del taco vs taco bell

Del Taco vs Taco Bell Which Fast-Food Chain Reigns Supreme?

Americans love taco Tuesday and lets be honest they enjoy Mexican food any day of the week, Mexican dishes are becoming famous in young generation. Today, there are two major American fast-food chains who sell Mexican in their menu.


One of them is Taco Bell which serves Mexican-inspired food, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and more. It Is widely spread throughout America with approximately 7638 branches. Taco Bell wasn’t always “Taco Bell.” When the restaurant opened in 1954, creator Glenn Bell called it Bell’s Drive-In and Taco Tia. It wasn’t until 1962 that Bell came up with the name we know and love: Taco Bell.

On the other hand, Del Taco is also a famous Mexican-inspired food restaurant in America, from its signature crinkle-cut fries paired with tacos to its hearty Epic Burritos, every item is crafted with fresh ingredients. Their menu has a large selection of vegetarian and vegan options.

Best of Del Taco vs Taco Bell

What is Del Taco?

Del Taco is also an American fast food chain with the following of American people throughout the country,founded in 1964 in Yermo California. This brand began with Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson’s vision of fresh, affordable Mexican food in 19-cent tacos, 24-cent cheeseburgers, tostadas, and fries.

del taco features

Fresh and Flavorful Taste

Del Taco’s menu items taste better because they are made with quality ingredients like fresh grilled chicken and carne asada steak, hand-sliced avocado, hand-grated cheddar cheese, slow-cooked beans made from scratch, and creamy Queso Blanco.

Fan Favorites

Del Taco is famous for its grilled chicken, carne asada steak, house-made guacamole, and cheddar. It becomes the first Mexican fast food brand to offer plant-based meat on-menu with the addition of Beyond Tacos.

Budget-Friendly Eats

Prices start at around $1.59 for classic tacos, with premium options like Epic Tacos costing between $3.00 and $4.00 but keep in mind prices may vary from location to location. Visit your nearest branch to get the exact price list.

Customer Service Experience

Del Taco make sure you get the best services in term of deals and delivery.

Exciting Updates and News

Del Taco is opening new locations in Port Orange, Chesapeake, Virginia, Opelika, and Sanford, California. They are also expanding into convenience stores, South Florida, and Mississippi.

What is Taco Bell?

Taco Bell is a popular fast food chain specializing in Mexican-inspired cuisine with a creative twist, founded in 1962 by Glen Bell. The brand has since exploded in popularity due to the rich flavors in its menu items.

taco bell fast food

Unmatched Taste of Taco Bell

Taco Bell is also serving their customers unique Mexican delights, from the zesty spice of their seasoned beef to the creamy kick of their signature sauces, every bite is designed to deliver an explosion of taste. Their creative flavor combinations set them apart in the fast-food world.

Taco Bell Customization

In the restaurant you can ask them to customize any item you want to eat and they ensures you get exactly what you’re craving with ease. The Fiesta Taco Salad is a famous menu item that can be customized. 

Taco Bell’s Menu Innovations

The brand consistently change their menu items to give the customers something new to try. Limited time menu offers and focusing on new recipes that can be prepared quickly and in large quantity.  For example, the cheese-topped burrito became the Grilled Cheese Burrito.

Affordable Delights

Taco Bell also offers budget-friendly deals and With items like the Beefy Melt Burrito and Cheesy Roll-Up, you can enjoy special flavors without spending too much!

taco bell

Available Markets

  • Taco Bell: +7,500 Locations
  • Del Taco: +590 Locations

Top Best Sellers of both Chains

Here is a comprehensive table comparing the best-selling items from both Del Taco and Taco Bell, including a breakdown based on my search and analysis of their popular offerings:

Is Del Taco cheaper than Taco Bell?

  • Del Taco’s prices are slightly lower than Taco Bell’s when comparing similar products. Taco Bell’s combos average $10 while Del Taco’s 16-ounce burrito is only $6. Del Taco’s value menu offers hearty items starting at just $1, making it a great option for budget-friendly diners.
  • While Taco Bell also has a budget-friendly Cravings Value Menu, some of its special items, like the Doritos Locos Tacos or Quesarito, tend to be priced higher. So, if you’re looking for bigger portions and value for the price, Del Taco may edge out Taco Bell in affordability.

Comparison of Fresh Ingredients

IngredientDel TacoTaco Bell
CheeseFreshly grated cheddar cheesePre-shredded cheese blend
BeansSlow-cooked pinto beans made from scratch dailyPre-prepared and seasoned refried beans
MeatsGrilled and marinated chicken, steak, and beefSeasoned beef, grilled chicken, and steak
Avocados/GuacamoleHand-sliced avocados and fresh guacamolePre-made guacamole
VegetablesCrisp lettuce, freshly diced tomatoesPre-chopped lettuce and tomatoes
TortillasFresh flour tortillasPre-packaged tortillas
SalsaHouse-made salsa with fresh ingredientsPackaged salsa and hot sauces
FriesFreshly cut and cooked crinkle-cut friesNot available
Eggs (Breakfast)Freshly cooked eggs for breakfast burritosPre-cooked and reheated egg products

Is Del Taco Healthier Than Taco Bell?

While both chains offer their health-conscious items on their menu the answer largely depends on what you order. Del Taco provides fresh ingredients like hand-grated cheese, freshly made guacamole, and beans cooked from scratch, and fewer process options which give it a little edge over Taco Bell in the health department.
Taco Bell, however, is known for its Fresco menu and vegetarian options, offering lighter, lower-calorie alternatives. They provide detailed nutritional information about their items making it easier for health-conscious diners to make informed choices according to their calories intake.

Calorie count for some popular items from Del Taco and Taco Bell

ItemDel Taco (Calories)Taco Bell (Calories)
Classic Hard Shell Taco170170
Epic Fresh Avocado Burrito880N/A
Bean & Cheese Burrito450350
Chicken Quesadilla520510
Crinkle-Cut Fries (Small)180N/A
Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos TacoN/A170
Breakfast Burrito490340 (Cheesy Burrito)
Soft Taco (Beef)230210
Cheeseburger (Del Taco)550N/A
Cheesy Gordita CrunchN/A490

Notes:

  • Calorie counts are approximate and can vary based on preparation and customization.
  • “N/A” indicates the item is not available or doesn’t have a direct counterpart.

FAQS

The crinkle-cut fries and Epic Burritos are customers favorite items.

Yes, Taco Bell offers “Fresco” and vegetarian options that are less in calories.

The Stoner Burrito is a beloved secret menu choice at Del Taco.

Both chains offer reasonable options, but Del Taco generally has larger portions.

Yes, both Del Taco and Taco Bell allow customers to personalize their orders according to their needs.

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