Taco Bell, Beyond Meat and Potatoes are a vegetarian menu trifecta

Focusing on its vegetarian menu, Taco Bell brings back a food favorite.

For Taco Bell, a vegetarian menu isn’t a resolution, it has been part of its culture. To start 2021, the popular fast food brand announced a trifecta of vegetarian focused offerings. In addition to the return of potatoes, Beyond Meat is joining the vegetarian menu offerings.

Many vegetarians have long appreciated the customization options on the Taco Bell menu. The ability to skip the meat drew people to the restaurant brand long before people were focused on plant-based food and flexitarian way of eating.

Last year, some people lamented over potatoes leaving the menu. While the menu reduction had many critics, the reality was that something new was coming. In order to have a triumphant return, sometimes a menu item had to go away. Just look at how excited people get for the return of Nacho Fries.

To start 2021, both potatoes and Beyond Meat are coming to the menu. Starting on March 11, Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes and the Spicy Potato Soft Taco. Additionally, Beyond Meat plant-based food offerings will join the menu.

Liz Matthews, Taco Bell’s Global Chief Food Innovation Officer, said “the return of our beloved potatoes is just the first step in showing our fans the strong continued commitment to vegetarian we are making this year. We have long been a leader in the vegetarian space, but this year, we have more meatless options in store that vegetarians, veggie-curious and even meat-eaters will love.”

As the first quick service restaurant to partner with the American Vegetarian Association, the brand understands that vegetarian menu options are not just a restaurant trend. The brand is committed to giving guests many options and currently has over 30 vegetarian ingredients on the U.S. menu.

While the Beyond Meat partnership is the first-plant based meat partnership for Taco Bell, the additional options play to the customization on its menu. As seen on its app, guests can search the Veggie Mode for adaptions of their favorite menu items.

Although guests will have to wait till March to enjoy the Spicy Potato Soft Taco or the Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, everyone will feel better that potatoes are back. Until then, why not try one of the other plant-forward menu items like a Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme or a Black Bean Chalupa.

What additional vegetable forward dishes would you like to see on the Taco Bell menu?