Yes, the Taco Bell Bean Burrito is Vegetarian
For anyone following a vegetarian diet, navigating fast-food menus can be challenging. Taco Bell has made this significantly easier by certifying its dedicated vegetarian menu with the American Vegetarian Association (AVA), and the classic bean burrito is a standout option. The standard bean burrito consists of refried beans, red sauce, diced onions, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. The critical components—the refried beans and red sauce—contain no animal-based products, making them safe for vegetarians.
The Ingredients Behind the Vegetarian Certification
At the heart of the bean burrito's vegetarian status are its core ingredients. Taco Bell's refried beans are made from pinto beans, seasoned with spices, and cooked with soybean oil, explicitly excluding the traditional use of lard, which is often found in other restaurants' refried beans. The red sauce is also certified vegan, composed of water, tomato powder, and various spices. The only non-vegan component in the standard build is the shredded cheddar cheese, which is a dairy product.
- Certified Refried Beans: Taco Bell uses a proprietary refried bean mixture that is confirmed to be animal-product free.
- Vegan Red Sauce: The signature mild red sauce is vegan, adding flavor without compromising vegetarian principles.
- Onions and Tortilla: Standard diced onions and the flour tortilla used are also vegetarian and vegan friendly.
- Cheese: The shredded cheddar cheese makes the burrito lacto-ovo vegetarian, but it can be removed for vegan diets.
How to Customize for a Vegan Diet
For those who follow a strict vegan diet, a few simple customizations transform the bean burrito into a perfect plant-based meal. The key modification is to remove the cheese, a change that can be easily made when ordering. For an extra-flavorful kick, ordering it “Fresco Style” is a popular hack, which replaces any dairy-based items like cheese and sour cream with fresh diced tomatoes. PETA, a major animal rights organization, frequently recommends this method for ordering vegan at Taco Bell. Additional customizations can be made to bulk up your vegan burrito even further.
- Remove Cheese: The most direct way to veganize your bean burrito is to simply ask for no cheese.
- Order "Fresco Style": This automatically replaces cheese and creamy sauces with fresh diced tomatoes.
- Add Potatoes: Many vegans add the certified vegan potatoes for extra texture and a more substantial burrito.
- Add Guacamole: Taco Bell’s guacamole is also certified vegan and adds healthy fats and flavor.
Understanding Cross-Contamination
While Taco Bell ensures its ingredients are vegetarian, they do acknowledge a potential for cross-contact in the preparation area. This is an important consideration for strict vegetarians or those with allergies. The American Vegetarian Association's certification for the menu is based on the ingredients themselves, not the final preparation, and Taco Bell does state that the same frying oil may be used to cook menu items with and without meat. However, in general practice, the beans and other non-meat items are prepared separately from the animal protein.
Bean Burrito vs. Other Vegetarian Options
For comparison, here is a look at the Bean Burrito versus other popular vegetarian-friendly choices on the Taco Bell menu. Many of these items can also be modified to be vegan, with the removal of dairy products.
| Feature | Bean Burrito | Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito | Spicy Potato Soft Taco |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Ingredients | Refried Beans, Red Sauce, Cheese, Onions | Refried Beans, Seasoned Rice, Nacho Cheese Sauce, Creamy Jalapeño Sauce | Potatoes, Lettuce, Cheese, Chipotle Sauce |
| Vegetarian Status | Certified Vegetarian (Lacto-ovo) | Certified Vegetarian (Lacto-ovo) | Certified Vegetarian (Lacto-ovo) |
| Vegan Conversion | Remove cheese or order 'Fresco Style' | Remove nacho cheese and creamy jalapeño sauce | Remove cheese and chipotle sauce |
| Flavor Profile | Classic, savory bean with mild red sauce | Cheesy, savory, and creamy with rice | Spicier, crispy potato with creamy chipotle |
| Texture | Soft, smooth beans and tortilla | Combination of soft beans, seasoned rice, and tortilla | Soft tortilla with crispy, seasoned potatoes |
Conclusion
In short, is the bean burrito at Taco Bell vegetarian? Yes, it is a completely safe and certified vegetarian choice, containing no meat or animal products besides dairy. For those who follow a vegan diet, the simple customization of removing the cheese or ordering it "Fresco Style" makes this a delicious and convenient plant-based fast-food meal. Taco Bell's commitment to offering certified vegetarian options, along with the flexibility of its menu, makes it a reliable destination for many vegetarian diners.
Related Reading: For more information on vegan fast-food options, you can explore resources like VegNews.
