For those on the West Coast (read: Best Coast), Del Taco is a fast food staple. Thankfully, for all the non-meat eaters out there, the chain makes eating vegan easy.
From tacos to burritos and more, the restaurant chain carries a number of tasty menu offerings that can easily be veganized. Here’s what hungry vegan foodies can sink their teeth into.
Del Taco’s Plant-Based Options
The California-based chain, which was founded in 1964, specializes in Mexican-inspired foods.
Although their menu is predominantly made up of tacos and burritos, the company’s menu does offer American-style offerings like burgers and crispy, crinkle-cut fries (yes, they’re vegan!).
But even though the menu is meat-centric, Del Taco makes ordering a vegan meal a breeze with a dedicated section of vegan and vegetarian offerings.
In addition to the crinkle-cut fries, many of the chain’s menu items are already vegan. These include cilantro-lime rice, slow-cooked pinto beans, and black beans. Del Taco’s tortillas, tostada shells, and taco shells are also free from animal products. And, unfortunately, all of Del Taco’s dessert items contain dairy products or eggs. But don’t let that deter you from digging into their delicious meat-free meal offerings.
Del Taco Launches Vegan Beef
In 2019, the fast food chain launched Beyond Meat vegan beef. The California-based food company makes its meatless ground meat crumbles with pea protein.
“The Beyond Meat Tacos are performing above the levels of the Del Taco, one of the most successful product launches in the company’s history,” Peter Saleh, an analyst and global financial services firm BTIG, said following the launch.
In July 2020, Del Taco launched two new Beyond Meat beef burritos: the Epic Beyond Original Mex Burrito and the Epic Beyond Fresh Avocado Burrito. The former, which is still on the menu, features slow-cooked beans, cilantro-lime rice, fresh guacamole, and pico de gallo, all wrapped in a flour tortilla.
In addition to being available on several taco and burrito options, the vegan meat can also be substituted into other menu items like nachos and taco salads.
“For my kids and their friends, Del Taco is a routine stop after games or practice. I’m thrilled that they can now, along with Del Taco customers, enjoy delicious Beyond Tacos and other entrees built with our delicious, sustainable, plant-based meat,” Ethan Brown, CEO and founder of Beyond Meat, said in a statement.
The fresh guacamole was also a new addition to the menu. The guac features fresh avocados, handmade pico de gallo, lime juice, and a special seasoning. The avo dip can be ordered with chips or added to the chain’s tacos or burritos—yes, it costs extra. But… it’s *so* worth it.
How to Order Vegan at Del Taco
Take a pit stop at Del Taco to please your grumbling belly. Here are all of the plant-based menu items the chain has to offer.
Vegan Burritos
Let’s face it: Burritos are life. Take a bite out of Del Taco’s plant-based burrito options—which either come already vegan or can be easily veganized.
Epic Beyond Original Mex Burrito
Beyond 8 Layer Burrito (order without cheese and sour cream)
Bean & Cheese Burrito (order without cheese)
8 Layer Veggie Burrito (order without cheese and sour cream)
Jacked Up Value Beans, Rice, Cheese Burrito (order without cheese)
Vegan Tacos
Not a fan of burritos? Let’s taco-bout it. Luckily for you, Del Taco has several meatless taco offerings.
Beyond Avocado Taco
Beyond Taco (order without cheese)
Bean & Cheese Chrunchtada (order without cheese)
Vegan Salads and Bowls
And for a healthier option, dig into the chain’s meat-free salads and bowls.
Avocado Veggie Bowl
Signature Taco Salad (order without cheese and sour cream; substitute Beyond Meat for beef)
Starters and Sides
Of course, what would a meal be without a starter—or two? Okay, make it three. From crinkle-cut fries (extra salt, please) to chips and guac, Del Taco has everything you need to round out your meal. For a tasty breakfast on-the-go, opt for the chain’s hasbrown sticks.
Hashbrown Sticks
Crinkle Cut Fries
Black Beans
Slow Cooked Pinto Beans
Cilantro Lime Rice
Tortilla Chips and Guacamole
Sauces
Del Taco sauces > Taco Bell sauces. Don’t @ us.
Mild Sauce
Del Scorcho Sauce
Green Sauce
Red Sauce
Inferno Sauce
Roasted Chile Salsa
Salsa Casera
Beverages
Wash your vegan meal down with a cold glass of one of Del Taco’s refreshing drinks. (Editor’s pick: strawberry lemonade on the rocks.)
Prima Java Hot Coffee
Simply Orange
Real Strawberry Lemonade
Assorted Fountain Drinks
