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Food

Taco Bell Brings Back 4 Nostalgic Items To The Menu—Beefy Crunch Burrito, Caramel Apple Empanada, & More

September 5, 2026 by Faith Geiger
shefinds | Food
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Taco Bell is bringing the magic of 2016 back—for our taste buds, at least. Right now, you can stop by the drive-thru to get a flavor blast from the best with four nostalgic menu items.

That’s right: the Naked Chicken Chalupa, Meximelt, Beefy Crunch Burrito, and Caramel Apple Empanada are back on the menu for a limited time. Because it may have been a decade since we’ve tasted these treasures, but we certainly haven’t forgotten about them.

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"Taco Bell Meximelt"

Taco Bell Brings Nostalgic Menu Items Back

I remember 2016 well because it was the year I graduated high school. Lucky me—because, a decade later, it seems everyone is obsessed with reminiscing on this magical time of Snapchat, Pokemon Go, a whole lot of great pop music, and, of course, some seriously delicious Taco Bell menu items. I can still taste them if I use my imagination! But luckily, for a limited time, we don't have to imagine, because they're back on the menu.

"For decades, Taco Bell has been woven into the lives of our fans, and there’s something special about revisiting the moments and experiences that made 2016 distinctly memorable," Luis Restrepo, Chief Marketing Officer, Taco Bell North America said in a press release. "Whether you remember 2016 or another era of Taco Bell, the Decades Menu is about reconnecting with the flavor and feelings that fans loved the first time around, while giving a new generation the chance to discover it for themselves."

"Taco Bell Naked Chicken Chalupa"

Through September 14, you can grab the following:

  • Naked Chicken Chalupa - $5.99: My personal favorite. No shell required for this chalupa—because the chicken is the shell. The all-white-meat, marinated chicken shell is filled with cheddar cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and creamy avocado ranch. You can get it on its own or as part of the $9 Discovery Luxe Box.
  • Beefy Crunch Burrito - $2.79: I love some crunch in my burrito. This one hits all the marks: seasoned beef, seasoned rice, reduced-fat sour cream, nacho cheese sauce, and Flamin' Hot Fritos to bring some extra spice and some extra crunch.
  • Meximelt® - $2.99: Simple but delicious, this gooey item features seasoned beef, pico de gallo, a three-cheese blend, and a soft flour tortilla, all melted to perfection.
  • Caramel Apple Empanada - $2.99: Don't sleep on Taco Bell desserts! This sweet empanada will round out your meal and make your taste buds sing. The crispy pastry is filled with apple and caramel. 

Which one will you try first? I'm making a beeline for all four.

While you're at it, you can try new menu items like the Chicken Enchilada Nacho Fries, too. Because the old and new can certainly coexist in your belly.

Author:

Freelance Writer

Faith Geiger is a New York-based writer and editor. When she's not covering the latest in health and wellness for SheFinds, she spends her time watching reality TV with her roommates, browsing used bookstores, and enjoying live music. You can reach Faith at faith@shefinds.com.

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