Taco Bell tests Nacho Fries sauce made with world’s hottest pepper Courtesy of Taco Bell

Taco Bell tests Nacho Fries sauce made with world’s hottest pepper

Boldly flavored fries are in test in Ohio, as the regular Nacho Fries go off menu soon

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.

Contact Nancy Luna at [email protected] 

Follow her on Twitter: @FastFoodMaven

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