Taco Bell Brings Back 5 Nostalgic Menu Items for a Limited Time in California

Taco Bell is bringing back five iconic menu items from the past 50 years, offering fans a chance to relive—or discover for the first time—these nostalgic treats at select California locations for a limited time.

Taco Bell Revives Five Classic Menu Items from the Past 50 Years for a Limited Run in California

What's a favorite discontinued fast-food item? For many, it's likely a beloved treat from childhood or teenage years, perhaps one last served more than 20 years ago. The nostalgia for those flavors is strong, even as new releases continue to excite. But there's something special about those old favorites that evoke memories of simpler times. The desire for their return is a common sentiment.

Now, that wish may be closer to reality. Taco Bell is diving deep into its vault of discontinued food items, testing them at select locations. Moreover, they're reaching back 50 years to revive some of these long-lost favorites. While food comebacks aren't new to Taco Bell, tasting discontinued items from five decades, including those that predate some customers' lifetimes, is particularly thrilling.

Taco Bell is set to bring back a selection of its hit menu items, with one treat from each of the five decades since its founding in the 1960s. The items making a temporary return include:

• Tostada – Discontinued in 2020

• Green Burrito – A popular item from the 70s

• Maximelt – A hit from the 80s

• Beef Gordita Supreme – A 90s favorite

• Caramel Apple Empanada – A beloved dessert from the 2000s

These nostalgic food items will be available from August 15 to 21, 2024, but only at the following California locations:

• Barranca Taco Bell (2222 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92606)

• Brea Taco Bell (303 W Imperial Hwy, Brea, CA 92821)

Taco Bell Surprises Fans by Reviving Iconic Menu Items Spanning Five Decades, Now Available in California

The decision to bring back some of Taco Bell's iconic food items from decades past is surprising, given how rare it is for fast food chains to resurrect discontinued menu items, particularly those with seemingly low demand. Yet, Taco Bell is leading the charge, reviving recent favorites and long-forgotten classics.

The Tostada, which debuted when Taco Bell first opened in 1962, remains memorable for many. This crispy shell topped with refried beans, red sauce, and shredded cheese is reminiscent of the recent Cheeze-It Tostada, known for its giant Cheez-It cracker shell.

The Green Burrito, a popular choice in the 70s, is another classic making a return. Filled with tomatillos, jalapeños, and other spices and smothered in a green chili sauce, this burrito holds a special place in Taco Bell's history.

From the 80s comes the Maximelt wrap, a combination of pico de gallo, seasoned beef, and a three-cheese melt, all wrapped in a tortilla. Though it was part of the menu for nearly 30 years, it was discontinued in 2018, leaving fans longing for its return.

For those who grew up in the 90s, the Beef Gordita Supreme is a familiar name. This predecessor to the Cheesy Gordita Crunch features seasoned beef, lettuce, tomatoes, a three-cheese blend, and sour cream, offering a balanced, flavorful experience.

Finally, the Caramel Apple Empanada from the 2000s makes a sweet comeback. This dessert, with its apple filling and creamy caramel wrapped in fried dough and coated in cinnamon sugar, is a treat many have missed since its discontinuation in 2019.

For a limited time, Taco Bell offers a unique opportunity to relive—or, for some, experience for the first time—the flavors of these classic menu items.