Taco Bell joins the meatless trend with new vegetarian menu across US

Taco Bell Corp will introduce a dedicated vegetarian section on menu boards at its over 7,000 US restaurants as the meatless menu trend continues to grab a hold of the fast-food industry.

The Irvine, California-based brand stated that a 200-unit test, started in April in Dallas, will be expanded nationwide with permanent “Vegetarian Favorites” sections that feature four items. These four items include a new Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme, a new Black Bean Quesarito, the 7-Layer Burrito and the regular bean burrito.

The fast-food chain’s move came after noting that it sells 350 million vegetarian items a year, and about 9% of all items ordered are either vegetarian or made vegetarian by some type of substitution or removal.

Liz Matthews, Global Chief Food Innovation Officer of Taco Bell, said, “At Taco Bell, we believe that vegetarian food shouldn’t be a compromise; it shouldn’t be limited to one item, and it shouldn’t be just for vegetarians. The company plans further innovation in vegetarian items.”

Missy Schaaphok, Manager of global nutrition and sustainability, Taco Bell, stated, “26 of the 36 vegetarian ingredients are vegan and the possible number of vegetarian combinations exceeds 8 million. That's why we're excited to offer our first-ever dedicated vegetarian menu, providing our customers more choices without compromising craveability, simplicity, quality or value.”

Want to invest in a fast food chain franchise? Visit Franchise India 2019, Asia’s Biggest Franchise & Retail Show, and give wings to your entrepreneurial dreams.