Vegetarians Upset After Taco Bell Eliminates Menu Items

"Beloved by many Indian American families as a rare, affordable, and vegetarian-friendly option, this fast-food chain provided a cultural lifeline—offering familiar flavors like spicy sauces, rice, beans, vegetables, and cheese that made items such as the Mexican Pizza, 7-Layer Burrito, Spicy Potato Soft Taco, and Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes staples of family orders and nostalgic memories. A recent menu revamp removed several of those vegetarian favorites (including the Mexican Pizza) and encouraged customization through the mobile app, a move that felt personal to long-time customers even if framed as menu simplification and efficiency. The decision sparked organized backlash within the community, including a Change.org “Save the Mexican Pizza” petition started by Krish Jagirdar that has gathered nearly 144,000 signatures, underscoring how these menu items have been intertwined with feelings of inclusion, identity, and belonging for immigrant families." - Foram Mehta