Taco Bell Australia joins Duolingo for first Global Taco Day

Taco Bell and Duolingo are taking Global Taco Day worldwide for the first time, with activity in Australia on Tuesday 6 October.

The campaign is built on the fact that “taco” is nearly the same word in more than 30 languages, including Spanish, French, German, Japanese (タコス, Takosu) and Hindi (टैको, Taiko).

The partnership introduces Duo Habanero Sauce, a limited-edition sauce made for the collaboration, named after Duolingo's mascot Duo and described as a tangy dip with fruity notes and habanero heat.

In Australia, the sauce pots carry taco-themed sayings in English, French, Spanish and Japanese, which Taco Bell says are among the top languages Australians learn on Duolingo.

Andrea Beer, Chief Marketing Officer, Taco Bell APAC, said: “Together with Duolingo, we’re bringing two passionate fan communities together around something everyone already understands: a love of tacos. From the debut of Duo Habanero across Australia to giving fans the chance to get their hands on limited-edition Duo swag, we’re excited to bring this global celebration to life for Aussie fans.”

From 6 October, customers at participating Taco Bell restaurants in Australia get free Duo Habanero Sauce with any Crunchy Taco, while supplies last.

Emmanuel Orssaud, Chief Marketing Officer, Duolingo, said: “Language and food are two of the most powerful ways we connect with culture and with each other. Taco is a rare word that travels easily across cultures, making it a fun starting point for getting people curious about language.”

Taco Bell Australia is also giving away 50 limited-edition Taco Bell x Duo plushies on Instagram. Entrants need to like the giveaway post, follow Taco Bell Australia and comment on the post. 

Taco Bell has previously worked to expand National Taco Day in the US. In 2023, it helped open up the phrase “Taco Tuesday” for restaurants nationwide. In 2024, it worked with National Day Calendar to move National Taco Day to the first Tuesday in October. Global Taco Day is next.

Amy Ellis Durini, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer, Taco Bell International, said: “We've always believed tacos are for everyone. There’s something pretty special about a word that can be understood across languages and cultures. 

“Together with Duolingo, we’re celebrating a love of tacos that brings people together everywhere – and the idea that sometimes the things that connect us need very little translation at all."

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