Top 25 Items 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.

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