Taco Bell is spicing up the dessert game with a bold new creation: the Tacolate, a collaboration with Portland’s artisanal ice cream powerhouse, Salt & Straw. This isn’t your average sweet treat—it’s a hand-pressed waffle cone filled with cinnamon ancho chili ice cream, dipped in rich single-origin chocolate, and crowned with a sprinkle of toasted brown rice for that perfect crunch. Available starting October 3, 2025, this “swicy” (sweet-spicy) dessert is set to become a permanent fixture at all 50 Salt & Straw locations nationwide and for online shipping. Sorry, Taco Bell drive-thru fans—it’s not hitting the fast-food menu, but it’s worth the trip.
The Tacolate’s origin story traces back to Taco Bell’s Live Más Live event in February 2024, where the brand teased a dessert inspired by the beloved but discontinued Klondike Choco Taco. Partnering with Salt & Straw, known for its boundary-pushing flavors, Taco Bell crafted a treat that blends nostalgia with a modern, adventurous twist. According to Tyler Malek, Salt & Straw’s co-founder, the Tacolate was “nearly a decade in the making,” reflecting years of fine-tuning to balance sweet, spicy, and crunchy in one bite.
Each Tacolate comes with two limited-edition sauce packets—mango jalapeño and wildberry cinnamon—designed to drizzle over the cone for a customizable flavor kick. The cinnamon ancho chili ice cream delivers a warm, smoky heat that pairs seamlessly with the chocolate’s richness, while the toasted brown rice adds a subtle, nutty texture. It’s a dessert that doesn’t just satisfy your sweet tooth—it takes it on a flavor adventure.
This launch is more than just a new menu item; it’s a testament to Taco Bell’s knack for reinventing fast-food culture. The Tacolate taps into the growing “swicy” trend, where sweet and spicy flavors collide to create something unexpectedly addictive. By partnering with Salt & Straw, Taco Bell bridges the gap between fast-food accessibility and artisanal craftsmanship, making the Tacolate a dessert that feels both indulgent and approachable.
Available at Salt & Straw scoop shops or shipped directly to your door, the Tacolate is poised to become a cult favorite. Priced competitively for a premium dessert (though exact pricing hasn’t been disclosed), it’s a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors or mourns the Choco Taco’s departure.
Starting October 3, 2025, head to any of Salt & Straw’s 50 locations across the U.S. or visit their website to order online. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or just curious about this sweet-spicy hybrid, the Tacolate promises a unique dessert experience. Pro tip: experiment with those sauce packets to find your perfect flavor combo.
Taco Bell and Salt & Straw have created something special with the Tacolate—a dessert that’s as innovative as it is nostalgic. So, grab one, drizzle on some sauce, and savor the swicy revolution. What’s next for Taco Bell’s dessert game? Only time will tell, but the Tacolate is a delicious start.
Mick Lite is a versatile entrepreneur, photographer, and blogger with a huge passion for Music, Sports, Movies, Food, and Gaming. He has worked as an official scorer, social media manager, and photographer for various college, semi pro, and pro sports teams, including the River City Rascals, St. Louis Attack, Missouri Monsters, St. Charles Chill, SLU Billikens, Gateway Steam, St. Louis Riversharks, and Gateway Grizzlies. Served 12 years in the USN/USAF/USN.
