Eating vegetarian or vegan when dining out can be challenging, especially at fast food restaurants which tend to focus their menus around meat. However, some popular chains like Taco Bell and Chipotle actually offer a decent variety of tasty meatless options. In this article we talk about Exploring Vegetarian Choices at Taco Bell and Chipotle.
Taco Bell
While Taco Bell built its reputation around beef tacos and burritos, the fast food chain has added more vegetarian friendly menu items over the years. Here are some of the best meatless options to choose from when dining at Taco Bell:
Bean Burritos and Bean Tacos
Two of the simplest vegetarian items at Taco Bell are their Bean Burrito and Bean Taco, made with refried beans wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. You can customize these with salsa or nacho cheese sauce for extra flavor.
Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme
This dish replaces the typical ground beef with black beans, along with all the usual Crunchwrap Supreme fixings like nacho cheese sauce, lettuce, tomatoes and a toasty outer shell. It’s a very filling vegetarian meal.
Black Bean Quesarito
The cheesy and saucy Quesarito gets a veggie makeover with black beans taking the place of steak or chicken, accompanied by chipotle sauce, rice, cheese and more. It’s wrapped in a grilled quesadilla shell.
Seven Layer Burrito
True to its name, this burrito contains seven tasty layers including beans, rice, guacamole, salsa, cheese, lettuce and sour cream. It’s a flavorful vegetarian combination.
Fresco Menu Options
Vegans and vegetarians will appreciate Taco Bell’s dedicated Fresco menu which features pico de gallo instead of dairy-based sauces and cheeses. The Fresco Bean Burrito or Fresco Veggie Power Menu Bowl are good choices. You can also substitute Fresco style ingredients in other menu items.
Customizations
Like many fast food places, Taco Bell allows for customization on their vegetarian offerings. Try adding potatoes or avocado ranch sauce to any bean burritos. Substitute dairy cheese with guacamole or pico de gallo. Mix and match to create your perfect meatless meal.
Chipotle
Chipotle offers great customization potential with their build-your-own style burritos, bowls, salads and tacos. Here are some of the best vegetarian and vegan base ingredients and add-ons to choose at Chipotle:
Sofritas
Sofritas are Chipotle’s tasty plant-based protein option made of tofu that has been braised with peppers and spices. Burritos, bowls, tacos and salads can all be built around sofritas for a satisfying meatless meal.
Beans
Pinto, black or vegetarian black beans can also serve as the protein base for any meatless Chipotle order in place of sofritas or meat. They are an affordable vegetarian protein cooked with onions and spices.
Brown Rice
Chipotle’s tender brown rice provides a neutral base that pairs nicely with beans, salsa, vegetables and other meatless add-ons. It has a subtle nutty flavor.
Fajita Vegetables
Their tangy fajita mix of grilled onions and bell peppers is a great way to add extra flavor and nutrients to any vegetarian bowl, burrito or taco.
Salsa Options
Chipotle actually offers some impressive salsa diversity with choices like the smoky chipotle salsa, fresh tomato salsa, fruit-based corn salsa and more. This allows vegetarians to customize spice and flavor profiles.
Guacamole
Who doesn’t love the cool, creamy addition of guacamole? Choose it as a condiment or side for meatless bowls, burritos and tacos. Keep in mind it does cost extra though.
Lettuce
Shredded romaine lettuce adds freshness and crunch to vegetarian burritos, bowls and tacos.
Cheese
For lacto-ovo vegetarians who avoid meat but do eat dairy, Chipotle’s shredded Monterey jack cheese is a nice melty addition. Vegan diners will want to skip the cheese and opt for guacamole or salsa instead.
Chips and Guac
Hungry vegetarians can also opt for a plant-based snack with Chipotle’s famous chips and guacamole side order. Chipotle’s corn chips are fried in rice bran oil and the guac contains no dairy.
Salad Bowls
Build a satisfying meatless meal with a salad bowl base and unlimited veggie toppings like beans, rice, fajita veggies, salsa and more. The vinaigrette and tomatillo red chili dressings are also vegan.
Customization
Options Like Taco Bell, the best part of Chipotle for vegetarians is the limitless customization potential to create the perfect meatless Mexican feast. Try out different salsa, bean, rice, veggie and sauce combinations until you find your go-to order.
The Vegetarian Verdict
Both Taco Bell and Chipotle offer decent vegetarian and vegan dining options compared to other fast food chains. Global palates have moved beyond expectations of meat-centric Tex-Mex to demand more plant-based choice. Taco Bell’s Fresco menu and Chipotle’s sofritas show major chains are listening. With a little creativity and customization, vegetarians can enjoy tasty Mexican inspired cuisine from these fast food favorites. I sincerely hope you find this “Exploring Vegetarian Choices at Taco Bell and Chipotle” article helpful.
