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Taco Bell collaborates with another sauce company for its Nacho FriesTaco Bell collaborates with another sauce company for its Nacho Fries

The restaurant chain will bring back its signature Nacho Fries for the 11th time and for their longest menu run ever.

Alicia Kelso, Executive Editor

April 19, 2024

2 Min Read
Taco Bell Secret Aardvark Nacho Fries 1810x1099
The Secret Aardvark Nacho Fries will be available for a limited time for $4.99.Photo courtesy of Taco Bell

Taco Bell is bringing back its signature Nacho Fries beginning April 25 and they’ll be available through most of the summer for the offering’s longest menu run ever. This time around will also include a partnership with Portland, Oregon-based hot sauce company Secret Aardvark for the brands’ newly created Serrabanero Ranch Sauce, made from green tomatoes, roasted tomatillos serrano and green habanero peppers blended with ranch. The Secret Aardvark Nacho Fries, seasoned with Mexican spices and topped with slow-roasted chicken, a three-cheese blend, reduced-fat sour cream, nacho cheese sauce, and pico de gallo, will be available for a limited time for $4.99.

Secret Aardvark is latest company to forge a partnership with Taco Bell in recent years. Last year, Taco Bell teamed up with Texas-based Yellowbird to roll out Yellowbird Nacho Fries with that company’s spicy habanero ranch sauce. Taco Bell also partnered with Southern California-based Truff’s to add its Hotter Hot Sauce to Nacho Fries for a limited time.

During a recent interview, Liz Matthews, Taco Bell’s chief food innovation officer, said such collaborations “have to be worth it.

“We’re not just going to work with anybody. The partnerships we’ve done, we knew the team as people and loved what they did, and they loved what we did. That’s when you get really beautiful collaborations. It’s not a process, but more like starting a friendship to see if you like each other and then growing that relationship over months,” she said.

Related:Why Taco Bell thinks its future is in emerging brand collaborations

Nacho Fries just happen to provide a suitable canvas for such collaborative innovations, and they also provide a stout audience; the menu item was initially introduced in 2018 and quickly became the chain’s most successful new product launch ever. The fries are part of one in four orders at the chain and their success has inspired Taco Bell to introduce iterations like this one.

“We’re thrilled to bring back fan-favorite Nacho Fries for their 11th return, in a whole new way, with an extra flavorful partnership with Secret Aardvark,” Matthews said in a statement. “Secret Aardvark’s dedication to bold flavors and culinary innovation makes them the perfect partner for Taco Bell and our iconic Nacho Fries. Together, we’re taking flavor exploration to new heights, ensuring our fans experience the ultimate taste sensation with every bite.”

To mark the launch, the companies have also teamed up with Portland-based artist Bryce Wong for a “Tuesday Drop” for 300 Fire! Tier rewards members on April 23. Those members are encouraged to visit the app on that day for more information.

Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]

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About the Author

Alicia Kelso

Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News

Alicia Kelso is the executive editor of Nation's Restaurant News. She began covering the restaurant industry in 2010 for QSRweb.com, FastCasual.com and PizzaMarketplace.com. When her son was born, she left the industry to pursue a role in higher education, but swiftly returned after realizing how much she missed the space. In filling that void, Alicia added a contributor role at Restaurant Dive and a senior contributor role at Forbes.
Her work has appeared in publications around the world, including Forbes Asia, NPR, Bloomberg, The Seattle Times, Crain's Chicago, Good Morning America and Franchise Asia Magazine.
Alicia holds a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University, where she competed on the women's swim team. In addition to cheering for the BGSU Falcons, Alicia is a rabid Michigan fan and will talk about college football with anyone willing to engage. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her wife and son.

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