Taco Bell is expanding their vegetarian options

After public outrage – from vegans, vegetarians, and meateaters alike – Taco Bell is bringing potatoes back to the menu on March 11. The fast food chain received a lot of backlash following the July 2020 removal of the root vegetable from the menu. Taco Bell has seen the error of its ways and is now bringing them back in an effort to expand their vegetarian options.

Now, diners will be able to substitute the spuds for any Taco Bell protein. They will also be featured on some vegetarian-specific options: Potato Soft Taco and Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes. While these items are not vegan, they can be made so by ordering them “al fresco.”

Taco Bell is giving vegans more to get excited about though. “The return of our beloved potatoes is just the first step in showing our fans the strong commitment to vegetarians we are making this year,” said Liz Matthews, Taco Bell’s Global Chief Food Innovation Officer.

In addition to the triumphant return of potatoes, the chain is also partnering with Beyond Meat. This stems from plans to develop its first plant-based meat option in the United States. This move is something that Taco Bell tried to avoid in the past, instead opting to focus on using beans as a meat-free protein option.

“We have long been a leader in the vegetarian space,” said Matthews, “but this year, we have more meatless options in store that vegetarians, veggie-curious, and even meat-eaters will love.

After meetings with both Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, the chain eventually went with the former, citing its “proven track record of attracting younger customers with its irresistibly delicious plant-based offerings.”

Article written by Tessa Altman- United States