IRVINE, Calif., July 10, 2014 – Big flavor and high protein come together to create a Power Platform at Taco Bell®, launching nationally on Thursday, July 17. This new platform was created to reflect the evolving lifestyles and dietary needs of consumers looking for great tasting options that are high in protein.

Available at participating locations nationwide, the first iteration within the Power Platform – the Cantina Power Menu™ – offers Bowls and Burritos packed with protein and nutrient-rich produce, with more than 20 grams of protein and 500 calories or less. Additionally, the company plans to expand these protein-packed options throughout different day parts and will begin local testing for a new Power Greek Yogurt at Breakfast, as well as Power Breakfast Bowls and Burritos.

“We’ve evolved the Cantina platform based on consumer feedback. We heard customers requesting a higher protein solution with the flavors Cantina delivers, so here is Cantina Power,” said Brian Niccol, President, Taco Bell Corp.

The Cantina Power Menu includes Burritos and Bowls that feature premium ingredients, including a double portion of marinated and fire-grilled all-white meat chicken or marinated and grilled USDA-select steak. The menu is layered in fresh produce like crisp romaine lettuce and Pico de Gallo, which is prepared fresh daily – plus guacamole made from real Hass avocados and classic Taco Bell flavors like real cheddar cheese and reduced fat sour cream. The Burrito is wrapped and grilled in a flour tortilla and the Bowl sits on a bed of slow-cooked black beans and premium Latin rice. Suggested pricing: the Cantina Power Burrito is $3.79 for chicken and $3.99 for steak; the Cantina Power Bowl is $4.99 for chicken and $5.19 for steak; vegetarian options are also available at $3.79 for the Burrito and $4.99 for the Bowl.

The Cantina Power Menu™ is the next evolution of Cantina Bell, and was specifically designed as food that fits consumers’ lifestyles and gives them what they want when it comes to balance. It offers an excellent source of lean protein with 29 grams in the Burrito and 28 grams in the Bowl, each for 500 calories or less. For complete nutritional information, how customers can make informed choices at Taco Bell, and more on the brand’s food values, go to www.TacoBell.com and click on Nutrition.

Power Breakfast Test
The Power Platform also brings a test of the Power Breakfast Menu, part of Taco Bell’s ongoing innovation across day-parts. Power Breakfast includes a Steak Bowl, Steak Burrito and great tasting Greek yogurt. In partnership with Three Happy Cows, a premium boutique brand, Taco Bell is bringing award-winning Greek yogurt, made only with natural ingredients, to customers, packed with 17 grams protein, for 240 calories, and available with the convenience of a drive-thru. Starting August 4, Taco Bell will test Power Greek Yogurt, including Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt with premium granola topping. The test will be in Omaha, Neb. and price will be $2.49. The Power Breakfast Steak Bowl and Burrito will be priced $2.79 each.

“We set out to create the next generation of Breakfast, which we are doing through one-of-a-kind menu items like the Waffle Taco, Cinnabon Delights and the breakfast sandwich of the future – the A.M. Crunchwrap. It has everything consumers want for breakfast and can be eaten on the go, so it’s not surprising our customers love it,” said Niccol. “Now we’re responding to people who want to start their day with more protein in a way only Taco Bell can deliver. There are lots of yogurt parfaits out there, so we asked ourselves what would get people excited about yogurt at Taco Bell, and the answer is Greek yogurt. When you try it, you’ll want to come back for more because it’s delicious. It’s even become one of my personal favorites.”