Additional Coverage:
- We tried and ranked every new item on Taco Bell’s new $3 Luxe Value menu. Our favorite dish was a huge surprise. (businessinsider.com)
Taco Bell Unleashes “Luxe Value” Menu: We Taste-Tested the New Under-$3 Delights!
Taco Bell is proving that you don’t need to break the bank for a taste of the good life, expanding its “Luxe Value” menu with five brand-new items, all priced under a cool three bucks.
As diners continue to seek out affordable yet satisfying meals, fast-food chains are in a value-driven arms race. Taco Bell is throwing its sombrero into the ring, aiming to offer premium-adjacent options without abandoning its budget-friendly roots – a move that’s sure to delight loyal fans.
Launching on January 22, the revamped menu boasts five fresh faces alongside five returning fan favorites. We got our hands on the five newest additions and, in true journalistic fashion, ranked them from “meh” to “magnificent.” Prepare for a surprise at the top of our list!
The Newcomers, Ranked from Least to Most Rave-Worthy:
5. Chips and Nacho Supreme Dip ($2.49)
Coming in at the bottom, though still “good,” was the new Nacho Supreme Dip. This bowl features seasoned beef, refried beans, nacho cheese sauce, reduced-fat sour cream, pico de gallo, and a three-cheese blend, all served with tortilla chips.
Our initial impression was a bit underwhelming, with the sour cream dominating the first few bites. After a good stir, the warm, cheesy goodness emerged, but the beef seemed to get lost in the shuffle.
The refried beans were also noted for their lack of distinctive flavor and a touch too much salt. We might just stick to the guacamole next time around.
4. Avocado Ranch Chicken Stacker ($2.99)
Next up was the Avocado Ranch Chicken Stacker, a folded wrap packed with grilled all-white-meat chicken, Avocado Ranch Sauce, a three-cheese blend, lettuce, and tomatoes.
For those still mourning the loss of Taco Bell’s Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito, this stacker offers a glimmer of hope. The creamy ranch, fresh tomatoes, and crisp lettuce evoked a similar vibe to McDonald’s beloved Ranch Snack Wraps.
The chicken was tender and flavorful, complemented perfectly by the avocado ranch. However, we did notice a scarcity of filling, leading to a few too many bites of plain tortilla.
A decent snack, but the Cantina Chicken menu still holds our hearts for a more substantial chicken fix.
3. Salted Caramel Churros ($1.99)
Landing squarely in the middle were the Salted Caramel Churros. While not a typical Taco Bell dessert order for us, these sweet treats were undeniably hard to resist.
Dusted in salted caramel sugar and boasting a creamy filling, these churros were a delightful end to our meal. Their perfect balance of crunchy and soft, salty and sweet, provided a welcome contrast to the savory items. Heads up, sweet tooths: these are a limited-time offering, so grab them before they vanish!
2. Beefy Potato-Loaded Griller ($2.49)
Our second-favorite new item was the Beefy Potato-Loaded Griller. This on-the-go burrito is a powerhouse of seasoned beef, crispy potato bites, nacho cheese sauce, creamy chipotle sauce, and reduced-fat sour cream.
This griller is arguably the most substantial item on the new value menu, offering serious bang for your buck. The grilled tortilla provided a satisfying crunch, giving way to a soft interior brimming with beef and perfectly cooked, crispy potato bites.
The creamy chipotle sauce added a fantastic tang and depth. If you’re a fan of a saucy, hearty burrito, this one’s for you!
1. Mini Taco Salad ($2.49)
And now for the unexpected champion: the Mini Taco Salad! Made with seasoned beef, creamy chipotle sauce, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and refried beans, all nestled in a crispy fried tortilla bowl.
We confess, we’re not usually huge fans of taco salads, so this one truly surprised us by taking the top spot. Teased at Taco Bell’s Live Más Live event last March, this mini marvel delivers exceptional value for under $3.
The real star here is the tortilla shell itself – crispy, salty, and far from an afterthought. The salad is expertly layered, with a robust refried bean base and perfectly mixed warm beef, toppings, and chipotle sauce.
The fresh tomatoes and lettuce provide just the right amount of crispness to balance the creamy, savory elements. Plus, its miniature size makes it undeniably adorable to look at and even more delightful to devour!