Taco Bell tests its own meat alternative before the Beyond Meat process

Taco Bell has begun testing its own meat alternative, giving its vegetarian customers another reason to return to its restaurants.

The Yum Brands chain has previously been reluctant to add herbal meat to its menu, citing the range of vegetarian options such as potatoes and beans, which are already available as substitutes. In January, it changed course, announcing that it will test a Beyond Meat alternative this year.

But first, customers will be able to try their own option from Taco Bell, made in the chain test kitchen. Its Cravetarian Taco, a vegetarian version of Crunchy Taco Supreme, has a meat substitute from a mixture of peas and chickpeas. The taco also comes with chopped cheddar cheese, salad, tomatoes and sour cream in a crispy crust.

For now, Taco Cravetarian is only available at one Taco Bell location in Tustin, California. The chain intends to test the article by April 29. Customers can also change the meat alternative to other menu items, such as burritos or chalupas, at no extra cost.

Shares of Yum, which also owns KFC and Pizza Hut, have grown 44 percent in the past year, giving the company a market value of $ 35.1 billion. Yum is expected to report first-quarter earnings on April 28. The Mexican-inspired chain has largely returned from the coronavirus pandemic, but is still losing sales late in the morning while consumers stay home.