Taco Bell has been on a roll lately with fresh new items. But let’s be real—there are still a few classics that we really wish would return for good. These 10 discontinued menu items left a flavor legacy we’ll never forget. Taco Bell, if you’re listening, bring these back already…permanently.
10. Meximelt
Meximelt first debuted in the 1980s and still has passionate fan demand until now. It’s made with soft flour tortilla, seasoned ground beef, pico de gallo, and a blend of three cheeses, all of which are readily available in most Taco Bell kitchens. The brand did bring back Meximelt and it was part of the recently launched “Decades Menu.” But still, it looks like Taco Bell is playing their nostalgia card right.
9. XXL Chalupa
Remember XXL Chalupa? Yup, the classic chalupa in a supersized version—over 50% larger than the standard size! It was a thing of beauty filled with everything you love about the classic chalupa. XXL Chalupa was also loved for its low price. Despite having a massive size, guests were able to order one under $3. Now that fast food chains are focused on offering value, it’s the perfect time for XXL Chalupa to comeback.
8. Lava Sauce
Lava sauce isn’t just hot, it’s flavorful! It’s well-loved for being creamy, bold, and spicy, as well as its ability to elevate almost any Taco Bell item. It was first introduced in 2008 as part of the “Volcano Menu,” discontinued in 2013, and returned for a limited-time in 2023. Now that the preference for spicy foods is growing, could we get this fiery sauce back, please?
7. Enchirito
Enchirito is one of the most iconic discontinued items from Taco Bell, and it’s essentially a soft burrito covered in enchilada sauce and melty cheese. It’s filled with the good stuff: seasoned beef, refried beans, and chopped onions. The fork-and-knife eating gave this item a special charm and even after it was discontinued, people kept hacking the menu to get it.
6. Shredded Chicken Quesarito
The Shredded Chicken Quesarito stood out for being melty, saucy, and layered in flavor. This was a burrito + quesadilla hybrid loaded with seasoned rice, seasoned chicken, reduced-fat sour cream, and chipotle sauce. This quesarito was the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory—a flavor bomb, if you will.
5. Spicy Tostada
Spicy tostada was a simple yet flavor-packed favorite. It featured a chipotle sauce + red sauce combo, which brought out its real heat and flavor. The spiciness was then balanced by fresh toppings and refried beans. Many health-conscious guests chose Spicy Tostada for being light and naturally vegetarian.
4. Salsa Verde Sauce
If you’re a true Taco Bell fan, you’d know that the Avocado Salsa Verde is different from the OG Salsa Verde that we need back on the menu. The latter had a sharp and tangy kick to it, and it was thin, refreshing, and vinegary. Fans loved it for having the classic “verde” brightness. The clean heat that came from green chiles was a great addition to tacos, rice bowls, and quesadillas.
3. Double Decker Taco
This legend was a mashup of two taco styles: a crispy taco shell loaded with all the delicious fixings and a soft flour tortilla that was “glued” on with a layer of refried beans. Unlike the Double Stacked Taco that you can get today, the Double Decker Taco was mild and classic in flavor. The creamy beans also made the latter more filling.
2. Smothered Burrito
The Smothered Burrito had a similar concept to Enchirito but the former was bigger, bolder, and more modern. Smothered Burrito was also more complex than a typical burrito because it had red sauce, a three-cheese blend, and sour cream. Guests also had an option to include shredded chicken, steak, or beef in the filling. The vibe was hearty and flavorful, like a fast food version of Mexican dinner plate.
1. Caramel Apple Empanada
Taco Bell isn’t widely known for desserts but they’re obviously killing it with the Caramel Apple Empanada. Yes, this crowd-favorite is set to return this year, but we can all agree that it deserves a permanent spot on the menu. Just imagine the decadent combo of caramel, apple, and cinnamon, bursting from the crispy, warm, and buttery empanada shell. There’s the right chew, flavor, and crunch!