Seems like vegans will have an easy access of foods that they prefer to eat, as Taco Bell launches their certified vegetarian menu - being the first quick -service restaurant chain certified by the American Vegetarian Association (A.V.A.)

Earlier this year, Taco Bell announces its plan to remove all artificial flavors and colors from its food items and substitute them with natural ingredients by the end of 2015. The company also has set a goal for 2017 to remove all artificial preservatives and additives.

"At Taco Bell, vegetarians are not an afterthought. We sell more than 350 million vegetarian menu items each year, but until now haven't been vocal about it," said Brian Niccol, CEO, Taco Bell Corp, in a press release. "The recent launch of ta.co which makes customization easy made this the perfect time to move our vegetarian menu from the background to the forefront to further illustrate our commitment to delivering food that fits our customers' evolving lifestyles."

As Food Business News reports, earlier this week, Taco Bell unveiled an improved web site at ta.co. Wherein website visitors may customize menu items quicker than before and order food ahead of time. Other improvements in the website include features include the ability to re-order customized items and the chance to select favorite foods for the future. Regulars will also have access to exclusive discounts and perks.

Taco Bell's vegetarian menu features 13 AVA-certified items, like the black bean burrito and the 7-layer burrito. They also had 35 of its ingredients certified by the AVA - 26 of those are even certified as vegan - consumers can customize any burrito, taco, or bowl to create one of millions of different possible vegetable-friendly combinations that will suit their individual dietary needs.

"We get it - being a vegetarian can be tough when you go out to eat," Niccol added. "We're proud to treat meat lovers and vegetarians equally - equally delicious, equally craveable and equally affordable."