In a move that has certainly divided its customer base, fast-food giant Taco Bell has unleashed a surprising new menu item just in time for the festive season. The chain has transformed its iconic, vibrantly coloured Baja Blast citrus soda into a Thanksgiving pie, aiming to shake up traditional holiday feasts.
A Festive Flex or a Friendsgiving Fail?
Debuting on November 6, the Baja Blast Pie was marketed as an 'unexpected in every way' dessert. Taco Bell described the creation as an iconic tropical flavour reimagined into a creamy, key lime-style pie, positioning it as a 'statement in a sea of stuffing' and the ultimate 'Friendsgiving flex.' However, the reality of the bright blue dessert has left many fans feeling more baffled than celebratory.
The pie's radiant, almost electric blue filling became an immediate point of contention online, with many potential customers put off by its appearance. Those who took the plunge and purchased one for $24.99—with a limit of one per person—often reported disappointment. A common complaint centred on its frozen texture, which several reviewers described as oddly gummy.
Customer Reactions: From Shock to Surprise
The critical response on social media was swift and merciless. TikTok user Kayleigh Leon quipped, 'This thing looks radioactive,' and gave the pie a dismal two out of ten, concluding, 'Just because it's edible doesn't mean you should eat it.' Another customer on X echoed the sentiment, simply asking, 'why did Taco Bell make a baja blast pie????? who asked for this.'
Yet, not all feedback was negative. A minority of diners were pleasantly surprised. Patrick Simpson shared on X, 'It tastes like key lime pie with a hint of Mountain Dew. Shockingly it was pretty solid,' proving that even the most unconventional creations can find some admirers.
Beyond the Pie: Taco Bell's Broader Menu Ambitions
This daring dessert is part of a larger wave of innovation from the chain. At its 'Live Mas LIVE' event on March 4, Chief Marketing Officer Taylor Montgomery laid out an ambitious plan to introduce more than 10 new menu items by the end of 2025.
The event also showcased other upcoming products, including a new variation of the Baja Blast drink called Mountain Dew Baja Midnight and the eagerly anticipated Mike's Hot Honey Diablo Sauce. Montgomery also announced the future of Taco Bell beverages, Live Mas Cafe, which is currently trialling a 30-drink menu in Chula Vista, California, and a new app feature named Fan Style for customising and saving menu creations.
While the Baja Blast Pie may have stolen the headlines for its controversial reception, it clearly signals Taco Bell's commitment to pushing culinary boundaries, whether its customers are ready for it or not.
