With Nacho Fries becoming Taco Bell’s most successful new menu item ever, then it comes as no surprise that the fast-food chain is experimenting with two more follow-up flavors.
The Irvine, Calif.-based Mexican-inspired fast-food chain said it is testing bolder flavors in Ohio: Rattlesnake Fries and Reaper Ranch Fries.
The latter features seasoned fries served with a sauce made with Carolina Reaper, a pepper that was recently named the hottest pepper in the world. It is 200 times hotter than a jalapeno. The Reaper Ranch Fries are in test for a limited time at restaurants in Cincinnati, Ohio. The a la carte price is $1.29.
In a research report, analyst Mark Kalinowski of Kalinowski Equity Research said he liked the spicy move by Taco Bell. “The world’s hottest pepper as a main ingredient? Bravo, Taco Bell! Will you ask your customers to sign a legal waiver before they eat Reaper Ranch Fries?”
In Columbus, Ohio, Taco Bell is serving Rattlesnake Fries. No, it’s not served with rattlesnake bites. Instead, this dish is served as a true nachos-style dish. The fries are topped with nacho cheese sauce, grilled steak, creamy jalapeño sauce and sliced jalapeños. You can also get the Rattlesnake Fries served as a grilled burrito. Both cost $2.99 for a limited time.
Earlier this year, Taco Bell earned buzz when it crossed over into burger territory with the debut of its $1 Nacho Fries. The item became a huge success, ousting Doritos Locos Tacos as the chain’s most popular new product. The seasoned fries left the Dollar Cravings menu in the spring, but returned in mid-summer at a slightly higher price.
Another reason why Taco Bell might be betting big on fries? Earlier this year, a Taco Bell spokesman said fries were contributing to an uptick in overall menu purchases as many diners are adding Nacho Fries to orders. Customers were pairing fries with the Beefy 5 Layer Burrito, Crunchwrap, Bean Burrito, Quesarito and 7 Layer Burrito, Taco Bell said.
Due to popular demand, the chain plans to keep Nacho Fries on the menu until mid-September. The chain had originally planned to pull fries from the menu in early September.
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