There’s certainly no one better in the fast food industry at bringing the hype than Taco Bell. There was mass pandemonium a few years back when they released the famed Doritos Locos Tacos, and now fast forward to present day, we have the famed mystery item. Last month Taco Bell teased the release with a mysterious, faux redacted press releases, guarding the true identity closely. Then, earlier this week we could all preorder the mystery product for pickup today between 2-4 PM–sight unseen. As far as we can remember, this is an industry first.
As we predicted, the item is the much rumored Quesalupa. Taco Bell’s newest hybrid item, following in the footsteps of the Quesarito, combines the cheesy factor of the Quesadilla and the fried, crispy shell of the Chalupa. The Quesalupa was test marketed pretty much a year ago to the date in Toledo, Ohio. It passed with flying colors and is now set for nationwide release. So it it worth the hype? Let’s check it out.
Ingredients:
- Melted pepper jack cheese stuffed into flaky, crispy shell
- Premium beef
- Crisp Lettuce
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Reduced Fat Sour Cream
- Diced Tomatoes
First Impressions
Presentation has been huge in the recent Taco Bell LTOs and this is no exception. Wrapped up in a golden foil fit for a king and then cradled in a cardboard holder similar to the ones used in the DLT’s, Taco Bell delivered in making it seem like you’re eating something really special.
Upon initial glances, the Quesalupa has a similar appearance to a standard Chalupa, but the shell looks like it really let itself go after a bad break up. Slightly puffier and more rotund than a regular Chalupa, the Quesalupa shell is all about comfort. While it certainly isn’t oozing cheese out of the shell, like some promo photos, there’s definitely a vibrant cheese taste bursting with each bite. The shell is warm, flaky, and maybe even soothing.
Taco Bell’s Quesalupa is stuffed with traditional tastes of a premium taco, with a fine layer of Taco Bell’s premium beef, shredded lettuce, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar. These ingredients are identical to the Chalupa Supreme, other than the upgraded shell. Everything is better with more cheese and everything melds together here to create a great savory treat. I threw on some of the Taco Bell Fire sauce and came away very satisfied with the results. This is comfort food at its finest, with the shell stepping into the spotlight. The fried, crispy shell is decadent, yet still retains a soft, pita like feel. Add in the cheese and I really think this is destined for Full Time Menu Status. I’m also going out on a limb and predicting multiple variations in the future, maybe even with some bacon stuffed in the shell as well.
Taco Bell Quesalupa – The Verdict
Coming in at $2.99, I felt moderately satisfied after just eating the Quesalupa, but I’m sure Taco Bell will come out with a Fully Loaded Box to compliment it upon full release Monday. While the standard Chalupa packs 340 calories, the Quesalupa weighs in at 440. The loaded shell accounts for a cool 100 calories, but to me it definitely seems worth it. While it might not be the best thing ever created on earth like the hype might suggest, this is definitely one of Taco Bell’s finest creations.
Taco Bell Quesalupa [Review]
8Overall Score
