Taco Bell: the place where late-night cravings meet questionable decisions and a drive-thru speaker that never quite hears your order right.
Whether you’re rolling through at 1 a.m. with a car full of friends or shamefully Postmating a cheesy fix after a long day, Taco Bell has a certain charm. It’s cheap, it’s fast, and it’s a little unpredictable—kind of like your ex, but with more hot sauce packets.
But not everything on that menu is a crunchy, cheesy masterpiece. Some items are straight-up regret wrapped in a tortilla. That’s why we’re diving headfirst into the good, the bad, and the just plain what-is-this of Taco Bell.
We’re talking 12 items that deserve a one-way trip to the food flop hall of fame, and 12 champions you should order every single time like the loyal fan you are.
1. Beefy Melt Burrito
A sodium-packed bomb that tastes like every leftover ingredient shoved into a tortilla. Its sloppy texture and confusing flavor offer zero finesse, making each bite an experience of culinary chaos.
Imagine a poorly assembled jigsaw puzzle of fast-food components. The excessive saltiness clashes with the blandness of other ingredients, resulting in a dish that leaves much to be desired. This burrito feels more like an afterthought than a careful creation.
If you’re seeking satisfaction in your burrito choice, this isn’t the one. Instead, it serves as a reminder that not all tacos are crafted with care.
2. Nacho Fries (when they’re cold)
Fresh, they’re decent. But let them cool off, and you’re chewing on soggy potato sadness dusted with seasoning that screams “college dorm food.”
These fries transform from delight to dismay in mere minutes. The texture becomes limp and depressing, a stark contrast to their crispy origins. Their once vibrant flavor fades into a whisper of what they could be.
For a side dish with potential, its shortcomings when not served hot remind us that timing is everything in the fast-food world.
3. Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes
Mushy potatoes drowned in neon cheese sauce and bland sour cream. It’s like someone tried to make loaded tots and forgot flavor, leaving you with a mushy mess lacking any pizzazz.
The potatoes, intended to be comforting, become a soggy disappointment under the weight of overpowering cheese.
Each forkful offers a monotonous taste, failing to excite the palate. For those seeking vibrant flavors, this dish is a reminder that not all things cheesy are created equal. Sometimes, simplicity is key.
4. Spicy Potato Soft Taco
It’s bland, soft, and falls apart like your will to finish it. There’s “mild kick” and then there’s “did someone sneeze paprika in this?”
This taco struggles to live up to its spicy name. The potatoes inside lack the zest needed to elevate it from mundane to memorable. Instead of a fiery experience, you receive a gentle nudge of spice that leaves much to the imagination.
For those craving a spicy adventure, this taco serves as a quiet whisper rather than a bold exclamation.
5. Mexican Pizza
Once a fan favorite, now it feels like a microwaved mess with oily edges and a soggy middle. Definitely not the nostalgic return we hoped for.
This pizza has lost its footing in the fast-food landscape. Its once crispy layers are now a mere shadow, offering little in terms of texture contrast. The flavors muddle together, resulting in a dish that can’t quite recapture its former glory.
For those remembering the good old days of the Mexican Pizza, this iteration may leave you yearning for a taste of the past.
6. Chalupa Supreme (with beef)
Sounds promising, but the greasy shell and under-seasoned meat create an experience that’s more chewy than satisfying.
This chalupa seems to have missed the memo on balance. Instead of a delightful crunch, you get a mouthful of oiliness that overwhelms the senses. The beef, rather than being a savory centerpiece, lacks the seasoning punch needed to stand out.
For those seeking a hearty taco fix, this chalupa may leave you searching for the flavor it once promised.
7. Cinnabon Delights
Too sweet, too oily, and too inconsistent. Sometimes molten inside, other times dry and empty. Breakfast dessert roulette? No thanks.
These treats offer unpredictability in every bite, leaving you guessing whether you’ll experience a burst of sweetness or a dry disappointment. Their inconsistency makes them a gamble.
For those with a sweet tooth, these delights might seem tempting, but their erratic nature may leave you craving a more reliable dessert choice.
8. Crunchwrap Supreme (when not fresh)
A drive-thru gamble—get it fresh or face a soggy tortilla disaster where the crunch is long gone and the wrap tastes microwaved.
This item proves freshness is key. When served at its best, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. But let it sit, and it morphs into a sad, chewy mess that fails to deliver its promise. For those seeking the iconic crunch, timing is everything. Get it fresh, or risk the wrath of a limp wrap.
9. Bean Burrito
It’s like someone mixed paste with refried beans and sadness. A gluey, bland gut bomb that feels like a dare to finish. This burrito challenges your resolve.
The consistency is more akin to an art project gone wrong than a satisfying meal. Its flavors meld into a monotonous note that fails to excite or satisfy the taste buds.
For those seeking a satisfying burrito experience, this one’s a reminder that not all beans are created equal.
10. Taco Bell’s Chicken (in general)
Rubbery texture, weird aftertaste, and suspiciously uniform pieces. The kind of meat that makes you ask, “Is this really chicken?” It leaves much to the imagination.
The texture fails to mimic anything naturally occurring, while the flavor lingers in a way that raises questions rather than satisfies cravings. Each bite challenges the palate.
11. Loaded Nacho Taco
Dry, uninspired, and tastes like it was made out of spite. Nothing about it says “loaded”—unless we’re talking disappointment. This taco offers a lackluster performance.
The toppings are sparse and fail to add the excitement or flavor pop that one hopes for in a “loaded” item. Each bite leaves you yearning for more substance and less air.
12. Black Bean Quesarito
It’s a carb overload with bland beans and overwhelming rice. Somehow dense and hollow at the same time. This quesarito struggles to strike the right balance.
The beans lack the seasoning needed to stand out, while the rice feels more like filler than flavor. Instead of a harmonious blend, you get a dish that’s more bulk than bold. For those seeking a fulfilling meal, this quesarito may leave you craving more than just carbs.
1. Cheesy Gordita Crunch
Crunchy meets chewy in the best way. That spicy ranch sauce? A flavor bomb. It’s the perfect texture and taste mashup, offering a satisfying experience every time.
The combination of textures provides a delightful contrast, while the sauce adds a zesty kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
It’s a masterclass in balance. For those seeking the ultimate taco experience, this one’s a winner. It’s a reminder of why some items become instant classics at Taco Bell.
2. Doritos Locos Tacos (Nacho Cheese)
Iconic. Bold. A perfect fusion of snack food and taco genius. That cheesy shell adds everything, transforming a simple taco into a flavorful adventure.
The shell provides a satisfying crunch, while the seasoned meat offers a savory foundation. Each bite is a reminder of the brilliance behind this fusion.
For those seeking a taco with a twist, this one’s a bold choice. It’s a testament to the creativity that brings snack food joy to the taco world.
3. Baja Blast (Freezie or Drink)
No Taco Bell run is complete without this cult-classic drink. It tastes like liquid nostalgia and tropical fun, offering a refreshing treat that complements any meal.
The vibrant color is as inviting as the taste, providing a sweet, citrusy experience that tickles the taste buds. It’s a drink that captures the essence of a fast-food adventure. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a Taco Bell tradition.
4. Quesarito (with beef or steak)
Rich, melty, and packed with seasoned meat and creamy sauces. It’s like a burrito went to grad school, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic favorite. The combination of flavors creates a harmonious balance, while the cheese adds a luxurious touch that elevates the dish.
It’s a burrito experience that’s both satisfying and indulgent. It’s a reminder that even fast food can offer a taste of culinary luxury.
5. Steak Grilled Cheese Burrito
It’s heavy in the best way—cheesy, loaded, and grilled to perfection. Feels like fast food luxury, offering a hearty meal that satisfies cravings.
The steak provides a savory depth, while the cheese adds a rich creaminess that ties everything together. Each bite offers a burst of flavor and texture that delights the senses.
For those seeking a meal that’s both filling and flavorful, the Steak Grilled Cheese Burrito stands as a testament to Taco Bell’s ambition.
6. Soft Taco Supreme
Simple, balanced, and reliably tasty. The sour cream and fresh lettuce make it a satisfying classic, offering a familiar comfort that’s hard to resist.
The combination of fresh ingredients and seasoned meat creates a harmonious balance that appeals to both taco purists and adventurous eaters alike. It’s a testament to the enduring allure of simplicity.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, less is more in the world of fast food.
7. Crunchy Taco Supreme
Iconic and crunchy with just the right kick from the sour cream. A must for Taco Bell purists, offering a familiar taste that satisfies every time.
The combination of textures and flavors creates a delightful experience that’s both nostalgic and refreshing. It’s a taco that stands the test of time, and a reminder of why certain items remain beloved by fans everywhere.
8. Nachos BellGrande
It’s messy, cheesy, and built to share (or not). Perfect for late-night cravings when you need something chaotic but delicious, offering a feast for the senses.
The combination of melted cheese, jalapeños, and seasoned meat creates a symphony of flavors that delight with every bite. It’s a dish that encourages indulgence. It’s a reminder that sometimes, a little chaos is a good thing.
9. Churros (when available)
Light, crispy, and sweet. Taco Bell’s take on churros can hit the spot when you’re feeling snacky, offering a delightful treat that satisfies sweet cravings.
The crispy exterior gives way to a tender interior, while the dusting of sugar adds a perfect touch of sweetness. It’s a dessert that brings a smile.
10. Power Bowl (with chicken or steak)
If you want something that doesn’t make your arteries cry, this protein-packed bowl with rice, beans, and guac is actually solid. It offers a balanced meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
The combination of ingredients creates a vibrant mix of flavors and textures that feel wholesome and fulfilling. It’s a power-packed option for those seeking a healthier choice. For those seeking a break from traditional fast food, the Power Bowl offers a refreshing alternative.
11. Taco Bell Breakfast Crunchwrap
Eggs, hash browns, cheese, and meat all neatly wrapped for breakfast bliss. Easily one of their best early morning items, offering a hearty start to the day. The combination of breakfast staples creates a satisfying meal that provides both flavor and fuel for the morning ahead.
It’s a breakfast option that delivers on taste and convenience. For those seeking a delicious start to the day, the Breakfast Crunchwrap is hard to beat.
12. Crispy Chicken Tacos (when in season)
When they do get chicken right, these crispy tacos shine. They’re spicy, flavorful, and not as weird as their regular chicken items, offering a refreshing change of pace.
The crispy exterior gives way to tender, juicy chicken that delights with every bite. It’s a taco experience that adds a new twist to the menu. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the seasonal items offer the most exciting flavors.
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