Because sometimes a dollar is just too much!

Back in May, Taco Bell introduced their ‘Why Pay More’ menu featuring a fairly wide selection of super cheap eats. It had several items that were available previously, but also including new items such as Triple Layer Nachos, Cheese Roll-Up, Cheesy Double Beef Burrito, Big Taste Taco, and more. Taco Bell breaks the menu down into 79, 89 and 99 cent items. Over my next few reviews, I will be exploring this budget menu, and today I’m focusing on the Triple Layer Nachos, Cheese Roll-Up, and Cinnamon Twists. According to TB’s website, the Triple Layer Nachos are featured in the 89 cent category, however all 3 of these items are 79 cents in my area.

The Nachos are very basic, as you would expect for the price. It’s tortilla chips with refried beans, Taco Bell red sauce, and nacho cheese. While there isn’t any meat, and not many ingredients, they actually taste pretty good. If you’re willing to get your fingers a bit messy, this makes the perfect side dish. The beans and nacho cheese sauce are standard Taco Bell fare, the same used on a dozen other items. They go well together, and the red sauce adds a little extra kick of flavor. Both times I ordered, some of the tortilla chips in the center became soggy, but I wouldn’t say that’s a bad thing, or totally unexpected. The chips on the outer portion of the bowl stay crisp, so you can use those to scoop up their soggy brothers along with the other ingredients. For only 79 cents, these nachos are a winner. They’re not very filling, and it’s really only a handful of chips, but they’re a great snack or addition to a larger meal. [ B+ ]

The Cheese Roll-Up is an item I’ve purchased 3 or 4 times now, and each time I get it, I wonder why the hell I did. Maybe I thought it would get better… but it never does. There are three cheeses, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and American, melted together in a warm tortilla. That’s it, just melted cheese, nothing else. Whenever I eat it, I’m reminded of those days when there’s nothing left in my refrigerator except a few random items. They can’t make a complete sandwich or meal, but if I throw them together they’ll at least make a snack. Yep, that’s the Cheese Roll-Up… it’s those left over items in the refrigerator that are just thrown together, and never quite amount to anything. There’s only tortilla and cheese, and the cheese makes little impact. All 3 cheeses are small in quantity and lite on flavor. It’s way too bland. And it’s a tiny, short and thin little thing to begin with. Maybe if they added some beans, or onions, or something… anything… it would help. Even at 79 cents I feel ripped off. [ D- ]

The Cinnamon Twists surprised me. I don’t know what I was expecting, other than having cinnamon flavor, but they’re really a nice treat after finishing a taco or burrito. The texture of the twists remind me of Jax, but instead of cheese flavor these are cinnamon. It’s airy, light and crunchy, with a large amount of cinnamon and sugar flavor. I would say the cinnamon taste was stronger than “Cinnamon Toast Crunch” brand cereal, but it wasn’t too much or overpowering. It was a satisfying treat overall, though I don’t see myself driving by Taco Bell and suddenly having a craving for them, in the same way I crave the Crunchwrap Supreme or Volcano Taco. You receive a decent amount of twists in an order, and it’s a good deal for 79 cents. [ B ]

Currently there’s only two items on the 79 cent section of the menu (three items if the Nachos are reduced from 89 cents as in my town). One of those items is a big bland disappointment, but the other two get a thumbs up. If you want more food with your next Taco Bell meal but are low on cash, try the Triple Layer Nachos or Cinnamon Twists. They won’t hurt your wallet, and they might be the extra little something you need to defeat that hunger. Coming up next time — the 89 cent value menu.

Price: $.79 each / Website: TacoBell.com

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Nutrition Facts - Taco Bell, Triple Layer Nachos.

Calories - 340
Calories from Fat - 160
Total Fat - 18 grams
Carbs - 38 grams
Saturated Fat - 2.5 grams
Trans Fat - 1.5 grams
Cholesterol - 0 milligrams
Sodium - 720 milligrams
Protein - 7 grams

Nutrition Facts - Taco Bell, Cheese Roll-Up.

Calories - 200
Calories from Fat - 90
Total Fat - 10 grams
Carbs - 19 grams
Saturated Fat - 5 grams
Trans Fat - 0 grams
Cholesterol - 20 milligrams
Sodium - 490 milligrams
Protein - 9 grams

Nutrition Facts - Taco Bell, Cinnamon Twists.

Calories - 170
Calories from Fat - 60
Total Fat - 7 grams
Carbs - 26 grams
Saturated Fat - 0 grams
Trans Fat - 0 grams
Cholesterol - 0 milligrams
Sodium - 200 milligrams
Protein - 1 gram