money

Taco Bell promotes ultra-cheap $7 combos.

Big Food Co's answer to inflation is to offer limited-time value meals. But buyers should be aware—corporations are notorious for exploiting loopholes to maximize profit and these 'value deals' are no exception.

Published June 27, 2024 at 7:01am by Mike Snider

Taco Bell [launches](https://www.taco bell.com/offers/cravings-box) another meal deal to "address affordability" amid inflation. The new $7 Luxe Cravings Box includes a Chalupa Supreme, Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, Double-Stacked Taco, chips with nacho cheese, and a drink. Taco Bell claims it's 55% cheaper than buying items separately.

Our Cravings Value Menu is one of the leading value menus within the industry ... because we believe consumers shouldn’t have to choose between affordability and abundance. - Taylor Montgomery, CMO, Taco Bell North America

Other fast-food giants like McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King have also introduced meal deals. Taco Bell previously offered the $5 Taco Discovery Box and launched a permanent Cravings Value Menu with items under $3.

The Luxe Cravings Box offers a generous portion of fan favorites at a supposedly affordable price. But with items totaling 1,920 calories, 78 grams of fat, and 3,230mg of sodium, it's a heart attack in a box. Consumers should crave nutrition info as much as "value."

Taco Bell's Nutritional Smoke and Mirrors

Montgomery boasts of the chain's "commitment on value," but Taco Bell's definition of "value" is questionable. The box offers poor nutritional value, and their "affordable price point" is only a "value" if you ignore Nutritional Value. A "deal" that prompts you to ignore your health isn't a deal at all.

With Taco Bell pushing oversized meals, no wonder Americans struggle with obesity. Taco Bell needs to stop masking nutritional disasters with cheap prices.