What is the real meat at Taco Bell?

November 24, 2025 •

2 min read

Following a 2011 lawsuit alleging false advertising, Taco Bell publicly disclosed its seasoned beef recipe, revealing it contains 88% real, USDA-inspected beef. This confirmed that the core of what is the real meat at Taco Bell is indeed beef, albeit with a mix of other ingredients.

Quick Summary

Taco Bell's seasoned beef is primarily USDA-inspected beef, with the remaining 12% consisting of a proprietary blend of spices, seasonings, and additives used for flavor and texture.

Key Points

88% Real Beef: Taco Bell's seasoned beef is primarily composed of 88% USDA-inspected beef.
12% Additives: The remaining 12% consists of seasonings, water, and common food additives for taste and texture.
2011 Lawsuit: The brand's transparency was prompted by a class-action lawsuit concerning false advertising, which was later dropped.
Not "Grade D" Beef: Rumors about "Grade D" beef are false, as the USDA does not use letter grades for quality assessment in this manner.
Proprietary Flavor: Ingredients like maltodextrin, torula yeast, and cocoa powder are key to the unique flavor and color of the seasoned meat.
Safe to Eat: The additives used are standard in the processed food industry and approved by the FDA, making the meat safe for consumption.

The 2011 Lawsuit and the Revelation

Questions surrounding "What is the real meat at Taco Bell?" intensified in 2011 when a class-action lawsuit claimed the taco filling was falsely advertised as beef and primarily made of fillers. Taco Bell responded with a public relations campaign, asserting their seasoned beef is 88% beef. The lawsuit was dropped, and Taco Bell provided clarity on its beef content.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

While 88% of Taco Bell's seasoned beef is USDA-inspected beef, the remaining 12% consists of other ingredients that contribute to its distinctive flavor and texture.

The 12% Breakdown: More Than Just Spice

The 12% non-beef portion includes a blend of common food additives and seasonings. These include maltodextrin and oat fiber for texture and binding, torula yeast for savory notes, modified corn starch as a thickener, and sodium phosphates to retain moisture. A proprietary blend of spices like chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder are used for flavor, along with cocoa powder and caramel color for appearance.

Addressing the Quality Concerns: "Premium" vs. USDA Grades

Taco Bell uses the term "100 percent USDA premium beef," but "premium" is a marketing term and not an official USDA quality grade. The beef is USDA-inspected for safety, but it's typically derived from less-tender cuts and trimmings, common for ground beef. Official USDA grades for consumer beef, such as Prime, Choice, and Select, relate to factors like quality and marbling.

Comparison: Taco Bell Beef vs. Other Fast-Food Chains

Comparing Taco Bell's seasoned beef to other fast-food options highlights differences in composition and preparation:


Feature	Taco Bell Seasoned Beef	McDonald's Burgers	Wendy's Burgers
Beef Percentage	88%	100%	100%
Additional Ingredients	Water, seasonings, oat fiber, maltodextrin, torula yeast, etc.	Salt and pepper only	Minimal, typically salt
Preparation	Cooked, drained, and mixed with signature recipe	Cooked with salt and pepper	Fresh, never frozen, made from 100% real beef
Texture	Distinctly fine and uniform	Crumbled, slightly coarse	Hand-patty shape, looser crumble
Official USDA Grade	Not a specific consumer grade	Not a consumer grade	Not a consumer grade

The Verdict on Safety and Quality

Taco Bell's meat is safe to eat. The additives are common in processed foods and FDA-approved, and the beef is USDA-inspected and meets safety standards. While the blend of ingredients contributes to its unique taste and texture, it complies with food safety regulations.

For more details on the 2011 lawsuit, an archived Los Angeles Times article covering the ingredients is available {Link: LA Times https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2011-feb-01-la-fi-taco-bell-20110201-story.html}.

Conclusion: So, What is the Real Meat at Taco Bell?

The real meat at Taco Bell is indeed genuine, USDA-inspected beef, making up 88% of the seasoned beef. The remaining 12% consists of seasonings, spices, and ingredients for flavor, moisture, and texture. This composition, revealed following the 2011 lawsuit, shows that while processed, the product is safe for consumption, clarifying the composition of this fast-food staple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the meat at Taco Bell is real beef. According to the company, their seasoned beef is made with 88% real, USDA-inspected beef.

The remaining 12% of the seasoned beef is a mixture of water, proprietary spices, and ingredients like maltodextrin, oat fiber, torula yeast, and modified corn starch, all used to enhance flavor and texture.

While the base is USDA-inspected beef, the final product is different. Taco Bell's seasoned beef is cooked and mixed with a blend of seasonings and additives, giving it a unique flavor and texture that is not present in standard supermarket ground beef.

Yes, a class-action lawsuit was filed in 2011, claiming the seasoned beef contained too little beef to be advertised as such. Taco Bell defended its product, proving it was 88% beef, and the lawsuit was eventually withdrawn.

The term 'premium' is a marketing label used by Taco Bell and is not an official USDA beef grade like Prime or Choice. The beef is USDA-inspected, meaning it meets safety standards, but the specific quality grade is not disclosed.

Taco Bell publicly stated that their seasoned beef does not contain MSG.

Yes, Taco Bell's beef filling is safe to eat. The ingredients and additives used are approved for human consumption by the FDA.