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Hold onto your hot sauce packets, Taco Bell aficionados, the fast-food chain known for its craveable eats is giving the power back to the people – with a delicious twist. Later in 2024, Taco Bell will hold a vote to decide which beloved, discontinued item makes a triumphant return for a limited time around Halloween. But the contenders couldn’t be more different: the savory, melty Mexi Melt or the sweet, gooey Caramel Apple Empanada.
The Spicy Contender: The Mexi Melt
For those who miss the satisfying crunch of a tostada shell paired with melty cheese, seasoned beef, and creamy nacho cheese sauce, the Mexi Melt is a dream come true. This Tex-Mex legend holds a special place in the hearts of many, offering a perfect blend of textures and flavors in every bite. Will its loyal fanbase rally and bring it back to the menu? There have been multiple petitions started on Change.org to do just that but so far, no dice, but now is the chance that fans have been waiting for to see that goal through…
The Meximelt was first introduced in 1988 and served as one of the chain’s longest running menu items until it’s discontinuation in 2019. It was a cross between a quesadilla, and a Fresco Soft Taco. featuring ground beef, fiesta salsa, and a 3-cheese blend on a flour tortilla.
The Sweet Challenger: The Caramel Apple Empanada
Craving a sweet ending to your Taco Bell run? The Caramel Apple Empanada might be your champion. This golden fried pastry, filled with warm apple chunks and gooey caramel sauce, was a dessert staple for years. Its return would be a welcome blast of nostalgia for those with a sweet tooth.
The Caramel Apple Empanada came on the scene around 2005, and enjoyed a 15-year tenure until 2019 (same year as the Meximelt) when it was discontinued out of the blue.
While Taco Bell hasn’t revealed the exact date of the vote, anticipation is already simmering. Social media is buzzing with passionate pleas for both contenders, with arguments ranging from the Mexi Melt’s versatility to the Empanada’s comfort food appeal. One thing’s for sure: the competition is fierce.
Beyond the Vote: A Look at Taco Bell’s Strategy
This isn’t Taco Bell’s first rodeo when it comes to bringing back fan favorites. In 2022 and 2023, they successfully held similar votes, resurrecting the Enchirito and Beefy Crunch Burrito respectively. This strategy not only taps into nostalgia and customer excitement, but also gathers valuable data on menu preferences.
So, who will it be? The savory champion, the Mexi Melt, or the sweet challenger, the Caramel Apple Empanada? Keep your eyes peeled for the voting announcement and prepare to cast your delicious decision… And remember, no matter who wins, this battle is sure to be a win for all Taco Bell fans who get to cast their vote to bring back a retired fan favorite once again.
