Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza has been a fixture on the menu since 1988, meaning it has graced the mouths of millions over the past 32 years.
Sadly, that run has come to an end, as Taco Bell has officially announced that the Mexican Pizza will be retired from its menu.
Mexican Pizza's retirement comes amidst a lengthy overhaul of Taco Bell's full menu over the past couple of months. As the menu has simplified, over a dozen menu items have been deleted, including fan favorites like the chain's potatoes.
The reasoning behind letting go of the Mexican Pizza is, surprisingly, environmental. Packaging for the taco-pizza hybrid amounts to over 7 million pounds of paperboard material per year in the US, according to Taco Bell, so getting rid of the Mexican Pizza will help the chain use less packaging overall.
Other changes to Taco Bell's menu include a removal of Pico de Gallo (to be replaced by fresh chopped tomatoes) and shredded chicken (grilled chicken is still a menu option, however).
With the removal of some menu items, however, comes the chance to bring others back. The Quesalupa, for example, will be getting a test run in Knoxville, TN starting September 24th. Hopes are that successful testing will lead to a nationwide return some time in 2021.
Taco Bell's Green Sauce is also getting a new and improved version made with jalapenos and Hatch chilies. Select regional markets will be able to get it starting November 5th.
Taco Bell is also adding new items to its menu nationwide. The new limited-time Dragonfruit Freeze, for example, is on menus starting today, and a $1 Chicken Chipotle Melt will be available starting November 5th.
Still, the loss of the Mexican Pizza is one that will sting with longtime fans of the iconic item. There are plenty of copycat recipes out there, however.
