Does taco bell meat have gluten?

Are you at the drive-thru and your friend with celiac disease starts throwing a fit because they want to know if Taco Bell meat has gluten? Look no further, because we are here to help.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that many people cannot digest properly. If someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system attacks their small intestine causing long-term damage (but also some very discomforting symptoms).

So What About Taco Bell?

Taco Bell’s beef filling typically consists of seasoned ground beef mixed with binders such as maltodextrin or soy Lecithin- which might sound like Harry Potter spells but actually serve to make the texture more uniform. The most important point however is that both these ingredients come from corn and soy respectively – NOT GLUTEN!

Cross Contamination

But it isn’t just about what kind of meat they use; cross-contamination can easily occur when cooking processes overlap. For example; using the same grill for flour tortillas and crispy taco shells could mean that wheat particles get onto the tacos (and hence into Mr. Smith’s intestines)

How About Their Other Ingredients?

Luckily all other common low calorie toppings on taco bell menu are considered officially “gluten-free” by USDA/Mayoclinic etc.)

Low Calorie Topping Is It Gluten-Free?
Tomatoes Yes
Lettuce Yes
Onions Yes
Mushrooms Yes
Rice 100%. Yes

Table: Just some safe border patrol agents guarding our taste buds!

(Note: beware though one size does not always fit all – precautions need be taken before consuming any fast food chain.)

In Conclusion

It seems pretty clear that Taco Bell’s beef filling doesn’t actually contain gluten, overall. But as with any fast food restaurant, cross-contamination can always be an issue (just to add some anxiety to the fun). So if you or someone in your crew has celiac disease and is freaking out about getting their taco fix – let Taco Bell know beforehand- so they can take extra precautions.

Nobody wants a hangry Harry Potter fan mad at them for ruining their evening!

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