Taco Bell Teams Up With Cult-Favorite Hot Sauce Brand for New ‘Craveable’ Nacho Fries

Taco Bell is turning up the heat once again. The fast-food giant has officially announced its latest menu innovation: Zab’s Chicken Ranch Nacho Fries. This new limited-time offering is the result of a partnership with Los Angeles-based Zab’s, a cult-favorite hot sauce brand known for using the rare Datil pepper. The collaboration marks the latest chapter in Taco Bell’s mission to bring “restaurant-quality flavor” to the drive-thru window.

What’s in the Box?

The Zab’s Chicken Ranch Nacho Fries take the brand’s signature seasoned fries and elevate them with a complex layer of flavors. Each order features:

• Crispy Nacho Fries: The fan-favorite seasoned potatoes.
• Slow-Roasted Chicken: Tender, shredded white-meat chicken.
• Zab’s Hot Honey Sauce: A sweet-and-spicy infusion featuring the unique, slow-burn heat of the Datil pepper.
• Zesty Ranch Sauce: A cool, creamy counterpoint to the hot honey.
• Pico de Gallo & Warm Nacho Cheese Sauce: The classic toppings that tie the dish together.

The Secret Ingredient: The Datil Pepper

For foodies, the real star of this release is the Datil pepper. Unlike the common Jalapeño or Habanero, the Datil pepper is a rare variety primarily grown in St. Augustine, Florida. It is prized for its naturally sweet, fruity undertones followed by a potent, creeping heat.

By partnering with Zab’s, Taco Bell is tapping into the “hot honey” trend that has taken the culinary world by storm, but with a unique twist that sets it apart from standard spicy offerings.

A New Era of Collaborations

This isn't Taco Bell's first time playing with high-end partnerships. From the viral Cheez-It Crunchwrap to the recent Secret Aardvark Fries, the “Live Mas” brand is leaning heavily into “flavor drops” to keep younger, adventurous eaters coming back.

“We love pushing the boundaries of what people expect from fast food,” a Taco Bell spokesperson said. “Working with a brand like Zab’s allows us to introduce our fans to artisanal flavors they might not find anywhere else.”

How to Get Your Hands on Them

The Zab’s Chicken Ranch Nacho Fries are rolling out to participating locations nationwide starting this week for a limited time. They are expected to retail for around $4.99, though prices may vary by location.

Local Tip: If you want to customize your experience, Taco Bell rewards members can often swap the chicken for steak or black beans via the app. Also, keep an eye out for the standalone bottles of Zab’s Datil Hot Sauce—once you taste the fries, you might find yourself wanting a bottle for your pantry at home!