Grabbing a frozen burrito is one of the easiest ways to get a quick and tasty meal on your plate. Some of the most popular frozen burritos feature fillings of chicken, beef, beans, and/or rice and are often made even tastier by the addition of melty cheese or piquant sauces or spices.
Like most frozen food though, it’s tough to tell what you’re in for until you unwrap and apply heat! This is where we come in. We gathered and taste tested our way through 15 different burritos, looking for the best chicken filled, gluten free, breakfast, and beyond. Stick with us, we’re sharing all you need to know about our favorite frozen burrito picks in eight different categories!
Table of Contents
Products We Tested
We taste tested the following 15 burrito brands and varieties:
- 365 Whole Foods Market Bean & Cheese Burrito
- Alpha Burrito 'Plant Based Pizza'
- Amy's Gluten Free Cheddar Cheese Burrito
- Artisan Bistro 3-Bean & Cheddar Cheese Burrito
- ‘Cool Beans’ Spicy Chipotle Plant Based Wrap
- El Monterey Signature Chicken, Cheese, & Rice Chimichanga
- ‘Good Food Made Simple’ Turkey Sausage Breakfast Burrito
- Jose Ole Beef & Cheese Chimichanga
- Red's Chicken Chorizo Breakfast Burrito
- Red's Steak & Cheddar Burrito
- Sweet Earth Salsa Verde Chik'n Burrito
- Tina's Beef & Bean Burrito
- Trader Joe's Bean, Rice, & Cheese Burrito
- Trader Joe's Chicken Chile Verde Burrito
- Vista Hermosa ‘Burrito Bueno’ Super Spicy Chicken
How We Tested
Our aim for this taste test and review was to select a Best Frozen Burrito in each of the following categories:
- Best Beef
- Best Chicken
- Best Bean & Cheese
- Best Breakfast
- Best Organic
- Best Gluten Free
- Best Premium
- Best Budget
We chose to cook our frozen burritos using the microwave method given on each package, with the reasoning that this convenience food is one most often reached for when time is short.
We then tasted each burrito variety--saving the spiciest options for last--evaluating their textures, flavors, apparent quality, and how well they held up during cooking.
After our taste test was complete, we graded each option according to the following 4 criteria:
- Taste & Texture: looking at flavor notes and overall consistency of each product.
- Value: the price per burrito as well as the price per ounce.
- Ingredients: considering the quantity and quality of ingredients in each product as well as nutrition content.
- Production: taking into account factors of manufacture, distribution, availability, sustainability, and packaging.
Best Beef
Red's Steak & Cheddar Burrito
Overall Rank: 4.4 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 4.3 / 5.0
Our tasting panel enjoyed the overall experience of the burrito filling here, as it is filled with whole pinto beans, corn kernels, and features a taco-spice like taste.
The unmistakable flavor of grilled meat does also come through, as does that rich cheddar cheese taste. The tortilla on our burrito did get pretty soggy during cooking however.
Value: 4.3 / 5.0
This steak burrito cost us $3.00, which is a bit above average.
Ingredients: 4.5 / 5.0
We appreciate that this is a whole food based, all natural steak burrito. The first ingredient is beef, followed by beans, rice, cheeses, veggies, and seasonings. Even though the first ingredient is real meat, we admit we found ourselves searching for it in some bites.
Each burrito provides 15g of protein per serving and it is made using antibiotic free beef.
Production: 4.6 / 5.0
This option is ready after just 2 minutes of cooking time in the microwave, but is sadly a bit small at just 5-ounces. However, we always feel good supporting a family owned and operated company like Red’s, the brainchild of a real life couple who named the enterprise after Red, their beloved dog!
Why We Picked It:
We enjoyed the overall flavor of taco spiced grilled steak and the textural elements like corn and pinto beans. It offers a decent value for the price and is made using quality, whole ingredients like antibiotic free beef and cheeses. This is among the higher protein options we tested and comes from a small, independent company.
What We Didn’t Like:
We wish there had been more actual steak pieces in the burrito and the tortilla was one of the soggiest and least structurally sound. Also, this burrito is just 5-ounces, which is on the smaller size, so you may need to round out your meal with a side or two.
Where to Buy: Walmart, Thrive Market, Target, ACME, Stop & Shop & more
Best Chicken
Trader Joe's Chicken Chile Verde Burrito
Overall Rank: 4.8 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 5.0 / 5.0
The inclusion of both dark and light meat chicken produces an extra flavorful result here, and the texture rings true as real, fresh chicken.
There is plenty of the tangy yet spicy verde sauce and this burrito is all wrapped up in one of the best tasting and sturdiest tortillas that our tasting panel encountered!
Value: 5.0 / 5.0
As we’ve grown to expect from Trader Joe’s products, this option is one of the most economical of all we tested. Each burrito costs just $4.00, which works out to $0.30 per ounce.
Ingredients: 4.8 / 5.0
All of that tasty chicken meat really delivers here, providing 22 grams in each burrito. As for the other ingredients: a balance of tangy tomatillos, hot jalapeños, and bright cilantro produce an interesting flavor profile.
Each burrito provides 20% DV iron as well as 10% DV vitamin C (thanks tomatillos!), but on the downside, this option is super sodium laden. Each burrito has a whopping 1110mg sodium--nearly half your %DV!
Production: 4.5 / 5.0
These burritos come in a 2-pack, and while this may help keep the costs down, we do wish the burritos were individually wrapped for easier storage if you plan on eating just one at a time.
The 7-ounce size of these burritos is nice and hefty and we can see these being supremely satisfying as a full meal.
Why We Picked It:
The generous filling of chicken and green chile verde sauce is all wrapped up in an excellent flour tortilla that holds it all together without budging. This option is one of the most affordable frozen burritos we tested and also provides great nutritive benefits.
What We Didn’t Like:
The cooking instructions were a bit more involved than most other options--be prepared to puncture steam holes, dampen the burrito, and wrap it before cooking. Also, these burritos are very high in sodium.
Where to Buy: Trader Joe’s
Best Bean & Cheese
365 Whole Foods Market Bean & Cheese Burrito
Overall Rank: 4.6 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 4.4 / 5.0
This classic bean and cheese burrito from Whole Foods’ store brand is plump with filling! We love the mixture of whole beans and bean puree here as well as the hint of smoky cumin and just a touch of spice from serrano peppers.
Unfortunately, we found the tortilla to become mushy after cooking and it is a bit thick and tough on the ends.
Value: 4.8 / 5.0
Costing just a bit more than the TJ’s Chicken Chile Verde Burrito, this is another supremely affordable option at just $2.20 per burrito.
Ingredients: 4.6 / 5.0
The ingredients list on this one is a bit long but fairly clean. We appreciate their choice to use natural thickeners like carrot fiber and potato starch as opposed to more highly processed options and that the list features many non-GMO ingredients.
This option has the lowest total fat, at just 9 grams per serving and contains 0 sugars.
Production: 4.5 / 5.0
Free from any meat ingredients, this is a vegetarian option--and a hearty one at that! It is 6-ounces, which is a decent size as compared to the average of 5.5-ounces we found during our testing.
Why We Picked It:
This option is chock full of bean and cheese filling, plus has plenty of flavorful interest thanks to spices and seasonings. It is one of the most economical options we tested, and features more natural, less processed ingredients.
What We Didn’t Like:
The burrito leaked during its instructed microwave cooking cycle and the tortilla ended up fairly mushy in the middle while the ends were a bit thick and tough.
Where to Buy: Whole Foods, Amazon
Best Breakfast
‘Good Food Made Simple’ Turkey Sausage Breakfast Burrito
Overall Rank: 4.6 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 4.0 / 5.0
Our tasting panel appreciated the party of tastes and textures provided by the wide range of ingredients here--from cheddar & Monterey jack cheeses to roasted diced potatoes and multi-colored bell peppers. Overall though, the flavor is a bit bland and we think this option could benefit from a bit more seasoning.
Value: 4.5 / 5.0
The price point is decent here! Each burrito costs just shy of $3.00 and works out to $0.58 per ounce--just slightly above average.
Ingredients: 5.0 / 5.0
This option takes the cake for high quality ingredients. In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, each burrito contains just a few other carefully chosen components such as cage free eggs and antibiotic/hormone free turkey sausage.
We also like that the tortilla is made with whole wheat flour--a healthier option that gives the burrito a hearty vibe.
Production: 4.8 / 5.0
In addition to the humane & healthful raised poultry, this burrito is made with many organic components. It’s hot n’ ready from the microwave in about 3 minutes and while smaller than many of the other burritos we tested, is a great breakfast size.
Also, the wrapping on this frozen burrito was especially nice, resulting in a clean cut and mess-free eating--perfect for a meal on the go!
Why We Picked It:
We love the variety of ingredients in this breakfast burrito as well as the high quality of them. The whole wheat tortilla is a nice diversion from the white flour based options like Red's Chicken Chorizo Breakfast Burrito and we appreciate that this burrito is especially neat and tidy.
What We Didn’t Like:
While plenty healthy and hearty, this one is just not as tasty as some of the other burritos we tested. Also, it’s worth noting that the whole eggs in this burrito give it a high cholesterol content of 80mg per serving--almost 30% your DV.
Where to Buy: Target, Walmart, FreshDirect, Stop & Shop, and some independent markets
Best Organic
Artisan Bistro 3-Bean & Cheddar Cheese Burrito
Overall Rank: 4.7 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 4.8 / 5.0
Our tasting panel loved the spicy, smoky flavor of this frozen burrito and how it so nicely complements the bean trio found inside! There is also plenty of real, actual cheddar cheese in this one--as opposed to the “cheesy sauce” that we encountered in other brands.
Value: 4.5 / 5.0
This option offers solid value, with each 6-ounce burrito coasting $3.50.
Ingredients: 4.8 / 5.0
As our top organic pick, we of course value the inclusion of all organic ingredients here. Also, this is a fairly high protein pick, with 15 grams of it per serving. Unfortunately it is also pretty high in saturated fats with 30% your DV in each burrito.
Production: 4.7 / 5.0
This burrito is produced without the use of GMOs and is free from artificial colors and flavors. At 6-ounces, its size makes for a hearty and filling meal!
Unfortunately this one didn’t take as well to the microwave cooking as other burritos, and in addition to looking a bit “deflated and sad” once heated, the filling leaked out all over the plate.
Why We Picked It:
The flavor of this Artisan Bistro 3-Bean & Cheddar Cheese Burrito was a top favorite among our tasting panel. It is also verifiably LOADED with cheddar cheese. Each burrito provides 15 grams of plant based protein per serving and is made from organic ingredients.
What We Didn’t Like:
This option has the highest saturated fat content of all we tested and to be honest, didn’t cook all that well in the microwave. It emerged a leaky, semi-mushy mess. Its taste more than made up for its appearance though!
Where to Buy: Kroger, Safeway, Stop & Shop, ACME, Giant, and more.
Best Gluten Free
Amy's Gluten Free Cheddar Cheese Burrito
Overall Rank: 4.7 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 4.5 / 5.0
In yet another top flavor favorite, this cheese and rice burrito from Amy’s was so tasty, we found ourselves going back for seconds (and thirds, but who’s counting)!
The beans and generous helping of rice swim in a sauce of tomato, cheese, and spices and the flavor and texture of the tortilla both scored highly as well.
Value: 4.3 / 5.0
This frozen burrito is on the more expensive end of the spectrum, coming in at $3.80 per 5.5-ounce burrito.
Ingredients: 5.0 / 5.0
The ingredients label here was the cleanest we encountered, bearing just a handful of easy to recognize, whole foods. The nutrition content is solid too, featuring the lowest calorie (280) and cholesterol (5mg) of all. Plus, each burrito provides a full 5 grams of dietary fiber!
Production: 4.9 / 5.0
We can always count on Amy’s to turn out high quality products and this frozen burrito of theirs certainly lives up to the hype.
Like the one from Artisan Bistro, this frozen burrito from Amy’s is also certified organic but is also certified gluten free. While plenty delicious, the unique rice flour tortilla isn't as strong and for us resulted in the messiest burrito experience of our whole taste test.
Why We Picked It:
The generous amount of cheesy bean and rice filling in this option won our hearts and filled our bellies! It has a craveable flavor and is more nutritious than most of the other burritos we tested, plus, it was one of few to feature a gluten free tortilla.
What We Didn’t Like:
The rice flour based tortilla did not keep things together during cooking, so if you’re looking for a handheld burrito, this is not going to be it. Also, this one runs a bit more expensive than average.
Where to Buy: Target, Walmart, FreshDirect, ACME, Thrive Market, Publix, Albertsons, and more
Best Premium
Vista Hermosa ‘Burrito Bueno’ Super Spicy Chicken
Overall Rank: 4.8 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 5.0 / 5.0
This option from Vista Hermosa feels like something cooked up in your favorite Mexican restaurant! It is stacked with a filling of shredded chicken, beans, and veggies and doused with all kinds of flavoring agents from fresh cilantro to juicy lime and hot serrano chiles.
Our only complaint on taste: this one may offer too much spice for some folks’ palates--be warned!
Value: 4.2 / 5.0
While this burrito is an entire high quality meal, it’s actually $7.00 for the single burrito--the most expensive we encountered.
Ingredients: 5.0 / 5.0
We love the use of chicken thigh meat here as well as the inclusion of unique veggies like nopal cactus and cauliflower! Plus, all of that chicken means you get 17g of protein per serving.
On the downside, the hefty size of this burrito makes it the highest calorie choice as well as is high in fats and sodium.
Production: 4.8 / 5.0
The size of this 8-ounce burrito--yes, a ½ pound burrito--is one of our favorite selling points as well as the fact that it has such a handcrafted vibe.
This option takes the longest to cook however, requiring 7 minutes for the microwave method, and our tortilla experienced some pretty major cracking and splitting during the cook cycle.
Why We Picked It:
These super-sized, hand rolled burritos are beyond tasty, satisfying, and feel like something you picked up at a taqueria. We love the use of unique ingredients like pickled veggies and multiple chiles as well as the high protein content of this burrito.
What We Didn’t Like:
Even though it is large in size and loaded up with a ton of high quality ingredients, 7 bucks is still a lot to shell out for one frozen burrito. Also, this one takes the longest to cook and we found the tortilla was really not up to the task of keeping all of that filling safely contained.
Where to Buy: Whole Foods, Amazon, FreshDirect
Best Budget
Tina's Beef & Bean Burrito
Overall Rank: 4.3 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 3.8 / 5.0
This option from Tina’s was hit or miss with our tasting panel. While one of these for sure satisfies a semi-junk-food burrito craving, we certainly admit it’s far from the tastiest or best quality we came across.
Value: 4.7 / 5.0
What it lacks in flavor, it makes up for in economy! Each Tina’s frozen burrito is less than a buck, actually 89 cents to be specific.
Ingredients: 4.3 / 5.0
The ingredients panel on this one is less than ideal, with several additives and processed ingredients muddying the list. Despite its small size, this burrito still manages to be one of the highest in fat–providing over 20% your DV and fairly low in protein, with only 8 grams.
It is nice and low in sodium however, just shy of 400mg per serving.
Production: 4.5 / 5.0
At just 4-ounces, this burrito is super petite and we can imagine you might be hungry if you count on this for a meal. We do love the speedy 2 minute and 10 second microwave cook time though, after which the burrito was perfectly hot and steamy.
Why We Picked It:
This frozen burrito satisfies that kind of low-quality Mexican takeout you might have from time to time, and does it economically and quickly! It cooks in just over 2 minutes and holds its shape nicely--no leaks here. There is a surprising amount of meat in it for the price and it is low in sodium.
What We Didn’t Like:
The tiny size of this burrito means you might be looking for something else to fill you up. Also, it is not the tastiest burrito we tried--definitely better with a dollop of sour cream, dash of hot sauce, or a dunk into your favorite store bought salsa!
Where to Buy: Walmart, ShopRite, ACME, Target, Dollar General, Kroger, Sam’s Club, and more
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