Americans love tacos. In fact, some estimates state that in the US every year, people eat more than 4.5 billion tacos. They’re eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the small ones even make a pretty good snack too. But when did this love affair with tacos begin? Well, it turns out, it wasn’t that long ago (and spoiler alert, it didn’t start with Glen Bell). Here’s a little bit more about the history of one of America’s favorite meals, plus where you can find vegan varieties across the country. Plus, if you feel like making your own, we’ve included 10 of our favorite plant-based recipes.
Where did tacos come from?
Founded by Bell in the 1960s, Taco Bell is, without a doubt, still one of the most popular places to grab a taco in the US. But the popular fast-food chain didn’t invent the taco at all. In fact, according to historian Jeffrey M. Pilcher, the idea for tacos likely came from miners in Mexico.
“My theory is that it dates from the 18th century and the silver mines in Mexico because in those mines the word ‘taco’ referred to the little charges they would use to excavate the ore,” he told the Smithsonian. “These were pieces of paper that they would wrap around gunpowder and insert into the holes they carved in the rock face. When you think about it, a chicken taquito with a good hot sauce is really a lot like a stick of dynamite.”
It wasn’t until two centuries later—when Mexican people started immigrating to the US to build mines and railroads—that the taco landed north of the border and started to become popular with Americans. This was helped along by second-generation Mexican-Americans, the children of these miners, who started experimenting with taco recipes, fusing together US popular foods (like hamburger meat and iceberg lettuce) with Mexican cuisine in the early to mid-20th century.
“A lot of Mexican American tacos are really adaptations of Mexican food to the ingredients that are available through the US food-processing industry,” Pilcher said. Bell was inspired by these foods, and, despite not being Mexican, started up his own chain serving tacos in the 1960s. To this day, Taco Bell is not popular in Mexico, the real birthplace of tacos.
Types of tacos
There are quite a few different styles of tacos out there, but fresh, warm flour tortillas are closest to the kind originally eaten across Mexico. There are also crunchy hard corn-based shells, of course (which, despite claims to the contrary, were likely not invented by Bell, according to Pilcher), and soft chalupa bread shells, too.
There are no rules when it comes to taco fillings, but most opt for meat, fish, or beans, which are then covered with salad, fresh diced tomatoes, guacamole, and cheese.
What’s not vegan in tacos?
Tacos are super easy to make and order vegan if you choose filling options like guacamole, salad, refried beans, black beans, brown rice, vegan cheese, and so on. But many popular taco restaurants and chains also serve meat, fish, and shrimp tacos, which are often served with dairy cheese and non-vegan sour cream, so make sure to double-check the ingredients list before you order.
Chains with vegan taco options
If you live in the US, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Mexican-style chains with vegan-friendly taco options. Next time you’re hit with a craving, try one of these popular spots.
Chipotle
1 Chipotle
Chipotle has been providing the US with Mexican-inspired fare since the 1990s. And for the most part, it’s always been a safe haven for vegans. Nearly all of its menu items, including its tacos, can be veganized quite easily by omitting animal products, like cheese, beef, and chicken, and opting for options like plant-based sofritas, beans, and veggies.
Check it out
Taco Bell
2 Taco Bell
As mentioned above, wherever you are in the US, you can usually find a Taco Bell pretty quickly. If you want plant-based food, start by ordering your taco “fresco-style,” which will replace all dairy- and mayo-based options with fresh diced tomatoes, and swap the meat for ingredients like black or refried beans. Most taco shells are vegan but avoid the Doritos Locos option. The chain has also experimented with vegan meat in the past; in 2022, it started trialing vegan beef in select location.
Check it out
Qdoba/Instagram
3 Qdoba
Another popular choice for Mexican-style cuisine across the US and Canada, Qdoba offers a wide range of vegan-friendly taco options. Go for flour, corn, or taco salad shells, and fill them up with options like veggies, beans, or cilantro lime rice. If you prefer things meaty, several locations also offer vegan meat from Impossible Foods.
Check it out
Del Taco/Instagram
4 Del Taco
Good news: Del Taco’s Beyond Guacamole Taco is 100 percent vegan! The shell (crunchy or soft, it’s up to you) is packed with fresh guacamole, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and super meaty Beyond Meat crumbles. You can also veganize options like the Del Taco, but you’ll have to swap out the beef for beans and ask for no cheese, as well as vegan-friendly sauces.
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Baja Fresh/Instagram
5 Baja Fresh
As the name suggests, Baja Fresh likes to keep its ingredients as fresh as possible. And like most Mexican-inspired chains, it offers plant-based staple ingredients, like beans, lettuce, and guacamole. But you can also choose to top your taco with Impossible Foods’ meat too.
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Moe’s
6 Moe’s
Ordering vegan at Moe’s is very simple; just create your own with all of the chain’s vegan ingredients. This nationwide chain has all the usual options (including handcrafted guac), as well as organic tofu. Plus, each order comes with a side of free chips and salsa, which are also vegan-friendly.
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Dos Toros/Instagram
7 Dos Toros Taqueria
Whatever taco you’re in the mood for, Dos Toros, which has locations in New York and New Jersey, can cater to you. If you’re hungry for something meaty, load it up with Impossible Ground Beef. Or, if you prefer whole foods, try pinto beans with cauliflower rice. Basically, everything on the menu is plant-based (other than the meat and cheese, of course), so you can relax and indulge.
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Taco Cabana/Facebook
8 Taco Cabana
While Texas-based Taco Cabana’s menu is pretty meat-heavy, there are a few veggie options, and one, the Black Bean Taco, can be easily made vegan. Ask for corn tortillas and no cheese!
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Rubio’s/Instagram
9 Rubio’s Coastal Grill
While the name implies the menu is going to be pretty fish-heavy, there are a few vegan options at this fast-casual chain, which has locations across California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. Just ask for grilled veggies or Impossible Foods’ meat as your protein, and make sure to specify you don’t want cheese or non-vegan sauces.
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Chuy’s
10 Chuy’s
Texas-based Chuy’s, which has 96 restaurants across the US, has a lot of meat on the menu. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options if you want vegan food. Just ask for crispy tacos with all of the chain’s plant-based ingredients, like Mexican rice, refried beans, lettuce, and tomatoes. (Again, make sure to remind your server you want yours cheese-free!)
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Veggie Grill
11 Veggie Grill
Veggie Grill is growing all the time, but right now, it has around 31 locations (most of which are in California). Everything on the menu is vegan (yes, we do mean everything). If you’re in a taco mood, try the Two Taco Plate, which consists of vegan Baja fish tacos with pico de gallo and jalapeno slaw. Or if you prefer the taste of chicken, swap in the chain’s Chick’n for no extra charge.
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Wahoo’s Fish Tacos/Instagram
12 Wahoo’s Fish Taco
Unsurprisingly, fish is a big feature on Wahoo’s menu. But it’s not the only protein option on the menu. Alongside other meats, you can also load up your taco with sautéed tofu, plant-based meat from Divine Roots, or Banzai Veggies.
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Jajaja Mexicana/Instagram
13 Jajaja Mexicana
This plant-based chain (with four New York City locations) specializes in authentic Mexican food, which is why you can find a plethora of street taco options on the menu. Try the Pollo Coco, for example, which comes complete with Daring vegan chicken, or the Mezcal Mushroom, which comes with green cabbage, pico de gallo, and sour cream.
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How to make your own vegan tacos
You don’t have to eat out to enjoy tacos. Arguably, they’ll be even more authentic and delicious if you make them from home, with your favorite ingredients. So, next time you’re gearing up for a taco night, try one of these easy, vegan recipes.
1 Chickpea Tacos With Creamy Cashew Dill Sauce
An ultra-creamy, cashew-based dill sauce completes these already-delicious chickpea tacos. Serve with gently warmed tortillas for the ultimate Taco Tuesday treat.
Get the recipe
Candice Hutchings
2 Chalupa Naan Tacos With Avocado-Ranch Sauce
Shake things up by swapping your crunchy shell or soft tortilla for a chalupa instead. The bread originates from central Mexico; it’s thick, doughy, and guaranteed to fill you up.
Get the recipe
Richa Hingle
3 Spicy Buffalo Chickpea Tacos
Everyone loves buffalo seasoning, right? Next time you’re hosting a taco night, impress your friends by making your own! And don’t forget the cooling ranch, as this recipe has quite a spicy kick.
Get the recipe
Chris Miller
4 Avocado Portabello Tacos
Delicious tacos don’t need fancy ingredients. Combine avocado and portobello mushrooms for a meaty, creamy dish that is animal-free.
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Eric Isaac
5 Cheesy Tex-Mex Tofu Tacos
Set yourself up for the best day possible by treating yourself to breakfast tacos loaded with tofu scramble, your favorite veggies, avocado, and lots of vegan cheese.
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Chelsea Kauai
6 Vegan Crusted Avocado Tacos
Craving fish tacos but don’t fancy the actual fish part? We’ve got a solution: breaded, crispy avocado! Don’t forget the capers for that signature salty, fishy taste.
Get the recipe
BOSH!
7 Mushroom-Sausage Breakfast Hash Tacos
For the perfect Sunday brunch treat, load up tacos with vegan sausages, pickled onions, and breakfast hash.
Get the recipe
Bailey Ruskus
8 Sweet Potato Tofu Breakfast Tacos With Ranchero Sauce
If you prefer whole food ingredients to vegan meat, another delicious breakfast taco filling idea is sweet potatoes and tofu served with homemade ranchero sauce.
Get the recipe
The Experiment
9 Fishless Baja Tacos
If avocado isn’t your thing, recreate vegan fish with chickpeas instead. Plus, impress your pals by serving it a twist: your own homemade mango salsa.
Get the recipe
Mixed & Measured
10 Crispu Hoisin Tofu Tacos With Scallion Tortillas
Hoisin is usually served with Chinese cuisine, but there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy this thick, sweet sauce in a taco too. It’s the perfect fusion dinner.
Get the recipe
plant-basedvegan meatbeyond meatimpossible foodsveggie grillmeatchickenfishbeefcheesecreamsausageshrimpproteinindustry
FAQs
The Best Chains in the US to Get Your Vegan Taco Fix (Plus, Recipes!)? ›
Aside from the Spicy Potato Soft Tacos, all tacos, soft and crunchy, can be vegan so long as you swap the meat for black or refried beans and leave off the cheese, sour cream, and chipotle sauce. Try the Crunchy Taco Supreme fresco-style with beans instead of beef and load up on add-ons.
Does Taco Bell make vegan tacos? ›Aside from the Spicy Potato Soft Tacos, all tacos, soft and crunchy, can be vegan so long as you swap the meat for black or refried beans and leave off the cheese, sour cream, and chipotle sauce. Try the Crunchy Taco Supreme fresco-style with beans instead of beef and load up on add-ons.
Does Taco Bell have vegan meat yet? ›In August 2022, the brand tested a proprietary plant-based protein featured in the Crispy Melt Taco. Fast forward to today, plant-based has become a movement, and Taco Bell is here for it (and always was).
How to order the Crunchwrap vegan at Taco Bell? ›Crunchwrap
The Crunchwrap is a beloved Taco Bell menu staple. And vegans can enjoy it, too. Just ask for beans instead of beef, and tell them to hold the sour cream and nacho cheese. Most locations won't have any issues about sneaking you some extra salsa on top in place of the sour cream.
- Chipotle Mexican Grill. Chipotle is famous for its burritos, which are inspired by the giant delicious ones sold in San Francisco's Mission District. ...
- Taco Bell. ...
- Del Taco. ...
- Qdoba. ...
- Burger King. ...
- Carl's Jr. ...
- White Castle. ...
- Denny's.
Corn tortillas are traditionally made vegan so when in doubt, opt for corn. Yellow or white corn tortillas are both safe vegan choices.
Is avocado ranch vegan Taco Bell? ›The Avocado Ranch Sauce, Creamy Jalapeno Sauce, and Spicy Ranch Sauce at Taco Bell do contain milk.
Is the Chipotle Taco Bell vegan? ›Despite the fact that Taco Bell's spicy chipotle sauce is vegan, its nacho cheese sauce is not. Vegans, on the other hand, will be able to enjoy the delicious taste of Taco Bell's nacho cheese sauce without compromising their lifestyle with the introduction of the vegan-friendly version.
What freezes are vegan at Taco Bell? ›The Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze is the only Freeze Drink at Taco Bell that is vegan-friendly. The Wild Strawberry Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, and Wild Strawberry Freeze all have confectioners glaze in them.
Does Mcdonalds have vegan meat options? ›Beyond Meat Mcplant Patty
Contains No Peanuts Or Tree Nuts. Cooked On The Same Grill As Other Burgers, Meat-based Products And Eggs.
Are the hash browns at Taco Bell vegan? ›
Hash Browns
These tasty breakfast staples are totally vegan. Dip them in T-Bell's breakfast salsa or guacamole.
Freezes (Only the Mango Freeze and Mtn Dew Baja Blast Freeze are vegan-friendly.)
Is the potato taco at Taco Bell vegan? ›Are Taco Bell's Spicy Potato Soft Tacos vegan? No, but the Spicy Potato Soft Taco can be made vegan by asking for it 'Fresco Style', which removes the cheddar cheese and creamy chipotle sauce and replaces it with diced tomatoes.
Can vegans eat Chinese food? ›There is a common misconception that Chinese cuisine is not very vegan-friendly…and the truth is, it can be very heavy on chicken, pork and seafood. While it's easy enough to swap out animal ingredients from most recipes, there are actually a fair few traditional recipes that are in fact 100% plant-based.
What is a junk vegan? ›A junk food vegan is a vegan who regularly consumes highly processed foods that are primarily made in science labs. Some popular choices are the famous Oreo biscuits as well as a variety of vegan “cheeses.”
Is Wendy's chili vegan? ›NOT Vegan at Wendy's Restaurant
Bakery Items – The biscuits, cookies, or croissants are not vegan-friendly. All contain eggs and dairy. Chili – Contains meat. (Wouldn't it be wonderful if they offered a bean-based chili in the future?)
Yes! In fact both of our beans – black beans and refried beans – are certified vegan (2) by the American Vegetarian Association (AVA).
What Old El Paso products are vegan? ›IS OLD EL PASO VEGAN? We offer a great range of vegan products, so you can make all your favourite Mexican dishes without the worry. Old El Paso Tortillas are vegan and make the perfect base for a variety of recipes, as well as our Tortilla Pockets™, Stand 'N' Stuff™ Tortilla Boats and Taco Shells.
Are Costco tortillas vegan? ›😋 They're also vegan and are $11.79 for a 20-pack.” 774 Likes, 9 Comments - Costco Buys (@costcobuys) on Instagram: “@sietefoods almond flour tortillas are a great grain-free option!
Is Taco Bell rice vegan? ›Yes, all items ordered at Taco Bell are able to be made vegan-friendly by some type of substitution or removal. Our Mexican seasoned rice and Black Beans are both vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
Is Chick-Fil-A avocado ranch vegan? ›
Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing
This item contains dairy, egg. View all Chick-fil-A® allergen information here.
Chick-fil-A is known for its classic fried chicken sandwiches and waffle fries, but the restaurant is now offering vegan options as well. Recently, they have added vegan sauces to their menu, including a garlic-and-herb-infused ranch dressing, a creamy garlic sauce, and a smoky and savory chipotle sauce.
Is Honey vegan? ›Honey is by definition not vegan, since it a bee product, and bees are animals. Here's a nuanced article about how the ethical issues surrounding this sweetener fit into the broader concept of vegan living.
Are cinnamon twists at Taco Bell vegan? ›Vegan Sides at Taco Bell:
Hashbrown. Guacamole. Cinnamon Twists.
With all that being said, we are happy to pass along that Nacho Fries at Taco Bell are vegan! So if you like to indulge in some “not-so-healthy” vegan fast food from time to time, go ahead and grab yourself some Nacho Fries! Just have them hold the cheese sauce.
What does the V mean on Taco Bell menu? ›Taco Bell defines “vegan” as recipes that contain no animal ingredients. It's important to note, however, that in some restaurants we use the same frying oil to prepare menu items that may or may not contain animal ingredients.
Is sour cream vegan? ›Is sour cream vegan? No, as it's generally made from cow's milk, sour cream is not suitable for anyone on a vegan diet. However, there are plenty of plant-based alternatives that skip out the diary bit.
Are McDonald's fries vegan? ›The US McDonald's fries are not vegan, but the process still involves the highest FDA safety regulations. Besides the potatoes and salt for flavoring, the cooking involves vegetable oils like corn, soybean, and canola. They also have chemical preservatives and natural beef additives from milk and wheat.
Does Wendy's have a vegan burger? ›Our meat-free burger is a custom blend of vegetables, grains and spices, topped with emmental cheese, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce and garlic mayonnaise – all in a toasted premium bun.
Are Wendy's fries vegan? ›Are wendy's fries vegan? Yes! Luckily, Wendy's Natural Cut Fries are vegan, along with their Seasoned Homestyle Potatoes!
Are Chick Fil A fries vegan? ›
And last but not least, the super-sidekick to every Chick-fil-A order, the crowd favorite for three decades, the crispy, savory #cheatday treat… yes, our Waffle Potato Fries® are vegan-friendly! Ready to grab a vegan meal or snack? Head to your closest Chick-fil-A!
Does McDonald's have vegan hash browns? ›Everyone asks if the fries are vegan (not in the US they're not) and the question we're going to discuss here: Are McDonald's Hash Browns Vegan? The short answer here is, no, McDonald's Hash Browns are not vegan.
Are Chick Fil A hash browns vegan? ›Are the hashbrowns vegan at Chick-fil-A? Yes. The hashbrowns are vegan friendly.
Does Burger King have vegan hash browns? ›Burger King's hash browns are fried potatoes in vegetable oil and a vegan-friendly breakfast option.
Is the veggie chalupa vegan? ›Is the Chalupa shell vegan? Yes! If you look at Taco Bell's allergen information, the Chalupa shell ingredients list says, “Certified Vegan.” You will have to substitute the beef for beans and order NO sour cream or cheese.
Are Taco Bell refried beans vegan? ›Taco Bell's refried beans are totally vegan-friendly, so go ahead and opt for that satisfying burrito. Just skip the cheese and load it up with whatever veggie-friendly add-ons you desire, like salsa, lettuce, and more.
Is Taco Bell salsa vegan? ›Sauces that are vegan at Taco Bell include:
hot salsa. mild salsa. red sauce. Diablo sauce.
The Old El Paso tortillas and shells are all vegan apart from the Bold nacho cheese flavour. The vegan-friendly products include: - Crunchy Taco Shells!
Are Jack in the Box tacos vegan? ›Jack in the Box has been serving tacos since the 1950s, yet one of the questions we get the most here at VeggL is – are Jack in the Box tacos vegan? The short answer here is obviously no since the all of the tacos, by default, come with meat and cheese.
Is Taco Bell enchilada sauce vegan? ›All of Taco Bell's sauces are certified vegan. From their Diablo Sauce, to their Green Tomatillo Sauce, to their Salsa del Sol and more — there's so many to choose from.
Are Chinese vegetarian dishes vegan? ›
Vegans may run into challenges when ordering Chinese vegan dishes because the terms vegetarian and vegan are used loosely, and sometimes interchangeably, in the Chinese language. A common assumption is that Chinese vegetarian dishes are also vegan because the foods are free of animal products. However, there are ...
Is Chinese food good for vegetarians? ›Especially in the countryside, an emphasis on fresh vegetables makes Chinese cuisine perfect for vegetarians. The mainstays of Chinese cuisine, noodles, rice, tofu, and vegetables, are all fine for vegetarians.
What is an extreme vegan called? ›Level 5 vegans are those who are seen as incredibly committed to the vegan lifestyle, and are often hailed as “extreme vegans”. Level 5 vegans go to an extensive effort to follow a vegan lifestyle that is free of any type of animal product or animal exploitation.
What not to ask a vegan? ›- 1. ” I only eat humane meat.” ...
- “What do vegans even eat?” ...
- “But where do you get your protein?” ...
- “But humans were meant to eat meat.” ...
- “I hate tofu.” ...
- “Bacon tastes so good though!” ...
- “I love animals, but I also love meat.”
Although they are not vegan-certified, the natural flavoring used in our Vegetarian Baked Beans is animal-free.
Are Arby's curly fries vegan? ›Are Arby's curly fries vegetarian and vegan friendly? Yes! Arby's curly fries are made with vegan ingredients and they are not fried in any animal fat. But they are cooked in the same oil as other animal products, which is a concern for some vegetarians and vegans.
Are Popeyes fries vegan? ›Are Popeye's French fries vegan? Popeyes fries everything in beef tallow including the Cajun Fries. So no, we do not consider their fries (or their hash browns) to be vegan. What is this?
Are Taco Bell potato tacos vegan? ›Are Taco Bell's Spicy Potato Soft Tacos vegan? No, but the Spicy Potato Soft Taco can be made vegan by asking for it 'Fresco Style', which removes the cheddar cheese and creamy chipotle sauce and replaces it with diced tomatoes.
Is Taco Bell's taco shell vegan? ›These ingredients are all certified vegan: black beans, chalupa shells, gordita flatbreads, hash browns, jalapeno peppers, lettuce, nacho chips, onion, potato bites, guacamole, red strips, refried beans, seasoned rice, taco shells, tomatoes, tortillas, and tostada shells.
Are Taco Bell soft taco shells vegan? ›The beans, potatoes, tortillas, guacamole, and rice at Taco Bell are all animal-free—so just about anything can be made vegan. ?
What are vegan birria tacos made of? ›
These vegan birria tacos feature corn tortillas stuffed with shredded oyster mushrooms and melty plant-based cheese. Served with a side of rich consomé, this meal is saucy, crispy, and flavor-packed.