Set to launch nationwide on Friday, October 3, this inventive dessert marks a milestone collaboration between two brands known for pushing culinary boundaries in their own unique ways. Combining Salt & Straw’s bold approach to ice cream with Taco Bell’s flair for crave-worthy menu items, The Tacolate offers a playful reimagining of what a frozen treat can be. With a waffle cone shell, spicy-sweet ice cream, and signature sauces, this nationwide debut has foodies buzzing about what could become one of the most talked-about dessert launches of the year.
What makes The Tacolate unique
The Tacolate is not just another ice cream novelty—it is a carefully designed dessert that reflects the creativity of both Salt & Straw and Taco Bell. Each Tacolate starts with a hand-pressed waffle cone shell shaped like a taco, giving it the playful appearance of a classic Taco Bell menu item.
Inside the shell, customers will find cinnamon ancho chili ice cream, a flavor that balances spice and sweetness while staying true to Salt & Straw’s reputation for bold, unexpected combinations. The entire taco-shaped treat is dipped in single-origin chocolate for a rich finish, then sprinkled with toasted brown rice to add crunch. What makes the experience even more interactive is the addition of two Taco Bell-inspired sauces: Mango Jalapeno for a fruity kick and Wildberry Cinnamon for a tangy-sweet contrast.
A collaboration years in the making
The partnership between Salt & Straw and Taco Bell is not something that happened overnight. According to both companies, the idea for The Tacolate has been in development for years, with chefs and product teams testing different flavor profiles and textures before landing on the final recipe. The concept was first teased in 2024 during a Taco Bell live event, sparking anticipation among fans of both brands. By 2025, with the necessary specialty equipment and production capacity in place, Salt & Straw was finally ready to bring The Tacolate to life at a national scale. This dessert not only highlights innovation but also celebrates the blending of local artisan expertise with mainstream fast-food culture.
Portland at the heart of production
While The Tacolate will be available at Taco Bell locations nationwide, its origins remain deeply tied to Portland, Oregon, where Salt & Straw is headquartered. The company has invested in new equipment to handle the complex production of novelty ice cream items, ensuring that each Tacolate meets the same high standards as its small-batch pints. By keeping production local, Salt & Straw continues to support Portland’s reputation as a hub for culinary experimentation and craft food culture. For Portlanders, the nationwide release is also a point of pride, showcasing how a homegrown brand can collaborate with a global giant like Taco Bell to introduce something entirely new to the market.
Why this launch matters for both brands
For Taco Bell, The Tacolate represents a bold step into the dessert market, expanding beyond its well-known tacos, burritos, and nachos to tap into the growing demand for premium, Instagram-worthy sweets. For Salt & Straw, the collaboration opens doors to a much larger audience, giving the company national exposure beyond its scoop shops and grocery freezer aisles. Both brands are leveraging the power of collaboration to create a product that appeals to food adventurers, social media enthusiasts, and anyone eager to try a dessert that is equal parts fun and flavorful. With its playful design and unique flavors, The Tacolate has the potential to become a signature dessert that bridges the gap between fast food and artisan ice cream.
How to try The Tacolate
Beginning October 3, The Tacolate will be available at Taco Bell locations nationwide, making it easy for customers across the U.S. to get their hands on this limited-time treat. Each order comes with one Tacolate served with both dipping sauces, encouraging diners to mix and match flavors to suit their taste preferences. Given the buzz surrounding its launch, food enthusiasts are already planning visits to Taco Bell to sample the dessert and share their experiences online. Whether you are a longtime Salt & Straw fan or a Taco Bell loyalist, this collaboration is designed to deliver a memorable eating experience that combines the best of both worlds.
The bigger picture of food collaborations
The Tacolate is part of a larger trend in the food industry where unexpected partnerships between brands generate excitement and drive consumer interest. Recent years have seen fast-food chains, snack companies, and artisanal producers joining forces to create limited-edition products that spark viral attention. These collaborations not only offer fresh takes on familiar favorites but also provide opportunities for brands to reach new markets and demographics. In this case, Salt & Straw gains visibility with a mainstream audience, while Taco Bell strengthens its reputation for innovation and adventurous menu offerings.
The launch of The Tacolate marks an exciting chapter in the world of desserts, where creativity, collaboration, and culinary craftsmanship come together in one taco-shaped ice cream treat. By combining Salt & Straw’s flair for bold flavors with Taco Bell’s playful brand identity, this nationwide rollout is poised to capture attention far beyond Portland. As food collaborations continue to grow in popularity, The Tacolate stands out as a dessert that not only satisfies sweet cravings but also represents the spirit of innovation driving today’s food culture.
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