Taco Bell is testing a vegan meat alternative made from a blend of peas and garbanzo beans in Southern California. This plant-based protein will replace seasoned beef crumble in the Cravetarian Taco, which will feature the signature hard taco shell filled with the new vegan meat, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream. Customers can also opt for a vegan modification by removing the cheese and sour cream. The vegan meat can be substituted for beef in any menu item at no extra cost.

A select group of journalists tried the vegan beef at Taco Bell's headquarters, and customers in Southern California can try the Cravetarian Taco at one undisclosed location until April 29. Vegan options at fast-food chains have become more common, with competitors like Del Taco, El Pollo Loco, and Chipotle also offering meat substitutes. Taco Bell's introduction of vegan meat reflects this growing trend in the industry.