Jan 14, 2021Public outcry has Taco Bell bringing potatoes back to menu
In August, Taco Bell decided to eliminate potatoes from its menu in order to reduce SKUs and speed up service. Less than six months later, the fast-food giant is walking back on that decision.
Citing widespread outrage from customers, Taco Bell announced Jan. 14 that it’s bringing potatoes, including its popular Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes and Spicy Potato Soft Taco, back to its menu starting March 11.
Feedback from consumers included a wave of social media posts and online petitions on sites, such as change.org.
Taco Bell’s Global Chief Food Innovation Officer Liz Matthews told Business Insider she felt she heard from “everybody in the entire country” regarding the removal of potatoes from the menu.
“It was unfortunate Taco Bell felt the need to remove potatoes from their menus in the first place considering Americans’ love for the potato and the importance of this nutrient-dense vegetable in our diets,” said Blair Richardson, CEO, Potatoes USA, the marketing arm of the U.S. potato industry. “We are very excited for their decision to return potatoes to their menus as we all look for ways to get through this challenging time together. There is no better fuel for our bodies than potatoes. Personally, I can’t wait to visit a Taco Bell on March 11.”
In addition, Taco Bell is teaming with Beyond Meat to create a plant-based protein for further menu options in the future.
