Twenty years have passed since Taco Bell introduced its Crunchwrap Supreme. When it first came out, some people might have seen it as just a gimmick—a clever trick to sell more fast food. However, it quickly became a fan favorite.
Its unique design, which includes a crispy tostada shell inside a soft tortilla, made it stand out. This format allowed for many different ingredient combinations, making it surprisingly adaptable.
Over two decades, the Crunchwrap Supreme's clever structure caught the attention of many professional chefs. They were inspired by its endlessly customizable concept and its ability to hold various textures and flavors in one handheld package.
This led to a widespread trend of 'dupes'—imitations or inspired versions—appearing in higher-end restaurants. Chefs admired its inherent versatility, proving that even a humble fast-food item could spark culinary creativity beyond its original purpose.