A Beginner's Guide To Ordering At Taco Bell

Taco Bell can have an intimidating reputation if you've never been to the fast-food chain. Whether you've heard it called Tex-Mex, Mexican-inspired, or just flat-out fake Mexican food, you probably know the Taco Bell experience is far from authentic. But that doesn't mean it can't be delicious if you are in the right mood and state of mind. If you've never tried the Mexican-inspired (see what we did there) fast-food joint and are finding yourself curious, there are some fast tips that will help you know what to order and how to do it cheaply and efficiently.

For starters, it's best to have a relatively settled stomach before trying the fast-food chain for the first time. Some rumors about Taco Bell can be true from time to time, so just make sure to not go overboard with your first order. Take it easy and go with some experienced buddies who know the drill, like you would for any intense first-time experience. All jokes aside, if you're looking up a guide for Taco Bell newbies you probably want to know two things: What to get, and what is the cheapest way I can get it? We've got answers for you on both of those counts and many more. 

This comprehensive beginner's guide will lead you through everything you need to know about ordering at Taco Bell for the first time, including which items are best to try and how to get the best value out of your order. 

This might be the most important thing to know before making the trip to Taco Bell for the first time: Taco Bell lets you customize and modify items in pretty much any way you see fit. It might just be the best fast-food chain in this regard. So don't be scared to ask for no sour cream, extra meat, or even more complex substitutions you may have. Whatever you want, if Taco Bell can do it the restaurant will truly make it your way — and this includes making items vegan and vegetarian when possible, which is to say usually. For the most part, everything can be made vegetarian or vegan-friendly, which gives Taco Bell an additional wide range. (While this wide range of options can get overwhelming, we'll talk more about exactly what to get your first time at Taco Bell in a bit.)

Also, before you stand in line and memorize your complex order before reciting it to the employee working the counter, you should know that there are easier ways to ensure Taco Bell makes your first order just the way you want it. Many locations have kiosks where you can order, modify, and customize your items on a touch screen. Ordering from here is usually quick and eliminates an element of human error. However, there is also one other way to order that is the fastest and will get you the most deals.

While you can find this specialty flavor of Mountain Dew at grocery stores and gas stations nowadays, there was a long period of time when Baja Blast was a Taco Bell-exclusive beverage. The tropical and fruity Mountain Dew flavor can still mostly only be found at Taco Bell. Known for its distinct turquoise color and how it pairs like a magic trick with literally every item on the menu, Baja Blast is a key part of the Taco Bell experience. 

Now, don't you worry, there are a couple of different ways you can get your Baja Blast fix on. All Taco Bell locations offer regular and Diet Baja Blast as a fountain beverage option. However, if you don't want to replace your favorite Pepsi product with what is ultimately still a flavored Mountain Dew, you can also try the special flavor in the form of a Baja Blast Freeze. This icy frozen drink is a refreshing accompaniment to your Taco Bell on a summer's day and a great way to upgrade your beverage order.

The Crunchwrap might just be the most famous Taco Bell creation. The standard Crunchwrap Supreme contains many of the same ingredients as so many other Taco Bell items: beef, sour cream, nacho cheese, tomatoes, and a flour tortilla. it is the construction and form factor of the Crunchwrap that makes it so popular ... and so tasty. There is a reason it has been so widely imitated both by internet chefs and even at other fast-casual Mexican joints like Moe's. 

For those not yet initiated, the Crunchwrap Supreme is a wrap inside a flour tortilla consisting of two layers separated by a hard corn tortilla shell. On the bottom, there is a layer of beef and cheese, while the top holds all your veggies and sour cream. Housed in the flour tortilla, the creation is then grilled like a quesadilla, giving it an extra crust on the outside. The result is handheld heaven for Taco Bell fans. The balance of tortilla, veggies, and meat is pretty much perfect — although we do sometimes admit we wish there was a little more beef — and the Crunchwrap is one of the most filling signature items on the menu. Plus, you can hold it in your hand so it's great for the car ride home as well if you just can't help yourself. FYI, it's best dipped in Taco Bell's Hot and Fire sauces.

Sure, you can just get a taco at Taco Bell. It's a little uninspired but regular tacos are certainly a selection that many people still opt for. If you step up your game a little, you can make it a Doritos Locos Taco with the now-iconic Dorito hard taco shell. Or if you are a soft taco fan, you might want to try the Spicy Potato Soft Taco. However, if you truly want the best taco experience T-Bell has to offer, look no further than the Cheesy Gordita Crunch. Combining all the best aspects of both hard- and soft-shell tacos, this Taco Bell specialty item is a favorite for a reason. 

The magic starts by taking a regular hard-shell beef taco and adding just a bit of Taco Bell's specialty Spicy Ranch sauce. Take our word for it, the Spicy Ranch is the most underrated ingredient and the one that truly brings the Cheesy Gordita Crunch together. This taco is then surrounded by a warm flour flatbread-style tortilla and a layer of three-cheese blend between the two. The result is savory, crunchy, and creamy. And unlike the Crunchwrap Supreme, you could eat more than one of these in a sitting.

Like we said, you can add beans instead of meat to a majority of Taco Bell menu items in order to make said item vegetarian. However, we've also found the best vegetarian options at Taco Bell to be already right there on the menu for you. Even if you love the meatier burrito options, you won't want to skip over Taco Bell's secret best main filling — the potatoes.

They may be basic on their own, but even throwing a few other basic Taco Bell ingredients together with those potatoes of theirs results in fast-food magic. Technically you can add potatoes to whatever Taco Bell item you like, but we've found that two top-tier potato options are already on the menu — despite having been taken off for a short time in 2020.

The Spicy Potato Taco and the Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes are simple, delicious items. The Chipotle sauce on the taco adds an extra dimension that elevates the crispy bites of potato. If you just want a bowl of potatoes and cheese (sour cream optional) then set your sights on the Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes. Plus, both tasty options are cheap. These Craving Menu options ensure it won't break the bank to load up on multiple potato dishes.