We Tried Taco Bell’s New Gordita Crunch Duos

Taco Bell has once again found a clever way to rearrange its existing ingredients into a fresh format. While that might sound cynical, I am always genuinely intrigued to see how they reinvent their menu. This time, the chain has introduced Gordita Crunch Duos, which essentially shrink the classic Cheesy Gordita Crunch while tweaking a few components. Is this a precursor to new full-sized Cheesy Gordita Crunch variations, or is it simply the shrinkflation I’ve been hearing so much about? Taco Bell provided a gift card, allowing me to dive into these new offerings.

Both Gordita Crunch Duos by Taco Bell Reviewed:

Steak Gordita Crunch Duos by Taco Bell Review

New Taco Bell Menu Item!

Pros: Functionally, this is a reimagined version of the traditional Cheesy Gordita Crunch. Interestingly, this Duo contains fewer calories than a single standard-sized C.G.C. Swapping the traditional spicy ranch for creamy chipotle sauce is a fantastic move, and I generally prefer steak over beef for almost any item I order from the chain.

Cons: I sampled this without any modifications for the sake of the review, but under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t pair the chain’s pico de gallo with the savory steak and creamy chipotle sauce. (On a side note, how excellent is Taco Bell’s creamy chipotle sauce? I have finished more than one bottle of the retail version, using it on everything from hot dogs to chicken sandwiches.)

Slow-Roasted Chicken Gordita Crunch Duos by Taco Bell Review

New Taco Bell Menu Item!

Pros: It speaks volumes about Taco Bell’s new slow-roasted chicken recipe that I actually prefer this version over the steak. This chicken pairs much better with the fresh pico de gallo than the darker protein, offering that Cal-Mex flavor profile the brand does so well. While a single Cheesy Gordita Crunch might have a higher calorie count, both Duos feel more substantial than a standard C.G.C., likely due to the psychological effect of having two items. There is no wrong choice here; just follow your cravings.

Cons: As is the case with all Cheesy Gordita Crunches, I would have appreciated a bit more cheese between the corn shell and the flatbread. (This won’t surprise any former Taco Bell employees who worked there when I frequently ordered a steak quesadilla with an extra half-scoop of queso—it was a nightmare to clean off the grill, but easily the best “hack” to ever hit my plate.)

When can I get my hands on Taco Bell’s new Gordita Crunch Duos?

Good news! As of two days ago, Taco Bell’s Gordita Crunch Duos are available nationwide while supplies last. It feels like we are constantly reporting on limited-time regional releases, so it is refreshing when the chain remembers the rest of us.

Protip: The Gordita Crunch Duos are featured in Taco Bell’s Discovery Luxe Box, which costs approximately $9 and includes the Slow-Roasted Chicken Gordita Crunch Duos, a Doritos Locos Taco, a Crunchy Taco, chips with nacho cheese, and a medium fountain drink. These days, any solid value meal feels like a minor miracle. Praise be to Bell.