1. A Fan-Forward Feature Launch
Taco Bell has introduced Fan Style, a new in-app experience that turns customers into menu creators. If you’re a Taco Bell Rewards member, you can now customize your favorite order, give it a catchy name, and share it through the app. Every time someone orders your creation, you earn in-app rewards equal to the value of that purchase.
2. Track, Earn, and Potentially Go National
Creating alone isn’t the endgame. Your concoction can gain serious traction. Fan Style users get a dedicated space in the app to track how many times their dish has been ordered.
The top picks won’t just stay digital. Later this year, Taco Bell will select standout creations to feature on its national menu for a limited time. Selections will be based on creativity, name appeal, originality, and operational feasibility.
3. Turning App Creations into Billboards
Taco Bell isn’t just celebrating digital creativity. On July 29, from 2 to 5 p.m. PT, the app unlocks a “Tuesday Drop” with free access to real-world advertising. That could mean your custom item displayed on digital billboards, sky banners, or even movie theater previews.
This isn’t just marketing speak. It’s fan-created meals getting prime-time visibility, free of charge.
4. Why This Matters Now
Fast-food chains are leaning into fan-customization to stand out. More than half of Taco Bell’s mobile orders already feature some tweak, so Fan Style is a natural next step.
It taps into a larger trend where brands give more control to customers. Earlier this month, Burger King invited fans to design new Whoppers. Starbucks quietly crowdsourced secret-menu ideas. Taco Bell is just doubling down and taking it even further by letting fans pick menu stars.
5. Driving Digital Loyalty and Cultural Buzz
This isn’t just about novelty. Taco Bell reported a 9 percent boost in U.S. store sales in early 2025, far outpacing many competitors, and highlights strong digital engagement, especially through its app.
Fan Style is more than a promotion. It’s a loyalty driver. Build-your-own options keep customers coming back. The social shareability adds a cultural edge, hooking younger audiences and turning fast food hacks into brand-driven content.
6. What’s Next and Why You Should Care
- For Fans: Now’s your chance to remix the menu, earn rewards, and maybe even see your creation served nationwide and on billboards.
- For Taco Bell: This brings user content into the brand’s marketing pipeline, combining loyalty, creativity, and ROI in one strategy.
- For the Industry: Fast food is evolving. Fan-driven menu development isn’t just a gimmick. It’s becoming a mainstream tactic.
What this really means is Taco Bell isn’t just reacting to trends. It’s shaping them. Instead of passive consumers, fans become active creators, with a real shot at earning rewards, exposure, and even a temporary spot on the menu. It’s bold, it’s smart, and it’s exactly what modern brands need: authentic engagement that fuels both sales and social buzz.
