In early 2024, Taco Bell decided to flip the script and offer some cheaper eats with the launch of the Cravings Value Menu.
Even before this menu was released, a lot of us were talking about it and were excited for it. What's not to like? It's a menu full of items that are less than $3.00 so who could say no to that?
Given that I have always loved Taco Bell, it's honestly something I was looking forward to and thankfully, I was finally able to try everything off the menu. With that being said, I will be splitting this into two different posts.
First, I'm going to be ranking the items in terms of enjoyment and then I'm going to be ranking them in order of value. So let's get into my ranking of the Cravings Value Menu from Taco Bell based on enjoyment.
Let's rank the Taco Bell Cravings Value Menu items.
10. Cheesy Roll-Up ($1.19)
Let's begin with the item we all knew was coming. That's the Cheesy Roll-Up which is honestly a tortilla with cheese in it. Even though Taco Bell doesn't have a kid's menu anymore, this feels like an item that should be on a kid's menu. Either way, it's something I've eaten only once because I was given this instead of chips and cheese (HOW?!) Overall, not a great value so on the bottom it goes.
9. Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito ($1.29)
Let me just start by saying that if there is one thing at Taco Bell I do not like, it is the rice. While rice usually adds something to a dish, this does not. While I do enjoy one of these occasionally, the rice just feels unnecessary here. Maybe it's so Taco Bell can incorporate the rice somewhere but I'm not a fan.
8. Chicken Enchilada Burrito ($2.49)
Since I'm a self-proclaimed Taco Bell rice hater, that means that the Chicken Enchilada Burrito has to come in at #8 spot. While I normally wouldn't put it this low on the list, the rice just kills this. It has the makings of being a great burrito for cheap yet the rice just ended up ruining the entire thing for me.
7. Cheesy Double Beef Burrito ($2.79)
For just 0.30 cents more, you can get a beefy version of the previous item. While I did enjoy this one slightly more, the rice was a huge let-down. I don't know if I'm the only one who feels this way but that rice just ruins the entire thing. They pack so much into said burrito and it adds nothing aside from making the burrito slightly heavier.
If there was no rice in this, it would be a lot higher on my list because everything else works. With that being said, we can finally move away from rice and onto some other items.
6. Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes ($2.79)
If there's one thing Taco Bell has perfected, it's these fiesta potatoes. I'm pretty sure they fry them and then season them generously. While I do enjoy these, they can somewhat be hit or miss as some of my orders have been a little crunchier. In addition, as far as the "value" item, this one toes the line as it isn't a huge portion. Either way, they're good but not anything showstopping.
5. Spicy Potato Soft Taco ($1.29)
We're finally halfway there and next up is the Spicy Potato Soft Taco. This is one of those items that basically has it all. You're getting a taco made with potatoes, some toppings, and even, a spicy sauce. I do enjoy a Spicy Potato Soft Taco every once in a while but it's not something that stands out on the Cravings Value Menu to me. Either way, it's a solid item and one I will order occasionally so it ended up at the halfway point of the list.
4. 3 Cheese Chicken Flatbread Melt ($2.29)
When I first saw that Taco Bell was adding this to the menu, it immediately reminded me of a past Taco Bell item which was the Chicken Flatbread Sandwich. It's pretty much the same thing and honestly, I'm not mad at it. This item has been one of the most consistent things I've tried and is good every single time. My only qualm is that I wish Taco Bell would bring back its shredded chicken as it would probably taste much better with that.
3. Stacker ($2.19)
Coming in at #3 on my rankings is the Stacker. Priced at $2.19, this honestly feels like one of the best values on the entire menu. It's basically a cheaper version of a quesadilla and crunch wrap but just a bit simpler. This is a tortilla that's folded and then stacked with beef, shredded cheese, and nacho cheese. All in all, Taco Bell didn't reinvent the wheel with this one but it's really good and a solid portion for the price.
2. Double Stacked Taco ($1.99)
At the #2 spot on my list, I'm putting the Double Stacked Taco. Let me be real here and say that this is basically a double decker taco but with cheese instead of beans. Either way, this was one of the first items I tried after the menu came out and it just blew me away.
Maybe the Double Stacked Taco I got was incredibly fresh but I loved this. It's a more elevated version of a regular taco but it's only 0.10 cents more. How can you beat that?! Plus the addition of the nacho cheese and fiesta strips makes it feel like bit more. All in all, this item is one of my faves and something I keep coming back to.
1. Loaded Beef Nachos ($2.99)
Taking the top spot on my list are the Loaded Beef Nachos. As someone who loves Taco Bell nachos but doesn't want to pay an arm and a leg, these Loaded Beef Nachos are it. These come in those paper boxes that Mexican pizzas come in and include chips, beef, beans, guacamole, red sauce, nacho cheese, and sour cream. For 3 dollars, it's an incredibly filling meal and something I love ordering every single time I go to Taco Bell. On the whole, the Cravings Value Menu is a great addition to the Taco Bell menu and features some of my go-to orders.
How would you rank the Taco Bell Cravings Value Menu? Let us know, Guilty Eaters!