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Photo: Elizabeth Hait, AOL
It was only a matter of time until Taco Bell got into the game of ultimate fast food -- bigger, fattier and just plain outrageous. Enter the XXL Chalupa, an oversized crispy-chewy shell packed with ground beef, lettuce, salsa, red peppers and three -- count 'em, three -- cheeses: cheddar, pepper jack and mozzarella. Then it's topped off with sour cream and nacho cheese sauce. The naughty sounding carton slogan "Big things come in big packages" holds true -- it was genuinely huge (see photo after jump for a sense of scale).
Taking their new menu items to the next level, Taco Bell now also suggests drink pairings. For this enormous (and massively salty) chalupa, the website recommends a Classic Limeade Sparkler to wash it down. You can imagine our disappointment when we discovered the drink wasn't available at our location. Neither was the new Orange 'n Crème Swirl Frutista Freeze. Should we settle for a Big Gulp?
Taco Bell XXL Chulapa
Grade: B-
Nutritional Information: 650 calories, 39 grams fat, 1300 mg sodium
Our testers said: "It tasted just like their regular chulapa, only there was much more to eat." "The shell was perfect -- sometimes it's too soggy, this one had just the right amount of crunch." "I love salt, but this ground beef was over-seasoned. If I ate this whole thing, I'd be rehydrating for the rest of the afternoon." "Tastes like everything else on Taco Bell's menu."
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Photo: Elizabeth Hait, AOL
Fast Food Reviews
Subway Fiery Turkey Jalapeno
Grade: C-
Nutritional Information: 440 calories, 18 grams fat, 1350 mg sodium
Our testers said: "It was a just a standard Subway sandwich with the ingredients in a different combination." "I love super hot foods, so considering it's fairly cheap and fairly tasty, I would consider ordering it the next time I'm at Subway." "This sandwich could easily rival BK's Angry Whopper -- it was so hot, I lost the flavor of the other ingredients on the sandwich. For once, the sandwich came together exactly as advertised -- with a ton of jalapeños."
Subway Steak & Cheese
Grade: C
Nutritional Information: 380 calories, 10 grams fat, 1230 mg sodium
Our testers said: "This is a weak take on a classic Philly Cheese steak with ground up beef, melted cheese and a chipotle sauce. I found myself looking for the beef, there was hardly any on the sandwich." "It's not the sort of thing I would rave about to friends." "It wasn't great and it wasn't bad -- there are other sandwiches I'd order again before having this."
Taco Bell Chicken Flatbread Sandwich
Grade: B
Nutritional Information: 290 calories, 15 grams fat, 720 mg sodium
Our testers said: "Surprisingly good. All of the ingredients seemed to be fresh -- the bread was soft and the cheese wasn't a disgusting, chemical-tasting mess." "While it says there's a chipotle sauce, it seems like the heat is coming directly from the chicken. The spices give the sandwich just the right amount of kick and heat down the throat. I would actually eat this again."
The sandwich was admittedly on the small side; you'd probably need two to fill you. On the bright side, it was pretty cheap. In New York City, where prices are inflated, it only cost $1.52 -- that's the cheapest lunch we've had in a while.
Starbucks Toffee Mocha (Hot)
Grade: C
Our testers said: "Very sweet and not a very good toffee flavor to me. It tastes more like the regular mocha coffee that they already have." "I wouldn't mind a stronger hint of toffee. Leaves a very filmy taste in my mouth, though, which I don't like. It's a little bit too thick -- I don't like my coffee (or even my lattes) to be as thick as hot chocolate." "All I really taste is sugar. Maybe a little caramelized, but mostly just overwhelmingly sweet."
Starbucks Toffee Mocha (Cold)
Grade: B
Our testers said: "Was able to taste the toffee flavor in this one more and it was slightly bitter -- in a good way, I hate drinks that are too sweet. It also had a nice aroma." "I can taste the toffee more in the cold drink. But I don't really think I can taste much coffee. Still tastes like chocolate milk." "I'd rather just have some ice cream or a milk shake."
Denny's Fried Cheese Melt
Grade: A
Our testers said: "I thought the mozzarella sticks were amazing. I was concerned that the breading around the sticks would either get lost or soggy because of the other cheese surrounding it, but it held up well. The marinara sauce was delicious. It had just the right seasoning with an incredible amount of basil in it. The sourdough bread was fresh, crispy and had just the right amount of butter on it to make this grilled cheese sandwich one of the best I've ever had."
McDonald's Deluxe Angus Wrap
Grade: C-
Nutritional Info: 25 grams fat, 410 calories
What's in it: Angus beef, tomato, American cheese, pickles, lettuce and red onions.
Our testers said: "I wasn't sure how I would feel about eating my burger in a wrap, but turns out it wasn't so bad. However, when looking at the calories and fat compared to the actual burger, I might as well go for the full-fat option." "When I think of a 'snack,' I think of something less heavy and something that will boost my energy level. After eating this, I just wanted to take a nap." "My favorite part about this wrap was the crunchy pickles."
Bacon & Cheese Angus Wrap
Grade: F
Nutritional Info: 21 grams fat, 390 calories
What's in it: Angus beef, bacon, American cheese, pickles and red onions
Our testers said: "The ketchup mixed with the fake, stringy bacon produced a pungent taste in my mouth -- close to drinking tomato juice while eating a dry beef burger with waxy cheese -- it's not a good combination." "This wrap left me with no words -- it was that bad."
Mushroom & Swiss Angus Wrap
Grade: F
Nutritional Info: 26 grams fat, 430 calories
What's in it: Angus beef, mushrooms and Swiss cheese
Our testers said: "If there was a grade letter lower than F, this wrap would have received it." "This is a complete mess in my mouth -- the mushrooms tasted like they came right out of a can (with a metal aftertaste)." "I would much rather eat any one of those Taco Bell Cantina Tacos than ever eat this wrap ever again."
Taco Bell Cantina Taco - Chicken
Grade: B+
Nutritional Info: 2.5 grams fat, 170 calories
What's in it: "Southwest" chicken, onions, lime, cilantro (wrapped up in corn tortillas)
Our testers said: "This taco is easily better than any other item on their menu. The moist chicken had just the right amount of spice and the corn tortilla's were still warm, not gummy. If we had just one request, it would be to add more sauce or a spicy salsa."
Cantina Taco - Steak
Grade: D
Nutritional Info: 2.5 grams fat, 160 calories
What's in it: Onions, lime, beef, cilantro (wrapped up in corn tortillas)
Our testers said: "The steak and wrap were both dry -- when we tasted the beef alone, it was extremely chewy and lacked the simple basics like salt and pepper. It wasn't worth more than two bites."
Cantina Taco - Carnitas
Grade: F
Nutritional Info: 7 grams fat, 200 calories
What's in it: Onions, lime, shredded pork, cilantro (wrapped up in corn tortillas)
Our testers said: "Never has food looked so completely different in real life than in the advertised photograph. A pile of mush and odd flavors, this mixture of sweet pork and onions never came together. To be brutally honest, when opened up, this taco looked like cat food -- and not chunky style. We couldn't get through more than one bite."
KFC Original Doublicious
Grade: C+
Nutritional Info (small): 23 grams fat, 470 calories
Our testers said: "This is a much better combo -- the saltiness of the fried chicken balances out the sweet bread." "I'd much rather have the sandwich with the Colonel's Sauce rather than the honey mustard BBQ." "While the bun itself does not taste good, it is soft and fresh -- like it just came out of the oven, which is surprising for a fast-food establishment."
KFC Grilled Doublicious
Grade: D
Nutritional Info: 11 grams fat, 360 calories
Our testers said: "If you blindfolded me and didn't tell me what I was eating, I would have said this was a hot dog." "The combination of the honey mustard and the sweet Hawaiian bun was overwhelming, way too sweet." "I couldn't tell whether I was tasting the cheese or the sauce." "I'd much rather splurge on the calories and fat and eat the fried version."
Friendly's Grilled Cheese BurgerMelt
Grade: B+
Nutritional Info: 1500 calories, 97 grams fat, 2090 mgs sodium
Our testers said: The grilled cheese "buns" were buttery, oozing with just the right amount of cheese and just the right amount of greasiness. True, the burger could have been more plump and juicy but it was the right amount of beef to balance out the two grilled cheese sandwiches. The only thing we'd do differently is skip the lettuce. Watery, shredded lettuce did not pair well with the grilled cheese.
KFC's Double Down Sandwich
Grade: B
Nutritional Info: 540 calories, 32 grams fat,1380 mgs sodium
This sandwich isn't for the faint of heart. The sodium intake alone will knock you off your feet: Our testers determined the salty culprit seemed to be the breading on the chicken, though it was pleasingly crispy and the meat itself was quite moist. The bacon was legit -- it didn't have the usual weirdly chewy, artificial bacon-bit taste -- but it was essentially lost, both physically and flavor-wise (along with the cheese), between the two behemoth chicken filets. And there was a lot of discussion around whether the cheese was really a cheese spread, or if it had just melded with the special sauce.
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10-14-2010 @6:41AM Ray said... Well, ok Taco bell had to jump on the band wagon but, the one on the commercial looks better than the one pictured here and most likely better than the one you'tt get when you buy it. This is done all the time, everything on the TV looks better then what you get. If I try one I'll skip all the spicey stuff and I can do without the sodium level also.
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10-14-2010 @1:11PM Andrew said... If you are going to do a review at least be accurate! It does not get red peppers. Taco Bell does not even carry red peppers. I have managed on for 4 years
10-14-2010 @1:22PM BobbyG said... What is never discussed is the human factor in assembling this shlock at your local fast food joint. You are always at the whim of the marginally trained, unmotivated people behind the counter who would just as soon short you if they have reached the bottom of the vat of ground up whatever-it-is that they are supposed to stuff into your chalupa or burger, or even your pizza. People do whatever keeps the line moving without regard to who gets the end product. You have no idea what you are going to wind up with at any fast food restaurant. For this reason, I am deathly afraid to eat at any of them. Take it from me. I worked in one when I was a teenager too. I have every reason to think people take even more shortcuts now than ever. You get the food equivalent of a text message at fast food restaurants these days.
10-14-2010 @6:54AM Bill said... Tried one. Very disappointed. Tasted fine, but the fillings only seemd to be a bit more than their regular Chalupa. And it wasn't crunchy- but I do like the softer ones anyway. But DON'T expect to see this massively stuffed thing they show on their commercials.
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10-14-2010 @7:17AM Jane said... Something else for the gluttens who can't get enough.
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10-14-2010 @7:37AM gobo said... "Gluttons".
10-14-2010 @2:02PM Jim said... Oh eat it Jane. Taco Bell food is great for fast food. If you don't believe me, just look around you at all the beaners eating there. What better recommendation for mexican food?
11-11-2010 @11:33AM lita said... Jim. REALLY? Beaners? I'm pretty sure that you woudn't have the stones to make that "Beaners" remark while your surrounded by "them." That's how people of your ilk usually behave (regardless of the racist's race). Do you wear that white robe with the pointy white hood when you drop in to Taco Bell? Just wondering....
10-14-2010 @7:26AM Tapestry said... Nobody ever thinks a couple could divide this in half then calories become reasonable.
I remember sharing burgers this way when we were broke and wanted
to celebrate an event.
Fast food is just fun and the people that are
always bemoaning the fat and calories are just mean spirited people
who think 100% of the people
eat this food 100% of the time, of course not!, we can't afford that!!
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10-14-2010 @7:36AM Maggie Mu said... "Tried and wasn't much different than the regular Chalupa. More breading and some fake cheese was the only difference. Hard to eat because of the Goo. Cost is way to high. Better off to purchase 2 regulars and have a better deal. Love Taco Bell. Salty, Greasy and Fast.
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10-14-2010 @8:02AM Cherie said... No matter how they market it. Ick foo yuck.
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10-14-2010 @10:20AM Chris Calvin said... Here is the way I see it. Why complain if your eating at Taco Bell, you know exactly what your going to get, greasy, cheesy, lots of fat, cheap but pretty good for the buck, food. It's not Mexican, it's not Tex-Mex, it's Taco Bell. I have friends who live in Minn. and they think Taco Bell is Mexican food. They visited a few years ago down here in Texas, and I showed them REAL Tex-Mex. Taco Bell is what it is.
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10-14-2010 @11:08AM CR said... You got that right! That thing isn't even a chalupa! It's just a wide mouth taco with a fried flour tortilla. A chalupa is a flat fried corn tortilla with the fixin's on top. Taco Bell just makes stuff up. Like that thing they call a tostada. Hell, that's a chalupa! Tostadas are just corn chips. Taco Bell food is like Cinncinnati Chili. You can call it what you want, it just ain't the real deal.
10-14-2010 @12:21PM Jeramie said... Um now your making stuff up a tostada is a flat fried corn tortilla with toppings.
10-14-2010 @8:38AM victor gibson said... Like everything else its just the same damned old cheap ground beef and the same old ingredients called another name. Taco bell needs to learn to stop cancelling out what its customers like and get rid of the idiocy. I dont give a damn what taco bell tries to market if its no good the dolts need to wake up and stop wasting money havent they heard if you want to find a good restuarant look for a crowded parking lot? this doesnt mean their slow service at the drive thru is indicating its a good place to eat. AND FOR GODS SAKES DRAIN THE DAMNED GREASE . AND STOP USING LARD IMBUED BEANS.
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10-14-2010 @1:54PM Tora said... our beans are only dried beans mixed with water there isn't any lard in them (as far as i know). And i'm pretty sure we don't fry ANY of your stuff in lard like the Heart Attack Grill does we use grease.
10-14-2010 @8:57AM tom said... you know people must really be extremely mad or frustrated beyond belief in this country anymore. i mean evrything from fast food to politics has people in such angered states and saying such bitter things. are we that lost as a country. it seems its all about hate, and i am right and your wrong, and fast food shoud be banned, and the democrats stink and the republicans lie. whats going on in this country. we must be the laughting stock of the world. then again maybe the world is becoming that way. i am a 65 year old gentlemen from west virginia and i have never seen such animosity, such disrespect, such loathing of one anothers opinions. i guess evil is taking over our brains and thoughts with such negativity and hatred. yep, i guess when we turned our back on god, the devil takes his place and hence the hatred and vile evil so begans. such a shame. i remember an andy griffin mayberry rfd world that i lived in and it was such a great time. not perfect but far better than the way this country is these days. yep, simplicity, respect, morals, integrity, honor, decency, and not a bad world at all. i wish i could take my kids and grandkids and great-granddaughter back to those wonderful times of the fifties. we dint have cell phones, computers, drugs,( at least here where i lived), teachers were respected, law officers were respected, families went to church, out of wedlock or a teenager pregnancy were rare and far far between, cost of almost everything was in reach. families were close and always doing fun things together, and we had responsibilities and rules to follow and if not we paid the consequence. we have become of society of me me me and greed and non-tolerance and bitterness. i along with so many of you expereinced this life and i am sure most of you that did would agree with me in that it was a great great time and i for one am so happy and fortunate to have been able to expereince it and live in that great great time. thanks for listeneing and reading my comments. and, try to be a little more tolerant of others opinions and respect them as individuals. may god bless this once great nation and have mercy on us...regards.
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10-14-2010 @9:49AM MR. AL said... You said it all Tom! This is not the same country I was born in either. What a shame........
10-14-2010 @10:55AM JC Foster said... Well said!
Thank you!
10-14-2010 @11:15AM Liz said... Tom, it's just a Chalupa. Chill out! Your comments had nothing whatsoever to do with a simple review of an over sized, fast food taco. Go find a political blog.