The Meximelt was once a quiet but loyal star on Taco Bell’s menu. It didn’t have the bold commercials or flashy campaigns like other Taco Bell items, but it had something better: a devoted fan base who swore it was the best thing on the menu.
So when Taco Bell quietly removed the Meximelt in 2019, many people were shocked. It disappeared without warning, and for fans, it felt like losing a favorite comfort food.
But what was the Meximelt, and why are so many people still talking about it years after it was discontinued?
What Was the Meximelt?
The Meximelt was a simple but satisfying menu item. It was made with seasoned beef, a three-cheese blend, and pico de gallo, all wrapped in a warm, soft flour tortilla. It was then steamed—making it hot, gooey, and easy to eat.
Some people called it a cross between a taco and a quesadilla. Others said it was like a burrito, but better. It didn’t matter what you called it—it was cheesy, warm, and delicious.
Even though it wasn’t always listed on the big menu boards in Taco Bell restaurants, regulars knew to ask for it. It was one of those “hidden gems” that true fans knew about.
The Silent Goodbye
In 2019, Taco Bell announced a larger plan to streamline its menu. The company said it needed to simplify operations and speed up service. To do that, it cut several items from the menu, including the Meximelt.
The removal was not a big, public deal. There were no major announcements or goodbyes. One day it was there, and the next it was gone.
Fans noticed right away. Many went to social media to ask what happened. Some even started online petitions and campaigns asking Taco Bell to bring it back. But the company didn’t offer much of an explanation.
Why Did Taco Bell Remove the Meximelt?
Taco Bell has never given a detailed reason, but food industry experts believe it had to do with speed and efficiency. As fast food chains grow, they often try to reduce the number of items to make kitchens faster and more efficient.
The Meximelt may have been a fan favorite, but it wasn’t a top seller. It also required steaming, which took extra time compared to other items. That small difference could slow down drive-thru times—and in fast food, time is money.
Still, many fans argue that cutting the Meximelt was a mistake.
“It was the only thing I ordered at Taco Bell,” said Monica James, a longtime fan from Arizona. “Since they got rid of it, I’ve stopped going. Nothing else hits the same.”
The Fan Response: “Bring Back the Meximelt!”
After the Meximelt disappeared, fans didn’t stay quiet. They flooded Taco Bell’s social media with requests. Reddit threads, YouTube videos, and TikToks popped up from people trying to recreate it at home or find hacks to order it through custom options.
One petition on Change.org to bring back the Meximelt has gathered thousands of signatures. Many of the comments are emotional, calling the Meximelt a “childhood favorite” or “the only reason I went to Taco Bell.”
Others shared tips on how to order something similar by customizing other items—like asking for a beef soft taco with cheese and pico, then steaming it at home.
Still, for many, that just isn’t the same.
“It’s not about just the ingredients,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “It’s the way it was made. That steamy, melty goodness can’t be copied.”
Could the Meximelt Ever Come Back?
Taco Bell is known for rotating its menu and bringing back popular items—like the Mexican Pizza, which returned in 2022 after a huge fan campaign. That gives some fans hope that the Meximelt might return one day.
In fact, the return of the Mexican Pizza proved that fan pressure works. Taco Bell even admitted that the comeback was due to “unprecedented demand.”
So is there hope for the Meximelt?
The company hasn’t said anything directly. However, in interviews, Taco Bell executives have mentioned that they’re open to listening to fans and trying new (and old) ideas. And the fact that people are still talking about the Meximelt years later shows how strong the demand still is.
Some food bloggers have suggested that Taco Bell could bring it back as a limited-time item or through their app-only exclusive menu. That strategy has worked in the past, like with the Nacho Fries.
The Meximelt Lives On—Sort Of
Even though you can’t officially order a Meximelt today, many fans have come up with ways to recreate it at home or hack the current menu to get close.
Here’s one method shared by a TikTok user with over a million views:
- Order a beef soft taco with extra cheese.
- Add pico de gallo (or fresh salsa).
- Ask for it “grilled” or take it home and steam it yourself for 20 seconds in the microwave, wrapped in a damp paper towel.
It’s not a perfect match, but it gets pretty close, according to those who’ve tried it.
Some restaurants near Taco Bell test kitchens also reportedly still know how to make it if you ask nicely, though this isn’t guaranteed.
A Cultural Moment for Fast Food
The Meximelt story is more than just about a missing item. It reflects a bigger trend in fast food culture: people care deeply about their favorites, and they’re not afraid to speak up when those items disappear.
It also shows how brands like Taco Bell have a special connection with their customers. People don’t just eat the food—they form memories around it. A warm Meximelt might remind someone of late-night drives, high school hangouts, or comforting meals after a tough day.
That emotional connection is powerful—and it’s one reason why food nostalgia is so big online right now.
From discontinued drinks like Surge and Ecto Cooler, to snacks like Dunkaroos or McDonald’s Snack Wraps, people love to talk about the food items they miss. And companies are starting to notice.
Final Thoughts
The Meximelt might be gone from Taco Bell’s menu, but it’s far from forgotten. For many, it’s still the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and comfort. Its quiet removal only made fans love it more—and fight harder for its return.
Whether or not Taco Bell brings it back, the Meximelt has earned a place in fast food history. It may not have had a fancy ad campaign, but its legend lives on—one soft, cheesy bite at a time.
