Taco Bell Announces Multiple New Items for 2024
Taco Bell ranked Number 4 in a recent industry report on fast food chains, but they are certainly not resting on thier laurels. That establishment which focuses on a “Mexican-inspired” menu put out a press release touting multiple new items planned throughout the coming year. Following are some of the highlights:
Cheesy Chicken Crispanada: The Cheesy Chicken Crispanada consists of tender chicken marinated and slow cooked with garlic, tomato and onion, combined with a harmonious blend of monterey pepper jack, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all tucked inside a delicate pastry dough crisped to perfection. This is available in stores now.
The Cantina Chicken Menu: This debuts a new flavorful chicken that’s been oven-roasted, shredded, and packed with a savory seasoning of Mexican spices including pasilla and other varieties of chilies. Also, the menu adds all-new ingredients including purple cabbage, pico de gallo, a white corn taco shell and an addition to the brand’s sauce packet lineup, Avocado Verde Salsa. The menu adds five items that will soon be available nationwide to satisfy any craving – any time of day – including the Cantina Chicken Burrito, Cantina Chicken Taco (soft or crispy), Cantina Chicken Quesadilla and the Cantina Chicken Bowl. Arrives March 21st.
Cheesy Street Chalupas: The Cheesy Street Chalupas feature a cheesy flatbread with a small tortilla that is stuffed generously with a mouthwatering blend of mozzarella and pepper jack cheeses and fried together then filled with a choice of slow-roasted chicken or savory grilled, marinated steak, a flavorful sauce, and topped with a layer of diced onions and cilantro. Each order will come with two Cheesy Street Chalupas. Arriving later in 2024
Crispy Chicken Nuggets: Taco Bell is bringing yet another chicken innovation in Crispy Chicken Nuggets, which consists of all-white meat chicken marinated in spiced jalapeño buttermilk before being breaded in a tortilla coating and fried to crispy glory. Fans can choose from two new delectable sauce options: signature Bell sauce, crafted with tomatoes, red chiles, onion, and garlic, or the hot and sweet Jalapeño Honey Mustard, featuring sweet honey mustard with a kick of jalapeño. Arriving later in 2024
Cheesy Enchilada Dipping Taco: Building on the success of last year’s Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco, Taco Bell is introducing a new version that adds inspiration from enchiladas via the Cheesy Enchilada Dipping Taco, featuring slow roasted chicken and a layered enchilada dipping sauce. Arriving later in 2024
Wingstop brings back Hot Honey Rub
I mentioned in last week’s Spicy Food News post that hot honey is all the rage these days, and now Wingstop is bringing back its hot honey rub. Here’s how they describe it on their website:
Unlike the sticky honey consistency that’s expected, Wingstop’s Hot Honey is a craveable dry rub, delivering sweet flavors with a bold kick of cayenne pepper and ancho chili. The flavor can be hand sauced-and-tossed on cooked to order chicken sandwiches, classic wings, boneless wings or tenders.
The Hot Honey Rub registers at three flames out of five on their heat scale and will be back for a limited time only.
>>>Be sure to read my review of Pizza Hut’s new Hot Honey Double Pepperoni Pizza and Hot Honey Wings
Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux Adds Three Wing Sauces
Speaking of wings, Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux has added three new flavors to its line-up: Stingin’ Honey, Mojito Lime, and GochuBANG. Following is the description from the press release:
The Stingin’ Honey combines the perfect blend of honey sweetness and a hint of heat, creating a flavor explosion that will keep guests reaching for more. Mojito Lime brings a refreshing twist with zesty lime and a burst of mint, providing a unique and tantalizing experience. Meanwhile, the GochuBANG flavor is a fusion of Korean-inspired gochujang and bold spices, delivering a fiery kick that sets taste buds ablaze with every bite.
There is no mention of whether these will only be available for a limited time.
Panda Express Brings Back Firecracker Shrimp
Panda Express is bringing back its fan-favorite Firecracker Shrimp for a limited time. Following is the description from the press release:
Firecracker Shrimp gives guests a flavor-packed better-for-you option, made with seared wok-fired shrimp, fresh vegetables and the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine that are known and loved.
This will count as a premium item meaning that it will bring an upcharge of $1.50 for bowls and plates.
Melinda’s Hot Sauce Is Now Number 2 in the Country
If it seems like you are seeing Melinda’s hot sauces everywhere these days, well, that’s by design. Apparently, the company has been working hard to increase the brand’s visibility which has resulted in it jumping from Number 13 to Number 2 among hot sauces in the U.S. Following is a statement from the company in a recent press release:
Melinda’s isn’t just a condiment brand; it’s a driving force behind the surge in the hot sauce category as a whole. With an unwavering commitment to the craft pepper sauce way, the brand has reshaped the landscape, introducing a unique and innovative array of sauce flavors that elevate culinary experiences.
Melinda’s has a wide assortment of varieties and it is available in grocery stores and gourmet markets. You can also buy it directly from their website.