Del Taco will begin selling hard-shell tacos made with Beyond Meat plant-based filling at locations in Greater Los Angeles on Thursday, Dec. 13.

The Lake Forest-based company is offering the meat substitute in both vegetarian and vegan options. One features grated cheddar cheese. The other has avocado slices.

Both provide as much protein as a taco made with seasoned beef, according to a news release.

Participating locations include:

Los Angeles County: 3705 Robertson Blvd, Culver City; 2425 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica.

Orange County: 23781 El Toro Road, Lake Forest.

Riverside County: 29187 Newport Road, Menifee.

San Bernardino County: 24898 Redlands Blvd., Loma Linda.

The test is expanding this week after beginning in September at the two Los Angeles County. Sixteen restaurants in San Diego County are also participating.

Guests can request Beyond Meat as a substitute to meat in other menu items, including burritos and nachos, the news release said.

Prices vary by location. At the Culver City location, a Beyond Taco costs $2.49. The Del Taco made with ground beef or ground turkey costs $1.49.

Based in El Segundo, Beyond Meat is one of a new generation of meat substitutes said to cook, look and taste more like beef than earlier plant-based products. It’s sold in hamburger-like patties, beefy crumbles, pork-like sausages and chicken strips in stores such as Ralphs, Target and Stater Bros. Restaurant partners include TGI Fridays and Luna Grill.

Del Taco claims to be the first Mexican fast food chain to offer the trendy product, although Chipotle has offered a shredded tofu filling called Sofritas for years.

Information: deltaco.com/beyond