# Spicy Steak-Topped Fries The Taco Bell Steak Firecracker Fries are Being Tested in Detroit By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2020-02-04 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steak-firecracker-fries References: [brandeating](https://www.brandeating.com/2020/02/taco-bell-tests-new-steak-firecracker-in-detroit.html) & [tacobell](https://www.tacobell.com) Indulgent side dishes are quickly becoming more popular with many [QSR](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caliente-cantina-chicken-nacho-fries) brands to offer consumers a premium option that could double as an entree, which is seeing new options like the [Taco Bell Steak](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taco-bell-steak-white-hot-ranch-fries) Firecracker Fries be introduced. The limited-time menu item is being tested by the brand in Detroit, Michigan and starts off with an order of [Nacho Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bold-nacho-fries) that are then topped with marinated steak. The fries are then topped with nacho cheese sauce, red tortilla strips, cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, reduced fat sour cream and a new Firecracker sauce. This new sauce is reported to be made with a blend of spicy peppers to give the fries their distinct level of heat. The Taco Bell Steak Firecracker Fries are priced at $3.49 and can also be ordered wrapped in a burrito as a handheld option. Image Credit: Taco Bell ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 14% | Activity: 9% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: 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 ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Premium Side Dishes:** QSR brands can innovate by offering new indulgent side dishes that appeal to consumers as a premium, filling option that could double as an entree. - **New Sauce Blends:** Opportunities exist for food brands to create new, spicy sauce blends that give their menu items a distinct level of heat and differentiate them from competitors. - **Handheld Menu Items:** Fast food restaurants can create new handheld menu items by wrapping traditional menu items such as fries and steak in a burrito to offer a new dining experience for customers. ### Where This Applies - **Fast Food:** Fast food companies can create new menu items and innovations, such as premium side dishes, to appeal to younger demographics and increase revenue. - **Food and Beverage:** Food and beverage companies have opportunities to create new spicy sauce blends and capitalize on consumer interest in unique flavors and international cuisine. - **Packaged Foods:** With the rise of handheld menu items, packaged food companies could benefit from offering easy-to-make options that can be heated up and wrapped in a burrito to cater to busy consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Creamy Spiced Steak-Topped Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taco-bell-steak-white-hot-ranch-fries.md) - [Loaded Spiced Steak Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taco-bell-7.md) - [Meaty Garlic-Rich Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steak-garlic-nacho-fries.md) - [Saucy Jalapeno-Lime Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steak-chile-verde-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) - [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) - [Collaboration Creamy Spiced Fries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/secret-aardvark-nacho-fries.md)