Food

Taco Bell sprinkles its menu with Tajin

The chain is partnering with the iconic Mexican seasoning blend to spice up a taco, snack and beverage, all in test at one California location.
Taco Bell menu items
Tajin, the Mexican chili-lime seasoning blend, is featured in three LTOs in test at Taco Bell. | Photo courtesy of Taco Bell.

Taco Bell is testing a Tajin Crunchy Taco, Tajin Twists and a Tajin Strawberry Freeze at one Orange County, Calif., location for a limited time.

The Irvine, Calif.-based chain formed a partnership with Tajin to bring the iconic Mexican seasoning onto the menu. The classic Tajin is a mildly spiced blend of red chilies, lime and sea salt that originated in Mexico but has recently gained culinary traction in the U.S. According to Restaurant Business’ sister company, Technomic, menu mentions of Tajin increased 0.4% year over year.

“We’re thrilled to embark on this culinary journey with Tajin, a brand whose unique seasoning blends are revered for their versatility in the kitchen,” said Liz Matthews, Taco Bell’s chief global food innovations officer, in a statement. “This collaboration is a celebration of bold flavors and innovative pairings that showcase how Tajin’s iconic chili-lime seasoning perfectly complements classic Taco Bell menu items. Together we’re bringing new flavors to the taco experience and delivering an unforgettable taste adventure.”

The Tajin Crunchy Taco features a corn shell spiced with the original Tajin blend and filled with seasoned beef, ranch sauce, lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese and mango salsa; it’s priced at $2.89.

Tajin Twists, crispy puffed corn twists sprinkled with a bold Tajin seasoning, tap into the growing snacking trend at fast food concepts; an order goes for $1.29. And the Tajin Strawberry Freeze fits into chains’ expanding beverage focus. The frosty drink is a blend of Taco Bell’s Wild Strawberry Freeze with real mango pieces and Tajin fruity chamoy sauce; it sells for $3.59.

Each item comes with a packet of Tajin seasoning on the side so guests can sprinkle to taste for a customized experience. Customers who wish to try all three LTOs at once can order a Tajin Combo for $6.99.

Taco Bell’s limited time Tajin menu is in test at 2222 Barranca Pkwy., Irvine, Calif., through March 6, or while supplies last. 

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Food

Inside Chili's quest to craft a value-priced burger that could take on McDonald's

Behind the Menu: How the casual-dining chain smashes expectations with a winning combination of familiarity and price with its new Big Smasher burger.

Financing

Here's the big problem with all these $5 meal deals

The Bottom Line: With McDonald’s planning a $5 value meal of its own, more brands are already jumping onto the bandwagon. But not everybody will pay $5.

Financing

What did the Starbucks CEO expect?

The Bottom Line: Howard Schultz needed just one bad quarter to make public his displeasure with the coffee shop chain. But the stage was set for that two years ago.

Trending

More from our partners