by Jeanne Yacoubou, MS
VRG Research Director

The VRG noticed an Internet blog entry in December 2011 indicating that Taco Bell® rice contained casein, a milk protein. At one time, some rice served at Taco Bell® contained this dairy ingredient. We reported it: http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/fast.htm. The VRG was curious to know if Taco Bell® rice currently contained any milk proteins. Currently, the only rice on Taco Bell’s® national menu is the Mexican Rice, also referred to as seasoned (red) rice. This rice may be a component in several Taco Bell® meals or ordered by itself as a side dish.

We asked a quality assurance employee at Taco Bell® corporate headquarters who has provided us with information in the past about Taco Bell® menu items. She told us that "there is no casein or other milk protein" in the seasoned rice.

We were also informed that Taco Bell® is currently testing a white cilantro rice in select areas. Like the seasoned rice, the white cilantro rice is free of all dairy-derived ingredients.

For more information on Taco Bell® ingredients in all of its national menu items, visit http://www.tacobell.com/nutrition/ingredientstatement

The contents of this article, our website, and our other publications, including The Vegetarian Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient information from company employees or company statements. Information does change and mistakes are always possible. Please use your own best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. Further research or confirmation may be warranted.

For more information on food served in fast food and quick service chains, visit the VRG at http://www.vrg.org/fastfoodinfo.htm
For information on food ingredients and for other information of interest to vegetarians and vegans, please subscribe to our free e-newsletter at http://www.vrg.org/vrgnews

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