So what are early reviewers saying about Taco Bell's "Firstmeal" launch? In the following slideshow, three different types of avowed Los Angeles-based fast-food connoisseurs tested every item on the menu and gave their honest opinions.
Judge number one is what some would call a "fast-foodie," a connoisseur of all things drive-thru, the kind of person who would name their first child Mickey, and their second child Dee. Judge number two is the "breakfast-on-the-run" type, that friend of yours who's always apologizing for stray McMuffin wrappers when you get in their car. And judge number three is the "health nut," the health-conscious provider and parent who recognizes the time-saving benefits of fast food, but also knows the risks.
Nutritional facts are included with each item, but reviews were primarily limited to taste.
Johnsonville Sausage and Egg Wrap ($1.79)
Nutritional Info: 360 calories, 220 calories from fat, 24 grams total fat, 780 grams of sodium
Fast-Foodie: "Nice crisp to it. It's almost got a panini type of feel to it. It seems like that's the way with Taco Bell… everything's very airy. The McDonald's Sausage McMuffin comes to mind."
Breakfast-on-the-Run: "First thing, right off the bat, it's half the size of their Crunch Wrap Supreme, which is like a Frisbee. Easy to carry. An easy in-your-car eat. Because it's got a pocket, unlike a burrito which can squish out while you're driving."
Health-Nut: "It's very thin. You have a very thin layer of egg, not much cheese, and then you have a sausage patty. It's not as hearty as other fast-food sandwiches."
Grande Skillet Burrito ($2.79)
Nutritional Info: 720 calories, 350 calories from fat, 39 grams total fat, 1510 grams of sodium
Fast-Foodie: "It's very potato-heavy, which any breakfast burrito done right should always be. And they aren't your usual hash browns. They're flavorful, like American-style breakfast potatoes."
Breakfast-on-the-Run: "It's 90 percent potato. You can't taste the meat at all. But I think if I had the choice, I would order just one of these, as opposed to three of the smaller burritos."
Health Nut: "The tomatoes and onions are a great surprise. It seems healthier than the Carl's Jr. breakfast burrito. I wish they could turn it into a bowl."
Bacon and Egg Burrito ($0.99)
Nutritional Info: 280 calories, 140 calories from fat, 15 grams total fat, 680 grams of sodium
Fast-Foodie: "It's almost ham-y. The first thing I smelled was ham. And it definitely does not taste like bacon. There's no crisp on it whatsoever."
Breakfast-on-the-Run: "It's dinky, but for $0.99, that's what you're expecting. If I wanted only this for breakfast, I'd probably order two."
Cinnabon Delights ($1.49)
Nutritional Info: 220 calories, 110 calories from fat, 12 grams total fat, 110 grams of sodium
Fast-Foodie: "My initial reaction is I think this will be a big hit. Cinnabon is a recognizable company. You know the smell when you walk into a mall. I think that was a good partnership."
Breakfast-on-the-Run: "I guess this is like the churro of breakfast. It's like a doughnut hole with cream filling. Kids will love them."
Health Nut: "My kids would go crazy over the Cinnabon Delights, but I'm not sure how thrilled I'd be for them to have this for breakfast."
Seattle's Best Coffee ($0.99)
Nutritional Info: 10 calories, 0 calories from fat, 0 grams total fat, 20 grams of sodium
Fast-Foodie: "It's good. Seattle's Best is solid. But it's not up to the level of McDonald's, who's done real well with their coffee."
Breakfast-on-the-Run: "I'm not so much a coffee snob, but it's not very thick." (Note: The reviewer did take the coffee with them to-go).
Health Nut: "It just tastes like coffee-flavored water."
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