Taco Bell Introduces Certified-Vegetarian Menu

Taco Bell, a longtime haven for vegetarian fast food junkies — black bean burrito, anyone? — has cemented its role as a go-to restaurant for non-meat eaters with the certification of a number of its popular menu items as vegetarian options, courtesy of the American Vegetarian Association (AVA).

According to a press release, the company is the first QSR, or quick-service restaurant (otherwise known as a fast food restaurant), to offer an AVA-certified menu.

The 13-item menu, which includes the seven-layer burrito, the cheesy bean and rice burrito, and the cantina power veggie bowl, is meant to let vegetarians know that Taco Bell is watching out for them, too.

"At Taco Bell, vegetarians are not an afterthought," CEO Brian Niccol said in a statement. "We sell more than 350 million vegetarian menu items each year, but until now haven't been vocal about it."

In addition to the 13 menu items, vegetarians are encouraged to create their own Taco Bell creations with a list of 35 AVA-certified ingredients, 26 of which are also vegan.

"We get it – being a vegetarian can be tough when you go out to eat," said Niccol. "We're proud to treat meat lovers and vegetarians equally."