Taco Bell Bringing Back Hot and Spicy Menu Items

The Mexican fast-food chain made a very surprising decision to bring back a fan-favorite lineup based on public demand.

Taco Bell likes to keep its customers in a constant state of never knowing what new treat might appear on its menu or which past item will make a surprising return. Sometimes the chain brings an item back or introduces a new one simply by adding it to its menu. In other cases, it does a full-on media campaign celebrating the new or returning menu items.

In the past few weeks alone, the Yum Brands (YUM) - Get Free Report chain brought back the Bacon Club Chalupa, the Double Steak Grilled Cheese Burrito, and the Quesarito, a rolled quesadilla filled with "seasoned beef, creamy chipotle sauce, reduced fat sour cream, nacho cheese sauce, and seasoned rice." It also has tested the Cheesy Crispanada, a take on the classic empanada.

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It's an intentional approach to make sure that regulars always have something new they can try while lapsed visitors might get lured back to try a returning favorite. It's also a smart play for social media given that people post menu pictures and shots of the new and returning items all over social media.

Now, Taco Bell has shared plans to bring back a fan-favorite line of products that's very well-suited for social media sharing.

Taco Bell Brings Back Volcano Menu

Taco Bell first introduced in Volcano Menu way back in 1995. The company called the menu, "so hot we can’t keep our cool," and this will mark only the third time it has returned over the past 28 years.

The returning menu will include the Volcano Burrito, Volcano Taco, and the option to add Lava Sauce on any item. The product will be available first with early access for Taco Bell Rewards Members on June 27 and for everyone else beginning June 29, for a limited time.

Taco Bell said that it's bringing the Volcano Menu back because it "developed a cult-like following who have relentlessly championed its return," according to a press release.

Lava Sauce, a spicy nacho cheese sauce was not part of the original Volcano Menu. It was first introduced in 2008. It was discontinued in 2013 and has made multiple returns since then, according to the Taco Bell fan Wiki. 

Taco Bell Listens to Its Customers

When Taco Bell said it brought the items back because of customer demand, that rings more true than when other chains make the same claims. That's sort of what happened with its very popular Mexican Pizza, which was removed from the menu during the covid pandemic.

In that case, it seems likely the chain removed Mexican Pizza to simplify its menu during the pandemic, always knowing it would make a media-friendly return. In this case, it may literally have been public outcry that led to the Volcano Menu coming back.

"Like many of Taco Bell’s iconic menu items, the Volcano Menu is beloved for its craveability to superfans and the everyday enthusiasts who value exclusive offers. From petitions, to recreating their own DIY alternatives from home, Taco Bell fans took to social advocating for the return. Taco Bell heard and is making this summer hotter than ever," the chain shared.