As more people embrace plant-based eating, fast food chains are stepping up their game—and Taco Bell has emerged as one of the most vegan-friendly options on the market. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just trying to reduce your meat consumption, Taco Bell offers surprising flexibility with its customizable menu. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about ordering vegan at Taco Bell, from must-try menu hacks to limited-time offerings that might be coming to a location near you.
Why Taco Bell is a Vegan Fast Food Favorite
Taco Bell has quietly become a haven for plant-based eaters looking for quick, affordable meals. Unlike many fast food chains that offer just one token vegan item, Taco Bell’s entire menu is built around customization, making it easy to veganize numerous options .
The chain has been responsive to the growing demand for plant-based options, frequently testing innovative vegan products like the Vegan Crunchwrap (which featured plant-based beef and dairy-free nacho cheese) in select markets . While these specialty items haven’t yet become permanent nationwide, the fact that Taco Bell is experimenting shows their commitment to expanding vegan offerings.
What makes Taco Bell particularly vegan-friendly is their “fresco style” ordering option (though note this terminology is being phased out in some locations). This simple request automatically removes dairy products and replaces them with pico de gallo . Combine this with their vegan-certified beans, rice, tortillas, and sauces, and you’ve got endless possibilities for animal-free meals.
Vegan Ingredients at Taco Bell
Before diving into specific menu items, it’s helpful to know which Taco Bell ingredients are vegan by default:
Proteins:
- Black beans
- Refried beans (both bean options are vegan and not prepared with animal broths)
Tortillas & Shells:
- Flour tortillas (soft tacos, burritos)
- Crunchy taco shells
- Chalupa shells (though some sources conflict on this—more below)
- Gordita flatbread
Toppings:
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Jalapeños
- Potatoes
- Guacamole (yes, it’s vegan!)
- Red strips (those crunchy bits in some items)
Sides:
- Seasoned rice
- Hash browns (the only vegan breakfast option)
- Nacho chips
- Cinnamon Twists (a sweet vegan dessert option)
Sauces:
- All four Border sauces (Mild, Hot, Fire, and Diablo)
- Breakfast salsa
- Red sauce
- Avocado Salsa Verde
Important note: While these ingredients are vegan, cross-contact with meat and dairy products may occur during preparation . If this is a concern for you, it’s best to ask about preparation methods at your local Taco Bell.
How to Order Vegan at Taco Bell
The key to successful vegan ordering at Taco Bell comes down to two simple strategies:
- Substitute beans for meat – Both the black beans and refried beans are vegan, making them perfect protein replacements in any item .
- Remove dairy products – This means saying no to:
- Cheese (all varieties)
- Sour cream
- Creamy chipotle sauce
- Avocado Ranch sauce
- Nacho cheese sauce
While “fresco style” was once the magic phrase that automatically made these substitutions, some locations are moving away from this terminology . Now, you may need to specify exactly what you want removed and added.
Pro tip: Use the Taco Bell app to customize your order—it makes removing and adding ingredients much easier than explaining at the counter or drive-thru .
Best Vegan Menu Items at Taco Bell
Now for the fun part—what can you actually eat? Here are the top veganizable menu items and how to order them:
1. Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme
One of Taco Bell’s most iconic items can easily be made vegan. Order it without nacho cheese sauce and sour cream (or “fresco style” if still available at your location). You’ll get a satisfying mix of black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and that signature crunchy tostada layer . Many vegans recommend adding potatoes and guacamole for extra heartiness .
2. Spicy Potato Soft Taco
At just $1, this value menu item is a vegan favorite. Simply ask for it without cheese and chipotle sauce. What remains is a soft tortilla filled with spicy potatoes and lettuce—feel free to add jalapeños or red sauce for extra kick .
3. Bean Burrito
A Taco Bell classic, the bean burrito comes with refried beans, red sauce, and onions. Order it without cheese, and you’ve got a simple, satisfying vegan option . Many vegans like to add potatoes or guacamole to make it more substantial.
4. Veggie Power Menu Bowl
This bowl starts with a great vegan base of rice, black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and guacamole. To make it fully vegan, order without cheese, sour cream, and avocado ranch sauce . You can also add potatoes or crunchy red strips for extra texture.
5. Nachos BellGrande
Yes, you can have vegan nachos! Order them without cheese and sour cream, substitute beans for beef, and load up on tomatoes, jalapeños, and guacamole. The refried beans help hold everything together in place of the melted cheese .
6. Black Bean Chalupa Supreme
There’s some confusion about whether the chalupa shell itself is vegan—PETA says yes , while Veganuary says no . If you’re comfortable with PETA’s assessment, order the Black Bean Chalupa Supreme without cheese and sour cream for a delicious fried bread treat filled with beans, lettuce, and tomatoes .
7. Crunchy or Soft Tacos
Any taco can be made vegan by substituting beans for meat and removing dairy products. The Crunchy Taco Supreme becomes vegan when you swap beef for beans and remove cheese and sour cream . Add guacamole for extra creaminess.
8. Fiesta Veggie Burrito
This newer menu item is packed with rice, beans, fiesta strips, and vegetables. Make it vegan by removing the chipotle sauce, three-cheese blend, and sour cream . The fiesta strips add a satisfying crunch.
9. Hash Browns
For breakfast, your only vegan option is the hash browns . They’re perfect for dipping in breakfast salsa or guacamole if you need something more substantial.
10. Cinnamon Twists
End your meal with these light, crispy treats that happen to be vegan as-is . They’re the perfect sweet finish to your Taco Bell feast.
Limited-Time Vegan Offerings to Watch For
Taco Bell has been testing several exciting vegan options that may become permanent if customer response is positive:
- Vegan Crunchwrap: Tested in 2023 in Los Angeles, New York City, and Orlando, this featured plant-based beef, dairy-free sour cream, and vegan nacho cheese sauce .
- Vegan Carne Asada: Tested in Dayton, OH in 2022 in collaboration with Beyond Meat .
- Vegan Nacho Fries: In October 2023, Taco Bell launched vegan nacho fries nationwide—their first national vegan offering in 61 years of business .
- Meat-Free Naked Chicken Chalupa Shell: Tested in Irvine, CA in 2021, this featured a shell made from pea protein instead of chicken .
These tests show Taco Bell’s commitment to expanding vegan options, so keep an eye out for them returning or becoming permanent!
Vegan Taco Bell FAQs
Q: Are Taco Bell’s beans really vegan?
A: Yes! Both the black beans and refried beans are vegan. They’re not prepared with animal broths or stocks .
Q: Is Taco Bell’s guacamole vegan?
A: Yes, the guacamole is vegan—but the Avocado Ranch sauce contains dairy, so avoid that .
Q: Are the nacho fries vegan?
A: The fries themselves are vegan, but they normally come with cheese sauce. Ask for them with guacamole instead .
Q: What about the chalupa shell—is it vegan?
A: According to PETA, yes, the chalupa shell is certified vegan . However, some other sources disagree , so this may depend on your personal standards.
Q: Does Taco Bell have vegan breakfast options?
A: As of 2024, the only vegan breakfast item is the hash brown . Some locations might let you create a breakfast burrito with beans if they’re making lunch items already.
Q: Are the tortillas vegan?
A: Yes! Both soft and crunchy tortillas are vegan at Taco Bell .
Q: What sauces are vegan?
A: All four Border sauces (Mild, Hot, Fire, Diablo), Breakfast Salsa, Red Sauce, and Avocado Salsa Verde are vegan. Avoid the chipotle sauce (contains eggs) and avocado ranch (contains dairy) .
Q: Is the Mexican Pizza vegan?
A: The Veggie Mexican Pizza can be made vegan by ordering it without cheese .
Q: Does Taco Bell have vegan meat?
A: While they’ve tested plant-based meats (like in the Vegan Crunchwrap), as of 2025 there’s no permanent vegan meat option nationwide .
Q: Are the Cinnabon Delights vegan?
A: No, they contain milk and eggs. Opt for Cinnamon Twists instead for a sweet vegan treat .
Why Choosing Vegan at Taco Bell Matters
Every time you choose plant-based options at fast food restaurants, you’re sending a powerful market signal. Taco Bell has noted that about 7% of all items ordered are either vegetarian-friendly or made vegetarian through substitutions . As more people choose vegan options, we’re likely to see even more innovative plant-based offerings.
Beyond the ethical considerations, Taco Bell’s vegan options can be healthier choices too—lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than their meat and dairy counterparts. Of course, they’re still fast food, but it’s nice to have better options when you need something quick and affordable.
Final Tips for Ordering Vegan at Taco Bell
- Use the app: Customizing orders is much easier through the Taco Bell app, reducing the chance of mistakes .
- Double-check: While many ingredients are vegan, preparation methods may vary by location. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.
- Get creative: With so many vegan components, you can invent your own combinations beyond the standard menu items.
- Watch for tests: Follow Taco Bell’s announcements for limited-time vegan offerings in your area.
- Speak up: Let Taco Bell know you appreciate their vegan options and want to see more!
Taco Bell might not be the first place you think of for vegan food, but with a little know-how, it can be a reliable option when you’re on the go. Whether you’re craving a hearty Crunchwrap or just some simple bean tacos, Taco Bell’s customizable menu has you covered. Here’s to hoping those vegan test items become permanent nationwide soon!
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