Nutrition Diet: What does "make it vegetarian" mean at Taco Bell?

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Taco Bell was the first quick-service restaurant to receive American Vegetarian Association (AVA) certification for many of its menu items, offering a huge number of customizable options for non-meat eaters. This ability to easily customize has led many to ask: What does "make it vegetarian" mean at Taco Bell? It typically means swapping out the default meat for a plant-based protein like black beans or potatoes.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the process of customizing menu items to be vegetarian at Taco Bell, detailing how to substitute meat with plant-based alternatives like beans or potatoes. It covers the options available, how to avoid cross-contact, and important nutrition considerations for a satisfying meat-free meal.

Key Points

Protein Swap: The "make it vegetarian" feature primarily substitutes meat with either black beans or refried beans.
Potato Alternative: Spicy Potato Bites can also be used as a delicious, free-of-charge substitute for meat in many menu items.
AVA Certified: Many vegetarian items at Taco Bell, including customized ones, are certified by the American Vegetarian Association.
Cross-Contact Risk: Be aware that vegetarian and meat products are handled in common areas, and some items are fried in the same oil, potentially leading to cross-contact.
Vegan Customization: For a vegan meal, order your item "Fresco Style" to remove dairy products like cheese and sour cream.
App-Enabled Customization: The Taco Bell app makes it easy to customize your orders and save your favorite vegetarian modifications for future visits.

Deciphering the 'Make It Vegetarian' Option

For many fast-food customers exploring meat-free options, the ability to customize an order is a game-changer. At Taco Bell, the phrase “make it vegetarian” is a simple, powerful customization feature that replaces the seasoned beef, grilled chicken, or steak in your meal with an American Vegetarian Association (AVA) certified vegetarian protein source. This provides diners with a straightforward path to enjoying their favorite menu items without meat.

The Core Protein Swaps

The fundamental meaning of "make it vegetarian" at Taco Bell is swapping out the animal protein for one of the chain's plant-based alternatives. The two main substitutes are:

Black Beans: A popular, savory, and protein-rich choice that adds a different flavor and texture profile to items like tacos and burritos.
Refried Beans: The classic, creamy bean filling that has been a staple in Taco Bell's vegetarian offerings for years.

Another significant meat alternative is the Spicy Potato Bites. While not always the default swap for the automated "make it vegetarian" option, especially on the app, potatoes are a fantastic, free-of-charge substitute for meat in many items and can often be added separately. This adds flexibility for those who prefer a non-bean-based filling.

Customization Beyond the Basics

Beyond simply swapping the protein, becoming fluent in Taco Bell's customization language can help you create a completely satisfying vegetarian meal. The website and app are powerful tools for this, allowing you to fine-tune your order and even save it for future use.

Key customization tips include:

"Fresco Style": This option removes dairy and mayo-based sauces, replacing them with freshly prepared pico de gallo. This is the go-to for making a vegetarian item vegan by eliminating cheese and sour cream. Items like the Bean Burrito can be made vegan by ordering them "Fresco Style".
Adding Ingredients: Taco Bell offers a wide array of vegetarian toppings that can be added to any item for a small extra charge. This includes extra beans, potatoes, onions, and various sauces.
Certified Menu: Don't overlook the dedicated vegetarian menu section, which features items like the Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme and the Spicy Potato Soft Taco, all of which are certified by the AVA.

The Fine Print: Cross-Contact and Nutrition

While Taco Bell is highly accommodating to vegetarian diets, it's crucial to understand the company's disclaimer regarding cross-contact. The AVA certification for vegetarian items is based on the ingredients themselves, not the preparation process. The company explicitly states that vegetarian and meat ingredients are handled in common areas, and the same frying oil may be used for items with and without meat. This may be a concern for strict vegetarians or those with certain dietary restrictions.

Nutritionally, opting for vegetarian at Taco Bell can be a mixed bag. Beans and potatoes are a good source of fiber and plant-based protein, but many sauces and cheese add significant sodium and fat. A basic Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito is a solid vegetarian choice, but a heavily customized, high-cheese item might not be the healthiest option. It's always best to check the nutritional information available on the Taco Bell app or website.

Vegetarian vs. Vegan at Taco Bell

This table outlines the key differences between ordering a certified vegetarian item and making it fully vegan at Taco Bell.


Feature	Certified Vegetarian at Taco Bell	Vegan-Friendly at Taco Bell
Definition	Contains no meat but may include dairy and eggs.	Contains no animal ingredients at all (requires modification).
Default Order	Choose a menu item from the Veggie Cravings section or use the "make it vegetarian" swap.	You must specifically modify most vegetarian items to remove dairy.
Customization	Swap meat for black beans or refried beans.	Order "Fresco Style" to remove dairy and creamy sauces.
Example Item	Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito.	Bean Burrito (ordered Fresco Style).
Cross-Contact	All AVA-certified items are subject to potential cross-contact with meat products.	Same cross-contact risks apply as with vegetarian items.
Availability	All items on the certified vegetarian menu are available, plus customizable options.	Must be manually customized at the time of order by removing all dairy.

A Satisfying and Simple Choice

In conclusion, understanding what does "make it vegetarian" mean at Taco Bell is the key to unlocking a wide range of satisfying, meat-free fast-food options. By replacing the traditional meat protein with flavorful black beans, classic refried beans, or hearty potatoes, customers can easily tailor their meals to fit a vegetarian diet. With dedicated menu sections and digital tools, Taco Bell has made it remarkably simple to find or create a delicious vegetarian meal. While cross-contact is a consideration for some, the transparency from the company allows customers to make informed choices. For a quick and convenient meat-free bite, Taco Bell's system is both accessible and full of possibilities.

For more information on vegetarian options and the AVA certification process, consult the American Vegetarian Association's official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

When ordering on the Taco Bell app, select the item you want to customize. Under the "Styles" or "Customize" options, you will find the "Make It Vegetarian" button, which will automatically swap the meat for black beans.

Yes, you can. While the automatic "make it vegetarian" button often uses black beans, you can manually customize your order to swap the meat for spicy potato bites instead.

Yes, Taco Bell's refried beans are vegetarian. The company uses plant-based ingredients for both its refried and black beans.

Vegetarian items at Taco Bell do not contain meat but may include dairy and eggs. Vegan items contain no animal products at all, which often requires ordering a vegetarian item "Fresco Style" to remove dairy ingredients.

The "Fresco Style" option removes any dairy products and mayo-based sauces, replacing them with a mix of freshly prepared diced tomatoes. It's the standard way to make a vegetarian item vegan.

Yes, Taco Bell states that vegetarian and meat ingredients are handled in common areas and the same frying oil is used for both, which means cross-contact may occur.

Yes, the Cinnamon Twists are accidentally vegan, meaning they contain no animal products, and are suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets.