# Seasoned Tex-Mex Fries Taco Bell is Testing Out Seasoned French Fries Spiced with Habaneros By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-12-29 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spiced-with-habaneros References: [brandeating](http://www.brandeating.com/2016/12/taco-bell-tests-french-fries-in-us.html) & [chewboom](http://www.chewboom.com/2016/12/27/taco-bell-testing-seasoned-fries-and-loaded-fries-in-california/) [Taco Bell](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taco-bell-7) may be known for its loaded tacos and over-the-top burritos, but now the Mexican-style chain is attempting to take on French fries by testing out a crispy new side dish spiced with habaneros. Taco Bell's seasoned French fries is a new dish that is currently being tested at one location in Irvine, California. The new dish consists of [crispy French fries spiced with habaneros](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flavored-seasoned-curly-fries) for a dose of heat and extra flavor. The fries can also be ordered 'loaded' with ground beef, onions, diced tomatoes, guacamole and sour cream -- just like the chain's existing Nacho Supreme. While French fries may seem like a departure from Taco Bell's Mexican-oriented fare, the chain has been serving similar dishes abroad for some time now. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 8% | Activity: 22% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Spiced French Fries:** Taco Bell is testing spiced French fries with habaneros, offering a unique twist on a classic side dish. - **Loaded Fries:** Taco Bell's loaded fries, topped with ground beef, onions, tomatoes, guacamole, and sour cream, provide a flavorful and indulgent option for customers. - **Global Flavor Fusion:** Taco Bell's introduction of spiced French fries demonstrates the trend of fast food chains incorporating diverse international flavors into their menus. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fast Food:** The fast food industry has an opportunity to create innovative and unique side dishes, using bold and spicy flavors to attract customers. - **Mexican-inspired Cuisine:** Restaurants specializing in Mexican cuisine can explore the idea of incorporating French fries as a side dish, offering a twist on traditional menu options. - **Snack Food:** The snack food industry can leverage the popularity of French fries by introducing new and exciting flavors, like spiced fries, to cater to the evolving tastes of consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Loaded Spiced Steak Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taco-bell-7.md) - [Saucy Jalapeno-Lime Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steak-chile-verde-fries.md) - [Habanero-Doused French Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yellowbird-nacho-fries.md) - [Piquant Ranch QSR Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-ranch-fries-supreme.md) - [Spicy Sauced Chicken Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caliente-cantina-chicken-nacho-fries.md) - [Spicy Steak Nacho Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loaded-steak-jalapeo-nacho-fries.md) - [Cheesy Steak-Topped Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grilled-cheese-nacho-fries.md) - [Nacho-Flavor Burritos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steak-nacho-fries-burrito.md) - [Creamy Spiced Steak-Topped Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taco-bell-steak-white-hot-ranch-fries.md)