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.

Posted on January 25, 2011, 18:48 GMT

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.