Taco Bell Brings Back Volcano Menu, Paris Hilton’s Corpse
The Volcano Menu has returned to Taco Bell. Photos courtesy of Taco Bell
Well, the Volcano menu returned to Taco Bell nationwide, and the fast-food giant is going the distance in promoting the second coming of the 2000s-era spicy items.
The return has been fueled by the menu items' cult-like following through online petitions, social media pleas and various at-home attempts of those looking to recreate the rich and spicy blend of cheeses and fiery red jalapeño peppers of the original Lava Sauce, according to a news release.
This is to say that you can now get a Volcano Taco, which is Seasoned beef, lettuce, cheddar cheese and Lava sauce inside a red crunchy taco shell; or a Volcano Burrito, consisting of a double-dose of the seasoned beef, seasoned rice, fiesta strips, cheddar cheese, reduced-fat sour cream and Lava sauce wrapped inside a warm flour tortilla. Life is good again.
"We're always listening to our fans, and the extensive passion and needs of the Volcano fanbase could no longer go unmet," said Taylor Montgomery, US Chief Marketing Officer. "Taco Bell is always looking to deliver on the 'surprise' factor for fans and build on our reputation of choosing authentic partnerships with those who are already mega-fans."
Sure, OK. I mean, hey, it was a simpler time back when the Volcano menu was new in 2008: The first public version of Google came out; “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” was brand new; the economy was in a recession, and Paris Hilton was still relavent.
Speaking of which, Taco Bell has dug up ol’ Paris to be the face of the new Volcano Menu push. Because, hey, what the hell else would she be doing?
“Always in-the-know of what's hot,” Montgomery said, no doubt through tightly gritted teeth, “Paris will help bring back these beloved items of the 2000s that never go out of style.”
"Taco Bell's Volcano Menu isn't just iconic, it's the epitome of hot," Hilton, evoking eyerolls on an international scale. "I am loving being a part of this Y2K revival with my very own Hot Line and hope fans will take my advice to sliv más."
Oh, and it gets even sillier. I’m not even going to attempt to explain it – it’s easier to just cut and paste from the news release: “Need a little life coaching? Covered. Still wondering if bangs are a good idea? She'll tell you. After dialing into the Hot Line at 1-844-THTS-HOT, fans can engage with a selection of six pre-recorded messages while relishing in the heat the Volcano Menu offers.”
But wait. There’s more (cue the absolutely unnecessary exclamation points): "Paris Hilton's iconic presence and Taco Bell's HOT flavors are coming together to create a deliciously nostalgic experience that will transport you back to the turn of the millennium," said Krystal Hauserman, CMO of Paris Hilton's next-gen media company, 11:11 Media. "The hotline is just the beginning! Fans will be able to join in other fun ways including on TikTok and through new music by Paris that will make you say, 'That's Hot!'"
The Volcano Menu returns for a limited time and is available at participating US Taco Bell locations while supplies last, offered in a la carte or combo options. Tacos are $2.49, while the burrito is $3.99. Or, you can add Lava Sauce to any Taco Bell menu item for $1.
The last time these items were available was 2016, so if you don’t want to wait another seven or eight years, now’s the time. Or you can just ignore it.
