I don’t know what’s in the air, but Taco Bell has been my most visited fast-food spot over the past few weeks. First, they introduced the Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco, which I could not get enough of, then they brought back the Rolled Chicken Tacos, and now Nacho Fries are back! All my favorite limited menu items.
Since I’ve been going to the restaurant frequently, I decided to try all the sauces available at my local Taco Bell. Ahead, find my definitive ranking of them.
Quick answer: Diablo is the hottest sauce packet at Taco Bell in our ranking, and Mild is the one with zero kick. For taste, Spicy Ranch takes the No. 1 spot.
Which Taco Bell Sauce Is the Hottest?
Diablo is the spiciest sauce packet Taco Bell offers, and it’s also our No. 2 pick. Fire sauce brings a slight kick for anyone with a lower spice tolerance, while Mild has the chili flavor without the heat. Keep scrolling for all nine sauces, ranked.
Taco Bell Sauces at a Glance
| Rank | Sauce | Quick take |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spicy Ranch | Like Avocado Ranch, with more edge from the spice |
| 2 | Diablo | The spiciest packet, with a rich chili flavor |
| 3 | Avocado Ranch | Creamy, tangy and refreshing |
| 4 | Fire | A slight kick for low spice tolerance |
| 5 | Creamy Jalapeño | The sauce inside the quesadillas |
| 6 | Mild | Chili flavor with zero kick |
| 7 | Red Sauce | Acidic, with a very specific taste |
| 8 | Hot Sauce | Good, but overshadowed by the other options |
| 9 | Nacho Cheese | Best saved for items like nachos |
9. Nacho Cheese
I may be one of the few people in the universe who isn’t obsessed with cheese, especially nacho cheese. I don’t dislike it, but if I go to Taco Bell, I won’t order it with my meal unless it really needs it, like their nachos.
8. Hot Sauce
Of all the sauce packets, Hot sauce is my least favorite. Diablo and Fire bring the spiciness that I need. If I don’t want any kind of spice, I’m going with Mild. It’s not that Hot sauce is bad—I do enjoy it—but it’s overshadowed by their other options.
Also read about: The 7 Best Taco Bell Secret Menu Items—and How to Order Them
7. Red Sauce
I’ve only had the red sauce when Taco Bell carried the Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco earlier this year. I really liked it with that item, but I can’t see myself using it for anything else on their menu. It has a very specific taste—because it’s so acidic, I opt for other sauces they offer that are easier to digest.
6. Mild Sauce
There’s a very rare occasion where I go to Taco Bell and don’t crave the hottest items on their menu. That’s when I go for their Mild sauce packet. There zero kick to this sauce—it still has the chili flavor without my mouth catching on fire.
5. Creamy Jalapeño Sauce
The Creamy Jalapeño sauce is what they put inside their quesadillas. My mouth waters when I think about biting into a quesadilla and the sauce spills out. Strangely enough, I’ve never thought to try the Creamy Jalapeño on something other than the quesadilla.
4. Fire Sauce
Sometimes, I want spicy but not super intense spicy, which is what Fire sauce is perfect for. It’s hard to say this sauce is spicy at all, but it does create the slightest kick to a taco or burrito. If you have a low spice tolerance and want something hot, your best bet is the Fire sauce.
3. Avocado Ranch
Avocado ranch is something I never thought I would enjoy, but wow! This sauce is a dream come true. It’s so creamy, tangy and refreshing. I could put this sauce on the majority of Taco Bell menu items and be happy.
Also read about: Lunchbox-Friendly Snack Ideas for Vegetarians
2. Diablo Sauce
I’d like to think I have a slightly above-average spice tolerance. Even so, I would think Diablo sauce would still be more intense. To me, it’s truly not that spicy, but it’s the spiciest sauce packet they offer—and since I love hot foods, it’s my favorite by default. It has a rich chili flavor, and it complements tacos so well.
1. Spicy Ranch
I tried the Spicy Ranch for the first time when Taco Bell added the Rolled Chicken Tacos to their menu. I absolutely fell in love. This sauce is similar to the Avocado Ranch but has more edge because of the spicy flavor. I can really see myself eating this with anything on their menu.
Taco Bell Sauces: FAQ
What is the hottest Taco Bell sauce?
Diablo is the spiciest sauce packet Taco Bell offers, according to our ranking.
What is the mildest Taco Bell sauce?
Mild sauce has the chili flavor with zero kick, so it’s the one to grab if you don’t want any heat.
What is the best Taco Bell sauce?
Spicy Ranch is our No. 1 pick. It’s similar to Avocado Ranch but has more edge from the spicy flavor.
What sauce is in Taco Bell’s quesadillas?
Creamy Jalapeño sauce is what Taco Bell puts inside its quesadillas.
How many Taco Bell sauces are ranked?
We ranked nine sauce packets, from Nacho Cheese at No. 9 to Spicy Ranch at No. 1.
Looking for new, tasty recommendations? Read more of the best foods and drinks we tried in September 2023.
