By Amy Meyer | Mineral Wells Area News
The Crunch Returns: Cult of taco lovers will see their favorite shells in stores soon.
A few months ago, I publicly mourned the disappearance of my beloved La Tiara taco shells.
It was a dark time. A crunchy void. A Taco Tuesday tragedy.
I wrote about wandering grocery aisles like a carb-conscious ghost, about the horrifying moment I found a 12-pack of the shells listed on eBay for $5,000, and about discovering a Facebook support group full of people grieving the same crispy loss.
Well friends — I bring good news.
The taco gods have heard our cries.
General Mills announced this week that La Tiara taco shells are officially coming back. Not only that, the once-regional favorite is going national for the first time.
According to the company, the thin, crispy shells — the very ones that shattered delicately into taco perfection — will return to store shelves beginning in April. The relaunch also includes the original taco seasoning along with three new flavors: Chorizo, Tinga and Reduced Sodium.
For years, the shells developed a loyal following, especially around the Kansas City area where the brand originated. Fans became so desperate for their return that more than 20,000 people joined the “Please Bring Back La Tiara Taco Shells” Facebook group.
(Yes. I am now proudly one of them.)
General Mills said the enthusiasm from those fans played a major role in the decision to bring the brand back after the company acquired La Tiara in 2025.
“We’ve answered the call from an incredibly engaged group of local superfans,” said Meredith Nelson Uram, Mexican Business Unit Director for General Mills. “We’re not just bringing back a cherished product. We’re reigniting a legacy.”
The new shells will be made with stone-ground masa and sold in both yellow and white corn varieties — the same signature texture that made taco night feel like a minor holiday.
Even better news: they will be available nationwide.
The first place they’ll appear is Walmart stores starting in April.
Which means Taco Tuesday may finally return to its rightful glory.
Until then, I will continue my vigil — scanning the aisles, waiting patiently for the return of the only taco shell that ever truly understood me.
And when they finally arrive?
I’ll be buying them in bulk.
Not $5,000-on-eBay bulk.
But close.