Glory to Taco Bell for unveiling yet another inventive twist on its existing lineup, molding familiar flavors into a slightly altered shape. That may come off as sarcasm, yet I’m genuinely thrilled to see how they continually reinvent the wheel. This time, the brand introduces the Gordita Crunch Duos—a smaller take on the classic Cheesy Gordita Crunch that tweaks a few components. Could this be a preliminary step toward full-sized Cheesy Gordita Crunches down the line? Is this simply shrinkflation wearing a Taco Bell badge? Taco Bell was kind enough to provide a gift card so I could really dig into these Duos.
Both Gordita Crunch Duos by Taco Bell Reviewed:
- Steak Gordita Crunch Duos by Taco Bell Review
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Pros: In effect, this Duo acts as a refreshed iteration of Taco Bell’s Cheesy Gordita Crunch. (Numerically speaking, it actually contains fewer calories than a standard Cheesy Gordita Crunch, a little food-for-thought.) Replacing the original spicy ranch with a creamy chipotle sauce is a smart swap, and I generally prefer the steak option over beef in nearly every Bell order.
Cons: I kept this one uncustomized for review, but in most cases I wouldn’t pair Taco Bell’s pico de gallo with the savory steak and that smooth chipotle. (And while we’re discussing it, isn’t Taco Bell’s creamy chipotle sauce addictive? I’ve burned through more than one bottle of the store version on hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and countless other things.)
- Slow-Roasted Chicken Gordita Crunch Duos by Taco Bell Review
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Pros: It stands as a testament to Taco Bell’s new slow-roasted chicken recipe that I actually prefer this to the steak variant. The chicken harmonizes better with the fresh pico de gallo than the darker protein, delivering that Cal-Mex vibe the chain nails. While a single Cheesy Gordita Crunch may carry more calories, both Duos feel more satisfying than a lone C.G.C. thanks to the “two for the price of one” effect, offhand evidence I’m sure isn’t entirely imaginary. There’s no wrong choice here between these two; simply follow the protein you crave.
Cons: As with all Cheesy Gordita Crunches, I would have appreciated a touch more cheese wedged between the corn shell and the flatbread. (This will be familiar to anyone who ever watched me order a steak quesadilla with half a scoop of queso—a grill-cleaning nightmare, but arguably Taco Bell’s best “hack” on my plate.)
When can I get my hands on Taco Bell’s new Gordita Crunch Duos?
Great news: as of just a couple of days ago (per the time of writing), Taco Bell’s Gordita Crunch Duos have rolled out nationwide, available while supplies last. It’s refreshing to see a nationwide drop rather than the usual clutch of limited-time regional items that seem to dominate the menu lately.
Pro tip: The Gordita Crunch Duos appear in Taco Bell’s Discovery Luxe Box, which runs around $9 and bundles the Slow-Roasted Chicken Gordita Crunch Duos with a Doritos Locos Taco, a Crunchy Taco, Chips & Nacho Cheese, and a medium fountain drink. In today’s market, a solid value meal feels like a small victory. All hail to Bell for that.
