Top 25 Ingredients in Taco Bell's 'Beef'
A law firm in Alabama is suing Taco Bell for false advertising, charging that what the fast food giant calls "beef" contains only 36% actual cow flesh. Here's what makes up the other 64% of the meat-esque substance dripping from your chalupa. This list is based on an official ingredient label obtained by Gizmodo.
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1. Beef
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2. Water
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3. Isolated Oat Product
Used as a cheap "meat extender" to increase shelf life and impart a savory, protein flavor.
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4. Salt
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5. Chili Pepper
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6. Onion Powder
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7. Tomato Powder
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8. Oats
See isolated oat product.
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9. Soy Lecithin
An emulsifier and "wetting agent."
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10. Sugar
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11. Spices
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12. Maltodextrin
An additive used as a sweetener, typically corn-based.
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13. Soybean Oil
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14. Garlic Powder
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15. Autolyzed Yeast Extract
Autolyzed yeast extract contains monosodium glutamate and is used as a less expensive substitute for MSG.
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16. Citric Acid
Used in this instance as a meat tenderizer.
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17. Caramel Color
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18. Cocoa Powder
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19. Silicon Dioxide
Silicon dioxide is used as an anti-caking agent in food, but is also used to make silica gel desiccants.
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20. Natural Flavors
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21. Yeast
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22. Modified Corn Starch
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23. Natural Smoke Flavor
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24. More Salt
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25. Sodium Phosphate
Used as a meat preservative in food, sodium phosphate is also an effective laxative found in enemas.