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    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.

    Johnny BuzzFeed
    by Johnny BuzzFeed

    Community Contributor



    • 1. Beef











    • 2. Water











    • 3. Isolated Oat Product








      Used as a cheap “meat extender” to increase shelf life and impart a savory, protein flavor.




    • 4. Salt











    • 5. Chili Pepper











    • 6. Onion Powder











    • 7. Tomato Powder











    • 8. Oats








      See isolated oat product.




    • 9. Soy Lecithin








      An emulsifier and “wetting agent.”




    • 10. Sugar











    • 11. Spices











    • 12. Maltodextrin








      An additive used as a sweetener, typically corn-based.




    • 13. Soybean Oil











    • 14. Garlic Powder











    • 15. Autolyzed Yeast Extract








      Autolyzed yeast extract contains monosodium glutamate and is used as a less expensive substitute for MSG.




    • 16. Citric Acid








      Used in this instance as a meat tenderizer.




    • 17. Caramel Color











    • 18. Cocoa Powder











    • 19. Silicon Dioxide








      Silicon dioxide is used as an anti-caking agent in food, but is also used to make silica gel desiccants.




    • 20. Natural Flavors











    • 21. Yeast











    • 22. Modified Corn Starch











    • 23. Natural Smoke Flavor











    • 24. More Salt











    • 25. Sodium Phosphate








      Used as a meat preservative in food, sodium phosphate is also an effective laxative found in enemas.



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