Is Taco Bell vegan-friendly?
If you’re a vegan, there’s a good chance that Taco Bell isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you’re looking for a tasty meal. But believe it or not, Taco Bell actually has a pretty decent vegan menu!
In this post, you will find some tips on how to have a great vegan experience at Taco Bell. So whether you’re visiting Taco Bell for the first time or are just looking for some new ideas, read on for the best way to enjoy vegan food at this Mexican-inspired fast food!
Disclaimer: As with any restaurant that is not primarly vegan, it is possible most Taco Bell establishments do not offer a designated cooking space for only vegan options. Cross-contamination can occur as fryers and grills may be shared with animal products. Please ask an employee if this is an issue for you and adjust accordingly if necessary.
So, What does Taco Bell have for vegans?
Let’s face it, sometimes it’s a challenge to maintain a vegan diet on the road. With that being said, below you will find a table with Taco Bell menu items. At a glance, the table will help you make your order quickly while you’re waiting in line or at the drive-thru.
These items are flexible enough to be vegan friendly, you just need to adjust a few things. Use these suggestions to get started:
| Menu Item | Description | Substitute | Remove |
| Chalupa Supreme | A taco with all the works and a fried tortilla exterior. | meat with black beans | cheese, sour cream |
| 7-Layer Burrito | The most filling burrito you can ask for. For added texture, order it grilled. | – | cheese, sour cream |
| Crunchwrap Supreme | A six-sided, layered tortilla with a crispy middle. Taco Bell’s signature dish. | meat with black beans | cheese, creamy jalapeno style sauce |
| Soft Taco | Basic flour tortilla with black beans and lettuce. One is a snack, two is a meal. | meat with black beans | cheese, cream cheese |
| Nachos Bell Grande | Taco Bell’s version of loaded nachos. It’s the largest portion of nachos on the menu. | meat with black beans, and/or tomatoes | cheese, cream cheese, ground beef |
| Power Menu Veggie Bowl | A plate filled with rice, beans, guac, lettuce, and tomatoes. | meat with seasoned rice | cheese, cream cheese, dressing |
| Seasoned Rice with black beans | Individual side dishes. Mix them up and you’ll have a fiber-rich meal. | – | – |
| Churros | Tradicional Mexican dessert, taco bell style | – | – |
| Cinnamon Twist | Crispy, sugary snacks with punching cinnamon taste. | – | – |
Basically, you’ll be replacing the grilled chicken and the ground beef with black beans. Likewise, you’ll need to remove the cheese and sour cream.
Some ingredients can be sneaky. For example, the creamy jalapeno-style sauce might appear vegan-friendly but it contains milk. Therefore, it is not vegan.
The Basic Building Blocks
If you’re curious about the individual components, then take a look at the next section. The menu items will include some or all of the ingredients. However, this is not a complete list of ingredients.
For a complete list of ingredients, calories and other nutritional information click here.
Flour Tortilla
Flour tortillas are like edible blankets that tuck your food; waiting for your arrival. They’ll give you a filled sensation after eating a couple because they are high on carbs.
Ingredients: Fortified Wheat Flour, Water, Vegetable Oils, Raising Agents, Sugar, Emulsifier, Salt, Flour Treatment Agent. Contains wheat gluten.
Black Beans
Taco Bell black beans are your best friends in the majority of the options. Taco Bell usually serves them whole or refried depending on the menu item.
Ingredients: Black Beans (70%), Water, Sunflower Oil, Salt, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Chilli Powder, Oregano, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder.
Guacamole
Yes, Taco Bell’s guacamole is vegan! This is a true victory for the plant-based community! Made of Hass avocadoes; guacamole adds a tangy and creamy flavor that will spark up any meal.
Ingredients: Hass avocado (70%), Water, Red Bell Pepper, Sugar, Salt, Dried Onion, Dried Garlic, Antioxidant, Thickener, Stabiliser, Jalapeno Chili Powder, Acidity Regulator, Diced Tomatoes.
Jalapenos
Can you imagine a world without spicy foods? Some can’t tolerate it, others can eat without it. Jalapenos are one of the mildest of the peppers but, they still add some kick in every bite.
Ingredients: Jalapeno, Vinegar, Water, Salt, calcium chloride, potassium sorbate.
Seasoned Fries
When everything else fails, french fries always come to the rescue. It goes without saying, potato fries are not a complete meal by any means. Also, they’re mostly carbs. Nevertheless, it’s better than nothing; especially when you’re starving.
Ingredients: Potatoes, Sunflower Oil, Dextrose, diphosphate, vegetable Oils, Anti-Foaming Agent, Salt, Tomato powder, Paprika, Chilli, Cumin, Black pepper, Onion powder, Flavouring, Maize Starch, Garlic powder, Red bell pepper powder, Green bell pepper powder, Paprika extract, citric acid, Flavour enhancer Contains: Barley, Wheat, Sulphites.
Seasoned Rice
Rice is the base for so many dishes. In short, it’s a filling carbohydrate and it acts as a great filler for burritos and quesadillas.
Ingredients: Long Grain Rice, Salt, Tomato powder, Paprika, Chilli, Cumin, Black pepper, Onion powder, Flavouring, Maize Starch, Garlic powder, Red bell pepper powder, Green bell pepper powder, Paprika extract,Citric acid, Flavour enhancer, Vegetable Oils, Anti-Foaming Agent, water. Contains: Barley, Wheat, Sulphites.
Nacho Chips
Who needs a spoon when you have chips? Transport beans, pico de gallo, or guacamole and end it with a crunch.
Ingredients: Corn Flour (67%), Water, Salt, Acidity Regulator, Stabilizers, Vegetable Oils, Anti-Foaming Agent, Salt, Tomato powder, Spices, Onion powder, Flavouring, Maize Starch, Garlic powder, Red bell pepper powder, Green bell pepper powder, Paprika extract, Citric acid, Flavour enhancer. Contains: Barley, Wheat, Sulphites.
Mild Sauce
The packet isn’t joking. This sauce is definitely mild. That is to say, if you are sensitive to spicy foods but still want some added flavor, then this sauce is for you.
Ingredients: Water, Maltodextrin, Dextrose, Soluble corn fiber, Tomato puree, Acetic acid, Salt, Chilli, Cumin, Jalapeno pepper, Caramelised sugar syrup, Yeast extract, Garlic powder, Sorbic acid, Xanthan gum, Onion powder
Fire Sauce
The fiery counterpart to the mild sauce. Spice seekers grab a handful of them without any shame.
Ingredients: Water, Jalapeno Peppers, Vinegar, Tomato Paste, Tamarind, Spices, Salt, Dehydrated Onion, Stabiliser Xanthan Gum, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Emulsifier, Sugar, Color Caramel, Preservatives Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Benzoate, Capsicum and Paprika Extract.
Iceberg Lettuce & Tomatoes
Just plain old Iceberg Lettuce and tomatoes. This is what most people think vegans eat. Ridiculous!
Ingredients:Iceberg Lettuce and diced tomatoes.
Churros
Tradicional Mexican dessert, taco bell style. Surprisingly, they have no animal-based ingredients. Therefore, if you have a sweet tooth, you can order churros guilt-free.
Ingredients: Sugar, Cinnamon,Sunflower Seed Oil, Silicon Dioxid, Water, Wheat Flour and Salt, Vegetable Oils, Anti-Foaming Agent. Contains: Wheat gluten
Cinnamon Twist
Crispy, sugary snacks with punching cinnamon taste. If churros and cinnamon toast cereal had a baby, it would be this. The light and crunchy texture will have you ordering multiple bags.
Ingredients: Sugar, Cinnamon, Sunflower Seed Oil, Silicon Dioxide, Vegetable Oils , Anti-Foaming Agent, Wheat Flour, Degerminated Yellow Corn Meal, Rice Flour, Salt. Contains: Wheat gluten
To reiterate, for a complete list of ingredients, calories and other nutritional information click here.