Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries Are Their Most Successful Item Launch Ever
Updated: Oct. 14, 2022
Since the Jan. 25 launch, more than 53 million orders of Nacho Fries have been placed, totaling 9 million pounds of potatoes and 600,000 gallons of nacho cheese.
Not too long ago, Taco Bell added a line of seasoned fries—a first for the fast food company. Because of that unprecedented move, folks were pretty curious to see how Taco Bell’s freshman attempt at fries faired against their spud-slinging rivals.
In the end, whether customers liked them or not, Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries became the company’s most successful launch to date — even beating out the much lauded Doritos Locos Tacos.
Since the Jan. 25 launch, more than 53 million orders of Nacho Fries have been placed, totaling 9 million pounds of potatoes and 600,000 gallons of nacho cheese.
Over one third of all Taco Bell orders since the Nacho Fries were introduced have included the new item, especially since you can throw the fries on or into pretty much any Taco Bell menu item for an additional 49 cents.
Because of their success, the fries will remain on Taco Bell menus through early April. Now here I sit, debating if I want fries in tomorrow’s Breakfast Crunchwrap.
Yes. Yes, I do.
Fast Food Copycats That Rival the Real Thing
Inspired by: McDonald's Burger, Fries and a Shake
Make a fast food feast at home with our recipes for Burger Americana, Skinny Fries and Thick Strawberry Shakes. After just one bite you'll never go back to drive-thru fare.
Inspired by: KFC Original Recipe Fried ChickenIf you've wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
You'll love any of these copycat Chinese takeout recipes.
Inspired by: Portillo's Chocolate CakeYears ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe and won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania
Inspired by: Wendy's ChiliThis hearty slow-cooker chili recipe can cook for up to 10 hours on low in the slow cooker. It's so good to come home to its wonderful aroma after a long day away. —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana
Inspired by: SONIC Corn DogOne of the best parts of the many fairs and festivals in Indiana is the corn dogs! My family loves corn dogs, so I fix them fairly often at home. —Sally Denney, Warsaw, Indiana
Inspired by: Popeyes BiscuitsThe recipe for these four-ingredient homemade buttermilk biscuits has been handed down for many generations. —Fran Thompson, Tarboro, North Carolina
Inspired by: Culver's ButterburgerIt’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter.
My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Inspired by: McDonald's Shamrock ShakeSave a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for this creamy milkshake that's fun for kids and adults, too. —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California
Inspired by: Burger King French FriesThese fries are always popular with my meat-and-potatoes bunch. The cheesy seasoning can easily double as a flavorful baked potato topper, too.—Maribeth Edwards, Follansbee, West Virginia
Inspired by: Chick-Fil-A Waffle Potato FriesMake any dinner fun with my Loaded Waffle Fries, topped with a savory blend of cheese, scallions and bacon. I copied this family-favorite recipe from a local restaurant, and it's great with hot dogs, burgers or by itself. —Jeffrey Viccone, Decatur, Illinois
Inspired by: Burger King Rodeo KingEvery family has a burger of choice, and this is ours. It's stacked tall with bacon and crunchy onion rings. —Paula Homer, Nampa, Idaho
Inspired by: McDonald's Chicken McNuggetsMy 3-year-old went through a chicken-nuggets-and-french-fries-only stage, so I made these golden nuggets for him. Even the grown-ups like them! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, Alabama
Inspired by: McDonald's Egg McMuffinI turned classic breakfast sandwiches into something heartier that you could even enjoy for dinner. We pile toppings like salsa and avocado—mayo and ketchup, too—on the homemade biscuits. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Inspired by: Culver's Vanilla CustardI think my most memorable summertime dessert for get-togethers has always been homemade ice cream. This recipe is so rich and creamy and is the perfect splurge on a hot summer afternoon. —Martha Self, Montgomery, Texas
Inspired by: Dunkin' Glazed DonutThe light coffee flavor in these tasty sugar-glazed doughnuts makes them a perfect start to the morning...on Christmas Day or any day. You'll find that the recipe is a delectable way to use up leftover potatoes. —Pat Siebenaler, Random Lake, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Panda Express Chow MeinSome years ago, our daughter welcomed me home from a hospital stay with this Asian dish and a copy of the recipe. Now I freeze leftovers for fast future meals. —Kay Bade, Mitchell, South Dakota
Inspired by: SONIC Hand Made Onion RingsThese onion rings cook to a crisp, golden brown. This is one of those foods you never tire of and a great side dish to so many meals. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
