What Was in the Veggie Fiesta Burrito at Taco Bell?

November 11, 2025 •

3 min read

Taco Bell's Veggie Fiesta Burrito was officially discontinued in early 2024 as part of a menu overhaul, leaving many loyal fans wondering exactly what made it so special. This vegetarian staple featured a vibrant mix of flavors and textures, with its specific combination of fresh and crunchy ingredients setting it apart from other meatless options.

Quick Summary

The Veggie Fiesta Burrito was a popular, now-discontinued Taco Bell item featuring seasoned rice, black beans, fiesta strips, creamy chipotle sauce, and other fresh ingredients. Its removal from the menu in early 2024 sparked customer petitions. The burrito offered a unique flavor profile that can be somewhat recreated with current customizations.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: The Veggie Fiesta Burrito featured seasoned rice, black beans, crunchy fiesta strips, creamy chipotle sauce, a three-cheese blend, reduced-fat sour cream, guacamole, and diced tomatoes.
Discontinued in 2024: Taco Bell removed the burrito from its menu in early 2024 as part of a nationwide menu overhaul.
Distinctive Crunch: A key component was the red fiesta strips, which provided a unique crunchy texture missing from most other Taco Bell vegetarian items.
Fan Outcry: The decision to discontinue the popular item sparked frustration among customers, leading to online petitions to bring it back.
Recreation is Possible: While no longer on the menu, a similar burrito can be assembled by customizing a current item like the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito with additional ingredients.
AVA Certified: The burrito was part of Taco Bell's American Vegetarian Association certified menu, which the company first obtained in 2015.
Not Easily Replaced: Despite other vegetarian options, the Veggie Fiesta Burrito's specific flavor and texture profile are not fully replicated by any single current menu item.

The Iconic Ingredients of the Veggie Fiesta Burrito

The Veggie Fiesta Burrito, a former favorite for many Taco Bell customers seeking a meatless option, was known for its distinct combination of flavors and textures. According to various reports and menu descriptions, its core components included:

Seasoned Rice: Providing a flavorful base.
Black Beans: Adding a hearty and earthy element.
Fiesta Strips: Crucial for a vibrant, crunchy texture.
Creamy Chipotle Sauce: A signature smoky and slightly spicy binder.
Reduced-Fat Sour Cream: Offering a cool, tangy contrast.
Guacamole: Contributing a rich, creamy, and fresh taste.
Three-Cheese Blend: A mix for a gooey, savory finish.
Diced Tomatoes: Adding a bright, acidic burst.

The Discontinuation and Fan Reaction

Taco Bell's decision to remove the Veggie Fiesta Burrito in early 2024 caused significant disappointment among its fanbase, particularly within the vegetarian and vegan communities. The item's discontinuation was part of a larger menu restructuring, but this explanation didn't satisfy many loyal customers. The level of attachment to the burrito was evident in the creation of a Change.org petition advocating for its return.

Can You Recreate the Veggie Fiesta Burrito Today?

While the exact Veggie Fiesta Burrito is no longer available, replicating a similar taste experience through customization of current menu items is possible. However, the unique texture of the fiesta strips can be difficult to fully duplicate. Starting with a base like the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito and adding specific ingredients is a common approach.

A Closer Look at Today's Alternatives

Taco Bell, certified by the American Vegetarian Association (AVA) in 2015, maintains a variety of vegetarian options. Despite this commitment, no single current menu item precisely matches the ingredient profile and texture that made the original Fiesta Burrito popular. The menu undergoes continuous changes, with new vegetarian items like the Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme and Veggie Power Menu Bowl being introduced alongside the removal of others.

How to Build a Similar Burrito

To attempt a recreation using current Taco Bell offerings, consider this custom order:

Base: Start with a Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito.
Additions: Request guacamole, diced tomatoes, creamy chipotle sauce, and sour cream.
Crunchy Element: Inquire if red strips (fiesta strips) or a similar crunchy tortilla component can be added from another item.

While this customization provides a comparable flavor, it won't be an exact replica. Other vegetarian items like the Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes can also be customized.

The Evolution of Taco Bell's Vegetarian Menu

Taco Bell has demonstrated a commitment to vegetarian customers, notably with its AVA certification. The menu has seen various additions and removals of vegetarian items over the years, reflecting changing culinary trends and customer preferences. The discontinuation of the Fiesta Veggie Burrito is part of this ongoing evolution, which can impact customer favorites. For more details on discontinued items, resources like The Daily Meal can provide historical context.


Feature	Veggie Fiesta Burrito (Discontinued)	Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito (Current)
Core Ingredients	Rice, Black Beans, Fiesta Strips	Rice, Refried Beans, Cheese
Key Texture	Crunchy Fiesta Strips	Creamy, smooth filling
Sauces	Creamy Chipotle Sauce	Creamy Jalapeño Sauce
Additional Elements	Guacamole, Diced Tomatoes, Sour Cream, 3-Cheese Blend	None, must be added at extra cost
Spiciness	Smoky, mild heat	Mild, slight tang
Price	Typically a Value Menu item	A standard, inexpensive Value Menu item

Conclusion

The Veggie Fiesta Burrito was a notable item on the Taco Bell menu, appreciated for its blend of seasoned rice, black beans, creamy chipotle sauce, and the distinctive crunch of fiesta strips. Its removal in 2024 disappointed many. Although the original is no longer available, its key ingredients offer a guide for customers looking to create a similar experience through customization of current menu options. The burrito's legacy highlights the impact even fast-food items can have on consumer preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Veggie Fiesta Burrito was discontinued in early 2024 as part of Taco Bell's menu refresh and value menu changes.

The Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito is a good starting point for customization, though it lacks the signature fiesta strips, guacamole, and chipotle sauce.

No, Taco Bell no longer carries the specific combination of ingredients, but you can build a comparable burrito by customizing other items like the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito and adding desired components.

No, the Veggie Fiesta Burrito was certified as a vegetarian item by the American Vegetarian Association, featuring only plant-based proteins like black beans.

Taco Bell removed the burrito to make way for new menu items and update its value menu, a move that is common practice in the fast-food industry.

Yes, Taco Bell maintains a variety of certified vegetarian options, including the Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme, Spicy Potato Soft Taco, and Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes.

The standard Veggie Fiesta Burrito was not vegan as it contained a three-cheese blend, reduced-fat sour cream, and creamy chipotle sauce. However, it could be made vegan by ordering it 'Fresco style' and removing the dairy products.

The crunchy red strips were known as 'Fiesta Strips,' which were a standout feature providing a satisfying crunch that balanced the burrito's softer ingredients.