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Taco Bell is testing breakfast totsTaco Bell is testing breakfast tots

Taco Bell’s Chicago breakfast tots test comes a month after the restaurant chain introduced toasted breakfast tacos for the first time.

Alicia Kelso, Executive Editor

November 15, 2023

2 Min Read
Taco Bell Breakfast Tater Tots 1
Taco Bell is testing breakfast tots in Chicago.Photo courtesy of Taco Bell

The latest sign that Taco Bell is prioritizing its breakfast business? It is testing breakfast tots.

The test is currently taking place in the Chicago market, where the tots are available during the morning daypart for $3.49 to $4.49, depending on choice of protein. According to the company, the item features potato tots seasoned with Mexican spices and topped with scrambled eggs, the choice of bacon or sausage, and a mix of mozzarella, pepper jack and cheddar cheeses.

Adding toppings to a potato product takes a page from Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries playbook, and for good reason. The Nacho Fries were originally introduced in 2018 and quickly became the chain’s most successful product launch ever. The company has since introduced various iterations of the product, from Loaded Truff Nacho Fries to Rattlesnake Fries and Reaper Ranch Fries. Earlier this week, Taco Bell launched a subscription program for its Nacho Fries.

The breakfast tots test also comes on the heels of Taco Bell’s toasted breakfast taco launch last month and illustrates the company’s efficient use of already existing SKUs to innovate the menu. The tacos include scrambled eggs, choice of sausage, bacon or breakfast potatoes, and a layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

After a pandemic-induced lull at breakfast, Taco Bell has reprioritized the daypart throughout the past year, including enlisting comedian/actor Pete Davidson to promote the menu, which helped drive a 9% transaction increase in Q4 2022.  

Related:Taco Bell is introducing Breakfast Tacos with the return of its subscription program

Taco Bell is also bringing back rolled chicken tacos nationwide beginning Nov. 16. The fried white corn tortillas are filled with shredded chicken, and are available two ways: a two-pack, including one dip, for $2.99, or a four-pack, with two dips for $5.49. They’re also available as part of the rolled Chicken Tacos Deluxe Cravings Box, with a two-pack of rolled chicken tacos, one dip, one beef Chalupa Supreme, a 5-layer burrito, cinnamon twists and a medium drink.

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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