Taco Bell just flipped the fast-food playbook on its head. Instead of chefs calling all the shots, fans now get to design menu items that actually hit the stores. After sifting through 40,000 customer submissions, the chain picked three crave-worthy creations that were too good to keep secret. Launching November 20, these fan-designed dishes are part of Taco Bell’s bold 2025 menu strategy, letting customers order, customize, and even earn rewards. It’s a social, app-driven approach that rewards creativity and appetite alike.
Fan Style Menu Turns Hacks Into Reality
Taco Bell’s Fan Style menu brings secret menu hacks into the spotlight. Instead of guessing which off-menu items might work, fans now see their favorite tweaks officially served. The chain evaluated submissions for creativity, craveability, and flavor innovation before narrowing down to three top picks. It’s limited-time only, and exclusively available through the app or digital kiosks. This is more than just a menu — it’s fan empowerment, wrapped in a crunchy tortilla.
40,000 Submissions, Only Three Winners
Over 40,000 fans submitted ideas, but only three made the cut. Judges focused on creativity and flavor, picking creations that were practical enough for a nationwide rollout. Two hail from the Midwest and one from Kentucky, proving that Taco Bell inspiration isn’t coast-specific. It’s a reminder that everyday fans can shape what millions of diners eat.
App-Exclusive Ordering Boosts Engagement
These new menu items aren’t hitting the counter at all locations — only on the app and kiosks. This digital-first approach encourages fans to engage directly with Taco Bell’s ecosystem. Plus, customers can earn rewards for their own creations, gamifying the ordering experience. It’s fast food meets social media, in real time.
Brock’s California Crunchwrap Steals the Show
Brock from Holton, Michigan, reimagined the Crunchwrap with seasoned fries and guacamole. It’s a hearty twist on a decades-old menu classic. Taco Bell fans who love fries in every bite now have official permission to indulge. The combination hits all the cravings — salty, creamy, and crunchy — without the secret menu guesswork.
Kajol’s Burrito Bliss Delivers Comfort
Another winning creation, Kajol’s Burrito Bliss, mixes familiar ingredients in bold new ways. This burrito tweak enhances flavor while keeping the customizable spirit intact. Midwest ingenuity shines through, proving that creativity often comes from small-town fans. Burrito Bliss offers an elevated fast-food experience for anyone tired of standard fillings.
Sandra’s Cantina Craze Brings Bold Twists
The third fan pick, Sandra’s Cantina Craze, spices up traditional fare with inventive toppings. Kentucky meets Taco Bell in this playful reinterpretation of classic items. It’s accessible yet adventurous, making it easy for fans to feel like menu co-creators. Each bite delivers flavor innovation while staying approachable for regular diners.
Fans Shape the Brand Direction
According to Taco Bell’s CBO Taylor Montgomery, Fan Style demonstrates the power of listening to customers. Fans push the brand to take risks and explore bold new directions. This isn’t just novelty — it’s a strategy to evolve menu offerings while staying connected to loyal diners.
A Limited-Time Treat for Fans
The Fan Style menu is a temporary offering, so timing is everything. It’s designed to create buzz and reward app users for participating in the social experience. Missing out means missing a chance to try these unique, fan-approved creations.
Customization Is the Key
Fan Style builds on Taco Bell’s existing culture of customization. Each item remains tweakable with vegetarian options or ingredient swaps. Fans aren’t just eating — they’re creating. This choose-your-own-adventure model ensures each order is uniquely satisfying.
Midwest and Kentucky Dominate the Menu
Interestingly, two of the three winning submissions come from the Midwest, showing creativity isn’t coast-bound. Kentucky rounds out the trio, adding southern flavor influence. This geographic diversity highlights how local tastes influence nationwide menu trends.
A Peek Into Taco Bell’s 2025 Strategy
Fan Style is more than a menu tweak — it’s a blueprint for the chain’s 2025 strategy. Taco Bell wants to empower fans, experiment with creativity, and digitally engage diners. These limited-time items are a test of what happens when the brand loosens its grip on traditional menu control.
