Source: https://verify-veg.com/blog/is-tacos-al-pastor-vegetarian/
Language: en

# Is Tacos al Pastor Vegetarian? (Spoiler: It's Pork)

"Al pastor" means "shepherd style," and the name refers to pork cooked on a vertical spit. The corn
tortilla is vegan, but the filling is not. Here is what is in the taco, and the vegetarian swaps.

> **Key Takeaways**
> - Tacos al pastor are not vegetarian: the filling is marinated pork.
> - The corn tortilla, onion, cilantro and pineapple are all plant-based.
> - The pork is the only non-veg part, but it is the main event.
> - Mushroom or jackfruit "al pastor" is the plant-based version with the same marinade.

**TL;DR: Tacos al pastor are not vegetarian: "al pastor" means the filling is marinated pork,**
cooked on a vertical spit. The corn tortilla is vegan; the pork is the problem.

## What "al pastor" means

Al pastor ("shepherd style") is a Mexican adaptation of shawarma: **pork** marinated in a
chili-and-pineapple blend, stacked and roasted on a vertical spit, then sliced into corn tortillas
with onion, cilantro and pineapple.

- **Tortilla (corn)**: vegan.
- **Pork**: not vegetarian.
- **Toppings (onion, cilantro, pineapple, salsa)**: vegetarian.

## Vegetarian taco swaps

If you want the al-pastor *experience* without the pork, order instead:

- **Tacos de nopales** (cactus) or **rajas** (poblano strips)
- **Mushroom or jackfruit "al pastor"**: a popular vegan take with the same marinade
- **Bean tacos**

## The bottom line

- **Vegetarian?** No: choose nopales, rajas, mushroom or bean tacos.
- **Vegan?** Same, minus any cheese or crema.

See our [Tacos al Pastor dish guide](/food/mexico/tacos-al-pastor/) for the full breakdown.

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*Written by Samir Narain, founder of Verify Veg. Verify Veg helps people check packaged food
against their diet by scanning barcodes and reading ingredient lists from photos.*

*Note: Verify Veg provides ingredient-based compatibility checks, not certification. Recipes and
preparations vary by restaurant, region and cook, so always confirm with the restaurant, brand or vendor.*