Are Taco Bell Rice Vegan? The Complete Guide for Plant-Based Eaters

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Taco Bell's official website, both their seasoned rice and black beans are certified vegan by the American Vegetarian Association. This certification confirms that their signature rice contains no animal products and can be a safe and delicious base for your plant-based meal.

Quick Summary

Yes, Taco Bell's seasoned rice is vegan, and it is a key ingredient in many customizable plant-based menu items. You can use it to build burritos, bowls, and tacos by swapping out meat for beans and ordering dairy products 'Fresco style'.

Key Points

AVA Certified: Taco Bell's seasoned rice and black beans are certified vegan by the American Vegetarian Association, containing no animal products.
Customize Your Order: The key to ordering vegan at Taco Bell is to replace meat with beans or potatoes and order dairy products 'Fresco style'.
'Fresco Style' Magic: Requesting an item 'Fresco style' automatically swaps cheese, sour cream, and creamy sauces with fresh pico de gallo.
Potential for Cross-Contact: Be aware that Taco Bell uses the same cooking oil for various menu items, which may concern strict vegans.
Wide Variety of Options: With certified vegan ingredients like rice, black beans, refried beans, potatoes, and guacamole, countless vegan combinations are possible.
Use the App: Ordering via the Taco Bell app provides full control over customizations and allows you to build your perfect vegan meal with ease.

Confirming the Vegan Status of Taco Bell Rice

For many years, the seasoned rice at Taco Bell has been a staple for those seeking plant-based fast food options. Official information from Taco Bell confirms its vegan status, certified by the American Vegetarian Association (AVA). This means the rice is prepared without any animal-derived ingredients, including dairy or eggs. This certification is a reassuring detail for vegans, as fast-food items can sometimes have hidden animal byproducts in their seasonings or cooking processes. The transparent ingredient list gives plant-based consumers the confidence to customize their meals without hesitation.

Customizing Your Vegan Meal at Taco Bell

Knowing that the seasoned rice is vegan opens up a world of possibilities for customizing your order. The key to ordering a delicious, fulfilling vegan meal at Taco Bell is using the 'Fresco style' option and substituting meat for vegan-friendly options like beans or potatoes. The 'Fresco style' modification replaces cheese, sour cream, and any mayonnaise-based sauces with fresh pico de gallo. Combined with the seasoned rice, this allows for a wide array of options.

Vegan-Friendly Base Ingredients

Seasoned Rice: A flavorful and filling base for burritos, bowls, or as a side.
Black Beans: A reliable and protein-rich meat substitute.
Refried Beans: Also AVA-certified vegan, these add a creamy texture.
Potatoes: Crispy, seasoned potato bites are a hearty addition to any item.
Guacamole: A creamy, delicious topping that is certified vegan.

How to Order Like a Pro

Start with the right base: Choose an item like the Bean Burrito, Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme, or a Power Menu Bowl.
Make it 'Fresco': Modify your order to 'Fresco style' to eliminate all dairy products.
Swap the meat: For items with meat, like a regular taco, swap the beef for black beans, refried beans, or potatoes.
Add vegan-friendly extras: Enhance your meal with seasoned rice, extra beans, guacamole, or jalapeños.
Don't forget the sauce: All of Taco Bell's hot sauces, from Mild to Diablo, are vegan-friendly and can add extra flavor.

A Comparison of Vegan Taco Bell Staples


Feature	Seasoned Rice	Black Beans	Refried Beans	Fiesta Potatoes
Flavor Profile	Savory and mildly spiced, with a signature Taco Bell flavor.	Earthy and robust, with a soft texture.	Smooth and savory, perfect for burritos.	Crispy, seasoned potato bites with a hint of spice.
Texture	Fluffy and tender.	Soft and creamy.	Smooth and mashed consistency.	Crispy exterior, soft interior.
Best For...	Rice bowls, adding bulk to burritos, or as a simple side.	Protein source, burritos, and standalone sides.	Filling for burritos and tacos.	Swapping for meat, adding to tacos, or as a side.
Vegan Status	Certified vegan by AVA.	Certified vegan by AVA.	Certified vegan by AVA.	Potatoes are vegan; order without cheese/sauce.

Potential Cross-Contact and Best Practices

While the ingredients themselves are vegan, it's important to be aware of the possibility of cross-contact in a busy fast-food kitchen. Taco Bell's official FAQ states that they use the same frying oil to prepare menu items that may or may not contain animal ingredients. For strict vegans who are concerned about this, it is recommended to communicate your concerns when ordering. Ordering through the app may provide more control and allow you to double-check your customizations before submitting the order. Despite the potential for cross-contact, many vegans feel comfortable with Taco Bell's options, given the number of certified vegan ingredients and the ease of customization.

Building a Complete Vegan Meal

By combining these vegan staples, you can create a variety of satisfying meals. For instance, a hearty Black Bean and Rice Burrito can be made by ordering the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito 'Fresco style' and without the creamy jalapeño sauce. Adding potatoes can increase its substance, while guacamole can add a delicious, creamy element. Another great option is a customized Power Menu Bowl, ordered without the meat, cheese, sour cream, and avocado ranch sauce. You can fill it with seasoned rice, black beans, potatoes, and extra veggies for a fresh, nutrient-dense meal. The possibilities are extensive once you understand the basic vegan ingredients and ordering techniques. For more information on vegan fast food, check out Veganuary's eating-out guides.(https://veganuary.com/en-us/restaurants/taco-bell-vegan/)

Conclusion

In short, are Taco Bell rice vegan? Yes, both the seasoned rice and the black beans are confirmed vegan by Taco Bell and certified by the American Vegetarian Association. This makes them a reliable base for building a plant-based meal at the fast-food chain. By understanding the vegan status of key ingredients and utilizing the 'Fresco style' ordering option, you can easily customize a wide variety of tacos, burritos, and bowls. While cross-contact is a possibility, the chain's extensive and clearly labeled vegan ingredients make it a popular and accessible choice for many vegans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Taco Bell's seasoned rice is confirmed to be vegan-friendly and is certified by the American Vegetarian Association (AVA).

Yes, both the refried beans and black beans at Taco Bell are certified vegan and do not contain any animal ingredients.

Ordering 'Fresco style' instructs employees to replace all dairy-based ingredients and creamy sauces with fresh pico de gallo, making many items vegan.

Yes, the potatoes themselves are vegan, but you must order the Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes without the nacho cheese and sour cream.

Most of Taco Bell's tortillas (both soft and hard shells) are vegan. The exception is the Doritos Locos shells, which contain dairy.

Yes, all of Taco Bell's hot sauces, from the Mild to the Diablo sauce, are vegan-friendly.

You can order a Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito, for example, and ask for it 'Fresco style' and without the creamy jalapeño sauce. You can also add potatoes or guacamole for extra flavor and substance.