Taco Bell Bowls Menu Price, Calories, Nutrition Guide
By Senior Food & Nutrition Researcher
Independent guide. Not affiliated with Taco Bell Corp. Prices verified against the official Taco Bell app. For complete terms, see our Disclaimer and Terms and Conditions.
What happened to the Power Menu Bowl that dominated Taco Bell’s high-protein lineup for a decade? Why did Taco Bell replace it with the Cantina Chicken Bowl, and is the new version actually better? How do Taco Bell bowls compare to burritos on protein density, calorie control, and customization flexibility? And if you are eating keto, low-carb, or strictly vegetarian, which bowl modifications actually work versus which ones just sound good on paper?
I have ordered the Cantina Chicken Bowl more times than I can count since it replaced the Power Menu Bowl in 2024. I ordered the original Power Bowl regularly before that. I have tested both bowls with every customization the app allows no rice, no beans, extra protein, Fresco Style, double guacamole to understand exactly how the macros shift with each modification. What I found is that the bowls category is the most nutritionally flexible section on the entire Taco Bell menu, and most people are not using it to its full potential.
The 2026 Taco Bell bowls menu includes two permanent items: the Cantina Chicken Bowl at $8.79 and the Veggie Bowl at $8.69. Both are built on a base of seasoned rice and black beans. Both stay under 500 calories in their standard builds. Both deliver more vegetables and fiber than nearly any other item on the menu. And both respond better to customization than tacos, burritos, or specialties because the bowl format was designed to be modified from the start.
This guide covers both bowls with verified pricing, accurate calorie counts, complete macronutrient breakdowns, full ingredient lists, and every customization that meaningfully changes the nutrition profile. It explains why the Power Menu Bowl was discontinued. It compares bowls to burritos on protein-per-calorie efficiency. And it walks through exactly how to order each bowl for keto, low-carb, vegetarian, and high-protein diets.
If you are exploring other sections of the menu, our guides to Taco Bell Tacos and Taco Bell Burritos cover every handheld option. The Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Menu details the full premium chicken lineup. For loaded options, the Taco Bell Nachos Menu covers chips, dips, and Nacho Fries. And if you need a drink, the Taco Bell Drinks Menu covers Baja Blast, Dirty Soda, and Happier Hour.
Taco Bell Bowls and Sauces Menu Prices
Taco Bell Veggie Power Bowl
| Price | Calories |
|---|---|
| $6.99 | 430 |
Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl
| Price | Calories |
|---|---|
| Free | 0 |
Mild / Hot / Fire / Diablo Sauce
| Price | Calories |
|---|---|
| $2.00 | 500–600 |
Avocado Verde Salsa Sauce Packet
| Price | Calories |
|---|---|
| Free | 60 |
Complete Bowls Menu With Prices and Calories
Both permanent bowls on the 2026 menu with verified pricing, calorie counts, and key features.
| Bowl | Price | Calories | Protein | Fiber | Vegetarian |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cantina Chicken Bowl | $8.79 | 480 | 24g | 10g | No |
| Veggie Bowl | $8.69 | 420 | 12g | 12g | Yes |
Prices are national averages verified June 2026. Franchise locations in California, New York, and Hawaii typically charge 15-25% more. The Cantina Chicken Bowl standard build is 480 calories. Adding 2 sauces brings the total to approximately 575 calories. Always verify pricing through the Taco Bell app before ordering.
Cantina Chicken Bowl Full Breakdown
The Cantina Chicken Bowl ($8.79, 480 calories standard build) is the flagship of the Taco Bell bowls category and the direct replacement for the discontinued Power Menu Bowl. It is the highest-protein bowl on the menu at 24 grams and the most customizable item in the entire restaurant.
What is inside the Cantina Chicken Bowl:
The bowl starts with a base layer of seasoned rice and black beans. Slow-roasted Cantina Chicken the same shredded, tender chicken featured across the Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Menu is portioned over the rice and beans. Avocado ranch sauce and reduced-fat sour cream are drizzled over the chicken. Fresh toppings follow: crisp romaine lettuce, shredded purple cabbage, freshly prepared pico de gallo, house-made guacamole, and shredded cheddar cheese.
The complete ingredient list: slow-roasted Cantina Chicken, seasoned rice, black beans, avocado ranch sauce, reduced-fat sour cream, romaine lettuce, shredded purple cabbage, freshly prepared pico de gallo, house-made guacamole, cheddar cheese.
Nutrition at a glance (standard build):
- 480 calories
- 24g protein
- 44g carbohydrates
- 23g fat (7g saturated)
- 10g fiber
- 3g sugar
- 1,170mg sodium
With 2 extra sauces: approximately 575 calories. The sauce choice matters. Avocado ranch sauce and creamy jalapeño sauce each add roughly 45-50 calories per serving. Choosing lighter sauces or skipping the extra sauces entirely keeps the bowl at its base 480 calories.
The Cantina Chicken Bowl is the best choice on the menu for anyone prioritizing protein density. At 24 grams of protein for 480 calories, it delivers 5 grams of protein per 100 calories a ratio that beats most Taco Bell burritos and ties or exceeds many fast-casual competitors. For comparison, items from the Taco Bell Burritos guide range from 360 to 690 calories with protein counts between 12 and 25 grams.
Veggie Bowl Full Breakdown
The Veggie Bowl ($8.69, 420 calories) is the meat-free counterpart to the Cantina Chicken Bowl and one of the most fiber-rich items on the Taco Bell menu. It is vegetarian in its standard build with no modifications needed.
What is inside the Veggie Bowl:
The bowl starts with the same base of seasoned rice and black beans as the Cantina Chicken Bowl. Instead of chicken, the protein comes entirely from the black beans. Fresh toppings include crisp romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and reduced-fat sour cream.
The complete ingredient list: seasoned rice, black beans, romaine lettuce, fresh tomatoes, cheddar cheese, reduced-fat sour cream.
Nutrition at a glance:
- 420 calories
- 12g protein (entirely plant-based)
- 49g carbohydrates
- 19g fat (6g saturated)
- 12g fiber
- 4g sugar
- 890mg sodium
The Veggie Bowl delivers 12 grams of fiber the highest fiber count of any single item on the Taco Bell menu. This is significant because fiber supports satiety, digestion, and stable blood sugar. For a meatless meal under 500 calories, the fiber content makes the Veggie Bowl more filling than its calorie count alone would suggest.
The sodium content at 890mg is notably lower than the Cantina Chicken Bowl at 1,170mg, making the Veggie Bowl the better choice for anyone monitoring sodium intake.
For more vegetarian options across the menu, the Taco Bell Luxe Value Menu lists eight vegetarian items under $3, and the Taco Bell Tacos guide covers the Spicy Potato Soft Taco and Black Bean Chalupa Supreme.
Full Nutrition Facts for Both Bowls
Complete macronutrient data for both bowls in their standard builds.
| Nutrient | Cantina Chicken Bowl | Veggie Bowl |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 480 | 420 |
| Total Fat | 23g | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 6g |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg | 20mg |
| Sodium | 1,170mg | 890mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 44g | 49g |
| Dietary Fiber | 10g | 12g |
| Sugars | 3g | 4g |
| Protein | 24g | 12g |
Nutritional data sourced from official Taco Bell dietary disclosure. Values represent standard builds with no modifications. Adding sauces, removing ingredients, or adding extra protein changes all figures.
Cantina Chicken Bowl vs. Veggie Bowl
Choosing between the two bowls comes down to three factors: protein needs, dietary preference, and sodium sensitivity.
| Feature | Cantina Chicken Bowl | Veggie Bowl |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $8.79 | $8.69 |
| Calories | 480 | 420 |
| Protein | 24g | 12g |
| Fiber | 10g | 12g |
| Sodium | 1,170mg | 890mg |
| Vegetarian | No | Yes |
| Protein per 100 Cal | 5.0g | 2.9g |
Choose the Cantina Chicken Bowl if: You want maximum protein for muscle building or post-workout recovery. You are not vegetarian. You want the slow-roasted Cantina Chicken experience that has become Taco Bell’s signature premium protein. You are eating keto or low-carb and plan to remove the rice and beans.
Choose the Veggie Bowl if: You are vegetarian. You want the highest-fiber meal on the menu. You are monitoring sodium intake. You want a plant-based protein source that still delivers a complete meal experience.
The $0.10 price difference between the two bowls is functionally irrelevant. The decision should be based entirely on protein preference and dietary needs, not cost.
Bowls vs. Burritos Calories and Protein Compared
Customers often compare bowls against burritos because both formats deliver a complete meal in a single item. Here is how they stack up.
| Feature | Cantina Chicken Bowl | Chicken Burrito Supreme | Cantina Chicken Burrito |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $8.79 | $5.99 | $6.99 |
| Calories | 480 | 390 | 620 |
| Protein | 24g | 17g | 30g |
| Protein per 100 Cal | 5.0g | 4.4g | 4.8g |
| Fiber | 10g | 4g | 6g |
| Tortilla | No | Yes (flour) | Yes (flour) |
The Cantina Chicken Bowl wins on protein density at 5.0 grams of protein per 100 calories. The Cantina Chicken Burrito delivers more total protein at 30 grams but requires 620 calories to get there. The bowl gives you 24 grams of protein for 480 calories a more efficient ratio.
Burritos win on price. The Chicken Burrito Supreme costs $5.99 compared to the bowl’s $8.79. If budget is your primary concern, burritos from the Taco Bell Burritos guide or items from the Taco Bell Luxe Value Menu deliver more calories per dollar.
Bowls win on fiber and vegetable content. The absence of a flour tortilla means the bowl format includes more fresh vegetables by volume. The 10 grams of fiber in the Cantina Chicken Bowl is more than double the fiber in most burritos.
The bowl also wins on carbohydrate control. A flour tortilla adds 30-40 grams of carbohydrates to any burrito. The bowl format eliminates that automatically, making it easier to manage carbohydrate intake without ordering a naked burrito as a special modification.
For more comparisons, the Taco Bell Specialties Menu covers Crunchwraps and Mexican Pizzas, which fall between bowls and burritos in both format and nutrition.
Are Taco Bell Bowls Healthy?
Both bowls hold up well against typical fast-food standards. The question of whether they are healthy depends on what metric you are using.
By calorie content: Both bowls stay under 500 calories in their standard builds. This is lower than most Taco Bell burritos, many of which exceed 600 calories. It is also lower than most fast-food combo meals, which routinely exceed 1,000 calories when including a side and drink.
By protein content: The Cantina Chicken Bowl delivers 24 grams of protein at 480 calories. This is a strong ratio for a fast-food item and competitive with fast-casual bowls from Chipotle and Qdoba that cost $2-3 more.
By fiber content: The Veggie Bowl at 12 grams of fiber and the Cantina Chicken Bowl at 10 grams both deliver significant fiber. Most fast-food items contain 2-4 grams of fiber. These bowls contain two to three times that amount.
By sodium content: This is where both bowls fall short of healthy standards. The Cantina Chicken Bowl contains 1,170mg of sodium, which is more than half the American Heart Association’s recommended daily maximum of 2,300mg. The Veggie Bowl is better at 890mg but still high for a single item.
By ingredient quality: The bowls contain more whole-food ingredients than most Taco Bell items. Romaine lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, and purple cabbage are fresh, recognizable ingredients. The Cantina Chicken is slow-roasted rather than processed. The rice and beans are standard fast-food preparations.
The bowls are among the healthiest items on the Taco Bell menu, particularly when customized to remove or reduce higher-calorie components like cheese, sour cream, and extra sauces. Ordering Fresco Style removes the cheese and sour cream and replaces them with additional pico de gallo, cutting calories and sodium without sacrificing flavor or volume.
Why Did Taco Bell Replace the Power Menu Bowl?
Taco Bell introduced the Power Menu Bowl in 2014 as a protein-focused, lower-calorie option aimed at health-conscious customers. It featured grilled chicken, seasoned rice, black beans, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and avocado ranch sauce. It was popular enough to remain on the menu for a decade.
In March 2024, Taco Bell retired the Power Menu Bowl and replaced it with the Cantina Chicken Bowl as part of a broader Cantina Chicken menu launch. The new bowl was not just a rebrand. It changed the chicken preparation from grilled-and-cubed to slow-roasted-and-shredded. It added purple cabbage slaw and pico de gallo toppings the original Power Bowl did not include. It upgraded the guacamole and avocado ranch sauce.
The nutritional profile shifted but remained similar. The original Power Menu Bowl contained approximately 480 calories with 26 grams of protein. The Cantina Chicken Bowl contains 480 calories with 24 grams of protein. The 2-gram protein difference is negligible. The fiber content increased due to the added vegetables.
Many longtime customers still refer to the Cantina Chicken Bowl as the “chicken power bowl” because it occupies the same position on the menu: a high-protein, lower-carb, vegetable-forward option built on rice and beans. If you ordered the Power Menu Bowl regularly before 2024, the Cantina Chicken Bowl is its direct replacement, and the eating experience is similar enough that most customers transitioned without issue.
How to Customize Your Bowl
Both bowls are fully customizable through the Taco Bell mobile app, website, or at the counter. The bowl format was designed for modification, and the app handles all changes with live nutrition updates.
| Customization | Effect | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Remove rice | Cuts ~40g carbs, saves ~160 calories | Keto, low-carb |
| Remove rice and beans | Cuts ~55g carbs, saves ~220 calories | Strict keto |
| Add extra chicken | Adds ~70 calories, 12g protein | High-protein, post-workout |
| Order Fresco Style | Removes cheese and sour cream, adds pico de gallo. Cuts ~60-80 calories | Dairy-free, lower calorie |
| Add guacamole | Adds ~25 calories, healthy fats | Keto, flavor boost |
| Add jalapeños | Free, adds heat and acidity | Flavor enhancement |
| Add extra sauce | Adds ~45-50 calories per sauce | Flavor variety |
| Double the protein | Adds ~70-80 calories, 12-15g protein | Maximum protein |
The keto customization is the most popular modification for the Cantina Chicken Bowl. Order it without rice and without beans. What remains is slow-roasted chicken, avocado ranch sauce, sour cream, lettuce, cabbage, pico de gallo, guacamole, and cheese. The resulting bowl contains approximately 260-300 calories, 20-22 grams of protein, and 5-10 grams of net carbohydrates. It is one of the most functional keto meals available at any national fast-food chain.
The high-protein customization adds extra Cantina Chicken to the standard bowl. The protein total rises from 24 grams to approximately 36-38 grams. Calories increase from 480 to roughly 550-560. This is the modification to choose if you are eating the bowl as a post-workout meal or trying to hit higher daily protein targets.
The vegetarian customization is the Veggie Bowl with added guacamole. The guacamole adds healthy fats and approximately 25 calories, bringing the total to 445 calories with improved satiety.
All customizations ordered through the app earn points through the Taco Bell Rewards program. If paying with a gift card, our Taco Bell gift cards guide covers how to add it to the app and apply it at checkout.
Dietary Options Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten
Keto
The Cantina Chicken Bowl is keto-compatible with modifications. Order it without rice and without beans. What remains is chicken, avocado ranch sauce, sour cream, lettuce, cabbage, pico de gallo, guacamole, and cheese. This produces a meal with high fat, moderate protein, and approximately 5-10 grams of net carbohydrates. It is one of the best keto options in fast food.
Low-Carb
Remove the rice but keep the beans for a low-carb (but not strictly keto) meal. The beans provide fiber and protein. The carbohydrate total drops by roughly 40 grams compared to the standard build.
Vegetarian
The Veggie Bowl is vegetarian in its standard build with zero modifications. It contains no meat. The cheese and sour cream are vegetarian. The black beans provide the protein.
Vegan
Neither bowl is vegan in its standard build. The Veggie Bowl can be made vegan by ordering it Fresco Style (removes cheese and sour cream) and confirming no other dairy-containing ingredients are present. The resulting bowl is black beans, rice, lettuce, tomatoes, and pico de gallo. It is plant-based but lower in protein and fat than the standard build. The Cantina Chicken Bowl cannot be made vegan because the chicken is the primary protein.
Gluten-Sensitive
Both bowls are wheat-free in their standard builds. There is no flour tortilla. The seasoned rice, black beans, chicken, vegetables, cheese, and sauces do not contain wheat ingredients. However, Taco Bell kitchens prepare all items on shared surfaces with flour tortillas, creating cross-contamination risk. Customers with celiac disease should exercise caution.
How to Order Through the App
The Taco Bell mobile app has a dedicated Bowls category.
Step 1: Open the app and select your location. The app displays real-time pricing and availability.
Step 2: Browse to the “Bowls” category. Both the Cantina Chicken Bowl and Veggie Bowl appear with current pricing.
Step 3: Tap any bowl to customize. The app shows every ingredient with toggle switches. Remove rice, remove beans, add extra chicken, toggle Fresco Style, add guacamole, or add extra sauces. Calories and price update in real time.
Step 4: Add to bag and complete checkout. App orders earn points automatically through the Taco Bell Rewards program.
Pair your bowl with a drink from the Taco Bell Drinks Menu a $1 Happier Hour freeze or a Baja Blast Dirty Soda depending on timing. If ordering during breakfast hours, the Taco Bell Breakfast Menu is available from 7 AM to 11 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does a Taco Bell bowl cost?
The Cantina Chicken Bowl costs $8.79. The Veggie Bowl costs $8.69. Prices vary slightly by franchise location.
How many calories in a Taco Bell bowl?
The Cantina Chicken Bowl has 480 calories in its standard build. Adding 2 sauces brings it to approximately 575 calories. The Veggie Bowl has 420 calories.
Is the Taco Bell Veggie Bowl vegan?
No. The Veggie Bowl contains cheese and sour cream in its standard build. Order it Fresco Style to remove dairy and make it closer to vegan.
How much protein does the Cantina Chicken Bowl have?
24 grams of protein in the standard build. Adding extra chicken increases protein to approximately 36-38 grams.
Can I make a Taco Bell bowl keto-friendly?
Yes. Order the Cantina Chicken Bowl without rice and without beans. This removes the majority of carbohydrates while keeping the protein, fat, and vegetables.
What happened to the Power Menu Bowl?
Taco Bell retired the Power Menu Bowl in March 2024 and replaced it with the Cantina Chicken Bowl. The new bowl uses slow-roasted shredded chicken instead of grilled cubed chicken and adds purple cabbage slaw and pico de gallo.
Which bowl is healthier?
The Cantina Chicken Bowl delivers more protein. The Veggie Bowl delivers more fiber and less sodium. Both are among the healthiest items on the Taco Bell menu.
Can I order a bowl without rice?
Yes. Removing the rice saves approximately 160 calories and 40 grams of carbohydrates. Available through the app or at the counter.
Is the Cantina Chicken Bowl gluten-free?
The bowl contains no wheat ingredients in its standard build, but Taco Bell kitchens have cross-contamination risk from shared preparation surfaces.
How do Taco Bell bowls compare to Chipotle bowls?
The Cantina Chicken Bowl at $8.79 with 480 calories and 24g protein compares favorably to a Chipotle chicken bowl at $10.50 with 705 calories and 47g protein. Taco Bell wins on price and calorie control. Chipotle wins on total protein and customization flexibility.
If you have questions about this guide, reach out through our Contact Us page. For legal policies, read our DMCA Policy, Cookie Policy, and Privacy Policy. Return to our homepage at https://tecobell.com/.
Explore More Taco Bell Menu Categories
- Taco Bell Tacos : Doritos Locos Tacos, Cheesy Gordita Crunch, Chalupa Supreme, and more
- Taco Bell Burritos : Grilled Cheese Burrito, Beefy 5-Layer, Cantina Chicken Burrito, and more
- Taco Bell Nachos : Nachos BellGrande, Loaded Beef Nachos, Nacho Fries, and more
- Taco Bell Specialties : Crunchwrap Supreme, Mexican Pizza, Triple Double Crunchwrap, and more
- Taco Bell Cantina Chicken : Premium slow-roasted chicken in bowls, burritos, tacos, and quesadillas
- Taco Bell Breakfast : Breakfast Crunchwrap, burritos, and hash browns from 7-11 AM
- Taco Bell Drinks : Baja Blast, Dirty Soda, Freezes, and Happier Hour
- Taco Bell Luxe Value Menu : 12 items all priced under $3
- Full Taco Bell Menu : All 17 categories with prices and calories for 2026
Final Thoughts
The Taco Bell bowls menu is small two items but it delivers the best protein density, the highest fiber content, and the most customization flexibility of any category on the menu. The Cantina Chicken Bowl at $8.79 with 24 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber is the best choice for anyone prioritizing protein and willing to pay for premium slow-roasted chicken. The Veggie Bowl at $8.69 with 12 grams of fiber and 12 grams of plant-based protein is the best choice for vegetarians and anyone monitoring sodium.
What makes the bowls category work is the customization infrastructure. Remove the rice and beans, and you have a functional keto meal with 20-plus grams of protein and minimal carbohydrates. Add extra chicken, and you push the protein total toward 40 grams. Order Fresco Style, and you strip out dairy while adding more pico de gallo. No other Taco Bell category responds this well to modification.
The Power Menu Bowl is gone, but the Cantina Chicken Bowl is a worthy replacement. The chicken is more tender. The vegetables are fresher. The nutritional profile is nearly identical. If you were a Power Bowl regular, the transition is seamless. If you are new to Taco Bell bowls, the Cantina Chicken Bowl is the place to start.
Order through the Taco Bell mobile app to customize every component and earn points through the Taco Bell Rewards program. If paying with a gift card, our Taco Bell gift cards guide covers everything from balance checks to split payments. For questions, reach out through our Contact Us page.
