This Dietician Wanted to Make Taco Bell Healthier: She Got the Job

Missy Schaaphok is used to people doing a double-take when they hear what she does for a living. “I love telling people that I am a dietician, and then I pause,” Schaaphok said. “Then I tell them I work for Taco Bell, just to see what kind of reaction they give. It’s pretty hilarious.” Schaaphok joined Taco Bell in 2011 as part of the general product development team, but quickly realized that her past credentials as a dietician could be put to good use at the company. She made the case to her bosses about forming a new role overseeing food nutrition, and, in 2012, she became Taco Bell’s first-ever in house dietician. “I had no idea what that meant or what I was asking for, but I am so happy that I did it,” Schaaphok said. “It’s been a very humbling experience.” She now manages