While Yum! Brands (YUM) -owned Taco Bell has a fairly sparse dessert menu, it has recently made a significant push to expand its frozen menu.
In August 2023, it made waves with the new Mountain Dew Baja Blast Gelato available in some locations across California while this spring it brought back its popular Freeze drink in dragonfruit flavor. At the end of 2023, the chain also launched an iced drink called the Chiller in coffee, iced vanilla and churro flavors to mirror classic Mexican flavors.
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Initially tested at some locations in California last December, the new iced drinks have now been brought back to select Taco Bell restaurants in Dallas and Chicago alongside a fourth strawberry flavor.
Taco Bell’s Chillers first appeared at some locations in December 2023.
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According to the food blog Snackolator which was the first to spot them in different locations, the Chillers have been seen at some restaurants as of April 28 and can be searched for through the Taco Bell app for those who want to see whether they are available nearby.
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“Inspired by authentic Mexican flavors, the Coffee Chillers and Churro Chillers are the perfect fun and festive all-day pick-me-up with colorful swirls packed with flavor,” Taco Bell wrote when first announcing the new items in December 2023. “The Coffee Chiller is served in a 16oz cup that’s swirled with craveable flavor on the inside, filled with blended iced coffee and topped with a layer of cold foam, available in Mexican Chocolate, Caramel Churro and Spiced Vanilla.“
The iced treat was relaunched in time for the hot days of late spring and summer and, when available last year, cost $4.19 for a 16-ounce cup.
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Here is why Taco Bell has such a limited dessert menu
While it had several limited-edition sweet promotions over the years, Taco Bell is best-known for the Cinnamon Twists and Cinnabon Delights it developed from a partnership with Cinnabon. Old-timers will remember the Choco Taco that was discontinued when Unilever (UNLYF) ’s Klondike it partnered with made the decision to stop producing it.
There was significant outcry when this occurred and, to this day, customers regularly campaign for better dessert offerings from Taco Bell.
“Don’t get me wrong I like the Cinnaballs and the cinnamon twists, but I remember a few years ago we had the brownie sandwich, caramel apple empanada, churro, and something else I don’t remember,” one fan wrote under the LiveMas Taco Bell forum on the social media platform Reddit. “I love desserts to the detriment of my waistline. Just wish we had more options.”
Many have speculated why Taco Bell does not add more desserts to match competitors such as Wendy’s (WEN) and McDonald’s (MCD) but the chain has not publicly commented on why it gives so little focus to desser
“We’re always pushing the boundaries to deliver bold and craveable Mexican-inspired flavors our fans have come to expect from us and these frozen drinks showcase how far our innovation goes,” Taco Bell U.S. Chief Marketing Officer Taylor Montgomery said in December 2023. “We are constantly listening to what our fans are craving next and we are thrilled to offer them a frozen creation that’s just as delicious and desirable as their favorite menu item.”
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