Taco Bell’s Pintos and Cheese was a popular menu item in the 1980s and 1990s, featuring pintos and nacho cheese sauce. In recent years, fans have noticed that it is no longer available on Taco Bell’s menu, leading many to ask: Did Taco Bell discontinue Pintos and Cheese?
Background on Pintos and Cheese
Taco Bell first introduced Pintos and Cheese in the 1980s as a limited time offer. It was made up of slow-cooked pinto beans topped with Taco Bell’s nacho cheese sauce. The combo was served in a bowl and provided a protein-packed, vegetarian friendly option on the menu.
Throughout the 1990s, Pintos and Cheese would often reappear for limited times or at select locations. Fans loved the hearty beans and melted cheese combination. The dish developed a cult following, with some considering it one of Taco Bell’s best menu items ever.
Discontinuation of Pintos and Cheese
Taco Bell began phasing Pintos and Cheese off the menu in the late 1990s, no longer including it even for limited time offers. The item was completely discontinued by the early 2000s.
There was never an official announcement from Taco Bell about removing Pintos and Cheese. It simply disappeared from menus and advertising. The discontinuation coincided with menu changes under new leadership in the late 1990s. Taco Bell stripped down its menu at the time, focusing on core items only.
Why Pintos and Cheese was likely discontinued
While Taco Bell has not explicitly provided reasons for discontinuing Pintos and Cheese, several factors likely influenced the decision:
Streamlining the menu
As mentioned, Taco Bell was paring down its menu in the late 90s. Pintos and Cheese was likely seen as an ancillary item that didn’t fit the core menu. Removing it helped streamline operations.
Performance concerns
As a limited time offer, Pintos and Cheese may not have had strong enough sales or profit margins to warrant a permanent spot on the menu. Discontinuing poor performing items is common in the fast food industry.
Changing tastes
In the 1990s, customers were shifting towards bolder flavors. Tex-Mex style items like Pintos and Cheese may have felt dated compared to new menu innovations.
Vegetarian options
While Pintos and Cheese was vegetarian, Taco Bell was beginning to offer new and improved vegetarian menu items like the Bean Burrito. Pintos and Cheese may have been redundant on this front.
Fan petitions and social media requests
Many Taco Bell fans were disappointed when Pintos and Cheese disappeared from menus in their area throughout the late 90s and early 2000s.
Some took to social media to request Taco Bell bring the item back. Facebook groups like “Bring Back Taco Bell’s Pintos & Cheese” were created by fans longing for its return.
There have also been petitions on Change.org over the years asking Taco Bell to resume serving Pintos and Cheese. For example, in 2015 fan Mike Gutierrez started a petition entitled “Please Bring Back Pintos and Cheese to Taco Bell.” It ultimately gained over 3,000 signatures from other passionate fans.
However, despite pleas on social media and petitions, Taco Bell has yet to bring Pintos and Cheese back in any capacity.
Could Pintos and Cheese return?
While Taco Bell has given no indications of Pintos and Cheese returning, some fans still hold out hope of its resurrection. Taco Bell does have a track record of bringing back popular limited time and “retro” menu items.
For example, Taco Bell reintroduced the Enchirito in 2022 after a long hiatus due to fan demand. The Mexican Pizza also returned in 2022 after being cut in 2020. These were both items customers petitioned for.
Some speculate Taco Bell could test Pintos and Cheese as a limited time offer in select markets again, similar to its original rollout in the 1980s. However, Pintos and Cheese likely doesn’t have the same widespread fan fervor as some other returned items. The social media buzz and petition signatures indicate a passionate but ultimately small group of super fans.
Realistically, a full scale comeback across all restaurants is unlikely at this time. But customers may eventually see it pop up for a limited engagement to gauge interest.
Alternatives at Taco Bell
While Pintos and Cheese remains discontinued for now, Taco Bell does offer some similar options:
Black Beans and Rice
Taco Bell’s closest current equivalent combines black beans, rice, nacho cheese sauce and red strips in a bowl.
Bean Burrito
This vegetarian burrito contains refried pinto beans, cheese, onions and red sauce.
Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito
Another veggie burrito with beans, rice, cheese and nacho cheese sauce.
Build your own
Fans can recreate the flavors of Pintos and Cheese by adding beans and cheese sauce to existing items. Try it atop nachos or potato soft tacos.
While not an exact replica, these items capture some of the classic flavors of Taco Bell’s discontinued Pintos and Cheese dish.
Conclusion
Taco Bell officially discontinued Pintos and Cheese in the early 2000s after phasing it out over several years. The removal coincided with menu streamlining efforts under new leadership. While no official reason was given, changing tastes, performance concerns, and redundancy likely led to its demise.
Devoted fans continue to call for its return through online petitions and social media, but so far their pleas have gone unanswered. Though unlikely, Pintos and Cheese could potentially return as a limited time offer to test demand. For now, the discontinuation remains in effect with no indications of Taco Bell bringing back this cheesy bean bowl. Fans will have to satisfy their cravings with similar menu items.