Taco Bell beefs up its value menu as consumers look for discounts

Taco Bell is doubling down on cheap eats. The fast food chain has kicked off 2026 with an expansion of its value menu, adding five new items to the list, blending those with five from last year. All will cost $3 or less – and the new menu will go on sale Jan. 22.

Here's what people can expect when it debuts:

Mini Taco Salad ($2.49) – This new take on the old favorite features seasoned beef, Chipotle $CMG Sauce, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and refried beans in tortilla bowl.

Beefy Potato Loaded Griller ($2.49) - Seasoned beef, potato bites, nacho cheese sauce, Chipotle Sauce, and reduced-fat sour cream in a wrap.

Chips & Nacho Supreme Dip ($2.49) - Seasoned beef, refried beans, nacho cheese sauce, reduced-fat sour cream, pico de gallo, and a three-cheese blend are layered and served with tortilla chips.

Avocado Ranch Chicken Stacker ($2.99) - Grilled white-meat chicken, Avocado Ranch Sauce, three-cheese blend, lettuce, and tomatoes folded and grilled.

Salted Caramel Churros ($1.99) – The desert classic, which is dusted with salted caramel sugar, will only be available for a limited time.

As for the returning items, fans can grab a Cheesy Roll Up or a Spicy Potato Soft Taco for $1.29. A Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito will run you $1.49. A 3 Cheese Chicken Flatbread Melt will cost  $2.29 and a Cheesy Double Beef Burrito carries a $2.79 price tag.

The deals not only coincide with the time of year when New Year's Resolutions begin to fall by the wayside, they reflect a growing push by consumers to find affordable food when dining out. Just two years ago, the fast food industry was struggling as consumers viewed prices as being too high for the quality of meal they were getting. Since then, most major chains have shined a spotlight on their value offerings, using them as a tool to lure in customers.