Taco Bell is letting fans take the lead on its next U.S. menu item, and for the first time, putting the decision entirely in customers’ hands as it brings a popular international taco stateside.
While Taco Bell locations worldwide offer unique items like Fries Bell Grande in the U.K. and a Greek Burrito in Cyprus, U.S. fans rarely get to try them. Now, the chain’s Global Taco Vote lets customers decide which of two international favorites will land on U.S. menus for a limited time.
First up is Thailand’s Kickin’ Chicken Taco, a crispy, cheesy option that’s packed with flavor. It’s made with crispy chicken strips, a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack cheeses, plus lettuce and fresh pico de gallo, wrapped in a warm flour tortilla with Spicy Kickin’ sauce to tie it all together.
Going up against it is the Butter Chicken Taco, a standout item from the Taco Bell India menu inspired by the classic butter chicken dish. This one features shredded, slow-roasted chicken in a rich, spiced tomato sauce, all tucked inside a fried chalupa shell. It’s topped with onions, cilantro, lettuce and cheddar cheese.
Fans can vote for their favorite through the Taco Bell app, but there’s a catch: it’s only open to Rewards members. Through April 1, users can cast one vote per day to help decide which taco joins the ranks of U.S. favorites like the Quesarito and Nacho Fries.
The winner will be revealed on April 2 and is expected to hit menus nationwide for a limited time later this year.
The fan vote comes just weeks after Taco Bell revealed during its Live Más LIVE event that the chain will release more than 20 new menu items this year.
One of the biggest changes is that Nacho Fries are becoming a permanent menu item after years as a limited-time favorite, with new variations like Flamin’ Hot Nacho Fries adding extra heat. The chain is also expanding its crispy chicken lineup with “dusted” nuggets in flavors such as Diablo, Doritos Cool Ranch and Flamin’ Hot.
Beyond that, Taco Bell is introducing a range of new menu formats and mashups. Standouts include Cheesy G Sliders, a smaller take on the Cheesy Gordita Crunch, as well as the Queso Cracked Cantina Bowl and the spicy Firecracker Burrito. The brand is also reimagining its Mexican Pizza with several variations, including Mexican Pizza Empanadas, a Cantina Chicken version and even Strawberry & Cream Mexican Pizza Bites.
Desserts and drinks are getting a major upgrade as well. New sweet options include a Crème Brûlée Crunchwrap Slider, plus treats like Chocolate Fudge and Caramel Empanadas and a Milk Bar Birthday Cake Empanada. On the beverage side, Taco Bell is testing more inventive drinks, including a Salt & Straw Tacolate Chiller, Strawberry Horchata Refresca and a Cold Brew topped with Purple Horchata Foam.
Rounding out the lineup are more unconventional, experimental items like a Mountain Dew Baja Midnight Pie and an edible Fire Queso Sauce Packet.
