Editing Taco Bell (section)

== Menu and advertising ==
The first Taco Bell commercials premiered in 1968, featuring advertisements with [[Mel Blanc]], [[Pat Harrington Jr.|Pat Harrington]], and the then-host of ''[[Truth or Consequences]]'', [[Bob Barker]].<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8C9soIsCI4 |title=Taco Bell 1968 |date=September 30, 2010 |last=monkeeman1966 |access-date=February 7, 2025 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ez4Zaq6-KrE |title=1968 TACO BELL radio ad with BOB BARKER |date=January 15, 2024 |last=Johnny Rock |access-date=February 7, 2025 |via=YouTube}}</ref>

In 1992, [[Johnny Cash]] starred in a television commercial for Taco Bell's value menu.<ref name="Lazarus 1992">{{cite web |last=Lazarus |first=George |title=Taco Bell Hoping to Cash in on Cash| website=Chicago Tribune |date=April 17, 1992 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1992-04-17-9202040426-story.html |access-date=February 15, 2023}}</ref>

In 1993, Taco Bell was part of [[product placement]] for the movie [[Demolition Man (film)|''Demolition Man'']] and updated their currently used logo.<ref name="starring-tacobell">{{cite magazine |date=October 29, 1993 |author=Nisid Hajari |title='Demolition Man': Starring Taco Bell |url=https://ew.com/article/1993/10/29/demolition-man-starring-taco-bell/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |quote=Other chains wouldn't do a tie-in with an R-rated movie }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 13, 2016 |last=Chandler |first=Adam |title=Is Taco Bell Embracing Demolition Man's Vision of Its Future? |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/notes/2016/07/taco-bell-demolition-man/491234/ |website=[[The Atlantic]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713222238/https://www.theatlantic.com/notes/2016/07/taco-bell-demolition-man/491234/ | archive-date=July 13, 2016 }}</ref>

In 2000, ''Taco Bell: Tasty Temple Challenge'' was released for [[Disk_operating_system|DOS]] by Taco Bell as the publisher and developed by BrandGames<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.giantbomb.com/brandgames/3010-4235/|title=
BrandGames|website=Giant Bomb|access-date=February 5, 2025}}</ref> as a kid-friendly [[first-person_shooter|first-person 3D action shooter]] with gameplay similar to that of ''[[Doom_(1993_video_game)|Doom]]'' and ''[[Wolfenstein 3D]]'' in terms of combat and exploration, serving as an [[Advergame|advertisement for the brand]]. The player controls Baja Bill, who explores a temple of a lost jungle civilization, battling snakes and scorpions with [[List_of_hot_sauces|Taco Bell's hot and wild sauce]]. Food from the brand also appears in game and is used to replenish the protagonist's health.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dosgames.com/game/taco-bell-tasty-temple-challenge/|title=Taco Bell: Tasty Temple Challenge|website=DOSGames|access-date=February 5, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/msdos_Taco_Bell_-_Tasty_Temple_Challenge_2000|website=Internet Archives|access-date=February 5, 2025|quote=Online playable version of the game|title=Taco Bell - Tasty Temple Challenge}}</ref>
 
[[File:Taco-Bell-menu-items-01.jpg|thumb|Several Taco Bell menu items. Clockwise from lower right: chalupa supreme, combo burrito, double decker taco]]
In March 2001, Taco Bell announced a promotion to coincide with the re-entry of the [[Mir space station]]. They towed a large target out into the Pacific Ocean, announcing that if the target was hit by a falling piece of Mir, every person in the United States would be entitled to a free Taco Bell taco. The company bought a sizable insurance policy for this gamble.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=4152 |title=Free Tacos for U.S. If Mir Hits Floating Taco Bell Ocean Target – Taco Bell sets 40 by 40 foot target in South Pacific for Mir's Re-Entry |publisher=Taco Bell |date=March 19, 2001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120918014544/http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=4152 |archive-date=September 18, 2012 }}</ref> No piece of the station struck the target.

In 2004, a local Taco Bell franchisee bought the [[naming rights]] to the [[Boise State]] Pavilion in [[Boise, Idaho]], and renamed the stadium [[Taco Bell Arena]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Rush |first=Adam |url=http://www.sde.state.id.us/webdocs/DailyEdNews/2004%20July-Dec%20Archive/04-10-26_Tuesday.htm |title=Boise State backs Taco Bell deal; Education: Students, faculty plan to meet today to consider protest related to farmworker treatment |work=Idaho Press-Tribune |date=October 26, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050309210236/http://www.sde.state.id.us/webdocs/Dailyednews/2004%20July-Dec%20Archive/04-10-26_Tuesday.htm |archive-date=March 9, 2005}}</ref> Also, in 2004, [[Mountain Dew]] offered Taco Bell stores the exclusive right to carry Mountain Dew [[Baja Blast]], a tropical lime flavor of the popular soft drink.<ref name="Baja Blast">{{cite web|last=Tanner|first=Steve|title=Review: Mountain Dew Baja Blast|url=http://www.bevreview.com/2004/07/30/review-mountain-dew-baja-blast/|publisher=BevReview|access-date=March 27, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314092636/http://www.bevreview.com/2004/07/30/review-mountain-dew-baja-blast/|archive-date=March 14, 2012}}</ref>

In 2005, Taco Bell released the menu item called the [[Crunchwrap Supreme]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.tacobell.com/history |access-date=December 9, 2024 |website=www.tacobell.com}}</ref>

In 2007, Taco Bell first offered the "Steal a Base, Steal a Taco" promotion—if any player from either team [[stolen base|stole a base]] in the [[2007 World Series|World Series]], the company would give away free tacos to everyone in the United States in a campaign similar to the Mir promotion, albeit with a much higher likelihood of being realized.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/2007/10/29/taco-bell-baseball-face-markets-cx_mr_1029autofacescan02.html |title=Taco Bell's Big Enchilada |work=Forbes |date=October 29, 2007 |access-date=February 9, 2010 |first=Marisa |last=Rindone |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101030024147/http://www.forbes.com/2007/10/29/taco-bell-baseball-face-markets-cx_mr_1029autofacescan02.html |archive-date=October 30, 2010 }}</ref> After [[Jacoby Ellsbury]] of the [[Boston Red Sox]] stole a base in Game 2, the company made good on the promotion on October 30, 2007. The promotion has subsequently been offered in multiple World Series.
{{main|Steal a Base, Steal a Taco}}

Taco Bell sponsors a promotion at home games for both the [[Portland Trail Blazers]] and the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] in which everyone in attendance receives a coupon for a free Chalupa if the home team scores 100 points or more.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ourpdx.net/2008/11/brother-can-you-spare-a-chalupa/ |title=Brother, can you spare a chalupa? |publisher=OurPDX |date=November 21, 2008 |access-date=February 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723233833/http://ourpdx.net/2008/11/brother-can-you-spare-a-chalupa/ |archive-date=July 23, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.cleveland.com/andone/2008/06/shawn_kemp_by_the_fans.html |title=Shawn Kemp By The Fans |work=The Plain Dealer |date=June 12, 2008 |access-date=February 9, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110628052131/http://blog.cleveland.com/andone/2008/06/shawn_kemp_by_the_fans.html |archive-date=June 28, 2011 }}</ref>

In 2009, Taco Bell introduced a [[music video]] style commercial entitled "It's all about the Roosevelts"; the video was composed and produced by Danny de Matos at his studio for Amber Music on behalf of DraftFCB Agency. Featuring, Varsity Fanclub's [[Bobby Edner]], the [[rap music]] style commercial shows a group of friends gathering change as they drive toward Taco Bell. The commercial represents Taco Bell's first foray into movie theater advertising, featuring the ad during the opening previews of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'' and ''[[Public Enemies (2009 film)|Public Enemies]]'' as well as screens in some movie theater lobbies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qsrmagazine.com/articles/news/story.phtml?id=8865 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201112227/http://www.qsrmagazine.com/articles/news/story.phtml?id=8865 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 1, 2013 |title=Taco Bell Makes Big-Screen Debut |work=QSR Magazine |date=June 29, 2009 |access-date=February 9, 2010 }}</ref>

On July 1, 2009, Taco Bell replaced 20-year sponsor [[McDonald's]] as the fast-food partner of the [[NBA]]. Taco Bell and the NBA agreed on a 4-year deal allowing them to advertise on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]], [[TNT (U.S. TV network)|TNT]], and [[ESPN]], and NBA-themed promotions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4300399 |title=McDonald's out, Taco Bell in as NBA's fast-food partner |publisher=ESPN |date=July 1, 2009 |access-date=February 9, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704203626/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4300399 |archive-date=July 4, 2009 }}</ref> On July 21, 2009, [[Taco Bell chihuahua|Gidget]], the [[Chihuahua (dog)|Chihuahua]] featured in Taco Bell ads in the late 1990s, was [[euthanized]] after suffering a stroke.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/taco-bell-chihuahua-dies/ | title=Taco Bell Chihuahua Dies | publisher=CBS News | date=July 22, 2009 | access-date=July 29, 2012 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120193254/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-207_162-5181327.html | archive-date=January 20, 2013 | df=mdy-all }}</ref>  She was 15 years old. 2009 commercials for the "Frutista Freeze" frozen drink feature [[Snowball (cockatoo)|Snowball]], an [[Eleonora cockatoo]] noted for his ability to dance to human music.<ref name="nwi">{{cite web|url=http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/article_4b3a58ed-2eae-5c3a-a095-fa3135bec62c.html|title=Region's famed dancing bird hawks Taco Bell|last=Renderman|first=Vanessa|date=July 26, 2009|publisher=nwitimes.com|access-date=July 28, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605104813/http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/article_4b3a58ed-2eae-5c3a-a095-fa3135bec62c.html|archive-date=June 5, 2011}}</ref> In an effort to promote its $2 Meal Deals, Taco Bell started a Facebook group in June 2010 to collect signatures on a petition that appeals to the [[Federal Reserve]] to produce more [[United States two-dollar bill|two-dollar bills]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Strauss |first=Daniel |url=http://www.politico.com/click/stories/1006/taco_bell_asks_fed_for_jeffersons.html |title=Taco Bell asks Fed for Jeffersons |work=[[Politico]] |date=June 11, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304100530/http://www.politico.com/click/stories/1006/taco_bell_asks_fed_for_jeffersons.html |archive-date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref>

A large advertising push by Taco Bell had begun in late February 2011 in response to a consumer protection lawsuit filed against the company by an Alabama law firm. The promotion sought to counter allegations that the company falsely advertised the ratio of ingredients in its beef filling for its tacos. The spots featured employees and franchisees stating that the filling has always been a mixture of 88% beef and various spices and binders and nothing else. The ad followed several full-page print ads in the ''New York Times'' and other newspapers that featured the headline "Thank you for suing us."<ref name="Independent-Advert">{{cite news |title=Taco Bell launches saucy ad campaigns against meat allegations |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/taco-bell-launches-saucy-ad-campaigns-against-meat-allegations-2230712.html |access-date=March 6, 2011 |newspaper=The Independent |date=March 3, 2011 |location=London |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110306093741/http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/taco-bell-launches-saucy-ad-campaigns-against-meat-allegations-2230712.html |archive-date=March 6, 2011 }}</ref> Additionally, the chain added a new social campaign using [[Twitter]] and [[Facebook]]. The company invested heavily in the campaign, spending more than $3 million ([[USD]]) putting out its message—about 20 percent more than the company usually spends on an advertising program. The various campaigns came shortly before the company began its official response to the suit in the [[United States District Court for the Central District of California]] and were designed to bring public opinion into their camp. Various analysts stated that the company would have been better off using a grass-root campaign that involved in store advertising and other non-broadcast media.<ref name=DB-AP>{{cite news |last=Chapman |first=Michelle |title=Taco Bell to fight meat filling claims via TV ads |url=http://www.dailybreeze.com/business/ci_17504527 |access-date=March 6, 2011 |work=The Daily Breeze |date=February 28, 2011 |agency=Associated Press |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708220429/http://www.dailybreeze.com/business/ci_17504527 |archive-date=July 8, 2011 }}</ref> The suit was eventually withdrawn,<ref name="AP-Schreiner">{{cite news|last=Schreiner |first=Bruce |title=Taco Bell beef lawsuit dropped |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/taco-bell-beef-lawsuit-dropped/ |access-date=April 8, 2020 |newspaper=Seattle Times |date=April 20, 2011 |agency=Associated Press }}</ref> and the company continued its advertising response by publicly requesting an apology from the suing firm of Beasley Allen. Analyst Laura Ries, of marketing strategy firm Ries & Ries, stated she believed Taco Bell's latest response was a mistake. She commented that reviving memories of a suit that the majority of the public had forgotten after the initial burst of publicity was the wrong strategy from Taco Bell.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schreiner |first=Bruce |title=Taco Bell to law firm: 'Would it kill you' to apologize? |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/42682316 |access-date=April 22, 2011 |publisher=NBC News |date=April 20, 2011 |agency=Associated Press |location=Tacoma, Washington }}{{dead link|date=August 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

In March 2012, Taco Bell teamed up with [[Frito-Lay]] and created the [[Doritos]] Locos Tacos, which is a taco with a Dorito Nacho Cheese flavored taco shell.<ref>{{cite news |title=Taco Bell introduces Dorito shell |newspaper=Daily News |location=New York |date=March 7, 2012}}</ref> 

In May 2012, Taco Bell released a drink named [[Mountain Dew]] A.M, a mixture of Mountain Dew and orange juice.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/taco-bells-breakfast-drink-mountain-dew-and-orange-juice |title=Taco Bell's breakfast drink = Mountain Dew and orange juice |publisher=Fox News Channel |date=May 29, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810015710/http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/05/29/taco-bell-breakfast-drink-is-mountain-dew-and-orange-juice/ |archive-date=August 10, 2015 }}</ref>

On June 6, 2012, Taco Bell announced it would be testing a new "Cantina Menu" with upscale items in their Kentucky and California restaurants. The new menu was created by [[celebrity chef]] [[Lorena Garcia]], and featured the addition of: [[Black turtle bean|Black Beans]]; Cilantro Rice; Citrus & Herb Marinated Chicken; and [[Cilantro]] Dressing.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/taco-bell-to-offer-more-upscale-items |agency=Associated Press |title=Taco Bell to offer more upscale items |publisher=Fox News Channel |date=June 6, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619171614/http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/06/06/taco-bell-cantina-menu-chain-rolling-out-more-upscale-items/ |archive-date=June 19, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Luna|first=Nancy|title=Taco Bell Expanding Chef-Designed Menu|url=http://www.ocregister.com/articles/bell-372969-taco-cantina.html|access-date=September 29, 2012|newspaper=[[The Orange County Register]]|date=September 29, 2012|page=Business 3|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929015623/http://www.ocregister.com/articles/bell-372969-taco-cantina.html|archive-date=September 29, 2012}}</ref>

The ''[[Doritos|Cool Ranch Doritos]] Taco'', became available to order on March 7, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Taste Test: Taco Bell Announces Arrival Date for Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Tacos|url=https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2013/02/taste-test-taco-bell-announces-arrival-date-for-cool-ranch-doritos-locos-tacos/|publisher=ABC TV|access-date=February 14, 2013}}</ref>  Shortly before its release, Taco Bell launched a promotion advertising that fans could get the new flavor at its stores a day early if they "just asked" on March 6. However, they neglected to inform the majority of their stores of this – leading to numerous complaints on its social media accounts and news sites from disappointed consumers who were unable to obtain the new taco.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://consumerist.com/2013/03/06/taco-bell-should-probably-have-told-its-restaurants-about-cool-ranch-doritos-taco-going-on-sale-early/ |title=Taco Bell Should Probably Have Told Its Restaurants About Cool Ranch Doritos Taco Going On Sale Early |work=The Consumerist |date=March 6, 2013 |access-date=June 16, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607125846/http://consumerist.com/2013/03/06/taco-bell-should-probably-have-told-its-restaurants-about-cool-ranch-doritos-taco-going-on-sale-early/ |archive-date=June 7, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2013/03/07/taco-bell-fans-express-disappointment-after-delay-cool-ranch-doritos-tacos/ |title=Fans outraged as Taco Bell delays Cool Ranch Doritos tacos |publisher=Fox News Channel |date=March 7, 2013 |access-date=June 16, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924115905/http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2013/03/07/taco-bell-fans-express-disappointment-after-delay-cool-ranch-doritos-tacos/ |archive-date=September 24, 2015 }}</ref>

On July 23, 2013, Taco Bell announced they were discontinuing the sale of [[kids' meals]] and accompanying toys at all of their U.S.–based restaurants by January 2014. Some outlets ceased their sale as early as July 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Taco Bell to stop selling kids' meals|url=http://www.whec.com/news/stories/S3106633.shtml?cat=566|publisher=WHEC TV|access-date=July 23, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016223842/http://www.whec.com/news/stories/S3106633.shtml?cat=566|archive-date=October 16, 2013}}</ref>
[[File:Taco Bell Northridge.jpg|thumb|right|Taco Bell outlet in Los Angeles]]
On August 6, 2013, the chain announced it was expanding its test market of "Waffle Tacos" to ≈100 restaurants in [[Fresno, California]], [[Omaha, Nebraska]], and [[Chattanooga, Tennessee]], beginning on August 8 of that year. The Waffle Taco included scrambled eggs, sausage, and a side of syrup. It was the top–selling item during breakfast hours at the five [[Southern California]] restaurants where they had been test–released earlier in 2013.<ref>{{cite news|title=Taco Bell Expanding Test of Waffle Taco, Breakfast|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/taco-bell-expanding-test-waffle-taco-breakfast|agency=Associated Press|access-date=August 6, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809091838/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/taco-bell-expanding-test-waffle-taco-breakfast|archive-date=August 9, 2013}}</ref> The breakfast menu started on March 27, 2014. Other items include: the A.M. Crunchwrap, [[Cinnabon]] Delights, Breakfast Burrito, A.M. Grilled Sausage Flatbread Melt, Hash Browns, Coffee and Orange Juice.<ref>{{cite news|title=Short Orders: B. Christopher's opens this week|url=http://www.news-record.com/blogs/short_orders/article_85c8c3fe-a951-11e3-b59d-001a4bcf6878.html|last=Wilson|first=Carl|work=[[News & Record]]|date=March 12, 2014|access-date=March 12, 2014}}</ref> The ad–campaign, which began March 27, used twenty-five men who were named Ronald McDonald, a reference to the famous [[Ronald McDonald|clown]] mascot of [[McDonald's]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Oak Ridge's Ronald McDonald in Taco Bell ad|url=http://www.news-record.com/news/local_news/article_7a707d0c-bd2f-11e3-9669-0017a43b2370.html|last=DeCwikiel-Kane|first=Dawn|work=News & Record|date=April 6, 2014|access-date=April 6, 2014}}</ref> Another commercial advertisement for the Waffle Taco features the narrator singing, "I've been eating [[McMuffin|Egg McMuffins]] since 1984.  But when I saw Taco Bell made a Waffle Taco, I figured I would get with the times" set to the tune of "[[Old MacDonald Had a Farm]]"— another shot at McDonald's.<ref name="Morrison">{{cite web|last=Morrison|first=Maureen|title=Taco Bell Ridicules McDonald's Egg McMuffin in New Spot|url=http://adage.com/article/news/taco-bell-ridicules-mcdonald-s-egg-mcmuffin-spot/292528/|work=Advertising Age|date=April 7, 2014|access-date=May 4, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20140504073126/http://adage.com/article/news/taco-bell-ridicules-mcdonald-s-egg-mcmuffin-spot/292528/|archive-date=May 4, 2014}}</ref>

On April 28, 2014, Taco Bell ridiculed McDonald's for its "out–dated muffins", in a breakfast campaign devised by Taylor.<ref>{{cite web|title=Taylor Partnered With Taco Bell to create a "Rolling Thunder" campaign.|date=October 13, 2014|url=http://www.prnewsonline.com/awards/2014-digital-pr-digital-excellence|publisher=PRNews Wire|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818004419/http://www.prnewsonline.com/awards/2014-digital-pr-digital-excellence|archive-date=August 18, 2017}}</ref> The advertisement stated the claim that the McMuffin belonged in 1984.<ref name="Morrison" /><ref name="Palmer2007">{{cite book |first=Roger C. |last=Palmer |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bnE_HwAACAAJ |title=The Bar Code Book: A Comprehensive Guide to Reading, Printing, Specifying, Evaluating, and Using Bar Code and Other Machine-Readable Symbols |publisher=Trafford Publishing |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-4251-3374-0}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Nudd|first=Tim|title=Taco Bell Sings 'Old McDonald,' Says the Egg McMuffin Belongs Back in 1984|url=http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/taco-bell-sings-old-mcdonald-says-egg-mcmuffin-belongs-back-1984-156839|work=Adweek|date=April 7, 2014 |access-date=May 4, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504103714/http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/taco-bell-sings-old-mcdonald-says-egg-mcmuffin-belongs-back-1984-156839|archive-date=May 4, 2014}}</ref> In October 2014, Taco Bell launched the ''Pink Strawberry Starburst Freeze'' beverage for a limited time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brandeating.com/2014/10/news-taco-bell-unveils-new-starburst-freeze.html|title=Taco Bell Unveils New Starburst Strawberry Freeze|website=www.brandeating.com|access-date=September 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915010927/http://www.brandeating.com/2014/10/news-taco-bell-unveils-new-starburst-freeze.html|archive-date=September 15, 2016}}</ref> In August 2016, Taco Bell brought back its Pink Strawberry Starburst Freeze.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailymeal.com/news/eat/pink-strawberry-starburst-freeze-back-taco-bell/082316|title=The Pink Strawberry Starburst Freeze Is Back at Taco Bell|work=The Daily Meal |access-date=September 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824145128/http://www.thedailymeal.com/news/eat/pink-strawberry-starburst-freeze-back-taco-bell/082316|archive-date=August 24, 2016|date=August 23, 2016}}</ref> In October 2015, Taco Bell launched a certified vegetarian menu.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eater.com/2015/10/1/9431775/taco-bell-vegetarian-menu|title=Taco Bell Launches Certified Vegetarian Menu|last=Shah|first=Khushbu|date=October 1, 2015|work=Eater|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003010434/http://www.eater.com/2015/10/1/9431775/taco-bell-vegetarian-menu|archive-date=October 3, 2015}}</ref>

In August 2016, Taco Bell announced it would begin testing a mashup known as [[Cheetos]] Burritos at select Taco Bell restaurants<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.today.com/food/taco-bell-tests-out-cheetos-burritos-because-we-need-more-t101359|title=Taco Bell tests out Cheetos burritos, because we need more junk food|last=Bulow|first=Alessandra|website=TODAY.com|date=August 2016 |access-date=August 31, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160905101849/http://www.today.com/food/taco-bell-tests-out-cheetos-burritos-because-we-need-more-t101359|archive-date=September 5, 2016}}</ref> On September 19, 2016, Taco Bell launched Airheads Freeze, a drink inspired by the candy [[Airheads (candy)|Airheads]] White Mystery, and allow people to guess its flavor on social media.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/07/taco-bell-to-launch-airheads-white-mystery-freeze.html|title=Taco Bell wants you to guess the flavor of its next candy-inspired Freeze|last=Whitten|first=Sarah|date=September 7, 2016|website=CNBC|access-date=September 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909004354/http://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/07/taco-bell-to-launch-airheads-white-mystery-freeze.html|archive-date=September 9, 2016}}</ref> On September 15, 2016, Taco Bell introduced the Cheddar Habanero Quesarito, a quesadilla shelled burrito.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/15/taco-bell-kicks-up-the-heat-with-its-new-cheddar-habanero-quesarito.html|title=Taco Bell kicks up the heat with its new Cheddar Habanero Quesarito|last=Whitten|first=Sarah|date=September 15, 2016|website=CNBC|access-date=September 17, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916193501/http://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/15/taco-bell-kicks-up-the-heat-with-its-new-cheddar-habanero-quesarito.html|archive-date=September 16, 2016}}</ref> In April 2017, Taco Bell announced that it would begin testing the Naked Breakfast Taco in Flint, Michigan in mid-April. The breakfast taco, which uses a fried egg as the shell for potato bites, nacho cheese, shredded cheddar, and bacon or sausage crumble.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.grubstreet.com/2017/04/taco-bell-fried-egg-taco-shell-versus-starbucks-pie-crust-lid.html|title=Taco Bell Refused to Let Starbucks Win This Week's Most-Gimmicky-Food Award|publisher=GRUBSTREET|last=Rainey|first=Clint|date=April 6, 2017|access-date=April 12, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170412225902/http://www.grubstreet.com/2017/04/taco-bell-fried-egg-taco-shell-versus-starbucks-pie-crust-lid.html|archive-date=April 12, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/taco-bell-naked-breakfast-taco-review-2017-4|title=We tasted Taco Bell's new breakfast taco that uses a fried egg as the shell — here's what it's like|website=Business Insider|last=Taylor|first=Kate|date=April 6, 2017|access-date=April 12, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413070742/http://www.businessinsider.com/taco-bell-naked-breakfast-taco-review-2017-4|archive-date=April 13, 2017}}</ref>

In 2017, the company released the Naked Chicken Chalupa that uses a chalupa shell made from chicken, using a similar idea to the [[Double Down (sandwich)|Double Down]] and later that year the Naked Chicken Chips, which are chicken nuggets shaped like chips with nacho cheese.<ref>[http://www.grubgrade.com/reviews/review-naked-chicken-chips-from-taco-bell Review: Naked Chicken Chips from Taco Bell] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616020937/http://www.grubgrade.com/reviews/review-naked-chicken-chips-from-taco-bell |date=June 16, 2017 }} Retrieved May 23, 2017.</ref>

In July 2017, Taco Bell announced a partnership with [[Lyft]] in which Lyft passengers in [[Orange County, California]], can request "Taco Mode" on their way to their destination from 9 PM to 2 AM, having a stop at Taco Bell. The program was cancelled after much negative feedback from drivers.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://fortune.com/2017/08/01/lyft-taco-bell-mode-promo-uber/ | title=Lyft's New Taco Bell Promo Stinks Worse Than an Old Burrito |first= ERIC | last=LARSON | work=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] | date=August 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022231631/http://fortune.com/2017/08/01/lyft-taco-bell-mode-promo-uber/|archive-date=October 22, 2017}}</ref>

On September 21, 2018, Taco Bell announced National Taco Day celebrating its global reach outside of the United States, to be celebrated in 20 countries.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.foodandwine.com/news/taco-bell-national-taco-day-2018|title=Taco Bell to Take 'National Taco Day' Global This Year|work=Food & Wine|access-date=September 25, 2018|language=en|archive-date=September 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925070420/https://www.foodandwine.com/news/taco-bell-national-taco-day-2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In January 2019, Taco Bell nearly doubled its television advertising spending to US$64 million.<ref>{{cite web|last=Santana |first=Danni |url=https://table.skift.com/2019/02/15/taco-bell-nearly-doubles-tv-advertising-spend-in-january/ |title=Taco Bell Nearly Doubles Television Advertising Spend in January |publisher=[[Skift]] |date=February 15, 2019 |access-date=June 30, 2019}}</ref>

In September 2019, Taco Bell revamped its menu for the fall season.<ref name="What's New with Taco Bell's Menu">{{Cite web|url=https://www.tacobell.com/whats-new-with-taco-bells-menu|title=What's New with Taco Bell's Menu?|website=www.tacobell.com|access-date=September 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922210848/https://www.tacobell.com/whats-new-with-taco-bells-menu|archive-date=September 22, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In July 2020, Taco Bell announced the Grilled Cheese Burrito.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 2, 2020 |title=Taco Bell Unveils A Grilled Cheese Burrito |work=Taco Bell |type=Press release |url=https://www.tacobell.com/news/grilled-cheese-burrito |access-date=February 12, 2023}}</ref> The burrito is a recurring menu item that occasionally reappears for a limited time.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harling |first=Danielle |date=August 29, 2022 |title=Taco Bell's Grilled Cheese Burrito Is Back For A Limited Time |work=[[Delish.com]] |publisher=[[Hearst Communications]] |url=https://www.delish.com/food-news/a41020878/taco-bell-grilled-cheese-burrito-return/ |access-date=February 12, 2023}}</ref>

In January 2021, Taco Bell announced the return of potatoes to the menu after a brief discontinuation in August 2020 in efforts to streamline processes in their restaurants in response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. In addition to the potatoes, the company had announced plans to expand their vegetarian menu by introducing [[Beyond Meat]] as a plant-based vegetarian customization option.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Potatoes are Returning: The First in Taco Bell's Vegetarian Plans to Make This Year Better Than Last|url=https://www.tacobell.com/news/potatoes-are-returning-taco-bell-vegetarian-plans|access-date=January 15, 2021|website=www.tacobell.com}}</ref>

In April 2021, Taco Bell said that it would start reusing hot sauce packets in partnership with the recycling company [[TerraCycle]], aiming to reduce the environmental pollution.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Jordan Valinsky|title=Taco Bell will start reusing hot sauce packets|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/20/business/taco-bell-sauce-packets-recycle/index.html|access-date=April 20, 2021|website=CNN|date=April 20, 2021 }}</ref>

In August 2021, Taco Bell announced the Crispy Chicken Sandwich Taco.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.foodandwine.com/news/taco-bell-crispy-chicken-sandwich-taco |title=Taco Bell's New Menu Item Is Both a Crispy Chicken Sandwich and a Taco |date=February 22, 2021 |work=[[Food & Wine]] |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830195132/https://www.foodandwine.com/news/taco-bell-crispy-chicken-sandwich-taco |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=I tried Taco Bell's new chicken sandwich tacos and was surprised by how juicy they tasted |url=https://www.insider.com/taco-bell-new-chicken-sandwich-taco-review-2021-9 |access-date= November 30, 2021 |date=September 18, 2021 |work=[[Insider Inc.|Insider]]}}</ref>

On April 18, 2022, Taco Bell announced that [[Mexican Pizza]] would return to its menu on May 19, after its having previously been discontinued in November 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Jordan Valinsky |title=Taco Bell is bringing back a fan-favorite menu item |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/18/business/taco-bell-mexican-pizza-return/index.html |access-date=April 20, 2022 |website=CNN|date=April 18, 2022 }}</ref>

On January 6, 2022, Taco Bell launched a digital taco [[subscription service]] called the Taco Lover's Pass through the company app. For the cost of $10, a customer can order one of seven different tacos each day for 30 consecutive days.<ref>{{cite news |last=Provenzano |first=Brianna |url=https://gizmodo.com/the-menaces-over-at-taco-bell-wont-rest-until-youre-add-1848315821 |title=The Maniacs at Taco Bell Made Moviepass, but for Tacos |work=[[Gizmodo]] |date=January 6, 2022 |accessdate=January 6, 2022 }}</ref>

From July to August 2022, filmmaker Sam Reid ate nothing but Taco Bell for 30 days, testing the nutritional content of the food in a similar vein to [[Super Size Me]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 21, 2022 |title=Man to eat only Taco Bell in 30-day health experiment |url=https://www.fox13news.com/news/taco-bell-enthusiast-to-eat-only-from-menu-in-30-day-health-experiment |access-date=December 1, 2024 |website=FOX TV Digital Team |language=en-US}}</ref> The stunt gained widespread national attention for both Sam and the fast food chain, including multiple news stations covering his diet<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shustack |first=Chase |date=October 8, 2022 |title=The Taco Bell Experiment You Have To See To Believe |url=https://www.mashed.com/1045156/the-taco-bell-experiment-you-have-to-see-to-believe/ |access-date=December 1, 2024 |website=Mashed |language=en-US}}</ref> and a mention by [[Jimmy Fallon]] on [[The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon|The Tonight Show]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=Brittany |date=August 8, 2022 |title='I'm actually feeling pretty good.' Lexington man eating Taco Bell for 30 days over halfway through |url=https://www.wdbj7.com/2022/08/08/im-actually-feeling-pretty-good-lexington-man-eating-taco-bell-30-days-over-halfway-through/ |access-date=December 1, 2024 |website=www.wdbj7.com |language=en}}</ref> Reid published a documentary about the challenge on his [[YouTube]] channel in October the same year.

While the 30 day stunt was not an officially endorsed marketing campaign by Taco Bell, then CEO Mark King later invited Reid to Taco Bell's headquarters in Irvine, California.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 19, 2023 |title=A One-Month Taco Binge |url=https://www.thenews-gazette.com/article/1678,a-one-month-taco-binge |access-date=December 1, 2024 |website=The News-Gazette |language=en}}</ref> Reid was also a guest on an official Taco Bell podcast in 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |title=EP 23: What Happens When You Eat Nothing But Taco Bell For 30 Days? {{!}} Taco Bell® |url=https://www.tacobell.com/stories/ep-23-thirty-days-of-taco-bell-sam-reid-documents-his-journey |access-date=December 1, 2024 |website=www.tacobell.com}}</ref> discussing the stunt and its effect on his physical health.

In 2023, the company test-marketed a vegan Crunchwrap Supreme in Los Angeles, New York, and Orlando to gauge the potential of a national roll out. ''[[Bon Appétit]]'' tested a vegan Crunchwrap alongside a non-vegan Crunchwrap purchased at the store in midtown Manhattan and said "the differences between the two were also genuinely difficult to discern."<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 9, 2023 |title=Taco Bell's New Vegan Crunchwrap Doesn't Taste Like Meat—Just Like the Original |url=https://www.bonappetit.com/story/taco-bell-vegan-crunchwrap-review |access-date=June 17, 2023 |website=Bon Appétit |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Dollar Cravings ===
On August 18, 2014, Taco Bell launched a new [[value menu]] called [[Dollar Cravings]].<ref name="Taco Bell is latest chain to offer a dollar menu – LA Times">{{cite news|first=Brianna|last=Sacks|url=https://latimes.com/business/la-fi-taco-bell-dollar-menu-20140818-story.html|title=Taco Bell is latest chain to offer a dollar menu|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=August 18, 2014|access-date=August 25, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140824174438/http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-taco-bell-dollar-menu-20140818-story.html|archive-date=August 24, 2014}}</ref><ref name="Taco Bell Breathes New Life Into Fast-Food Dollar Menus – Money.com">{{cite news |last=Tuttle |first=Brad |date=August 18, 2014 |title=Taco Bell Breathes New Life Into Fast-Food Dollar Menus |work=Money.com |url=https://money.com/taco-bell-dollar-menu/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514005543/https://money.com/taco-bell-dollar-menu/ |archive-date=May 14, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Taco Bell to Introduce Dollar Menu Nationwide – Bloomberg">{{cite web|first=Leslie|last=Patton|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-08-15/taco-bell-to-introduce-dollar-menu-nationwide.html|title=Taco Bell to Introduce Dollar Menu Nationwide|publisher=[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]]|date=August 15, 2014|access-date=August 25, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826160953/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-08-15/taco-bell-to-introduce-dollar-menu-nationwide.html|archive-date=August 26, 2014}}</ref><ref name="Taco Bell Dollar Menu New – Business Insider">{{cite web|first=Ashley|last=Lutz|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/taco-bell-dollar-menu-new-2014-8|title=Taco Bell Dollar Menu New|work=[[Business Insider]]|date=August 15, 2014|access-date=August 25, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826113525/http://www.businessinsider.com/taco-bell-dollar-menu-new-2014-8|archive-date=August 26, 2014}}</ref> Replacing the old Why Pay More menu, Dollar Cravings featured thirteen food items all priced at a [[United States dollar]].<ref name="Taco Bell to Introduce Dollar Menu Nationwide – Bloomberg" /><ref name="Taco Bell Dollar Menu New – Business Insider" /><ref name="These restaurant items cost only $1">{{cite web|first=Katie|last=Little|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2014/08/22/these-restaurant-items-cost-only-1.html|title=These restaurant items cost only $1|publisher=[[CNBC]]|date=August 23, 2014|access-date=August 25, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826120823/http://www.cnbc.com/id/101934726/page/2|archive-date=August 26, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/business/business/kfc-and-taco-bell-could-soon-try-home-delivery/article/434663|title=KFC and Taco Bell might start delivering to your home|first=Alex|last=Allen|work=Digital Journal|access-date=June 2, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602204217/http://www.digitaljournal.com/business/business/kfc-and-taco-bell-could-soon-try-home-delivery/article/434663|archive-date=June 2, 2015|date=June 2015}}</ref><ref name="Will new Taco Bell dollar deals chew up competition? - America's Markets">{{cite news|first=Bruce |last=Horovitz |url=http://americasmarkets.usatoday.com/2014/08/15/will-new-taco-bell-dollar-deals-chew-up-competition/ |title=Will new Taco Bell dollar deals chew up competition? – America's Markets |work=[[USA Today]] |date=August 15, 2014 |access-date=August 25, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826120221/http://americasmarkets.usatoday.com/2014/08/15/will-new-taco-bell-dollar-deals-chew-up-competition/ |archive-date=August 26, 2014 }}</ref>

It was renamed "Cravings Value Menu", when prices were increased on some of the items. In April 2019, they introduced a "loaded nacho taco" for a dollar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/taco-bell-new-dollar-loaded-nacho-taco |title=Taco Bell Releases New One Dollar Loaded Nacho Tacos |publisher=[[Thrillist]] |date=April 4, 2019 |access-date=June 30, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://links.tacobell.mkt7706.com/servlet/MailView?ms=MzkzMzg0MTgS1&r=NzA3MTc2NzM2MjQ3S0&j=MTUwMDMwNTc3NAS2&mt=1&rt=0 |title=Nachos? Or Tacos? Loaded Questions. |publisher=Taco Bell |access-date=June 30, 2019}}</ref> As of January 2024, the company featured 10 items.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 8, 2024 |title=Taco Bell enters a new value era with the launch of the New Cravings Value menu |url=https://www.nrn.com/quick-service/taco-bell-enters-new-value-era-launch-new-cravings-value-menu |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=Nation's Restaurant News |language=en}}</ref>

=== Discontinued menu items ===

One of Taco Bell's original 1962 menu items was the Chiliburger, renamed the Bell Burger in 1969, then the Bell Beefer in 1979; this was a [[loose meat]] sandwich originally filled with taco-seasoned ground beef in mild red sauce with shredded lettuce and diced onion served on a steamed hamburger bun. Later, shredded cheese and diced tomato were added to the sandwich. Taco Bell discontinued the Bell Beefer around 1986 to maintain a more typical [[Tex-Mex]]-inspired menu.<ref>{{cite news|last=Velasco|first=Schuyler|title=10 fast foods that have disappeared: 3. Bell Beefer|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/2013/0821/10-fast-foods-that-have-disappeared/Bell-Beefer|access-date=March 11, 2014|newspaper=The Christian Science Monitor|date=August 21, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312013157/http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/2013/0821/10-fast-foods-that-have-disappeared/Bell-Beefer|archive-date=March 12, 2014}}</ref>

Other discontinued Taco Bell menu items include the [[Enchirito]] (name revived for a different menu item); Taco Lite; Taco Grande; Chilito (Chili Cheese Burrito); Beefy Crunch Burrito; Beefy Melt Burrito; Seafood Salad; Chicken Fiesta Burrito; Potatorito; Volcano Taco; BLT Taco; Cheesarito; Cinnamon Crispas; Nacho Crunch Grilled Stuft Burrito; Chicken Caesar Grilled Stuft Burrito; Grilled Stuft Nacho; Fully Loaded Nachos; Crunchwrap Sliders;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mentalfloss.com/article/81636/13-discontinued-menu-items-taco-bell |title=13 Discontinued Menu Items from Taco Bell |work=Mental Floss |date=October 4, 2018 |access-date=June 30, 2019}}</ref> Blackjack Taco; Bean Burrito Especial; Border Ices; and the Meximelt.<ref>{{cite web |last=Swift |first=James |url=http://www.retrojunk.com/article/show/3792/a-tribute-to-taco-bell |title=A Tribute to Taco Bell |publisher=Retrojunk.com |access-date=June 16, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623094528/http://www.retrojunk.com/article/show/3792/a-tribute-to-taco-bell |archive-date=June 23, 2015 }}</ref>

In September 2019, Taco Bell made new changes to its menu. Items discontinued include the Beefy Mini Quesadilla; Chips and Salsa; Chipotle Chicken Loaded Griller; Double Decker Taco; Cool Ranch and Fiery Doritos Locos Tacos; Double Tostada; Power Menu Burrito, and the XXL Grilled Stuft Burrito.<ref name="What's New with Taco Bell's Menu"/>

{{As of|2020|August|13|df=US}}, the menu underwent another update as part of their efforts to streamline processes in their restaurants in response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], discontinuing the following items: Grilled Steak Soft Taco; 7-Layer Burrito; Nachos Supreme; Beefy Fritos Burrito; Spicy Tostada; Triple Layer Nachos; Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes; Loaded Grillers, both Cheesy Potato and Beefy Nacho; Chips & Dips; and Mini Skillet Bowl.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Taco Bell® is Revamping its Menu|url=https://www.tacobell.com/news/taco-bell-is-revamping-its-menu|access-date=October 18, 2020|website=www.tacobell.com}}</ref>