Is there dairy in Taco Bell rice?

According to Taco Bell's official website, their seasoned rice is certified vegan by the American Vegetarian Association. This means that contrary to some past rumors and reports, there is no dairy in Taco Bell rice, making it a safe option for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet.

Quick Summary

Taco Bell's seasoned rice is dairy-free and suitable for vegans, confirmed by the company's official allergy statements and certifications. The ingredient list does not contain any milk-based products, though a temporary change in 2017 caused confusion. Cross-contamination remains a possibility in a fast-paced kitchen.

Key Points

• Dairy-Free Status: Taco Bell's seasoned rice is currently dairy-free and certified vegan by the American Vegetarian Association.

• Recent Confusion: The confusion stemmed from a temporary recipe change in 2017 that introduced powdered butter, but this was quickly reversed.

• Ordering Dairy-Free: For menu items with cheese or sour cream, use the "Fresco Style" modification to replace dairy products with pico de gallo.

• Vegan Ingredients: Many ingredients are inherently vegan, including black beans, refried beans, potatoes, guacamole, and hot sauces.

• Cross-Contamination: Customers with severe dairy allergies should be aware that cross-contamination is a possibility in a busy fast-food kitchen.

• App Customization: The Taco Bell mobile app and website provide a straightforward way to customize orders and ensure they are dairy-free.

Is Taco Bell Rice Dairy-Free?

For anyone with a dairy allergy, lactose intolerance, or who follows a vegan diet, navigating the fast-food landscape can be challenging. Taco Bell, in particular, has a history that has led to some confusion regarding its ingredients, specifically the seasoned rice. The short answer is that as of the most recent allergen information, the seasoned rice is dairy-free and vegan-friendly. However, understanding the history and nuance is key for those with sensitivities.

The 2017 Dairy Rice Incident

Around March 2017, Taco Bell temporarily replaced its Latin rice recipe with a new, seasoned variety that contained powdered butter. This change caused significant alarm and frustration within the vegan and dairy-free communities, who had previously relied on the rice as a safe ingredient. Social media and vegan forums filled with posts warning others of the change, and for a few months, the rice was no longer a dairy-free option. However, the company responded to customer feedback and quickly announced plans to reintroduce a certified vegan rice recipe. The certified vegan seasoned rice officially returned in June 2017, and has remained dairy-free since.

Current Vegan and Dairy-Free Ingredients

Besides the seasoned rice, Taco Bell offers several other vegan and dairy-free options certified by the American Vegetarian Association (AVA). These ingredients provide a great foundation for building a delicious and safe meal. For those avoiding dairy, it's crucial to specify “Fresco Style” when ordering, which automatically removes cheese, sour cream, and other dairy-based sauces.

Here is a list of other dairy-free staples at Taco Bell:

• Beans: Both black beans and refried beans are vegan.
• Tortillas: Flour tortillas, crunchy taco shells, and chalupa shells are free of dairy.
• Potatoes: The crispy potato bites are a great dairy-free addition.
• Guacamole: Taco Bell's guacamole is vegan.
• Sauces: Most of the packet sauces, including mild, hot, fire, and diablo, are vegan and dairy-free.

Potential for Cross-Contamination

While the ingredients themselves are dairy-free, Taco Bell emphasizes that its kitchens are fast-paced and cross-contact can occur. This is an important consideration for individuals with severe dairy allergies. The same utensils and surfaces are often used to prepare different menu items, and while staff are trained in food safety, the risk of airborne or surface contamination is never zero. For those with extreme sensitivities, it may be best to stick to home-cooked meals. However, for those with simple dietary preferences or lactose intolerance, the risk is generally minimal.

Customizing Your Dairy-Free Order

Ordering dairy-free at Taco Bell is relatively straightforward with some simple modifications. When using the app, you can easily customize menu items by removing dairy ingredients. If ordering at the counter or drive-thru, clearly state your request. The “Fresco Style” option is the simplest way to remove all dairy automatically.

Here are some popular menu items and how to make them dairy-free:

Item	Standard Dairy-Containing Ingredients	How to Order Dairy-Free
Bean Burrito	Cheese	Ask for no cheese
Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme	Nacho cheese sauce, sour cream	Ask for no nacho cheese or sour cream, or order "Fresco Style"
Veggie Power Menu Bowl	Cheese, avocado ranch sauce, sour cream	Ask for no cheese, avocado ranch sauce, or sour cream
Nachos BellGrande	Nacho cheese sauce, sour cream	Ask for no nacho cheese or sour cream
Spicy Potato Soft Taco	Chipotle sauce, cheese	Ask for no chipotle sauce or cheese, or order "Fresco Style"

Conclusion

The seasoned rice at Taco Bell is currently dairy-free and vegan. Past changes to the recipe caused a temporary issue, but the company reverted to a vegan-certified version. For anyone with a dairy-related dietary need, the rice can be a safe addition to your meal, provided you are comfortable with the restaurant's disclaimer regarding potential cross-contamination. By customizing your order and utilizing the “Fresco Style” option, you can enjoy a variety of delicious, dairy-free meals at Taco Bell with confidence. For official allergen information, always check the Taco Bell website before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Bell's Dairy-Free Options

What ingredients are certified vegan by Taco Bell?

Key certified vegan ingredients include seasoned rice, black beans, refried beans, chalupa shells, and all tortilla products.

What is "Fresco Style" at Taco Bell?

"Fresco Style" is a modification option that removes all dairy-based and mayonnaise-based ingredients, replacing them with freshly prepared pico de gallo.

Can people with severe dairy allergies eat at Taco Bell?

Due to the risk of cross-contamination in a busy kitchen, individuals with severe allergies should exercise caution and may want to avoid Taco Bell.

Does Taco Bell use butter in their food?

While there was a brief period in 2017 when powdered butter was used in the rice, it is no longer an ingredient in the seasoned rice, and most other items are dairy-free by default or can be made so.

Are the seasoned potatoes dairy-free?

Yes, the seasoned potatoes at Taco Bell are dairy-free and vegan.

Are the hot sauces at Taco Bell dairy-free?

All Taco Bell hot sauces, from mild to diablo, are dairy-free and vegan.

Are Taco Bell's Cinnamon Twists dairy-free?

Yes, the Cinnamon Twists are a safe, dairy-free dessert option.

Are Taco Bell's Nacho Fries dairy-free?

Yes, but you must order the Nacho Fries without the nacho cheese sauce to make them dairy-free and vegan.

Does Taco Bell use a dairy-based creamer in their beverages?

Some limited-time offer (LTO) beverages, like certain Freezes and coffees, may contain dairy creamers, so it's best to check the ingredients for new items.

Do the refried beans contain dairy?

No, the refried beans at Taco Bell are certified vegan and do not contain any dairy.

How can I check ingredient information on the go?

For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to use the Allergen Information page on the official Taco Bell website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Taco Bell rice safe for someone with a dairy allergy?

Yes, Taco Bell's seasoned rice is dairy-free and certified vegan. However, for severe allergies, be aware of the possibility of cross-contamination in the kitchen environment.

Did Taco Bell ever put dairy in their rice?

Yes, for a brief period in 2017, Taco Bell used a rice recipe that contained powdered butter, which was a point of contention for vegans and those with dairy intolerances. This was reversed later that same year.

How do I make a Taco Bell burrito dairy-free?

To make a burrito dairy-free, order it "Fresco Style," which replaces cheese, sour cream, and other dairy-based sauces with pico de gallo. You can also request to remove dairy ingredients individually.

What items are dairy-free at Taco Bell?

Many items are dairy-free, including seasoned rice, black and refried beans, potatoes, guacamole, and most packet sauces. Menu items that typically contain dairy can be modified to be dairy-free by ordering "Fresco Style".

Are Taco Bell's refried beans dairy-free?

Yes, Taco Bell's refried beans are certified vegan and do not contain dairy ingredients.

Is the new Vegan Crunchwrap from Taco Bell dairy-free?

Yes, the Vegan Crunchwrap was explicitly developed to be dairy-free and vegan. For new limited-time items, it is always best to check the most current allergen information.

How can I check the allergen information for Taco Bell ingredients?

The official Taco Bell website has a dedicated Allergen Information page where you can find the most current ingredient and allergen details for all menu items.