What is Taco Bell Beef Really Made Of?

Taco Bell has been a popular fast food chain for decades, known for serving up tasty Tex-Mex favorites like tacos, burritos, and nachos However, there has been a long-standing rumor that the beef used in Taco Bell’s menu items is of questionable quality So what is Taco Bell’s beef really made of?

The Grade D Beef Myth

One of the most prevalent myths about Taco Bell’s beef is that it is “Grade D” or “Grade F” meat. There is a widespread belief that their beef is barely fit for human consumption. Some even claim it is made of cow organ parts or is only 36% actual beef.

However, these rumors are completely false. The USDA does grade beef for quality, but “Grade D” and “Grade F” are not real USDA grades. The real grades are Prime, Choice, Select, Standard, Commercial, Utility, Cutter, and Canner, from highest to lowest quality. Anything below those grades would not be approved for sale. So there is no “Grade D” or “Grade F” beef at Taco Bell or anywhere else.

The Beef’s Real Ingredients

So if their beef isn’t poor quality, what is Taco Bell’s seasoned beef really made of?

According to Taco Bell, their taco meat contains 88% USDA-inspected premium ground beef. The other 12% consists of seasonings, spices, and other ingredients to enhance flavor

Some of the specific ingredients include:

• Water – Added to the cooked beef to rehydrate it after draining
• Maltodextrin – A sugary food additive used as a thickener and preservative
• Soy lecithin – An emulsifier to bind ingredients together
• Tomato paste – For added flavor
• Spices and seasonings – Taco Bell’s signature blend

Taco Bell has also made efforts to increase transparency about their ingredients, so customers know what’s really inside.

Why the Myth Started

If Taco Bell doesn’t actually use poor grades of beef, why did this myth become so widespread? There are a few potential reasons:

• Cheap prices – Taco Bell has very inexpensive menu items, which led some to believe they must be cutting corners with low quality ingredients. But they can offer low prices due to high efficiency and economies of scale.

• Unfamiliar ingredients – When customers saw ingredients like maltodextrin on the label, some assumed it was filler or inferior meat. But these are safe, approved additives.

• An easy target – Urban legends often spread about large, faceless corporations. People are quick to believe the worst about big brands.

While their beef has ordinary additives, there is no truth to the idea that Taco Bell uses dangerous fillers or meat unfit for humans. Through transparency and PR campaigns, Taco Bell has worked hard to dispel this myth.

Taco Bell’s Sustainable Beef Efforts

Not only is Taco Bell beef safe and regulated, Taco Bell has taken steps to source their beef more sustainably. They have joined the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, an organization that promotes environmentally sound farming practices.

As part of this initiative, Taco Bell aims to source beef raised with:

• Responsible antibiotic use – Following guidelines to prevent overuse
• Humane animal treatment – With regular auditing of suppliers
• Land management – Using grazing methods that protect ecosystems

Taco Bell is also working to reduce waste, recycle, and optimize packaging. They hope to minimize their environmental impact while still serving up affordable Mexican favorites.

The Bottom Line

So what should customers make of all this? Here are some key facts:

• Taco Bell’s beef is 88% USDA-approved ground beef with common seasonings and binders added. It does not contain any harmful or unsavory ingredients.

• There is no such thing as “Grade D” or “Grade F” beef. Their meat is not of poor quality.

• Price does not always equal quality. Taco Bell can offer low costs thanks to lean operations, not cheap ingredients.

• Taco Bell is working with sustainability organizations to source beef responsibly.

Customers who enjoy Taco Bell’s tacos and burritos can continue to order them knowing the beef inside meets federal regulations. While internet rumors may persist, Taco Bell has taken steps to reassure customers their meat is safe, sustainable, and not deserving of a “D” grade.