Del Taco recently released a new menu item, Tamales. It was not on my radar. In fact, I think I learned about it 3 weeks after it came out.
So of course my question is, are they vegan? Can they be made vegan?
Del Taco has certainly made it fairly easy for us vegans, plant-based folks and vegetarians to eat there since they released Beyond Meat in 2019. Do you remember that day? I do! We had a huge billboard by my house that I got to drive by and be proud of.
It felt like progress was being made with chain restaurants, not to mention the awareness of plant-based options.
Are Del Taco’s Tamales Vegan?
Back to tamales… maybe just maybe Del Taco decided to offer a plant-based version of their tamales.
The answer is no. Del Taco did NOT create a plant-based version of their tamales.
Here are the ingredients of Del Taco’s Tamales:
Tamale: Shredded Pork, stone ground corn masa
Salsa: Tomatoes, Onions, Cilantro, Seasoning (See Salsa Seasoning)
Are you like me and take a deep breath (with a slight eye roll) when you realize a restaurant ‘could’ have created something plant-based but did not?
So, What Can You Order Vegan At Del Taco?
Del Taco has an array of options you can order vegan! From Tacos to Burritos, a Salad, a Tostada and even Hashbrown Sticks if you’re driving thru during their breakfast hours.
Here are a few options:
- Beyond Guacamole Taco … comes with seasoned Beyond Meat® crumbles, guacamole, crisp lettuce and fresh diced tomatoes in a crunchy shell.
- The Del Taco (crunchy or soft). Substitute beef with slow-cooked beans. Order with NO cheese. Top with Vegan Sauces from below and/or add guacamole … comes with crisp lettuce, fresh diced tomatoes in a crunchy taco shell or a warm tortilla.
- Epic Beyond Fresh Guacamole Burrito … comes with Beyond meat, slow-cooked beans, fresca lime rice, pico de gallo, and fresh guacamole.
- Crunchtada Tostada. Order with NO cheese.
- Chips & Fresh Guacamole
- Crinkle Cut Fries*
Please check our Del Taco Vegan Guide for EVERY vegan option Del Taco offers.
*As with any restaurant that is not 100% vegan or does not offer a designated cooking space for their vegan options, cross-contamination can occur and fryers/grills may be shared with animal products. You can choose what your level of comfort is with these potential issues.
