Are the cinnamon twists vegan? A definitive guide

December 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to official information from Taco Bell and vegan advocacy groups like PETA, the popular cinnamon twists are indeed considered vegan. This puffy, sweet treat is a safe and delicious option for those following a plant-based diet, though a few key details are important for strict vegans to know.

Quick Summary

This article confirms that Taco Bell cinnamon twists are vegan based on ingredients. It explains the potential for cross-contamination, differentiates them from non-vegan items, and highlights other plant-based choices at the restaurant.

Key Points

Vegan Confirmed: Taco Bell cinnamon twists are made without any animal products, making them an 'accidentally vegan' dessert.
Shared Fryer: The primary concern for strict vegans is the use of shared frying oil with meat-containing products, a risk of cross-contamination.
Twists vs. Delights: Do not confuse the vegan cinnamon twists with the non-vegan Cinnabon Delights, which contain dairy and eggs.
Simple Ingredients: The twists are made from puffed wheat flour, cinnamon, and sugar, a straightforward and plant-based recipe.
Other Vegan Options: Taco Bell offers many other vegan possibilities, especially when ordering items 'Fresco style' or opting for items like black beans and rice.

The Simple Ingredients Behind the Cinnamon Twists

For those wondering if the cinnamon twists are vegan, the answer lies in their simple and surprisingly animal-free ingredients. Unlike many desserts that rely on butter, milk, or eggs, these twists are made from puffed wheat flour, sugar, and cinnamon. The process involves taking a type of spiral pasta (duros) and flash-frying it to achieve that characteristic airy, crispy texture before it is tossed in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This makes the finished product accidentally vegan, meaning the recipe contains no animal products by nature, rather than being a specific vegan formulation.

Why Ingredients Matter for Vegans

No Dairy: The recipe contains no milk, making it suitable for those with dairy allergies or who avoid milk for ethical reasons.
No Eggs: Eggs are a common binding agent in pastries, but they are not used in the preparation of these twists.
Simple Components: The core components are plant-based, which aligns with a vegan diet.

The Crucial Cross-Contamination Consideration

While the ingredients are vegan, there is a significant factor for strict vegans to consider: the potential for cross-contamination. Taco Bell has officially stated that common frying oil is used to prepare items that could contain meat. For individuals who are highly sensitive to cross-contact or adhere to a strict vegan lifestyle, this is an important piece of information. For many others, especially those who follow a plant-based diet for health or environmental reasons and are not concerned with trace amounts, this may not be an issue. Ultimately, the decision on whether to consume them depends on your personal standards and tolerance for cross-contact.

Cinnamon Twists vs. Cinnabon Delights: A Key Distinction

It is vital not to confuse the vegan cinnamon twists with another sweet item on the menu: Cinnabon Delights. These are not vegan.

The Cinnabon Delights contain:**

Dairy
Eggs

If you're craving a sweet treat at Taco Bell, be sure to order the cinnamon twists and not the Cinnabon Delights to ensure your dessert is plant-based.

Beyond the Twists: Other Vegan Taco Bell Options

Taco Bell's menu is surprisingly flexible for those eating plant-based. By ordering items "Fresco style"—which replaces dairy and mayo-based sauces with fresh pico de gallo—you can transform many vegetarian items into vegan ones. Additionally, many items are already vegan or easily modifiable.

Vegan-Friendly Fast-Food Options

Black Beans and Rice: A simple, flavorful side that is vegan by default.
Bean Burrito (Fresco Style): Order without cheese for a filling vegan main dish.
Spicy Potato Soft Taco: Ask for it 'Fresco Style' and hold the chipotle sauce.
Nacho Fries: The fries themselves are vegan, but hold the nacho cheese sauce.
Chips and Guacamole: Both are naturally vegan.

Fast-Food Vegan Dessert Comparison


Item	Vegan Status	Key Ingredients	Common Allergy Concerns	Notes
Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists	Yes (Accidentally Vegan)	Puffed wheat flour, sugar, cinnamon	Cross-contamination risk due to shared fryer	A light, crispy, sweet treat that is free of dairy and eggs.
Taco Bell Cinnabon Delights	No	Milk, eggs	Dairy, eggs	A creamy, non-vegan dessert.
Other Fast-Food Desserts	Varies widely	Depends on the restaurant and item	Dairy, eggs, gluten	Always check ingredients or ask for modifications.

Conclusion: A Satisfying Vegan Treat with a Caveat

The verdict is clear: Taco Bell's cinnamon twists are indeed vegan based on their ingredients. They provide a classic fast-food dessert option for those on a plant-based diet. However, for individuals with strict vegan standards regarding cross-contamination, the shared frying oil is a factor to consider. By understanding the menu and making informed choices, you can confidently enjoy this sweet, crunchy delight and explore the many other customizable vegan options Taco Bell has to offer.

For more detailed nutritional and allergen information, refer to Taco Bell's official website: How To Eat Vegan At Taco Bell.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the cinnamon twists are not gluten-free as they are made from a puffed wheat-based flour pasta before frying.

No, Cinnabon Delights are not vegan. They contain dairy and eggs, so vegans should avoid them and opt for the cinnamon twists instead.

Yes, the cinnamon and sugar coating is vegan. It is a simple mixture of cinnamon and sugar with no animal-derived ingredients.

Taco Bell is considered a relatively good option for vegans due to its customizable menu. Many items can be made vegan by ordering them 'Fresco style' and substituting meat with beans or potatoes.

No, the cinnamon twists are typically the only vegan-friendly dessert option at Taco Bell. Other sweet items, like the Cinnabon Delights, are not suitable for vegans.

Yes, the cinnamon twists are dairy-free as none of their ingredients are derived from milk.

The main concern for strict vegans is the risk of cross-contamination. Taco Bell uses the same frying oil to prepare the twists as it does for items containing meat.