Taco Bell has kicked off 2025 with a massive menu update, rolling out 30 brand-new items while also bringing back fan favorites and surprising new flavor mashups. From spicy burritos to creative desserts, Taco Bell is blending nostalgia with fresh ideas to satisfy both longtime customers and new customers.
In celebration of the Crunchwrap Supreme’s 20th anniversary, Taco Bell is introducing the Steak and Queso Crunchwrap Slider, a smaller version of the original, stuffed with steak, chipotle sauce, cheese, and pico de gallo, with a tostada crunch in each bite.
One of the biggest shifts in this update is Taco Bell’s expanded focus on chicken. The new Caliente Chicken Menu introduces bold flavors like the jalapeno crema, smoky chipotle, and crispy chicken tacos. But even more significant is the Chiken Strip Menu which adds breaded chicken tenders served with various dipping sauces. This shift is a direct challenge to other chains like Chick-Fil-A and Raising Cane’s.
“I usually go to Chick-fil-A in Walnut Creek when I am craving some chicken, but if Taco Bell has good chicken strips and is closer to meI’d totally go to Taco Bell instead,” sophomore Jack Roebuck said.
Upon the most talked-about new items is the QuesoCrisp Taco: a regular taco with an entirely crisped-cheese shell. There’s also the Flamin’ Hot Burrito, filled with Flamin’ Hot rice, seasoned beef, nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, and crunchy Flamin’ Hot Fritos.
Fan-favorite items are also making a comeback. The Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Tacos and the Toasted Cheddar Street Chalupa are returning as part of a new “Decades Menu” that highlights the popular items from the 2000s and 2010s.
“I still remember getting the Cool Ranch taco as a kid, I’m so hyped it’s back,” said sophomore Bowie Hillstrom.
Some of the more creative new items include the Mexican Pizza Empanada, the Short Rib Chile Relleno Burrito, and the Tacodilla – a combination of a taco and quesadilla. There’s even a Mini Taco Salad served in a tiny tortilla cup.
In the sauces department, Taco Bell is leveling up with new flavors like Mike’s Hot Honey Diablo, Weak Knees Fire Sauce, Zab’s Hot Ranch, and a bold Purple Chile Sauce aimed to add a variety of new flavors to the menu.
For all those dessert lovers, Taco Bell has added items like the Ube Strawberry Cookie, the Birthday Cake Churro (a collaboration with Milk Bar), and the return of the Caramel Apple Empanada. There’s also a combination of the two, a Salted Caramel and Toffee Cream Empanada Bite.
And of course, Taco Bell’s iconic Baja Blast slushie is getting some love. Taco Bell is releasing a Midnight Baja Blast, a darker, passionfruit-flavored version of the classic drink.
“I’m most excited about the new Midnight Baja Blast. If it tastes as good as it looks, it’ll be my new go-to drink,” Roebuck said.
Even with all the new items, Taco Bell is sticking with its value menu approach and prioritizing affordability. Its $5, $7, and $9 Luxe Cravings Boxes are expected to stay on the menu through the first half of this year, giving customers a way to try new menu items while sticking to a budget.
Taco Bell’s 2025 menu shows that the company is willing to take risks while also listening to its customers. With new sauces, bold flavors, and nostalgic comebacks, the chain is aiming to keep things exciting for both longtime fans and first-time customers.
