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Taco Bell tests American Vegetarian Association-certified menu
April 2, 2019
Taco Bell is testing a dedicated vegetarian menu that features only American Vegetarian Association-certified vegetarian products in Dallas, Texas, according to a company press release.
The test, which starts Thursday, includes the Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme and Vegetarian alongside the brand's 7-Layer Burrito. The two new items put black beans at the center of the action, which serve as a topnotch protein source, well-suited to those who do not eat meat.
Taco Bell Manager of Global Nutrition and Sustainability Missy Schaaphok said vegans — who typically refrain from all animal product use, including eggs and milk and other items derived from animal sources — can also request their items to be tailored to their diets.
"Dallas consumers will be able to easily identify any AVA-certified items, like the classic Bean Burrito, by a green 'V' symbol on the menu," Schaaphok said in an interview with QSRweb. "Even more so, for those looking for certified vegan options, simply order one of our certified vegetarian items and ask for it to be made 'Fresco Style.'"
While Schaaphok did not detail what kind of percentage of favorable impressions the chain would need from the Dallas test to implement the offerings nationwide, she Taco Bell has long been a haven for vegetarians and vegans.
"In fact, 9 percent of all items ordered at Taco Bell are vegetarian. ... " she said. "Taco Bell is constantly listening to its customers, so decisions about the national availability of products will depend on results from the Dallas market test. ... Pending these results, Taco Bell will target a national rollout of these changes for late 2019 or early 2020."
Additionally, Taco Bell introduced two zero-sugar drinks, including Pepsi Zero Sugar and Mountain Dew Baja Blast Zero Sugar, and committed to making at least half its medium fountain drinks weigh in at 100 calories and 20 grams of sugar or less by 2022. To juice up those drink offers, customers who order via the Taco Bell app or online via ta.co will get free small drinks through April 3.
