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There’s fast food, and then there’s Taco Bell. And when it comes to what sets this restaurant apart, we have to talk about the famous Taco Bell sauces! From the gooey goodness of Nacho Cheese sauce to the almost-too-hot-to-handle Diablo sauce, one thing’s for sure: Taco Bell has a perfect sauce for everyone. Which one will you try next?
The Taco Bell Sauce Packets
Let’s face it: Taco Bell just hits different. Whether you opt for a classic hard shell taco, the always-popular cheesy gordita crunch, a hearty crunchwrap, the there-again-gone-again Mexican pizza, or even one of their power bowls, there’s something for pretty much everyone.
But of course, we can’t talk about what makes this fast food restaurant so special without mentioning the Taco Bell sauces! These packets are so universally recognizable that people even dress up as them for Halloween. Now that’s some loyalty.
Taco Bell Hot Sauces Ranked: Hot to Mild
Have you tried all the Taco Bell sauces? Below, we’re breaking down everything from mild and gooey Nacho Cheese to the fiery-hot Diablo sauce and everything in between. But be warned… we cannot be held responsible for cravings caused by reading this list!
How to Eat Sauces at Taco Bell
These sauces are great to add to any of the menu items like tacos and burritos. You can also pour them onto a plate and use them as a dip.
Hottest Taco Bell Sauce
Diablo Sauce
This one is not for the faint of heart! Prior to 2015, Fire was the hottest sauce available from Taco Bell. Then, Diablo came along and changed everything. This almost-too-hot-to-handle sauce comes in a black packet and gets its signature kick from aji panca, or Peruvian red pepper, along with chipotle, jalapeño, red pepper flakes, and other dried chilis.
Fire Sauce
Fire sauce is known for having more flavor and a little less punch-to-the-tastebuds heat than Diablo. This one comes in a red packet and has a base of jalapeño peppers, so it definitely lives up to its name! Combined with tomato puree, chili pepper, and onions, there’s a reason Fire sauce is a long-time fan favorite among Taco Bell enthusiasts.
Hot Sauce
While the contents of this red-orange packet may be too hot for some, it’s certainly more manageable than Diablo or Fire. The bold flavor comes from a mix of chili pepper, jalapeño peppers, and dried onions with enough tomato puree to balance out the heat. If you give it a try and instantly regret your decision, a few sips of Baja Blast should wash that heat away, no problem.
Medium Taco Bell Hot Sauces
Mild Sauce
Don’t let the little red flames on this orange packet fool you — This mild sauce packet is way more about flavor than heat! The combination of tomato puree and chili peppers is delicious on top of tacos, gorditas, crunchwraps, or pretty much any other savory menu items. When you’re looking for amazing taste without the spice, this is the Taco Bell sauce for you.
Red Sauce
This enchilada-style sauce is even milder than mild sauce and has a wonderful tomato base. You’ll find it on menu items like the Burrito Supreme, but it’s also commonly paired with the bean burrito. It has a delightful tanginess that can jazz up just about any order.
Mild Taco Bell Sauces
Breakfast Salsa
Despite the name, this salsa can be enjoyed any time of day! This bright yellow packet contains a mild sauce that Taco Bell introduced to pair with their breakfast menu. It’s made from pretty much the same ingredients as the other sauces and can be used more or less interchangeably with Mild sauce.
Spicy Ranch
This tangy, zesty sauce pairs well with pretty much everything on the menu! It has a very mild kick to it with a sweetness that really balances out the heat. I’d recommend ordering an extra side or two so you can give your next few meals a little something extra. Yes, it’s that good!
Creamy Jalapeno
This sauce, does an amazing job of capturing the flavor of jalapeño peppers without the heat. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for drizzling or dipping! You’ll find Creamy Jalapeno already in the Quesadilla as well as the Breakfast Crunchwrap, or you can order it as a side for any other menu items.
Chipotle
As a mild sauce found in a few of their menu items, Chipotle sauce is pretty universally-recognized and enjoyed by Taco Bell fans. You’ll find it in the Quesarito, but it would also be great on tacos, burritos, or anything that could use a little burst of that signature flavor.
Avocado Ranch
The name says it all. If you love the rich, creamy tanginess of ranch and the flavor of avocado, then this avocado ranch sauce is for you! It comes with some menu items like the shredded chicken burrito, or you can purchase a small side to add to all your favorite menu items. It’s very mild and very easy to love!
Nacho Cheese
If liquid cheesy goodness sounds like heaven, just wait until you try Taco Bell’s Nacho Cheese. Whether you use it to dip tortilla chips and Nacho Fries or drizzle it over tacos and burritos, you really can’t go wrong! This sauce doesn’t contain any heat, but if you would prefer some spice, you can always drizzle a hot sauce packet into the cheese cup. Stir it up with a Nacho Fry and dig in!
Nacho cheese is a fan favorite. It's typically served with their tortilla chips and nacho fries.
Make your own homemade version with this nacho cheese recipe.
Taco Bell Hot Sauces FAQs
This is a personal question but mild sauce is probably one of the most popular sauces.
Diablo sauce is hotter than fire sauce. Fire sauce is considered the second hottest sauce at Taco Bell.
Yes, diablo sauce is hot and spicy.
Diablo sauce has a taste similar to a hot sauce like Frank’s Red Hot, or Tabasco.
Like fast food sauces? Check out the list of McDonald's Dipping Sauces.
📖 Recipe
Taco Bell Sauces: Spicy Ranch
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in a bowl.
- Stir until completely combined. Store covered in the refrigerator.
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