The nostalgia of Taco Bell’s discontinued menu items still lingers. It evokes memories of flavors and combinations that once defined fast food indulgence. These cherished dishes are now part of a culinary memory still missed by many.
Cinnamon Crispas
Cinnamon Crispas were removed in the late 1980s. These sweet treats were available as a dessert option, with crispy tortilla chips dusted with cinnamon sugar, which offered a satisfying crunch. Many customers prefer them to the current Cinnamon Twists. Their discontinuation left a gap in Taco Bell’s cinnamon-flavored offerings.
The Bell Beefer
This Sloppy Joe-inspired sandwich was discontinued in the mid-1990s. It showcased Taco Bell’s brief foray into bun-based meals. Ground taco beef, lettuce, and diced onions created a unique fast-food option. The “supreme” version added shredded cheese for extra indulgence. Decades later fans still call for this dish’s return. It represented a time when Taco Bell experimented with traditional fast-food formats.
Nacho Crunch Grilled Stuft Burrito
This dish was essentially a hefty burrito with a flavorful punch, discontinued in 2006. Filled with beef or chicken, nacho cheese, beans, green onions, tomatoes, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla strips, it satisfied big appetites. Its grilled exterior added a delightful crunch. Many customers appreciated its substantial size and diverse textures.
Grilled Steak Soft Taco
Discontinued in the mid-2010s, this taco offered a premium protein option. Grilled steak, lettuce, cheese, and avocado ranch sauce created a fresh flavor combination. Many customers appreciated the departure from standard ground beef. Its removal left steak lovers with fewer menu choices.
Beefy Crunch Burrito
Beefy Crunch Burrito was a cult classic, combining beef, rice, and Flamin’ Hot Fritos. It was discontinued in 2011. Its brief return in 2023 after a 12-year hiatus sparked excitement among fans. The unique combination of textures and flavors made it a standout menu item. Many customers lobbied for its permanent return. Its limited-time comeback provided its enduring popularity.
Volcano Taco and Lava Sauce
Discontinued in 2013, this spicy dish featured a bright red shell and fiery lava sauce. It provided a heat level unmatched by other menu items. Its brief return in 2016 reignited fans’ passion for the spicy sauce. Many customers still crave the creamy, spicy kick of lava sauce.
Waffle Taco
Waffle Taco was a breakfast item, discontinued in 2015, embodied Taco Bell’s adventurous spirit. A folded waffle contained scrambled eggs, cheese, and a choice of bacon or sausage. Its sweet and savory combination polarized customer opinions. Many appreciated its novelty in the fast-food breakfast market. Its removal simplified the breakfast menu but disappointed innovation-seeking customers.
Naked Chicken Chips
Discontinued in 2017, these triangle-shaped chicken nuggets offered a playful twist on traditional chips. Paired with nacho cheese sauce, they provided a protein-packed alternative to tortilla chips. Their unique shape made them fun to dip and eat. Many customers appreciated their portability and snackability. Their removal left many fans of innovative chicken items disappointed.
Meximelt
Meximelt is a beloved hybrid dish created with soft taco and quesadilla. This was Taco Bell’s menu for 30 years before it was discontinued in 2019. Ground, beef, pico de gallo, and melted cheese created a simple yet irresistible combination. Its sudden removal left many customers longing for its returns. There even have been online petitions to bring back this item on the menu.
Caramel Apple Empanada
Caramel Apple Empanada was removed from Taco Bell’s menu in 2019. This dessert offered a taste of fall year-round. It comprised a crispy pastry shell encased in warm apple filling and smooth caramel sauce. Its unique flavor profile sets it apart from competitor’s apple turnovers. Many customers miss this handheld treat as a sweet ending to their meals. Its discontinuation left a gap in Taco Bell’s limited dessert offerings.
Baja Gordita
This flatbread taco, discontinued in 2019, offered a softer alternative to crispy Chalupa. Filled with beef, lettuce, cheese, and fiesta sauce, it was a fan favorite. The loss of unique Baja sauce made it impossible to replicate. Many customers missed its fluffy, pita-like shell. It represented a bygone era of Taco Bell’s menu diversity.
Double Decker Taco
Removed from the U.S. menu in 2019, this innovative taco combined soft and crunchy textures. A layer of refried beans held a soft tortilla around a traditional crunchy taco. Its unique construction solved the problem of broken taco shells. Many miss its satisfying bite and contrasting textures. This item is still available in some countries outside the U.S.
Seven-Layer Burrito
The Seven-Layer Burrito was a vegetarian favorite packed with seven layers of flavors in one tortilla. However, it was discontinued in 2020. Refried beans, guacamole, cheese, onions, lettuce, sour cream, and tomatoes created a satisfying meal. Many customers appreciate its lighter feel compared to meat-based options. Its removal sparked outrage among vegetarian patrons.
Loaded Grillers
Discontinued in July 2020, this trio of grilled burritos offered variety and convenience. The Beefy Nacho, Chipotle Chicken, and Loaded Potato versions catered to different tastes. Their removal streamlined the menu of Taco Bell but disappointed many regulars. The Loaded Potato Griller was particularly missed for its unique flavor combination.
Cheesarito/Quesarito
This cheese-centric item gained a cult following, however was finally discontinued in 2020. This dish was a simple combination of cheese, onions, and sauce wrapped in a tortilla to satisfy cheese lovers. Although this item was taken off the menu in the 1980s, customers were still able to order it via the “secret menu” till it was finally removed.
Quesalupa
Quesalupa was a cheese-stuffed chalupa shell, introduced in 106, and saw its latest discontinuation in 2021. Filled with typical taco ingredients, its unique selling point was a cheese-filled crispy shell. Many customers loved the extra cheese crunch it proved. Its removal left a void in Taco Bell’s “fusion” category.
The Enchirito
This beloved wet burrito experienced multiple removals, with its latest discontinuation in 2023. This dish was stuffed with beef, beans, and onions, and then smothered in red sauce and melted cheese. Its brief returns in 2022 and 2023 proved its enduring popularity. Many fans consider it superior to later “smothered burrito” variations.