Taco Bell fans know the pain—Lava Sauce, the fiery, creamy topping from the famous Volcano Menu, disappeared again after its short return in 2023.
But what if you could still enjoy it today? The good news is that a clever secret menu hack allows you to recreate the iconic sauce using ingredients available at every Taco Bell.
This guide explains exactly how to make it, what it costs, and how to add it to your favorite items so you can relive the Volcano flavor without waiting for a limited-time comeback.
What Made Lava Sauce So Popular
The Volcano Menu first launched in 1995, featuring items like the Volcano Taco and Volcano Burrito topped with the brand-new Lava Sauce.
Fans loved its unique blend of spicy heat and creamy texture, making it different from the regular sauces.
After years of fan requests, Taco Bell brought it back briefly in June 2023 for about a month, but then retired it again.
The Secret Hack to Recreate Lava Sauce
While Taco Bell may not have Lava Sauce on the menu today, you can mimic its flavor in just two steps:
- Order a side of nacho cheese.
- Mix in 2–3 Fire Sauce packets.
That’s it. This simple blend produces a creamy, orange-colored, spicy sauce that closely resembles the Lava Sauce flavor.
Why It Works
- Nacho cheese provides the creamy, smooth base.
- Fire sauce brings the bold heat and red tint.
- Mixed together, they create the perfect spicy-creamy balance fans remember.
Step-By-Step Ordering Guide
Here’s exactly how you can order it today:
- Buy your favorite Taco Bell item (burrito, taco, or nachos).
- Add a small side of nacho cheese (usually under $2).
- Grab a handful of Fire Sauce packets (free).
- Mix them together until smooth.
- Add the sauce inside your food or use it as a dip.
Recreating Volcano Favorites
Want the full Volcano Menu experience? Here’s how to build it:
- Volcano Taco → Order a Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco, then add your Lava Sauce mix.
- Volcano Burrito → Order a Cheesy Double Beef Burrito, open it, and spoon in your sauce.
- Volcano Nachos → Order Nachos BellGrande and pour Lava Sauce on top.
Cost & Details
| Item | What to Order | Cost (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Side of nacho cheese | $1.50–$2.00 | Prices vary by store |
| Heat | 2–3 Fire packets | Free | Add more for spicier taste |
| Texture | Stir until smooth | Free | Creamy and pourable |
| Volcano Taco hack | Doritos Locos Taco + Lava Sauce | $3.50–$4.00 | Closest to original |
| Volcano Burrito hack | Cheesy Double Beef Burrito + Lava Sauce | $4.00–$4.50 | Hearty option |
| Volcano Nachos hack | Nachos BellGrande + Lava Sauce | $6.00–$6.50 | Big shareable portion |
Why This Hack Is Trending in 2025
Even though Taco Bell retired the Volcano Menu again, fans across the U.S. are still talking about ways to bring it back.
Food bloggers and customers have highlighted this nacho-cheese-plus-Fire hack as the easiest and most affordable way to relive the Lava Sauce experience.
The original Lava Sauce may not be officially on Taco Bell’s menu, but that doesn’t mean you have to give it up.
By simply mixing nacho cheese with Fire Sauce packets, you can recreate the flavor and spice at any Taco Bell today.
Whether you use it in tacos, burritos, or nachos, this clever hack brings back the Volcano Menu vibes without waiting for a limited-time release.
FAQs
Is this the exact Lava Sauce recipe?
No, it’s not the original recipe, but it’s the closest flavor match you can make with current Taco Bell ingredients.
How much does this hack cost?
On average, it costs under $2 for the nacho cheese cup, and the Fire packets are free.
Can I make Lava Sauce at home?
Yes, you can use store-bought nacho cheese and hot sauce to replicate it, but the Taco Bell version tastes more authentic.
