Taco Bell's New Vegetarian Menu Has So Many Tasty Plant-Based Options

Sometimes finding quick and affordable vegetarian meal options can seem nearly impossible. Earlier this year, Taco Bell announced its plans to expand its menu options and cater to those living the vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Now, vegetarians can rejoice: The Taco Bell vegetarian menu is finally here, and it's easier than ever to satisfy that burrito craving without eating meat.

According to Taco Bell's website, the chain is "the first and still is the only quick-service restaurant to offer American Vegetarian Association (AVA) certified food options. AVA certified Taco Bell vegetarian items are lacto-ovo, allowing the consumption of dairy and eggs but not any animal by-products."

So if you don't eat dairy, there's probably not going to be much you can have from the Taco Bell menu, considering the amount of cheese in pretty much every item at the chain. But if you're looking for a cheesy, bean-filled dish, Taco Bell is the place to go.

What's on the new Taco Bell vegetarian menu?

The new Mexican-inspired vegetarian selection includes 13 menu items that are completely customizable with a variety of sauces, delicious upgrades, and more popular add-ons.

The 13 items on Taco Bell's vegetarian menu include:

• Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme
• Black Bean Quesarito
• Power Menu Bowl
• Cheese Quesadilla
• Bean Burrito
• 7-Layer Burrito
• Cheesy Roll-Up
• Spicy Tostada
• Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito
• Black Beans and Rice Bowl
• Black Beans
• Pintos 'n Cheese
• Black Beans and Rice

Keep a lookout out for the "V" featured throughout the menus to spot which of the items are veggie-approved.

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Can you customize what goes into your meal?

If there's a Taco Bell favorite you love that's not on the list, you can also customize anything on the menu. It's super easy to do this on the Taco Bell app or using the in-store ordering screens. So if you're eyeing a meat-based dish, you can swap in refried or black beans. (Of course, you can also do this in-person when you order from a cashier.)

There is one small downside to the new Taco Bell vegetarian menu, though. To make room for these new and improved menu additions, the chain is removing nine menu items starting this fall, including the fan-favorite Cool Ranch and Fiery Doritos Locos Tacos. The caramel apple empanada and nacho fries have disappeared from the menu, too.

Let's face it, the Taco Bell vegetarian menu sounds so delicious that even meat-eaters will go crazy for it. In fact, the bean burrito is already one of Taco Bell's best sellers.