Taco Bell is testing its own meat alternative prior to the Beyond Meat trial

Taco Bell has begun testing its own meat alternative, giving its vegetarian customers one more reason to come back to its restaurants.

The Yum Brands chain was previously hesitant to add plant-based meats to its menu, citing the range of vegetarian options, such as potatoes and beans, that are already available as substitutes. In January, it changed course, announcing that it would be testing a Beyond Meat alternative this year.

But first, customers can try Taco Bell’s own plant-based option, made in the chain’s test kitchen. The Cravetarian Taco, a vegetarian version of the Crunchy Taco Supreme, contains a meat substitute made from a mix of peas and chickpeas. The taco also comes with shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream in a crunchy shell.

For now, the Cravetarian Taco is only available at one Taco Bell location – in Tustin, California. The chain plans to test the item until April 29. Customers can also swap the meat alternative for other menu items, such as burritos or chalupas, at no additional cost.

Shares of Yum, which also owns KFC and Pizza Hut, are up 44% in the past year, putting the company at a market value of $ 35.1 billion. Yum is expected to report its first quarter earnings on April 28. The Mexican-inspired chain has largely bounced back from the coronavirus pandemic, but is still missing out on late evening and morning sales while consumers stay at home.