Taco Bell is testing a vegan chalupa shell made from peas as it strives for meatless fast-food dominance
- Taco Bell is selling a vegan pea protein chalupa shell in one location.
- It previously tested a vegetarian protein made from chickpeas and peas.
- The chain is usually considered a top fast food option for vegans and vegetarians.
Taco Bell is testing a vegetarian version of the controversial Naked Chicken Chalupa.
The original consists of a crunchy fried chicken shell wrapped around lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and avocado ranch sauce, and was first introduced back in 2017. Taco Bell brought it back the next year, and then again in 2021. The limited-time vegetarian option will replace the fried chicken with a breaded pea protein blend, crisped and shaped into a chalupa shell. The dish can also be made without dairy to be fully vegan.
"We've long been a food disruptor, and this time is no different," Liz Matthews, the chain's global chief food innovation officer, said in a statement.
The vegan chalupa shell is only available at one restaurant right now - 2222 Barranca Pkwy in Irvine, California - until June 27, and sells for $3.49
Taco Bell is usually a go-to fast-food chain for vegans and vegetarians, which the company has openly courted as it "strives to become the leader in vegetarian in the QSR industry" according to a press release. Black beans can be substituted for meat in most dishes, and ordering items "fresco style" replaces dairy add-ons with tomatoes, making those dishes vegan. In April, the chain tested a new "Craveatarian" protein made from chickpeas and peas.
Taco Bell says it is teaming up with Beyond Meat for a "new innovative plant-based protein, something not quite yet seen in the industry." It has not released details on where and when it will launch.
Do you have a story to share about a retail or restaurant chain? Email this reporter at mmeisenzahl@businessinsider.com.