Taco Bell vs Del Taco prices compared! Discover menu value, meal deals, and savings tips to find out which fast-food chain wins.
Taco Bell vs Del Taco Prices: Which One Wins Your Wallet?
🌮 Ever Wondered Who’s Cheaper: Taco Bell or Del Taco?
Ever stood in the drive-thru line and thought, “Am I paying more at Taco Bell than I would at Del Taco?” You’re not alone. With food costs rising, more people compare prices before choosing where to eat. Both brands offer tasty, affordable Mexican-inspired fast food, but their pricing strategies differ.
Taco Bell often focuses on value menus and bundles, while Del Taco highlights fresh ingredients with slightly higher costs. In this article, we’ll break down the numbers, compare menu items, and show you where your money goes further.
💰 The Quick Answer: Who’s Cheaper Overall?
If you want the cheapest meal, Taco Bell generally wins on price. Their value menu offers tacos, burritos, and sides starting at $1.49, making it perfect for budget-conscious eaters. On the other hand, Del Taco tends to be a little pricier but offers larger portions and more menu variety, including fresh guacamole and crinkle-cut fries.
So, if you’re hungry for volume, Del Taco may feel more worth it, but for absolute cost savings, Taco Bell is your go-to.
📊 Price Comparison at a Glance
Here’s a simple breakdown of popular menu items:
| Item | Taco Bell Price | Del Taco Price | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchy Taco | $1.49 | $1.89 | Taco Bell |
| Bean Burrito | $1.99 | $2.39 | Taco Bell |
| Chicken Soft Taco | $2.49 | $2.89 | Taco Bell |
| Fries (Small) | Not Offered | $2.29 | Del Taco |
| Nachos | $2.99 | $3.49 | Taco Bell |
🌯 Value Menus Compared
Both chains understand the power of value menus. Taco Bell’s “Cravings Value Menu” is legendary, with items ranging from $1.49 to $3.00. Del Taco’s “20 Under $2 Menu” is impressive but usually a touch higher in cost.
- Taco Bell focuses on smaller, snack-sized portions at ultra-low prices.
- Del Taco offers slightly bigger portions with a broader mix of flavors.
If you’re grabbing a quick bite without breaking your budget, Taco Bell takes the crown.
🍟 Portion Sizes: More Food for Your Dollar?
Price is only half the story. What about portion sizes? Many fans argue Del Taco gives you more food for slightly more money. For example, their tacos are stuffed with more beef, lettuce, and cheese. Plus, Del Taco offers sides like crinkle-cut fries and fresh salsa—something Taco Bell doesn’t.
That said, if your main goal is spending less, Taco Bell is cheaper overall. If you want bigger servings per item, Del Taco often feels like better value.
🥑 Freshness and Ingredient Quality
Del Taco prices might be higher because they focus on fresh ingredients. They use freshly grated cheddar, sliced tomatoes, and real avocado guacamole. Taco Bell, while tasty, uses prepped ingredients and sauces for quick service.
So, Taco Bell is cheaper but Del Taco offers freshness. If you want fresh toppings and quality, Del Taco is worth the extra cost.
🏷️ Combo Meals and Boxes
Combo meals and boxes have different prices.
| Combo/Box | Taco Bell Price | Del Taco Price | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taco Combo (3 Tacos + Drink) | $6.49 | $7.29 | Taco Bell |
| Burrito Combo | $6.99 | $7.79 | Taco Bell |
| Value Box | $7.99 | $8.59 | Taco Bell |
| Epic Burrito Meal | Not Offered | $9.29 | Del Taco |
| Taco Pack (6 Tacos) | $11.49 | $12.99 | Taco Bell |
Taco Bell has great deals like the $5 Box (when available). It’s a full meal for less than Del Taco’s combos.
🌟 Breakfast Battles
Both chains offer breakfast, but prices differ.
- Taco Bell breakfast wraps and tacos start at $1.79.
- Del Taco breakfast burritos start closer to $2.49.
Del Taco’s breakfast is bigger but Taco Bell is cheaper. For a budget breakfast, Taco Bell is the best choice.
🥤 Drink and Dessert Costs
Drinks and desserts don’t usually decide, but they count if you add extras.
- Taco Bell drinks are often $1.79–$2.19, while Del Taco averages $1.99–$2.29.
- Desserts like Taco Bell’s Cinnabon Delights cost less than Del Taco’s shakes or churros.
Taco Bell is a bit more affordable here, too.
🎉 Limited-Time Deals and Promotions
Seasonal promotions are a wild card. Taco Bell frequently launches $5–$7 box deals that offer a lot. Del Taco also has promos, like “Taco Nights” with discounted tacos after 3 p.m., but they’re less common than Taco Bell’s.
If you love deals, Taco Bell is more consistent in running budget-friendly promotions.
📦 Family Meals and Bulk Orders
Feeding a group? Both brands offer bulk options, but Taco Bell often comes in cheaper.
| Bulk Option | Taco Bell Price | Del Taco Price | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Taco Party Pack | $18.99 | $21.49 | Taco Bell |
| 6 Burrito Bundle | $14.49 | $15.99 | Taco Bell |
| Fries & Nachos Add-On | Not Offered | $3.29 | Del Taco |
Taco Bell’s larger packs save money for families. But Del Taco’s fries and sides might please picky eaters.
🛒 Hidden Costs: Extras and Add-Ons
Be careful with add-ons like guacamole, cheese, and sauces. At Del Taco, adding fresh guac costs $1.29. Taco Bell usually charges under $1 for sauces or sour cream.
These extras add up over time. If you customize a lot, Taco Bell saves more money.
🔥 Flavor Variety vs Price
Taco Bell tries new flavors, like Doritos Locos Tacos and Mexican Pizza. These are pricier than basic items. Del Taco sticks to traditional tastes but offers more food.
So, the choice is clear: Taco Bell = lower cost, more creative flavors. Del Taco = slightly higher cost, traditional but filling meals.
🏆 Final Verdict: Where Should You Eat?
When it comes to Taco Bell vs Del Taco prices, the winner depends on your priorities.
- If you want the cheapest overall meal, Taco Bell wins.
- If you want bigger portions and fresh ingredients, Del Taco is worth the extra dollars.
- If you’re ordering for a family, Taco Bell’s party packs provide better value.
Your choice may come down to mood—cheap and creative, or fresh and filling?
✅ Conclusion
So, who takes the crown in the Taco Bell vs Del Taco price showdown? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Taco Bell dominates on low prices and budget bundles, while Del Taco shines with freshness and portion size. If you’re stretching every dollar, Taco Bell is the clear pick. But if you don’t mind spending a little more for larger servings and fresh avocado, Del Taco might be your winner. Either way, both chains deliver affordable, tasty meals that keep customers coming back.
❓FAQs
Is Taco Bell cheaper than Del Taco?
Yes, Taco Bell is usually cheaper. Their value menu and bundles cost less than Del Taco’s. But Del Taco often gives you more food per item.
Does Del Taco give bigger portions than Taco Bell?
Yes, Del Taco portions are generally larger. Their tacos and burritos come stuffed with more meat and toppings. Taco Bell items are smaller but cost less.
Which has better value boxes, Taco Bell or Del Taco?
Taco Bell has better value boxes. Their $5–$7 boxes include multiple items at lower costs than Del Taco’s combos.
Who has cheaper breakfast, Taco Bell or Del Taco?
Taco Bell has cheaper breakfast items. Their wraps and tacos start at $1.79, while Del Taco starts closer to $2.49.
Is Del Taco worth the higher price?
Yes, if you value fresh ingredients and bigger portions. You pay a little more, but you get better toppings and more filling meals.
Sources
https://www.fastfoodmenuprices.com
https://www.tacobell.com
https://www.deltaco.com
