Taco Bell Just Brought Back 5 Fan-Favorite Menu Items From the 2000s

They say everything old is new again, and right now, Y2K is back in full force. Outfit trends from baby tees to (gulp) low-rise jeans are making a comeback. We’re pulling our crimped, wavy hair up with claw clips. Early ’00s movies, like the Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan-led “Freaky Friday,” are getting sequels. Even early aughts music is having a moment as the Jonas Brothers kick off their 20th anniversary tour and bring out familiar faces, including The All-American Rejects, Plain White T’s, and JoJo.

Taco Bell has been known to bring back discontinued menu items, but it’s usually one or two here and there. However, following 2024’s immensely popular Decades Menu, which included items from the past 50 years of Taco Bell’s history, the chain is once again releasing an entire menu of old favorites. And, in keeping with the trends, all five menu items are hits from the late ’90s and early ’00s.

Taco Bell Launches New Decades Y2K Menu

Starting Sept. 9, Taco Bell is releasing its all-new Decades Y2K Menu. The blast from the past includes five beloved items, all priced at $3 or less. The menu, which was teased at Live Más Live 2025, includes the return of the Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Tacos, Double Decker Taco, 7-Layer Burrito, Chili Cheese Burrito, and Caramel Apple Empanadas. 

We all know and love the Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco—however, years ago, the Dorito-shelled taco had a Cool Ranch counterpart. Since its removal in 2019, fans have petitioned for the Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Taco to return, and it finally has. The tangy Cool Ranch Doritos taco shell is filled with seasoned beef, lettuce, and Cheddar cheese.

Taco Bell’s Double Decker Taco, which was last seen in 2024, has been around since 1995—but fits the Y2K bill due to its popular run beginning in 2006. The menu item starts with a bean-filled soft tortilla that’s wrapped around a crunchy taco shell and filled with seasoned beef, lettuce, and shredded cheese. 

Much like the Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Tacos, the 7-Layer Burrito has been long requested by customers, but this is actually the first time it has been back on menus since its 2020 discontinuation. While fans have tried modifying the Beefy 5-Layer Burrito to get the same effect, nothing can beat this vegetarian staple. The 7-Layer Burrito is made with refried beans, seasoned rice, sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a three-cheese blend, all wrapped inside a flour tortilla.

Maybe the most elusive in the Decades Y2K Menu is the Chili Cheese Burrito. Taco Bell’s Chili Cheese Burrito never even saw Y2K, as it was removed from menus in the mid-’90s. However, since then, the burrito has been available at certain restaurants across the country—and fans love it so much that one created a Chili Cheese Burrito Tracker to find it. But, for the first time in 20-plus years, you won’t need that tracker as the chili- and cheese-filled burrito is headed back to restaurants nationwide.

The Caramel Apple Empanadas, which were also part of Taco Bell’s Decades Menu last year, got an early launch this time around, joining menus for Taco Bell rewards members on Sept. 2. The golden, fried empanadas feature warm apple pieces and a creamy caramel filling—and they’re the perfect way to ring in fall. 

These throwbacks will be joined by special Y2K-inspired merch in Taco Bell’s Tuesday Drops for rewards members. Rewards members can also access Crunchkin, Taco Bell’s digital pet companion (RIP to our Tamagotchis), which will grow as customers purchase Y2K menu items and unlock mini-games and special rewards.

BRB as we set our AOL Instant Messenger status to “Going 2 Taco Bell.”