Taco Bell Catina Mexican Pizza. Credit: Taco Bell
Taco Bell has unveiled its exciting new menu for 2026, featuring bold flavors and fan-favorite items making their permanent return. The fast-food chain revealed its innovative menu strategy during the Live Más LIVE conference, an annual event where Taco Bell showcases what’s next for its dedicated fans. This marks the third year Taco Bell has hosted the event, and it’s set to be one of their most action-packed years yet.
Exciting Additions to the Menu
Starting with a big hit, Nacho Fries will become a permanent menu item in 2026. While the fries themselves will stay, Taco Bell will continue to experiment with various flavor combinations, starting with Flamin' Hot Nacho Fries. The fries will be available all year long, making them a staple for Taco Bell fans.
In addition to the fries, Taco Bell will introduce several new items with bold and familiar flavors. One of the standouts is the Cheesy G Sliders, which combine a fried white-corn shell, three types of cheese, and a protein. There’s also a new twist on the beloved Mexican Pizza—now in the form of Empanadas. These empanadas will be stuffed with seasoned beef, cheese, and served with a side of Mexican Pizza sauce.
The Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza will make its debut, featuring slow-roasted chicken paired with black beans, cheese, cabbage, pico de gallo, and a zesty Jalapeño Citrus sauce. A new version of the classic taco salad, the Flamin' Hot Mini Taco Salad, will also be available for those craving something spicy and nostalgic.
Taco Bell Diablo Dusted Crispy Chicken Nuggets. Credit: Taco bell
Taco Bell is also introducing several special products throughout the year. The Firecracker Burrito and Queso Cracked Cantina Bowls are expected to offer unique flavor experiences, with Taco Bell planning special events in select cities to showcase these bold items.
Crispy Chicken Takes the Lead
Crispy chicken is a major focus for Taco Bell in 2026, following the success of the Crispy Chicken Nuggets launched in 2025. This year, Taco Bell will expand its crispy chicken offerings with three new variations. The Diablo Dusted Crispy Chicken Nuggets will be seasoned with smoky dry seasoning inspired by Taco Bell's popular Diablo sauce. Another variation, the Cool Ranch Doritos Dusted Crispy Chicken Nuggets, will combine the savory flavor of Cool Ranch Doritos with a matching dipping sauce. Lastly, the Flamin' Hot Dusted Crispy Chicken Nuggets will bring the heat with a spicy partnership with Cheetos.
Sweet Treats and Collaborations
Taco Bell is also stepping up its dessert game. The Crème Brûlée Crunchwrap Slider, a portable dessert with a cinnamon sugar topping, will be available alongside the Chocolate Fudge & Caramel Empanadas, which bring back an early-2000s favorite. For fans of Mountain Dew Baja Blast, a new Midnight Pie version is set to hit the menu this year, sure to be just as popular as the original.
Taco Bell & Milk Bar Birthday Cake Empanada. Credit: Taco Bell
The collaboration with Milk Bar continues in 2026, following last year’s success with Birthday Cake Churros. This year, Milk Bar introduces the Birthday Cake Empanada, with birthday cake batter inside a golden crust, topped with pink frosting and sprinkles.
Taco Bell plans to offer a total of eight desserts and sweet drinks in 2026, including new options like Strawberry & Cream Mexican Pizza Bites, Strawberry Horchata Refresca, Cold Brew with Purple Horchata Cold Foam, and Salt & Straw Tacolate Chiller.
Taco Bell’s 2026 menu brings excitement with new and permanent items like Nacho Fries and a range of bold, flavorful additions. From crispy chicken options to sweet treats, Taco Bell is focused on offering customers an unexpected and adventurous dining experience. As the year progresses, Taco Bell promises even more surprises for fans to enjoy.
