It is said that good things come to those who wait. Fans of Taco Bell and Beyond Meat have waited long enough; now it’s time to see if the wait was worthwhile.
Back Taco Bell announced a partnership with Beyond Meat in April 2021 to develop “a new creative plant-based protein to appeal to an even broader audience.” Surprisingly, the announcement coincided with the chain’s testing of an in-house ground beef substitute — and Taco Bell has continued to test in-house plant-based items such as a faux-fried chicken taco shell and an improved faux-ground beef, all while touting that, yes, an even more exciting collaboration with Beyond Meat was still on the horizon.
That Beyond Meat partnership is now (nearly) arrived, about 17 months after the initial tease. Taco Bell has announced that certain locations in Dayton, Ohio will begin testing the new Beyond Carne Asada Steak on October 13th, while supplies last. The unveiling does appear to indicate what took them so long: rather than settling for a plain ground meat-style protein, the two brands are swinging for the fences and attempting to recreate steak.
“We know that consumers want various protein options that are better for the world without sacrificing taste,” said Dariush Ajami, Beyond Meat’s chief innovation officer. “Designed to match Taco Bell’s bold, savory flavors, Beyond Carne Asada Steak gives the tasty, delightful taste and texture of marinated, grilled steak with the added benefits of plant-based meat.”
The vegan protein is made from plant-based ingredients such as essential wheat gluten and faba bean protein, which are then seasoned with Taco Bell’s trademark flavors. Aside from the flavor, Taco Bell promotes the protein’s price parity with conventional beef. Beyond Carne Asada Steak will be available as a quesadilla for the same price as a traditional steak quesadilla ($5.19), but it may also be substituted for steak in any item on the Taco Bell menu at no extra cost.
“At Taco Bell, we’ve long thought that everyone should be able to pick plant-based menu items without sacrificing,” said Liz Matthews, global chief food innovation officer. “That is why we at Taco Bell are so excited to share the results of our long-standing collaboration with Beyond Meat.”
However, as is often the case, this announcement raises further questions. The most important question is whether Beyond Carne Asada Steak will become the plant-based protein of choice. Despite all of the tests, Taco Bell has failed to make any of its artificial meats available nationwide.