just about everything)

Fresco style Taco Bell ground beef taco
150 calories
7 grams fat
350 milligrams sodium
13 grams carbs
3 grams fiber
7 grams protein
1 gram sugar (still has the sugar in it – my guess is that it’s in the shell)

One thing that jumped out at me when doing the comparison stats is that the fresco style taco, which is perceived to be healthier than the regular taco, is higher in sodium than a regular taco. While it’s a healthier option to me because I don’t have to watch my sodium, it definitely is not a better choice for someone like my Mom who has to watch her sodium intake carefully. Why is it that when a restaurant takes something away, like calories, it usually adds something else – typically sodium or sugar – instead? I hate that.