Vegan Guide to Taco Bell: Best Menu Options, Swaps, and More

Great news: Going vegan doesn't mean giving up Taco Bell.

vegan taco bell

Treehugger / Photo Illustration by Catherine Song / Taco Bell

Known for satisfying the late-night munchies, Taco Bell has long been a drive-thru, Mexican-inspired fast food staple for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. These days, Taco Bell has expanded its menu to also welcome vegans, making it easier than ever to modify your order. Even classic menu items like Soft and Crunchy Tacos can be made vegan in a snap.

With just a few adjustments, you can easily create a delicious vegan meal ready to eat anytime, anywhere. Here, we share our favorite vegan orders at Taco Bell and give you the lowdown on how to customize your next meal.

Treehugger Tip

Replace dairy and mayo-based sauces with tomatoes using two simple words: Fresco Style. Just look for the green "V" to indicate an item is vegetarian, then order it Fresco Style to make it vegan. You can also modify non-vegan items by adjusting the other ingredients and selecting Fresco Style to ensure all other dairy is removed.

Our Top Picks

Whether you're looking to chow down on a meal or just need a quick snack, here are our top three vegan-friendly orders at Taco Bell.

Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme

A truly Taco Bell creation, this burrito-married-to-a-tostada ranks as our number one vegan pick because it's hearty and easy to order. Since it's a certified vegetarian item, you only need to order it Fresco Style to make it vegan.

Gussy up your order by adding other vegan ingredients like onion, guacamole, jalapeños, refried beans, potatoes, rice, and red sauce. Need some extra kick? Try Taco Bell's sauce packets, all of which are also vegan.

Power Menu Bowl - Veggie

Want all the insides without the outside? Taco Bell's Power Menu Bowl - Veggie answers your wish. Although it's a certified vegetarian option, you can't order it Fresco Style. But you can easily make it vegan by removing the cheese, sour cream, and avocado ranch sauce.

Adding onion, jalapeños, refried beans, potatoes, red sauce, or any of the sauce packets can turn this menu item into a brag-worthy custom vegan meal.

Bean Burrito and Crunchy Taco

Go old school with this vegan twist on two Taco Bell classics. Taco Bell's refried beans and black beans are certified vegan, and with this combo, you get to enjoy both.

Order your Bean Burrito Fresco Style for vegan refried bean heaven. Go the extra mile and add onion—you'll thank us later. Get in on the crunch by replacing the beef on the Crunchy Taco with black beans and opting for Fresco Style to eliminate dairy.

Vegan Tacos

Go beyond the classics to explore Taco Bell's easy-to-make-vegan taco offerings. These adjustments work for single items as well as with combos. Make sure all are ordered vegetarian and Fresco Style, and get fancy by ordering a variety of vegan add-ons.

  • Crunchy Taco
  • Soft Taco
  • Chalupa Supreme
  • Black Bean Chalupa
  • Loaded Black Bean Flatbread Taco
  • Spicy Potato Soft Taco

Vegan Burritos

Simple and crave-worthy, turn your favorite food into vegan delight with just a couple of modifications. Make sure all are ordered Fresco Style and pile on the onions, jalapeños, and any other vegan ingredients of your choosing.

  • Bean Burrito
  • Black Bean Loaded Taco Fries Burrito (Option to come grilled)
  • Black Bean Quesarito
  • Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito (Option to come grilled)
  • Fiesta Veggie Burrito (Option to come grilled)

Treehugger Tip

For a truly customized vegan meal at Taco Bell, order yourself a My Cravings Box with the vegan menu items in our guide. The box includes a specialty item, a classic item, a dessert, and a drink, all of which can be made vegan.

Vegan Fries

Leave it to Taco Bell to add an entire category of fries to their Mexican-inspired fare. Get the best of both fast-food worlds and try their vegan fries.

  • Seasoned Fries
  • Black Bean Loaded Taco Fries (Make it Fresco Style and add vegan ingredients)
  • Hash Browns

Vegan Sides

In addition to the veggies and vegan sauces available, here are the other vegan side available at Taco Bell.

  • Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes (Make it Fresco Style)
  • Black Beans
  • Black Beans and Rice
  • Chips (Order them without the cheese)

Vegan Desserts

The Cinnamon Twists are the only vegan dessert option at Taco Bell, and that's just fine by us.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • How do I order vegan Taco Bell?

    When ordering Taco Bell online or through any digital interface, look for options that feature a green "V" for certified vegetarian, then customize your selection using Fresco Style to make it vegan. At an in-restaurant kiosk, click Veggie Mode to display 25 certified vegetarian Taco Bell options, then order your selection Fresco Style.

  • Are bean burritos from Taco Bell vegan?

    Without modifications, some bean burritos at Taco Bell contain cheese. Make sure to order your burrito Fresco Style and ensure there are only vegan ingredients inside that tortilla.

  • Does Taco Bell have plant-based meat?

    No. As one of the vanguards of plant-based options in fast-casual dining, we hope to see a vegan meat substitute on Taco Bell's menu soon.

  • Does Taco Bell use vegan frying oil?

    Some Taco Bell restaurants use the same frying oil to prepare vegan and non-vegan menu items and can't guarantee that your food is 100% vegan. The chain notes this on their website, which puts them ahead of many restaurants.

  • Are the Taco Bell Freezes vegan?

    Yes. All of the Taco Bell Freeze flavors, including fan-favorites likes Mountain Dew Baja Blast and Blue Raspberry, are vegan.