Taco Cabana offers a few vegan-friendly options, but most require modifications.
Although they no longer serve Beyond Meat, you can still enjoy tacos, plates, and sides by making simple adjustments.
This guide will show you exactly what to order and how to customize your meal to keep it fully plant-based.
Vegan Taco Options at Taco Cabana
Tacos are a staple at Taco Cabana, and with a couple of changes, you can enjoy a tasty, plant-based option.
Black Bean Taco (Vegan with Modifications)
The Black Bean Taco is the easiest to customize. It comes with black beans, tomatoes, and lettuce.
Just be sure to order it without shredded cheese and ask for a corn tortilla, as flour tortillas may contain dairy.
For extra flavor, top it with guacamole, pico de gallo, or your favorite salsa. This is one of the most satisfying vegan-friendly items on the menu.
Bean & Cheese Taco (Not Recommended for Vegans)
Although you can technically order the Bean & Cheese Taco without the cheese, the refried beans are cooked with bacon grease, which means they aren’t vegan.
If you’re craving something similar, swap the refried beans for black beans and choose a corn tortilla.
Potato Taco (Vegan with Modifications)
The Potato Taco is another option that can be made vegan. It features seasoned potatoes, which are fully plant-based.
To keep it vegan, choose a corn tortilla instead of flour, skip the cheese, and add toppings like pico de gallo, jalapeños, or guacamole for more flavor. The seasoned potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, making this a filling and comforting option—especially if you’re ordering during breakfast hours.
Vegan Plates at Taco Cabana
If you’re looking for something more substantial, Taco Cabana’s plates can be customized to fit your plant-based diet.
Two Taco Black Bean Plate (Vegan with Modifications)
This plate includes two tacos served with a side of beans and rice. To make it vegan, order it with corn tortillas and no cheese.
Choose black beans or Mexican rice for your side (skip the refried beans), and add extras like onions, guacamole, and salsa for more flavor.
The black beans are hearty and well-seasoned, pairing perfectly with the rice. This plate is one of the most filling vegan options on the menu.
Vegan-Friendly Sides at Taco Cabana
Although Taco Cabana’s side options are limited, there are still a few plant-based choices.
The Mexican rice and black beans are safe vegan options and can be paired with tacos or plates for a complete meal.
Chips and guacamole are also available, but be aware that the chips are cooked in a shared fryer with meat products.
It’s important to note that the refried beans are not vegan, as they are cooked with bacon grease.
Additionally, the tortilla chips and other fried items are cooked in shared fryers, so if cross-contamination is a concern, you may want to skip them.
Vegan Toppings and Extras to Customize Your Meal
To make your tacos or plates more exciting, you can add plenty of vegan-friendly extras.
Fresh onions and cilantro add a burst of flavor, while creamy guacamole and sliced jalapeños give your meal a kick.
Pico de gallo, salsa roja, or jalapeño salsa add a zesty twist, and a squeeze of lemon or lime brightens everything up.
Corn tortillas are a safe choice, as they are vegan-friendly, unlike some flour tortillas, which may contain dairy.
Vegan Drinks at Taco Cabana
Taco Cabana offers several vegan-friendly drink options to enjoy with your meal. Freshly brewed sweet or unsweetened tea is a great choice, and hot coffee—regular or decaf—pairs nicely with a breakfast taco.
For something refreshing, try apple juice, Simply Orange juice, Coca-Cola, Orange Fanta, or Vitamin Water.
Vegan Options for Kids at Taco Cabana
If you’re dining with little ones, Taco Cabana has a couple of simple, plant-based options for kids.
The kid’s black beans and kid’s rice are both fully vegan and can be ordered on their own or paired together for a mini vegan meal.
A Note on Cross-Contamination at Taco Cabana
Like many restaurants, Taco Cabana uses shared fryers and cooking surfaces. This means that items like tortilla chips and seasoned potatoes may come into contact with animal products.
Additionally, the refried beans are not vegan-friendly because they are cooked in bacon grease.
If you’re concerned about cross-contamination, stick to items like black beans, rice, and corn tortillas, which are prepared separately. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to ask your server how the food is prepared.
Final Thoughts
Taco Cabana may not be the most vegan-friendly restaurant, but with a little creativity, you can still enjoy a satisfying meal.
The black bean taco, when ordered without cheese and on a corn tortilla, is a simple and delicious choice.
For something heartier, the potato taco with added guacamole or salsa can be quite filling. If you’re in the mood for a full plate, the two-taco black bean plate with Mexican rice and extra toppings is the most substantial option on the menu.
While the menu is limited, you can still find flavorful choices if you’re willing to customize.
And although Beyond Meat isn’t currently on the menu, there’s hope that it may return in the future.
With a bit of planning, you can enjoy a plant-based meal at Taco Cabana without missing out on the flavors you love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Taco Cabana Offer Beyond Meat?
No, Taco Cabana no longer offers Beyond Meat. It has appeared for limited-time promotions before, so it may return in the future.
Are Taco Cabana’s Refried Beans Vegan?
No. Taco Cabana’s refried beans are cooked with bacon grease, making them unsuitable for vegans. Choose black beans instead.
Are Taco Cabana’s Corn Tortillas Vegan?
Yes, the corn tortillas are vegan. However, the flour tortillas may contain dairy, so always confirm with your local Taco Cabana.
Are Taco Cabana’s Chips Vegan?
The chips themselves are vegan, but they are fried in a shared fryer with meat products. If cross-contamination is a concern, it’s best to avoid them.
