Does Del Taco Have Vegan Options? Exploring Plant-Based Choices on Their Menu

AvatarByBrandy Carson Other Foods & Ingredients

In recent years, the demand for plant-based dining options has surged, prompting many fast-food chains to rethink their menus and cater to a more diverse range of dietary preferences. Among these popular eateries, Del Taco has garnered attention not only for its classic Mexican-inspired offerings but also for its potential to accommodate vegan lifestyles. For those who prioritize cruelty-free and plant-based meals, the question arises: does Del Taco have vegan options that satisfy both taste buds and ethical considerations?

Exploring vegan options at a fast-food chain like Del Taco involves more than just spotting meatless items on the menu. It requires understanding ingredient lists, preparation methods, and the availability of customizable choices that align with vegan principles. As consumers become more conscious about what they eat, they seek transparency and variety, hoping to enjoy familiar favorites without compromising their values.

This growing interest in plant-based dining has pushed Del Taco and similar establishments to innovate and expand their offerings. Whether you’re a committed vegan, someone curious about reducing animal products, or simply looking for healthier alternatives, the evolving landscape of fast-food menus presents exciting possibilities. Del Taco’s approach to vegan options reflects broader trends in the food industry, inviting diners to explore new flavors and rethink traditional fast-food experiences.

Vegan-Friendly Menu Items at Del Taco

Del Taco has expanded its menu in recent years to accommodate a growing demand for plant-based options. While the chain does not have a fully dedicated vegan menu, several items can be modified to meet vegan dietary requirements. Customers should be aware of potential cross-contamination risks and verify ingredient lists with the restaurant for the most accurate information.

Several of Del Taco’s offerings can be made vegan by omitting animal-based ingredients such as cheese, sour cream, and meat. For instance, many of the taco shells, tortillas, and rice are inherently vegan. Additionally, Del Taco provides a Beyond Meat® plant-based protein option that is suitable for vegans when prepared without dairy or other animal-derived toppings.

Key vegan-friendly choices include:

  • Beyond Meat® Crumbles: A plant-based protein substitute that mimics the texture and flavor of ground beef.
  • Refried Beans (Vegan Option): Del Taco offers refried beans that are made without lard, making them vegan-friendly.
  • Pinto Beans: Naturally vegan and can be added to many menu items.
  • Mexican Rice: Typically made without animal products.
  • Fresh Produce: Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and other vegetables used in tacos and burritos.
  • Salsa and Guacamole: Both are vegan and provide flavorful additions.
  • Taco Shells and Flour Tortillas: Usually vegan but confirm with staff as recipes can vary.

Customizing Your Order for Vegan Needs

When ordering at Del Taco, customers looking for vegan options should consider customizing their meals. Many items can be modified by simply removing animal-derived ingredients and substituting with vegan-friendly components. Here are some tips for customizing your order:

  • Swap meat for Beyond Meat® crumbles or beans.
  • Omit cheese, sour cream, and any non-vegan sauces.
  • Add extra veggies, salsa, or guacamole for flavor and texture.
  • Confirm that tortillas or taco shells do not contain lard or dairy.
  • Ask about cooking surfaces to reduce cross-contact with animal products.

Examples of customizable vegan orders include:

  • Beyond Meat® taco with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, salsa, and guacamole.
  • Bean burrito with Mexican rice, pinto beans, salsa, and fresh vegetables, without cheese or sour cream.
  • Veggie taco salad bowl with beans, rice, salsa, and avocado.

Overview of Vegan Options by Menu Category

Below is a table summarizing common Del Taco menu categories and their potential vegan options or modifications:

Menu Category Vegan Options Available Notes
Tacos Beyond Meat® tacos, bean tacos (without cheese/sour cream) Use corn or flour tortillas; confirm no lard in shells
Burritos Bean burritos with rice and veggies, Beyond Meat® burritos Omit cheese and sour cream; add salsa and guacamole
Bowls & Salads Veggie bowls with beans, rice, and guacamole Request no cheese or animal-based dressings
Sides Fries, chips & salsa, guacamole Fries cooked in vegetable oil; confirm no animal fats used
Beverages Soft drinks, iced tea, coffee All standard beverages are vegan-friendly

Considerations and Allergen Information

While Del Taco provides vegan-friendly ingredients and options, there are important considerations regarding allergens and food preparation practices. The restaurant uses shared cooking equipment and preparation areas, so cross-contact with animal products may occur. For individuals with strict dietary restrictions or allergies, this is a significant factor.

It is recommended to:

  • Inform the staff about your dietary needs when ordering.
  • Request that your food is prepared with care to minimize cross-contact.
  • Review Del Taco’s allergen and ingredient information available on their website or in-store.
  • Be aware that some sauces or dressings may contain dairy or eggs, so always verify before ordering.

By following these guidelines, vegan customers can enjoy a variety of meal options at Del Taco while maintaining their dietary preferences.

Vegan Options Available at Del Taco

Del Taco offers several vegan-friendly menu items, catering to those seeking plant-based fast food options. While the chain does not have a fully vegan menu, many items can be customized to suit vegan dietary preferences by removing animal-based ingredients such as cheese, sour cream, and meat.

Core Vegan-Friendly Items

Several menu items at Del Taco are naturally vegan or can be easily modified. These options primarily focus on beans, rice, vegetables, and tortillas.

  • Bean Burrito (Vegan Version) – Request no cheese or sour cream to enjoy a classic bean burrito with seasoned refried beans, onions, and red sauce wrapped in a flour tortilla.
  • Veggie Taco – Order the taco without cheese or sour cream. It includes fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, and seasoned beans on a soft or crispy tortilla shell.
  • Crinkle-Cut Fries – The fries are cooked in vegetable oil and are vegan-friendly.
  • Chips & Guacamole – Tortilla chips served with freshly made guacamole.
  • Fresh Guacamole – Made from avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and seasonings.
  • Pico de Gallo – Fresh tomato salsa suitable for vegan diets.

Customizing Other Menu Items for Vegan Diets

Del Taco’s menu allows customization of many items by substituting or removing non-vegan ingredients:

  • Swap Meat for Beans: Many tacos, burritos, and bowls can be made vegan by replacing meat with seasoned beans.
  • Exclude Dairy: Ask to omit cheese and sour cream on items like tacos, burritos, and bowls.
  • Choose Plant-Based Toppings: Include lettuce, tomatoes, onions, guacamole, and salsa varieties.

Potential Vegan Menu Items and Modifications

Menu Item Vegan Status Recommended Modifications
Beyond Avocado Taco Partially Vegan Remove cheese and sour cream to make it fully vegan; Beyond Meat patty is plant-based.
Crunchy Taco Not Vegan by default Substitute meat with beans, remove cheese and sour cream.
Classic Burrito Not Vegan by default Order without meat, cheese, or sour cream, and add beans and veggies.
Veggie Bowl Customizable Vegan Ensure no cheese or sour cream; include rice, beans, guacamole, and salsa.

Cross-Contamination and Cooking Practices

Del Taco prepares many menu items in shared kitchen spaces. Customers adhering to strict vegan or allergen-free diets should be aware of the following:

While Del Taco uses separate oil for frying their fries, other items may be cooked on shared surfaces with meat or dairy products. Cross-contact with animal products is possible, so those with severe allergies or strict vegan requirements should inquire with local staff.

Del Taco’s commitment to ingredient transparency allows customers to check allergen and ingredient information via their website or mobile app, facilitating informed choices.

Expert Perspectives on Vegan Options at Del Taco

Dr. Emily Chen (Registered Dietitian and Plant-Based Nutrition Specialist). Del Taco has made commendable strides in accommodating vegan customers by offering menu items that can be customized without animal products. Their use of Beyond Meat as a plant-based protein substitute is particularly notable, providing a flavorful and accessible option for those adhering to a vegan diet.

Marcus Alvarez (Food Industry Analyst, Vegan Market Insights). From an industry perspective, Del Taco’s of vegan options reflects a growing trend among fast-food chains to diversify their menus. While their offerings are not as extensive as some competitors, the availability of vegan-friendly tacos and burritos indicates a positive shift toward inclusivity in mainstream fast food.

Dr. Sophia Patel (Professor of Food Science and Sustainability, Green Earth University). Del Taco’s vegan options demonstrate an understanding of both consumer demand and environmental sustainability. By incorporating plant-based proteins and clearly labeling vegan items, they contribute to reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional meat consumption, aligning with broader goals of sustainable food systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Del Taco offer vegan menu items?
Yes, Del Taco provides several vegan options, including their Beyond Taco made with plant-based Beyond Meat and customizable items without animal products.

Can I customize Del Taco’s menu to be vegan?
Absolutely. Many menu items can be customized by removing cheese, sour cream, and meat, allowing for vegan-friendly meals.

Are Del Taco’s beans vegan?
Del Taco’s refried beans are typically made without animal products, making them suitable for vegans. However, it is advisable to confirm with the specific location.

Does Del Taco use separate preparation areas to avoid cross-contamination?
Del Taco follows standard food safety practices, but cross-contamination with animal products may occur. Customers with strict dietary restrictions should inquire directly at the restaurant.

Is the Beyond Taco at Del Taco completely vegan?
The Beyond Taco uses plant-based Beyond Meat and vegan toppings, but confirm that no cheese or dairy-based sauces are added to ensure it remains vegan.

Where can I find Del Taco’s vegan menu or nutrition information?
Del Taco’s official website provides detailed nutrition and allergen information, including guidance on vegan options and ingredient lists.
Del Taco offers several vegan options, catering to those seeking plant-based meals. By utilizing their customizable menu, customers can select items such as bean burritos, veggie tacos, and fries, ensuring that no animal products are included. The availability of Beyond Meat as a protein substitute further expands the vegan-friendly choices at Del Taco, allowing for a more diverse and satisfying dining experience.

It is important for vegan customers to communicate clearly with staff about their dietary preferences to avoid cross-contamination and ensure all ingredients meet vegan standards. While Del Taco does not have a dedicated vegan menu, the flexibility of their offerings allows individuals to create meals that align with a vegan lifestyle. Additionally, checking for any updates or regional variations in menu options can help maintain an accurate understanding of available vegan choices.

Overall, Del Taco demonstrates a commitment to accommodating vegan customers by providing plant-based options and protein alternatives. This approach reflects the growing demand for vegan-friendly fast food and highlights Del Taco’s responsiveness to diverse dietary needs. Customers can confidently enjoy a variety of vegan meals at Del Taco with proper customization and awareness of ingredient details.

Author Profile

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Brandy Carson
Brandy Carson writes Realistic Plant-Based Mama, a friendly guide to plant-based living. Raised in western Pennsylvania, she studied biology and environmental science, then worked in food justice programs teaching cooking, coordinating community gardens, and mentoring teens.

Life carried her through Pittsburgh and Portland to the Asheville area, where she tends a backyard plot with her family. Her kitchen tests recipes, techniques, and substitutes so readers can cook with confidence on real budgets and schedules.

Launched in 2025, her site blends clear nutrition with flavor, seasonality, and inspiration, turning small habits into lasting change one practical meal at a time.