After a recent tasting trip to Texas, Del Taco Research and Development Director Anne Albertine became passionate about queso. Seeing quick-service competitor Qdoba’s success in utilizing queso on its menu, she resolved to do the same—only better. In response to consumer demand for “free-from” ingredients, Del Taco replaced its processed nacho cheese topping with a cleaner, more authentic queso blanco. The molten cheese condiment—also a potential menu boon for noncommercial operators—is now ladled from the line along with the chain’s classic red and green sauces. Its distinction lies in its versatility, as well as a new layer of flavor across the menu, says Albertine. Here's how the switch was made.