Taco Bell's Chipotle Chicken Burrito: Why It's Gone

why did taco bell discontinue the chipotle chicken burrito

Taco Bell has discontinued its Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito, much to the dismay of its fans. The fast-food chain has introduced a new value menu with 10 items under $3, and the popular burrito did not make the cut. This is not the first time Taco Bell has removed beloved items from its menu, and some fans are hopeful that the burrito will make a comeback in the future.

Characteristics Values
Reason for discontinuation Taco Bell introduced a new value menu with 10 options under $3, and the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito didn't make the cut.
Customer Reaction Fans took to social media to mourn the loss of the burrito.
Replacement Items The Stacker, Double Stacked Taco, 3 Cheese Chicken Flatbread Melt, Chicken Enchilada Burrito, Cheesy Double Beef Burrito, Loaded Beef Nachos
History of Taco Bell The company has a history of removing popular items to make room for new arrivals or streamlining the menu.

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Taco Bell's history of removing popular items

Taco Bell has a history of removing popular items from its menu to make room for new arrivals or to streamline the menu. The company's decision to discontinue the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito, a fan favourite, in 2024 left many customers disappointed and pleading for its return. Joining the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito in the list of discontinued items are the Beefy Melt Burrito, Fiesta Veggie Burrito, Chicken Chipotle Melt, and $5 Classic Combo.

Taco Bell has a vast graveyard of discontinued products, and the company has been known to occasionally bring back some of these items due to intense fan demand. The Mexican Pizza, for instance, was removed from the menu in 2020 but made a comeback in 2022. Similarly, the Beefy Crunch Burrito was introduced in 2010, removed from the menu in 2011, and then sporadically brought back as a limited-time option, with its last appearance on the menu being in 2021.

The Volcano Menu, Enchirito, and Beefy Fritos Burritos have also made limited-time returns, while the Nacho Fries and Nachos Bellgrande have returned as permanent menu items. The Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, Spicy Potato Soft Taco, and the Mexican Pizza were once discontinued but are now back on the menu.

Taco Bell has also discontinued other fan-favourite items, including the Loaded Grillers, which were burritos pressed in a grill like a panini and offered in Beefy Nacho, Chipotle Chicken, and Loaded Potato varieties. The Enchirito, an enchilada-burrito hybrid, was removed from the menu in 2013 after a four-decade run. The Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Tacos, introduced in 2012, were taken off the menu in 2019, but they will be making a return in 2025 as part of the Decades Menu.

The company has also discontinued items such as the Black Jack Taco, which had a polarizing black taco shell, the Meximelt, which was removed from the menu in 2019 after being introduced in the '80s, and the Waffle Taco, which was cut in 2015 after a mixed reception.

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The new value menu

Taco Bell has recently revamped its value menu, introducing a range of new, budget-friendly options. The new menu features 10 items, all priced under $3 each, including several never-before-seen items. While this has excited many fans, it has also come as a blow to some, as several fan favourites have been removed from the menu to make room for the new additions.

One of the most notable removals is the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito, also known as the CRGCB by its fans. This burrito was a popular option, featuring grilled chicken, fiesta strips, avocado ranch sauce, creamy chipotle sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Its removal has sparked an outcry on social media, with fans expressing their devastation and pleading for its return.

Joining the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito in its discontinuation are four other fan favourites: the Beefy Melt Burrito, the Fiesta Veggie Burrito, the Chicken Chipotle Melt, and the $5 Classic Combo. These items have also garnered a dedicated following, with some customers expressing their disappointment and lamenting the loss of their go-to menu choices.

Despite the disappointment of some fans, the new value menu has been well-received by others. The new menu items offer a range of satisfying, meal-sized options that are said to be "beefier" and provide better value for money. Some of the new additions to the Taco Bell menu include The Stacker, the Double Stacked Taco, the 3 Cheese Chicken Flatbread Melt, the Chicken Enchilada Burrito, the Cheesy Double Beef Burrito, and Loaded Beef Nachos.

While there are currently no plans announced for the return of the discontinued items, Taco Bell has a history of eventually bringing back popular dishes after intense fan demand. So, there may be a chance for the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito and its companions to make a comeback in the future.

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Fan reactions

Fans of the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito were devastated by its discontinuation, with many taking to social media platforms like Reddit and Instagram to express their dismay. One Redditor lamented the passing of the burrito, which, at $2 apiece, had helped them "survive troubling times." Another commenter noted that the burrito was the only reason they had been patronizing Taco Bell, and now that it's gone, they have no reason to return.

The comments section of Taco Bell's official Instagram page was flooded with similar sentiments, with one desperate fan repeatedly pleading for the return of the burrito, calling its discontinuation a "devastating loss." Several Change.org petitions were also sparked by the burrito's discontinuation, with fans urging Taco Bell to bring it back.

Some fans speculated that the burrito's removal was due to Taco Bell's history of streamlining its menu and making room for new items. Indeed, the company introduced a new value menu with ten items under $3 each, and while fans were excited about the new offerings, they were disappointed that the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito didn't make the cut.

The burrito, which featured grilled chicken, fiesta strips, avocado ranch sauce, creamy chipotle sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese wrapped in a warm flour tortilla, was a favourite among many Taco Bell customers. Its removal left a noticeable void in the menu, and fans are hopeful that, like the Mexican Pizza, it will make a comeback in the future.

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The possibility of its return

The possibility of the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito's return to Taco Bell's menu seems unlikely at the moment. Taco Bell has not announced any plans to bring back the burrito, and it appears to be more of a permanent retirement than a temporary hiatus.

However, there is some hope for devoted fans of the discontinued burrito. Taco Bell has a history of removing popular items to make way for new additions or to streamline its menu, and occasionally, these items make a comeback. For example, in 2020, the company temporarily removed the Mexican Pizza, only to bring it back in 2022 due to intense fan demand.

The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito was a favourite among many fans, and its discontinuation sparked several Change.org petitions calling for its restoration. While there is no guarantee that Taco Bell will respond to these petitions, the company may reconsider if there is enough demand and feedback from customers.

In the meantime, Taco Bell has introduced new items to its 2024 Value Cravings Menu, including The Stacker, Double Stacked Taco, 3 Cheese Chicken Flatbread Melt, Chicken Enchilada Burrito, Cheesy Double Beef Burrito, and Loaded Beef Nachos. While these new offerings may not replace the beloved burrito, they could provide some consolation to disappointed fans.

Only time will tell if the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito will make a surprise return to Taco Bell's menu in the future. For now, fans can reminisce about the flavours of grilled chicken, fiesta strips, avocado ranch sauce, creamy chipotle sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.

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Other discontinued items

Taco Bell has a history of removing popular items to make room for new arrivals or to streamline its menu. The company has discontinued several fan-favorite items over the years, including the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito, Beefy Melt Burrito, Fiesta Veggie Burrito, Chicken Chipotle Melt, and the $5 Classic Combo.

Mexican Pizza

The Mexican Pizza was removed from the menu in 2020 but was eventually brought back in 2022 due to intense fan demand. It is unclear if the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito will have the same fate as the Mexican Pizza.

Loaded Grillers

Loaded Grillers were burritos pressed in a grill like a panini. They were available in beef, chipotle chicken, or potato varieties. The beef option had ground meat, red tortilla strips, and nacho cheese. The chicken option combined chicken strips, sour cream, and chipotle sauce, while the potato option included cubed potatoes, sour cream, bacon, and nacho cheese.

Enchirito

The Enchirito, a mashup of an enchilada and a burrito, was on the Taco Bell menu for nearly 40 years before its departure in 2013. It made a brief return in 2022 when fans voted on what discontinued item should come back.

Cinnamon Crispas

Cinnamon Crispas were tortilla chips covered in cinnamon and sugar. While they are no longer on the menu, Taco Bell still offers Cinnamon Twists, which are similar but twisted in shape.

Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Tacos

Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Tacos were discontinued in 2019, but fans can still enjoy the Flamin' Hot Cool Ranch Doritos Tacos or the simple Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Tacos.

Volcano Menu

The Volcano Menu was a limited-time return, bringing back spicy favorites like the Volcano Taco and the Volcano Burrito.

Frequently asked questions

Taco Bell discontinued the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito to make room for new additions to its Cravings Value Menu.

New additions to the menu include the Stacker, Double Stacked Taco, 3 Cheese Chicken Flatbread Melt, Chicken Enchilada Burrito, Cheesy Double Beef Burrito, and Loaded Beef Nachos.

Fans have taken to social media to mourn the loss of the burrito, with some even starting Change.org petitions to bring it back.

Taco Bell has not announced any plans to bring back the burrito. However, the company has a history of removing popular items and then reintroducing them due to fan demand.

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