Taco Bell is not a fast food chain that typically offers ice cream as one of its dessert options. So, it’s understandable that the Mexican chain is not the first place you’d think of going to when you’re craving for dessert, especially if you’re looking for something that’s both cool and creamy like ice cream or gelato. However, Taco Bell changed all of that last summer when it tested a frozen treat that took the fast food scene by storm.
Last year, Taco Bell released a Baja Blast Gelato to test in only one of their Southern California locations. And as we all know, Taco Bell’s Baja Blast products are in partnership with Pepsi brand, MTN Dew. The exciting thing is, the Taco Bell confirmed in their recent Live Más event that the fan-approved turquoise frozen treat is, in fact, finally making a nationwide debut this summer. There is no word on the official release day yet. However, fans can rest assured that getting the popular treat will no longer involve driving to Irvine, California, just to sample it.
What Fans Said Back Then
Testing the Baja Blast Gelato in only one location back in August 2023 didn’t stop curious fans from making the trip to Campus Drive, Irvine, CA, and getting their hands on the exclusive treat. But that shouldn’t come as a shock, considering that the Baja Blast has its own strong fandom around the internet. So much so that what was supposed to be a two-week test ended up only lasting a little over three days.
Needless to say, the Mountain Dew Baja Blast Gelato was a hit, with fans even begging the brand to make the treat available nationwide. Now, fans are excited again to learn that the turquoise treat is coming back for a wider release, with many hoping that it’ll be a permanent addition to Taco Bell’s frozen treats menu.
How does it taste though?
While people are aware of the tropical lime flavor associated with the regular Baja Blast freeze and fountain drink, one would still wonder how the iconic flavor might translate when it’s applied in gelato form. Fortunately, fans who have tried the Baja Blast Gelato report that it tastes exactly like the beverage, making it a very nice and refreshing treat.
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The MTN Dew Baja Blast Gelato’s Success
Taco Bell is making a big move in the food innovations department by officially introducing its MTN Dew Baja Blast Gelato and giving it a nationwide release. Last year’s successful test run of the product proved that people loved the concept so much that its comeback and wider accessibility are now highly anticipated.
What makes Baja Blast Gelato special is its combination of Taco Bell’s fan favorite drink flavor with the smooth, creamy texture of gelato, truly making it a perfect treat this summer season. Taco Bell’s Global Chief Food Innovation Officer Liz Matthews says that while this is the brand’s first-ever gelato product, it only feels right to move in this direction, considering Baja Blast’s big fanbase.
Have You Heard of the Baja Blast Pie?
Taco Bell Mountain Dew Baja Gelato is not the only non-beverage product that the brand plans to launch. According to Taco Bell’s previously held Live Más event, the brand is also planning to release a Baja Blast-flavored pie. However, When fans saw a photo of the pie on social media, some commented that just looking at it made their stomachs bubble in an uneasy way.
In addition to this, we might also be looking at Cinnamon Twists with the MTN Dew Baja Blast flavor. Whether these items appeal to fans or not, it would be interesting to see other Baja Blast-flavored items from Taco Bell, considering the success of the gelato. After all, Taco Bell is known for creatively reimagining popular items in unexpected ways, and the Baja Blast Gelato is a great example of the brand’s knack for thinking up new twists on classic flavors while maintaining the original taste.
Try Taco Bell’s Street Chapula’s This July
Another successful item that Taco Bell tested last year is coming back this July. The Street Chalupa (formerly known as Cheesy Street Chalupas) will officially be released on July 18 through DoorDash’s Summer of DashPass, which started on June 20. The savings event would be the perfect opportunity to try Taco Bell’s Street Chalupa which features melted mozzarella and pepper jack cheeses that stick two chalupa shells together to hold either shredded chicken or grilled steak, topped with a jalapeño ranch sauce, onions, and cilantro.
To stay up-to-date on Taco Bell’s newest menu items, simply visit the brand’s official website and follow their Facebook, Instagram, and other social platforms. If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for a DoorDash membership to redeem Taco Bell’s Street Chalupa deal on July 18.
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From The Club
I didn’t get to try the Baja Blast Gelato when it was first being tested, so I’m really glad that Taco Bell is doing a nationwide release this time. I’ve always loved the drink so I’m pretty confident that I’d love the gelato just as much. I also agree that they should make it permanent since a lot of people seem to really like it.
Image and tip courtesy of @snackolator