The Ingredient Taco Bell Adds To Its Guacamole

If you can count on one thing always being served at any Mexican restaurant worth visiting, it is chips and guacamole. Because the avocado spread only contains a few ingredients and can be made in several interesting ways, most home cooks worry more about preventing guac from turning brown than diligently following a specific, restaurant-quality recipe. Still, everyone has their own appealing take on the dip. Even Taco Bell has a unique recipe for guacamole, although most probably wouldn't think to add one of the ingredients included in the Tex-Mex chain's version of the condiment.

When you order a side of guacamole with one of Taco Bell's quesadillas or tacos, a bit of mustard has been incorporated into the mix. It is not unusual for people to get creative and toss what some may consider odd ingredients into guac — like passion fruit and even espresso. While Taco Bell doesn't go that far outside the box with its recipe, the inclusion of mustard could raise some eyebrows. Yet, as odd as it might sound, there is a case to be made for adding mustard to the classic green avocado spread.

A run-of-the-mill guacamole recipe would include tomatoes, onions, cilantro, a bit of citrus juice, and, of course, mashed avocados, the latter of which can be easily made using a cooling rack (the Spring Chef 10 x 15 Inch Stainless Steel Cooling Rack is sturdy and just the right size). These ingredients lend fresh flavors to the mix but don't offer much in terms of zest — precisely what makes mustard shine. Whether using plain yellow mustard or a peppy grain variety (Beaver Zesty Deli Mustard in particular is packed with flavor), the acidic vinegar lifts the guacamole and gives it more character. While Taco Bell's guac isn't necessarily raved about in foodie corners online, the restaurant is onto something with the inclusion of mustard in its staple Tex-Mex condiment.

Mustard isn't the only odd component found in Taco Bell's verdant dip; the list of ingredients also includes cane sugar. It may be added in an attempt to wake the concoction up a bit, as an abundance of earthy spices like cumin can sometimes make the spread taste flat. For better or worse, Taco Bell's guacamole sets itself apart from the competition with its unusual ingredients, and like anything else food-related, you have to make up your own mind whether it works or not.