National Crunchy Taco Day – Mar. 21, 2027

National Crunchy Taco Day
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CookingFoodMexican
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every March 21
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National Crunchy Taco Day arrives every March 21, inviting everyone to celebrate the iconic crispy shell filled with savory goodness. Gather your favorite fillings, from seasoned ground beef to fresh veggies, and prepare for a satisfying crunch. Dive into delicious recipes, seek out restaurant deals, and share your perfect taco creations with friends and family.

Want to sponsor National Crunchy Taco Day? Learn how

Expected National Crunchy Taco Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions, history suggests National Crunchy Taco Day will bring a flurry of deals from major fast-food chains and grocery retailers. Expect Taco Bell to offer special pricing on their iconic Crunchy Taco Supreme or combo meals, perhaps even a limited-time flavor. Del Taco often participates with discounts on their crispy tacos, sometimes bundling them with drinks or sides. Local Mexican restaurants and food trucks across the country are likely to feature special crunchy taco platters, buy-one-get-one offers, or unique gourmet fillings for the day. Grocery stores like Kroger and Walmart will likely run sales on taco kits, hard shells from brands like Old El Paso and Mission Foods, and fresh ingredients such as ground beef, cheese, and salsa. Look out for promotions on popular toppings like Cholula Hot Sauce or Doritos for a DIY Doritos Locos Taco experience. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as March 21 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Crunchy Taco Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalCrunchyTacoDay. Film your ultimate crunchy taco build or a taste test.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #CrunchyTacoDay. Share vibrant photos of your taco creations or favorite taco spots.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalCrunchyTacoDay. Post about local taco deals or organize a virtual taco party.

Social Media Tips for National Crunchy Taco Day

Individuals

Host a DIY crunchy taco bar at home, inviting friends and family to customize their own crispy masterpieces. Experiment with new fillings and toppings to discover your next favorite combination.

Creators

Produce a 'crunch test' video comparing different taco shells or fillings, or create a quick tutorial for making a gourmet crunchy taco from scratch. Engage your audience with polls on their preferred taco toppings.

Brands

Run a social media contest asking followers to share their most creative crunchy taco recipes for a chance to win prizes. Partner with local restaurants for a co-branded promotion or offer special discounts on taco-related products.

Top Brands for National Crunchy Taco Day

  1. Taco Bell

    Founded in 1962 by Glen Bell, Taco Bell is an American fast-food chain specializing in Mexican-inspired cuisine. It is renowned for popularizing the crunchy taco shell and making it a staple of American fast food, with millions of crunchy tacos sold daily.

  2. Del Taco

    Established in 1964 in Yermo, California, Del Taco is a fast-food chain that blends American and Mexican cuisine. Known for its fresh ingredients and value, Del Taco offers a variety of crunchy tacos, including its signature Del Taco and the popular Grilled Chicken Taco.

  3. Chipotle

    Founded in 1993 in Denver, Colorado, by Steve Ells, Chipotle Mexican Grill is famous for its customizable burritos and bowls. While primarily known for soft tortillas, they also offer crunchy tacos, allowing customers to build their ideal meal with fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients.

  4. Old El Paso

    A brand of Mexican-style foods owned by General Mills, Old El Paso has been a household name since 1938. They are a leading producer of taco shells, seasonings, and kits, making it easy for families to create crunchy tacos at home with authentic flavors.

  5. Doritos

    Introduced in 1964 by Frito-Lay, Doritos are flavored tortilla chips that have become a global snack phenomenon. The brand famously collaborated with Taco Bell to create the Doritos Locos Tacos, featuring a crunchy taco shell made from a Doritos chip.

  6. Mission Foods

    Mission Foods is a leading global producer of tortillas, wraps, and chips, with a history dating back to 1945 in northern Mexico. They provide a wide range of high-quality crunchy taco shells, corn, and flour tortillas to consumers and restaurants worldwide.

  7. Cholula Hot Sauce

    Originating in Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico, Cholula Hot Sauce is a popular brand known for its distinctive wooden cap and flavorful, medium-heat profile. It's a beloved condiment for tacos, enhancing the taste of crunchy shells and their fillings with its signature blend of peppers and spices.

National Crunchy Taco Day Hero

Glen Bell

Glen Bell was the visionary entrepreneur who founded Taco Bell in 1962, ultimately revolutionizing fast food with his innovative approach to Mexican-inspired cuisine. Bell is widely credited with popularizing the crunchy taco shell, making it a staple of American diets. His early ventures included Bell's Drive-In and Taco Tia, where he experimented with different taco preparations before perfecting the hard-shell taco that became synonymous with his brand. His legacy extends beyond just a restaurant chain; he introduced an entirely new category of convenient, affordable, and flavorful food to the masses.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Crunchy Taco Day

Local businesses can join the National Crunchy Taco Day celebration by offering special menu items or promotions. Restaurants and food trucks can create unique crunchy taco specials, perhaps with exotic fillings or gourmet toppings, or offer discounts on taco platters. Grocery stores could set up ‘build-your-own-taco’ stations with discounted ingredients, including various hard shells, meats, cheeses, and salsas. Even non-food businesses can participate by hosting taco-themed lunch events for employees or offering small crunchy taco giveaways to customers, fostering a fun and festive atmosphere.

National Crunchy Taco Day FAQs

When is National Crunchy Taco Day?

In 2027, National Crunchy Taco Day falls on Sunday, March 21. This weekend placement provides an excellent opportunity for extended celebrations and family gatherings centered around tacos.

How many tacos are consumed annually in the US?

The sheer volume of tacos eaten annually in the U.S. — roughly 4.5 billion — highlights the crunchy taco’s widespread appeal. This figure reflects its accessibility and versatility as a quick meal or a festive dish.

What is the origin of the crunchy taco?

While soft tortillas have ancient roots, the fried, crispy taco shell became a culinary innovation in the U.S. in the 1940s and 50s. Its mass-market appeal truly exploded with the advent of fast-food chains, cementing its place in American cuisine.

What are popular crunchy taco fillings?

Beyond the traditional beef and cheese, modern crunchy tacos embrace a wide array of fillings. Options range from grilled fish or shrimp to plant-based proteins, often paired with fresh slaw, avocado crema, or spicy aioli for a gourmet twist.

National Crunchy Taco Day Activities

  1. Taco party 

    We know, you saw that one coming. What better way to celebrate? Invite your friends over for a night of cooking tacos from scratch. Ask your best pals to break out their family recipes and join you for a night of fun. Dice up those tomatoes, open your cans of cerveza, and have an amazing dinner with your closest compadres.

  2. White (taco) elephant

    As you've suspected, this day is the equivalent of Christmas Eve. Celebrate by gifting a pair of perfectly crunchy tacos to your family, friends or coworkers. You won't need a gift receipt, we swear.

  3. Try a new restaurant

    Take this opportunity to explore new restaurants for the first time. Maybe that place you pass by on your way home from the gym, or that taco spot you read about on Thrillist.com. have fun with it! Invite your crush to dinner and order a variety of tacos. Have fun!

Why We Love National Crunchy Taco Day

  1. Tacos are healthier than most protein bars

    According to recent studies, tacos contain 21% protein, 24% carbs and 12% fat, versus a Fiber bar's 15% of protein, 7% of carbs and 18% of fat. Orale!

  2. Sometimes you need a crunchy challenge

    We live in a world full of tortilla-based foods like quesadillas, burritos, tortilla soup, and enchiladas. What about the deliciously-crafted-crunchy-shell tacos? It is time to give credit, where credit is due. After all, if St. Valentine got his own day, there should definitely be at least 24 hours for the legends known as crunchy tacos.

  3. Do we really need a third reason?

    Let me paint a picture for you. Imagine a fresh batch of hot, spicy, cheesy, meaty, seasoned to perfection, sour creamy, guacamole-y, crunchy tacos with a variety of salsas on the side. Check your pulse if that doesn't sound like paradise to you. Need I say more?

National Crunchy Taco Day dates

Year Date Day
2027 March 21 Sunday
2028 March 21 Tuesday
2029 March 21 Wednesday
2030 March 21 Thursday
2031 March 21 Friday