11 Times Taco Bell’s Breakfast Menu Made Headlines: Surprising Moments That Shook Up Fast Food Mornings

Taco Bell’s breakfast menu has been a game-changer in the fast food industry since its nationwide launch in 2014. The chain’s bold move to enter the competitive breakfast market sparked curiosity and excitement among consumers, leading to numerous headline-worthy moments over the years.

Taco Bell’s innovative approach to breakfast items, combining Mexican-inspired flavors with traditional morning fare, has consistently captured public attention and generated buzz. From unique menu additions to clever marketing campaigns, the fast food giant has found various ways to keep its breakfast offerings in the spotlight and maintain relevance in the ever-evolving quick-service restaurant landscape.

1) Breakfast Crunchwrap

Taco Bell’s Breakfast Crunchwrap made waves when it debuted on the breakfast menu. This handheld item quickly became a fan favorite, combining classic breakfast elements with Taco Bell’s signature flair.

The Breakfast Crunchwrap features scrambled eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese, and a crispy hash brown patty. These ingredients are wrapped in a large flour tortilla and grilled to golden perfection.

A creamy jalapeño sauce adds a spicy kick to the mix. The combination of textures and flavors set this item apart from traditional fast food breakfast offerings.

As of 2025, the Breakfast Crunchwrap remains a popular choice for morning diners. Its portable design makes it ideal for on-the-go consumption, appealing to busy customers.

Taco Bell’s innovation in the breakfast space garnered attention from competitors and food critics alike. The Breakfast Crunchwrap exemplifies the chain’s ability to adapt its menu to different dayparts while maintaining its unique identity.

2) Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito

Taco Bell’s Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito made waves when it debuted on the breakfast menu. This portable morning meal quickly gained popularity among on-the-go customers seeking a savory start to their day.

The burrito features a blend of eggs, cheese, and a choice of bacon or sausage wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Its toasted exterior adds a satisfying crunch, setting it apart from traditional breakfast burritos.

Priced at an affordable $1.99, the Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito became a budget-friendly option for those looking to grab a quick breakfast. Its competitive pricing strategy helped Taco Bell gain market share in the fast-food breakfast sector.

The item’s success led to its inclusion in various breakfast combo meals, allowing customers to pair it with hash browns and a beverage. This combination proved popular among those seeking a more substantial morning meal.

Taco Bell’s marketing efforts highlighted the burrito’s convenience and flavor, positioning it as an ideal choice for busy mornings. The campaign resonated with consumers, contributing to increased breakfast sales for the chain.

3) Grande Scrambler

The Grande Scrambler made waves on Taco Bell’s breakfast menu. This hearty burrito packed a flavorful punch with its diverse ingredients.

Wrapped in a warm flour tortilla, the Grande Scrambler contained scrambled eggs, cheese, and potatoes. It also featured pico de gallo, nacho cheese sauce, and reduced-fat sour cream.

Customers could choose between bacon, sausage, or steak as their protein option. This versatility allowed the Grande Scrambler to cater to various taste preferences.

The burrito offered a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. Its combination of traditional breakfast elements with Taco Bell’s signature Tex-Mex twist set it apart from typical fast-food breakfast items.

Priced at $2.49 for bacon or sausage options and $3.29 for steak, the Grande Scrambler provided a filling meal at a competitive price point. Its generous portion size and diverse ingredients made it a popular choice among Taco Bell’s breakfast offerings.

The Grande Scrambler exemplified Taco Bell’s commitment to innovative breakfast options. It successfully merged familiar breakfast staples with the brand’s unique culinary approach.

4) Cinnabon Delights

Taco Bell’s Cinnabon Delights have become a beloved staple on the breakfast menu. These bite-sized treats feature a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey center filled with Cinnabon® cream frosting.

The partnership between Taco Bell and Cinnabon to create these unique pastries garnered significant attention when first introduced. Customers were intrigued by the combination of two well-known brands collaborating on a breakfast item.

Cinnabon Delights are available in various pack sizes, including 2-packs and 12-packs, catering to different appetites and occasions. The versatility of these treats allows them to be enjoyed as a breakfast item or a dessert.

The popularity of Cinnabon Delights has led to their inclusion in promotional deals and combo meals. Taco Bell has occasionally offered these pastries at discounted prices or as part of limited-time offers to attract customers.

Taco Bell’s decision to include a sweet option like Cinnabon Delights on their breakfast menu helped distinguish them from competitors. This move contributed to the chain’s efforts to establish itself as a serious contender in the fast-food breakfast market.

5) Sausage Flatbread Quesadilla

Taco Bell’s Sausage Flatbread Quesadilla made waves in the breakfast scene when it was introduced. This menu item combines sausage crumbles, eggs, and a three-cheese blend wrapped in a gordita flatbread.

The flatbread element set this breakfast option apart from traditional breakfast burritos. It offered a unique texture and flavor profile that appealed to many morning customers.

Priced affordably, the Sausage Flatbread Quesadilla provided a satisfying meal for those on the go. Its portable nature made it a convenient choice for busy commuters.

The combination of protein-rich sausage and eggs with melted cheese created a filling breakfast option. This hearty meal helped establish Taco Bell as a serious contender in the fast-food breakfast market.

While some critics felt Taco Bell missed an opportunity to add more innovative flavors, many customers appreciated the familiar taste profile. The Sausage Flatbread Quesadilla remains a staple on Taco Bell’s breakfast menu, continuing to attract morning diners.

6) Steak and Egg Burrito

A sizzling steak and egg burrito surrounded by headlines from Taco Bell's breakfast menu

Taco Bell’s Steak and Egg Burrito made waves when it joined the breakfast menu lineup. This hearty offering combined seasoned steak, fluffy scrambled eggs, and crispy potatoes wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.

The burrito quickly gained popularity among meat-loving breakfast enthusiasts. Its protein-packed contents provided a satisfying start to the day for many customers.

Taco Bell positioned the Steak and Egg Burrito as a premium breakfast option. The inclusion of real steak pieces set it apart from other fast-food breakfast items.

Some locations featured the burrito as part of breakfast combo meals. These often included hash browns and a drink, offering a complete morning meal.

The Steak and Egg Burrito demonstrated Taco Bell’s commitment to expanding its breakfast offerings. It catered to those seeking a more substantial breakfast option beyond basic egg and cheese items.

7) Mini Skillet Bowl

Taco Bell’s Mini Skillet Bowl made waves when it debuted on the breakfast menu. This compact meal features seasoned crispy potatoes, scrambled eggs, nacho cheese sauce, and pico de gallo.

The Mini Skillet Bowl quickly became a popular choice for those seeking a lighter breakfast option. Its smaller portion size appealed to customers watching their calorie intake.

Taco Bell strategically positioned the Mini Skillet Bowl on their $1 breakfast menu. This move aimed to attract budget-conscious consumers and compete with other fast-food breakfast offerings.

The item’s versatility also drew attention. Customers could customize the Mini Skillet Bowl by adding extra ingredients or sauces to suit their tastes.

Critics praised the Mini Skillet Bowl for its satisfying combination of textures and flavors. The crispy potatoes and creamy nacho cheese provided a contrast to the soft scrambled eggs and fresh pico de gallo.

While some reviewers noted the dish could benefit from additional seasoning, many appreciated its value as an affordable breakfast option. The Mini Skillet Bowl remains a staple on Taco Bell’s morning menu.

8) AM Grilled Taco

A colorful spread of breakfast items from Taco Bell, including grilled tacos, arranged in a visually appealing manner

Taco Bell’s AM Grilled Taco made waves in the breakfast scene when it first appeared on the menu. This morning-inspired creation featured a soft tortilla filled with eggs, cheese, and a choice of sausage or bacon.

The AM Grilled Taco offered a portable breakfast option for customers on the go. Its handheld format allowed for easy eating during commutes or rushed mornings.

Taco Bell’s approach to breakfast with the AM Grilled Taco showcased their ability to adapt traditional menu items for the morning crowd. The familiar taco shape paired with breakfast ingredients appealed to both Taco Bell enthusiasts and breakfast lovers alike.

The item gained attention for its simplicity and familiar flavors. Customers appreciated the combination of scrambled eggs, melted cheese, and their choice of breakfast meat, all wrapped in a warm tortilla.

While the AM Grilled Taco is no longer on the current menu, it paved the way for future breakfast innovations at Taco Bell. Its popularity demonstrated the demand for convenient, tasty breakfast options in the fast-food market.

9) Hash Brown Toasted Breakfast Burrito

Taco Bell’s Hash Brown Toasted Breakfast Burrito made waves when it debuted on the breakfast menu. This innovative item combined the crispy texture of hash browns with the convenience of a breakfast burrito.

The burrito features a warm tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and a choice of bacon or sausage. The star ingredient is a golden, crispy hash brown patty tucked inside the burrito.

Priced affordably at around $2, the Hash Brown Toasted Breakfast Burrito quickly became a popular choice for customers seeking a filling morning meal. Its unique combination of flavors and textures set it apart from traditional breakfast offerings.

Taco Bell’s decision to include a hash brown inside the burrito rather than as a side item sparked interest among fast food enthusiasts. This creative approach to breakfast earned the chain positive attention in the competitive morning meal market.

The Hash Brown Toasted Breakfast Burrito remains a staple on Taco Bell’s breakfast menu, continuing to attract customers looking for a satisfying and affordable start to their day.

10) Bacon Breakfast Crunchwrap

Taco Bell’s Bacon Breakfast Crunchwrap made waves as a standout item on the chain’s morning menu. This hearty offering combines scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, and a hash brown within a grilled tortilla.

The Bacon Breakfast Crunchwrap quickly became a fan favorite due to its portable nature and satisfying blend of textures. Its crispy exterior contrasts with the soft, savory interior, creating a unique breakfast experience.

Priced at $3.99, the Bacon Breakfast Crunchwrap contains 670 calories. It offers a filling meal option for those seeking a substantial start to their day.

Taco Bell serves this popular item during their breakfast hours, typically from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The exact times may vary by location, so customers are advised to check with their local restaurant.

The Bacon Breakfast Crunchwrap’s success contributed to the overall popularity of Taco Bell’s breakfast menu. Its innovative design and familiar ingredients helped attract customers who might not typically consider fast food for their morning meal.

11) Chorizo Toasted Breakfast Burrito

Taco Bell’s Chorizo Toasted Breakfast Burrito made waves when it debuted on the breakfast menu. This flavorful addition featured spicy chorizo sausage, eggs, and cheese wrapped in a warm tortilla.

The burrito quickly gained popularity among customers seeking a heartier breakfast option. Its bold flavor profile set it apart from other items on the menu.

Taco Bell’s decision to include chorizo in their breakfast lineup demonstrated the chain’s willingness to experiment with diverse flavors. The move appealed to those looking for a more robust morning meal.

The Chorizo Toasted Breakfast Burrito became a go-to choice for many Taco Bell breakfast enthusiasts. Its success prompted other fast-food chains to consider adding similar spicy breakfast options to their menus.

Taco Bell’s breakfast menu expansion with items like the Chorizo Toasted Breakfast Burrito helped solidify the chain’s position in the competitive fast-food breakfast market. The item’s popularity contributed to increased breakfast sales for the company.

Impact on the Breakfast Market

Taco Bell’s breakfast menu disrupted the fast-food morning landscape, challenging established competitors and introducing unique offerings. The chain’s innovative approach sparked changes in consumer preferences and industry trends.

Innovation in Fast Food

Taco Bell’s breakfast menu broke traditional norms with items like the Waffle Taco and AM Crunchwrap. These unconventional choices appealed to younger consumers seeking novelty in their morning meals.

The chain’s bold flavors and Mexican-inspired breakfast options stood out in a market dominated by standard fare. This differentiation strategy helped Taco Bell capture market share quickly.

Taco Bell’s success prompted other fast-food chains to reconsider their breakfast offerings. Competitors began introducing more diverse and creative menu items to keep pace with changing consumer tastes.

Competition with Traditional Breakfast Options

Taco Bell’s entry into the breakfast market intensified competition among fast-food chains. Established players like McDonald’s and Burger King faced new pressure to innovate and improve their morning menus.

The expanded breakfast options gave consumers more choices, potentially shifting some sales away from traditional breakfast spots. Taco Bell’s aggressive marketing campaigns and competitive pricing further challenged its rivals.

This increased competition benefited consumers through improved quality, variety, and value across the fast-food breakfast segment. It also led to extended breakfast hours at some chains, catering to customers’ evolving schedules and preferences.

Customer Reactions

Taco Bell’s breakfast menu launch stirred up significant buzz among consumers. Public response evolved from initial curiosity to sustained popularity over time.

Initial Public Reception

When Taco Bell introduced its breakfast menu in 2014, customers reacted with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Many were intrigued by the novel offerings like the Waffle Taco and breakfast Crunchwrap. Social media lit up with posts from early adopters sharing their experiences.

Some praised the bold flavors and convenient on-the-go options. Others found certain items too experimental for their tastes. The breakfast rollout became Taco Bell’s largest marketing campaign to date, generating widespread awareness.

Long-Term Popularity

As the breakfast menu evolved, it gained a loyal following. Taco Bell refined its offerings based on customer feedback, discontinuing less popular items like the Naked Egg Taco. The streamlined menu focused on crowd-pleasers such as breakfast burritos, quesadillas, and Crunchwraps.

By 2024, breakfast sales had surpassed 2019 levels, indicating strong customer adoption. The portability and customization options resonated with busy morning commuters. Positive reviews highlighted the menu’s value and unique take on breakfast classics.

Taco Bell’s commitment to consistency in its breakfast offerings helped cement its place in the competitive fast-food breakfast market.