Taco Bell brings back new version of discontinued favorite

Brought to menus at the start of 2018, Nacho Fries sold 53 million orders in the first two months after launch and made up roughly a quarter of all Taco Bell items sold that year.

One of our best-selling item every year is not always available for purchase. Taco Bell has brought back and later removed Nacho Fries from its menus 10 times between 2018 and 2024.

The latest spicy iteration of the hit favorite arrives at Taco Bell locations across the country this spring. The new item is named Secret Aardvark Nacho Fries and is made with the hot ranch sauce from the namesake partner company. Other toppings to make these fries “loaded” include slow-roasted chicken, a three-cheese blend, nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, and pico de gallo salsa.

Nacho Fries will be available at locations across the country as of April 25 for $4.99. It is one of the new items that Taco Bell announced at its Live Más! event in Las Vegas last February.

KFC Introduces New “Taste of KFC Deals” – A Value Menu with Real Value

KFC is bringing its beloved 11 herbs and spices to an all-new “Taste of KFC Deals” value menu available starting Monday April 8th, with flavor-packed meal deals starting at just $4.99 (prices may vary).

It’s been 30 years since food ate up this much of people’s incomes, and 56% of consumers are budgeting their finances more now due to inflation. These deals are tailor-made to fit right into your loud budget – save on delicious fried chicken so you can spend more on all of the other things you love.

People are fed up with spending more to get less, coupled with “value” menu items that aren’t actually good quality. Enter KFC’s Taste of KFC Deals – four hearty, quality meals for a deal – now that’s value. Taste of KFC Deals available seven days a week at KFCs across the country (also available on KFC.com and the KFC app), through the end of the year, include:

  • $4.99 Meal for One: Table for one, this meal has you covered! Grab two pieces of hot, juicy chicken (drum and thigh), creamy mashed potatoes & gravy and an extra buttery biscuit for just $4.99.
  • Meal for Two: Get a deal on four pieces of chicken (drum, thigh, breast, wing) with mashed potatoes & gravy and two extra buttery biscuits – prices vary by location. This deal is great for parties of two.
  • $20 Family Meal: Make it a chicken night with the family when you bring home six pieces of mouthwatering chicken on the bone (two drums, two thighs, one breast and one wing), four individual sides of your choice, and four extra buttery biscuits. Side choices include Secret Recipe Fries, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes (with or without gravy), coleslaw and sweet corn.

KFC Takes Finger Lickin’ Good to a Whole New Level with New Saucy Nuggets in Five Dripping Flavors

KFC is getting saucy and taking its finger lickin’ good chicken nuggets to a whole new level with NEW Saucy Nuggets, with five flavors available at KFC restaurants nationwide starting April 1! The news comes one year after KFC introduced its 100% white meat, hand-breaded chicken nuggets, which quickly became a crowd-pleaser. Choose from brand-new sauces including Honey Sriracha, Korean BBQ and Sticky Chicky Sweet ‘n Sour Sauce, and two highly requested fan favorites, Nashville Hot and Georgia Gold. For just $5.99, sauce lovers can snag a 10-piece of KFC’s new Saucy Nuggets at participating locations.

Also joining KFC menus is a NEW snackable dessert: Apple Pie Poppers! Filled with warm apple pie filling and wrapped in a buttery and flaky crust, these are everything you love about apple pie in a fun bite – try four for just $2.49 at participating locations.

Taco Bell on the Cover of Fast Company’s 2024 ‘Most Innovative Companies’ Issue

Fast Company just published its “2024 Most Innovative Companies List,” and Taco Bell is featured on the cover of the latest issue. The brand ranked No. 1 in the Dining category and No. 8 on the overall global ranking. Fast Company’s accompanying article spotlights Taco Bell’s leadership team, its most recent activations and experiential events, and the impact the brand has had on the industry and culture at large with innovation at its core.

KFC was also recognized, coming in at No. 14 in the Advertising & Marketing category.

Inclusion in this ranking highlights how our brands continue to elevate their innovation to remain Relevant, Easy and Distinctive to fans around the world.

KFC Surpasses 30k Restaurants Worldwide

KFC’s newest restaurant in Rome, Italy, marks the company’s 30,000th global location. A new KFC location opens somewhere in the world every 3.5 hours on average.

“Opening our 30,000th restaurant is a testament to the support of our local business partners, employees, and customers over the past nearly 75 years,” Sabir Sami, CEO of KFC Global, said in a statement.  “While we are a global brand, we aim to meet the unique needs and expectations of our guests on a local level, with menus that resonate with the local culture and flavors of each community. That also includes serving local communities through our food donation and upskilling programs, which operate in many of our markets, including Italy.”

12 New Items to be Introduced in 2024

Taco Bell will introduce over 12 new items to its menu throughout 2024. The announcement was shared during Super Bowl weekend in a livestreaming event called “Live Más Live”.  The list of products include Cantina Chicken, a flavorful form of chicken that’s been “oven-roasted, shredded, and packed with a savory seasoning of Mexican spices including pasilla and other varieties of chilies.” The chicken can be complemented with purple cabbage, pico de gallo and a white corn taco shell, and can be topped with Avocado Verde Salsa — one of the brand’s new sauce packets.

Five versions of the Cantina Chicken will be added to the menu:

  • Cantina Chicken Burrito.
  • Soft Cantina Chicken Taco.
  • Crispy Cantina Chicken Taco.
  • Cantina Chicken Quesadilla.
  • Cantina Chicken Bowl.

Other items to be introduced include Cheesy Chicken Crispanada, Mountain Dew Baja Blast Gelato, and Crispy Chicken Nuggets.

KFC rolls out new ‘Chizza’ for very first time in the United States

It’s not pizza — it’s “Chizza.” KFC introduced the first-of-its-kind chicken pizza to all of its stores nationwide this week. The Chizza is made with two fried chicken filets topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. Chicken and pizza lovers can try the Chizza on its own or with a combo meal, which includes the Chizza, Secret Recipe Fries and a medium drink. The “Chizza” is available for a limited time.

Taco Bell sprinkles its menu with Tajin

Taco Bell is testing a Tajin Crunchy Taco, Tajin Twists and a Tajin Strawberry Freeze at one Orange County, Calif., location for a limited time. Taco Bell formed a partnership with Tajin to bring the iconic Mexican seasoning onto the menu. The classic Tajin is a mildly spiced blend of red chilies, lime and sea salt that originated in Mexico but has recently gained culinary traction in the U.S.

“We’re thrilled to embark on this culinary journey with Tajin, a brand whose unique seasoning blends are revered for their versatility in the kitchen,” said Liz Matthews, Taco Bell’s chief global food innovations officer, in a statement. “This collaboration is a celebration of bold flavors and innovative pairings that showcase how Tajin’s iconic chili-lime seasoning perfectly complements classic Taco Bell menu items. Together we’re bringing new flavors to the taco experience and delivering an unforgettable taste adventure.”

The Tajin Crunchy Taco features a corn shell spiced with the original Tajin blend and filled with seasoned beef, ranch sauce, lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese and mango salsa; it’s priced at $2.89.

Tajin Twists, crispy puffed corn twists sprinkled with a bold Tajin seasoning, tap into the growing snacking trend at fast food concepts; an order goes for $1.29. And the Tajin Strawberry Freeze fits into chains’ expanding beverage focus. The frosty drink is a blend of Taco Bell’s Wild Strawberry Freeze with real mango pieces and Tajin fruity chamoy sauce; it sells for $3.59.

Each item comes with a packet of Tajin seasoning on the side so guests can sprinkle to taste for a customized experience. Customers who wish to try all three LTOs at once can order a Tajin Combo for $6.99.

Taco Bell’s limited time Tajin menu is in test through March 6, or while supplies last.

Taco Bell Unveils the Cheesy Chicken Crispanada

From the masterminds of the Taco Bell test kitchen comes the Cheesy Chicken Crispanada. This iconic empanada is set to hit menus nationwide for a limited time starting February 15, bringing with it a fusion of craveable flavors.

Taco Bell’s Cheesy Chicken Crispanada, a twist on the classic empanada, underwent testing in Tennessee in early 2023, sparking excitement among fans and leading to its nationwide debut. Announced at Taco Bell’s inaugural Live Más LIVE event in Las Vegas, the Cheesy Chicken Crispanada kicks off a full year of innovation to come. Encased within a crispy, golden shell bursting with vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors, including a harmonious blend of tender and seasoned chicken and a melty infusion of rich, gooey cheese. Available for $3.49, the Cheesy Chicken Crispanada will make its nationwide debut starting February 15, for a limited time.

Taco Bell Revives the Ice Cream Chocolate Tacos

On Instagram, it was revealed that “daringly delicious ice cream” brand Salt & Straw was collaborating with Taco Bell to bring back a version of chocolate tacos.

“Taco Tuesday like you’ve never had it before 😏 Yesterday our head ice cream maker was at Live Más Live to announce the return of our iconic Ice Cream Chocolate Tacos in collaboration with @tacobell,” the caption of the Feb. 11 post read, adding that the treats are “coming this summer to all scoop shops and online for nationwide shipping.”