Taco Bell has some good news and some bad news for vegetarians. The company will eliminate its potato items, long a favorite among fast food-loving vegetarians and vegans, and add faux meat for an added veg protein option beyond beans.
Like many restaurants this year — at least the ones still in business despite the pandemic — Taco Bell is streamlining operations and simplifying its offerings. Starting on August 13, the menu will be shorter. No more can people order a soft taco with potato, cheese, chipotle sauce and lettuce. But don’t think veg folks are being targeted. Other items on the chopping block include the grilled steak soft taco, 7-layer burrito, nachos supreme and the beefy Fritos burrito. In all, 12 menu items are headed for retirement.
Related: Taco Bell launches new menu for vegetarians
“We know some vegetarian go-to items might be gone, but Taco Bell’s menu remains highly customizable,” the company said in an announcement. “Don’t forget to lookout for the vegetarian symbol on menus to indicate vegetarian products, and remember you can swap out any protein for beans in any menu item.”
Last year, Taco Bell unveiled a handy vegetarian filter on its website, allowing diners to customize dishes to be vegan. At that point, the company gave plant-based meats a pass, relying on beans as its featured veg protein. But in February this year, CEO Mark King revealed that the fast-food chain has reconsidered. Executives have met with both Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat and expect to introduce plant-based meat choices next year.
“While change is hard, a simplified menu and innovation process will leave room for new fan favorites, continued progress in categories such as plant-based diets, and even opportunities for the return of some classics on a limited-time basis,” the company stated.
Anybody remember enchiritos? Maybe it’s time for a comeback — vegan style.
Via VegNews
Image via Mike Mozart
