A Look at Del Taco's Current Breakfast Menu
Del Taco, a fast-food chain known for its Mexican and American favorites, has experienced shifts in its breakfast menu, especially since the Jack in the Box acquisition in 2022. Where unique items like breakfast toasted wraps and grande burritos once reigned, the menu has been streamlined to focus on the basics. The current lineup primarily features the Breakfast Burrito and Breakfast Roller, both available with different meat options. While this simplifies the choices for customers, it has disappointed some long-time fans who miss the variety and quality of older menu items.
The Del Taco Breakfast Burrito Up Close
The standard Breakfast Burrito from Del Taco is built on a foundation of scrambled eggs, fresh house-grated cheddar cheese, and a zesty red sauce, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. The real difference comes down to the protein choice, with options including:
- Bacon: Historically, this version has received mixed to poor reviews, with some critics noting overpowering flavors and a greasy feel. Recent customer feedback on social media also reflects a decline in overall breakfast quality, with some preferring competitor options.
- Carne Asada Steak: This option offers a more savory, steak-centric experience. One reviewer in 2019 praised the Epic Scrambler Burrito (a past menu item) for its well-seasoned carne asada and freshness, although current items may differ. The inclusion of freshly prepared ingredients like house-grated cheese is a key Del Taco selling point.
- Egg & Cheese: The most basic version provides a simple, affordable option for those looking for a quick, classic breakfast. The quality of the eggs is often mentioned in reviews, sometimes described as not being the best.
Customization and Add-ons
While the base burritos are simple, customers can enhance them with sauces or other menu items. Hashbrown sticks, for instance, are a popular side and can be added inside the burrito for extra texture and flavor, a trick suggested by some Reddit users. The availability of various sauces allows for some personalization to mitigate potential blandness or strong flavors.
Del Taco vs. Taco Bell Breakfast: A Comparison
When evaluating fast-food Mexican breakfast burritos, a comparison with Taco Bell is inevitable. Here is a breakdown of how they stack up.
| Feature | Del Taco Breakfast Burritos | Taco Bell Breakfast Burritos |
|---|---|---|
| Taste Profile | Simpler, often relies on zesty red sauce; quality and freshness can vary. Bacon version has received past criticism for overpowering flavors. | More variety in flavors and sauces (e.g., Baja Blast, sauces); known for unique combinations like the Crunchwrap. |
| Ingredients | Emphasizes fresh, house-grated cheddar and real seasoned meats (for some items). | Uses a signature processed meat and cheese blend, with focus on proprietary sauces and textures. |
| Value | Often considered budget-friendly, particularly for rollers, but can disappoint on overall quality. | Offers a dedicated value menu and consistently affordable options. |
| Menu Variety | Post-2022, features a simpler menu focusing on rollers and burritos. | Consistently offers a wider, more creative breakfast menu, including Crunchwraps and tacos. |
| Customer Perception | Mixed, with some lamenting changes under new ownership and a perceived drop in quality. | Generally seen as consistent, though some prefer Del Taco's fresher ingredients. |
The Verdict: Are Del Taco Breakfast Burritos Good?
After weighing the customer feedback, menu options, and ingredient quality, the answer to whether Del Taco breakfast burritos are good is not a simple 'yes' or 'no.' The quality seems to be inconsistent, and for those who remember the past menu, the current offerings are a step down. However, for the price, the rollers and basic burritos can still serve as a budget-friendly option, especially when customized. The simple Egg & Cheese burrito is a safe bet, while the bacon version is a riskier choice based on past reviews. Del Taco's fresh ingredients like hand-grated cheese remain a potential draw, but recent menu streamlining and reported quality declines mean customers should adjust their expectations. The final quality often depends on the specific location and preparation, so your experience may vary. For a truly 'good' burrito, you might be better off asking for your roller to be toasted and adding some green sauce, as one long-time customer recommended. For a deeper dive into Del Taco's menu and ingredients, visit the official Del Taco website.
Final Recommendations and Conclusion
For a no-frills, low-cost option, the Del Taco breakfast offerings can satisfy a quick craving. But for those seeking a more complex flavor profile, superior ingredients, or a more substantial meal, a competitor like Taco Bell might be a better bet, despite their differences in ingredient approach. The quality has been a point of contention for many loyal fans since the recent menu changes, suggesting that what was once a solid contender is now a more basic, value-oriented choice. While fresh ingredients like house-grated cheddar are a highlight, they may not be enough to overcome the overall taste issues and limited variety for some diners. Ultimately, managing your expectations and focusing on the simpler items might lead to a more satisfactory breakfast experience.
