Most Mexican food, at least as prepared for U.S. consumption, would never qualify as a healthful choice. But groceries and natural-food stores offer a quick, tasty and healthful option: the frozen burrito.
When not stuffed with cheese, sour cream, beef or refried beans made with saturated fats, these Mexican favorites can satisfy South of the Border cravings without excess calories to end up south of the waistline. They also can be a good source of protein for vegetarians.
Here are the varieties our three testers tried. When comparing nutritional information, note that the El Monterey brand was only 4 ounces, two-thirds the size of the others tested.
El Monterey Bean and Cheese Burritos
Cost: $3.79 for a 10-pack of 4-ounce burritos
The claim: Zero grams trans fat.
Nutrition: 220 calories, 6 g fat (1.5 grams saturated), 490 mg sodium (20 percent daily value), 35 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 8 g protein.
The verdict: The simplest burrito tested, with beans and processed cheddar as the filling. All of our tasters found it too bland. No wonder: the first ingredient listed on the label was water; the second was wheat flour.
Grade: C
Cedarlane Roasted Vegetable and Cheese Burrito
Cost: $2.49 for 6 ounces
The claim: No trans fats; made with organic tortilla, basmati rice and beans. Cheddar cheese is rennetless (not made with a substance obtained from butchered calves), which makes it suitable for vegetarians.
Nutrition: 330 calories, 8 g fat (none saturated), 590 mg sodium (25 percent daily value), 48 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 14 g protein. Also provides 80 percent of daily value of vitamin A and 180 percent of vitamin C.
The verdict: Two of our three tasters found the mix of organic roasted vegetables -- black beans, potato, zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, onion and tomatoes -- to be a bit much, but the Sleuth thought the mélange worked and enjoyed the blend of flavors and spices. All those veggies add vitamins A and C.
Grade: B.
Note: Available at natural-food stores only.
Amy's Cheddar Cheese Burrito (with beans and rice)
Cost: $2.19-$2.49 for 6 ounces
The claim: Made with organic beans and rice; no GMOs (genetically modified organisms); rennetless cheese; no trans fats.
Nutrition: 300 calories, 9 g fat (2.5 g saturated), 580 mg sodium (24 percent daily value), 43 g carbs, 6 g fiber (24 precent of recommended daily value), 11 g protein.
The verdict: Amy's can usually be counted on to provide natural foods that non-vegetarians enjoy because they're yummy -- and she didn't disappoint here. A good-quality tortilla plus a flavorful but not-too-spicy filling pleased everyone.
Grade: A
The bottom line: Frozen burritos can be a tasty and healthful choice for a microwaveable meal. The high sodium content is the one nutritional downside.
Have a product you want tested? Email glehman@MiamiHerald.com
