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.

• 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.