Fast-food restaurants are always innovating (and competing), and that means there’s always some new fast-food menu item to try. McDonald’s, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, Subway, and other big chains regularly introduce limited-time offerings to entice customers to keep coming back. Here’s what’s new this month in the fast-food world.
Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
Burger King: Crispy Onion Whopper
Burger King has been introducing a stream of new Whoppers, and a crispy onion version is the latest. It’s got a quarter pound beef patty, American cheese, bacon, onion rings, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and barbecue sauce. Plus: Jalapeno cheddar bites are back, and so are breakfast classic Cini Minis.
Pizza Hut: Crispy Chicken Pizza
Pizza Hut is putting fried chicken on its pizzas. There are two crispy chicken pizzas to choose from: Nashville Hot with a peppery sauce, onions, and ranch drizzle, and a chicken, bacon, and ranch variety.
Taco Bell: Frank’s RedHot Diablo Menu
Taco Bell always has a ton of new items to keep customers interested, and this month is no exception. There’s a whole lineup of Frank’s RedHot Diablo items, made with a mashup of that famous buffalo wing sauce and TB’s diablo sauce, including a crispy chicken burrito, crispy chicken soft taco, and loaded chicken Nacho Fries (yep, fries are back now too!).
There’s also a Flamin’ Hot Grilled Cheese Burrito, and even a dessert: Mountain Dew Baja Blast pie. Too bad that neon colored pie only lasted one day.
McDonald’s: Snack Wraps
The moment you’ve all been waiting for is here: Snack Wraps are back at McDonald’s. The cult-like following of these long-discontinued wraps is fierce, so people are glad they’re back. They come in ranch and spicy versions, and contain McCrispy Strips, cheese, and lettuce. Plus, there’s a new buffalo ranch sauce that you can get on them or a chicken sandwich, and a Chips Ahoy Frappe.
Dunkin’: Holiday Menu
The holiday menu is in full swing at Dunkin’. Here’s everything that’s new right now.
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Papa Johns: The Grand Papa Pizza
There’s a huge new pizza at Papa Johns this month, and it’s the biggest one the chain has ever offered, coming in at 18 inches in diameter. The Grand Papa has a thin, foldable crust and is topped with new large, deli-style pepperoni slices, a three cheese blend, and Italian seasoning.
Dairy Queen: Sauced and Tossed Chicken Strips Basket
Chicken tender lovers have a new reason to head to Dairy Queen. You can now get your chicken strips tossed in honey BBQ or parmesan garlic sauce. On the sweet side, there’s a new Holiday Nog Shake, and here are the current limited-time Blizzard flavors.
- Peppermint Bark
- Frosted Sugar Cookie
- Choco-Dipped Strawberry
- Oreo Reese’s
Starbucks: Fall Menu
Starbucks has transitioned to its holiday menu. Here’s what’s new.
- Caramel Miso Hot Cocoa: 70% chocolate, steamed milk, dark miso caramel sauce and cold foam, and edible gold flakes
- Peppermint Hot Cocoa: 70% chocolate, steamed milk, peppermint syrup, and whipped cream
- Starbucks Reserve Peppermint Mocha: espresso, steamed milk, and peppermint syrup
- Caramel Brulee Eggnog Latte: espresso, eggnog and caramel brulee syrup with a torched caramelized sugar crust on the cold version
- Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl Cake: chocolate cake, hazelnut cream, and chocolate ganache buttercream
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Arby’s: Steak Nuggets
Move over, chicken, because there’s a new nugget on Arby’s menu: steak. That’s right, the chain is going for yet another unusual meat item this month: steak nuggets. The bite-sized pieces of steak are seasoned with garlic and pepper and smoked. You can get them just like nuggies with barbecue dipping sauce, on a sandwich with havarti, crispy onions, pickles, and mayo, or in a bowl on top of mac and cheese.
And just in time for Thanksgiving, the chain has brought back the Deep Fried Turkey Gobbler Sandwich, made with sliced deep fried turkey, stuffing, cranberry spread, cheese, crispy onions, and mayo.
- Cookie Butter Cloud Latte: espresso with brown sugar and cookie flavors topped with cookie butter cold foam
- Berry Sangria Refresher: berry flavored syrup with black tea, green tea, lemonade, or sparkling water
- Raspberry Striped Croissant: a croissant with vibrant raspberry ribbons and raspberry filling
- Ultimate Bacon Jam Breakfast Sandwich: a croissant sandwich with bacon, a fried egg, white cheddar, and sweet-savory bacon jam
Wendy’s: Tendys
Wendy’s is debuting chicken tenders this month, and they come with a rhyming name. Wendy’s Tendys are a new core menu item, and are breaded for crispiness. And because you just have to dip them, there’s six new sauces as well: Wendy’s signature sauce (creamy with hot sauce and black pepper), sweet chili, scorchin’ hot, creamy ranch, honey BBQ, and honey mustard.
Plus, Wendy’s just redid its whole Frosty experience. Now you can get Frosty Swirls and Frosty Fusions with sauces and crunchy mix-ins. There’s options like strawberry Pop-Tarts, brownie batter, and a new seasonal snickerdoodle flavor.
Hardee’s: Grilled Cheese Bacon Burger
There’s a new burger option at Hardee’s right now. The Grilled Cheese Bacon Burger has a beef patty, bacon, American and Swiss cheese, and mayonnaise on toasted sourdough bread. You can also get the sandwich as breakfast versions with egg, cheeses, and either sausage or bacon. On the sweet side, cinnamon and raisin biscuits are back.
Sonic: Salted Caramel Toffee Croissant Bites
You can always count on Sonic to have some limited-time treats available. Here’s what’s new.
- Salted Caramel Toffee Croissant Bites: flaky, golden fried pastry bites covered in a spiced, salted caramel–toffee sugar blend
- Salted Caramel Toffee Iced Coffee: cold brew blended with rich caramel and buttery toffee, topped with cold foam and toffee pieces
- Bourbon Caramel Iced Coffee: cold brew and bourbon caramel syrup with whipped topping
- Peppermint Brownie Bark Shake: vanilla soft serve with brownie pieces and crushed peppermints
If you’re in search of more Sonic deals, check out our ranking of the Sonic Value Menu.
Panera: Ciabatta Dipper
There’s a lot new at Panera right now as winter is coming.
- Harvest Medley Chicken Salad: mixed greens, arugula, farro, chicken, mandarin oranges, feta, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, pecans, and balsamic vinaigrette
- French Ciabatta Dipper: sliced marinated steak, provolone, asiago, and garlic aioli toasted on ciabatta with a french onion soup dipper
- Chicken Pesto Ciabatta Dipper: grilled chicken, provolone, parmesan, and pesto toasted on ciabatta with a tomato soup dipper
- Autumn Squash Soup: creamy butternut and pumpkin soup with a hint of curry
- Black Bean Soup: seasoned with cumin, garlic, oregano, and lemon
- Hearty Fireside Chili: beef and bean chili with fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles
- Creme Brulee Bites: mini vanilla cake with brown sugar crumbs and salted caramel sugar
- Creme Brulee Latte
- Mocha Latte
Del Taco: Del Dorado Chicken Menu
There’s a new menu of chicken items at Del Taco this month. Each item includes Del Dorado grilled chicken coated in salsa roja and spicy Jack cheese. Try it in two different kinds of burritos, a taco with shredded cabbage and guacamole, a quesadilla, or a tostada-like Crunchtada. For dessert, there’s a new orange cream shake.
Popeyes: Hot Ones Menu
Popeyes has teamed up with the immensely popular interview shot Hot Ones to bring a hot sauce-laden menu to its restaurants. There are four items on the menu.
- Sizzlin’ Sriracha Dippers (Mild): pickled garlic sriracha-marinated Chicken Dippers, served with ranch and a Hot Ones Sriracha packet
- Smokin’ Rojo Sandwich (Medium): crispy chicken sandwich topped with Hot Ones’ Los Calientes Rojo spread and tangy pickles
- Darin’ Dab Ghost Wings (Hot): classic wings (bone-in or boneless) dusted with Ghost Pepper dry rub, served with Hot Ones Last Dab ranch
- The Last Dab (Extremely Hot): a packet of the show’s most iconic and hottest sauce
Chick-fil-A: Pretzel Cheddar Club Sandwich
There’s a new sandwich on the menu at Chick-fil-A. The Pretzel Cheddar Club tops the chain’s signature chicken filet with bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and Dijon mustard sauce on a pretzel bun. There’s also a new carbonated drink: cherry berry and Sprite. After November 10, look for the returning Peppermint Chip Milkshake and Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Zaxby’s: Chicken Finger Tacos
Zaxby’s is feeling Tex-Mex with its latest menu items: Chicken Finger Tacos. Each soft taco has a hand-breaded chicken finger, and they come in three varieties: chipotle ranch with pico de gallo, avocado ranch BLT, and new buffalo blue. Plus there’s a new lemon pepper seasoning for the chain’s chicken, and the Asian Zensation salad is back.
Whataburger: Bacon Wrangler Double
There’s a new burger debuting on the menu this month at Whataburger. The Bacon Wrangler Double has two beef patties, bacon, monterrey jack and American cheese, crispy onion strings, pickles, and chipotle aioli. There’s also a new Dr. Pepper blackberry shake for dessert and a Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich.
Little Caesars: Ultimate Cheesesteak Pizza
Little Caesars is channeling Philadelphia right now with its Ultimate Cheesesteak Pizza. It’s made with cheesy white sauce, seasoned sliced steak, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and mozzarella. You can also get the same toppings in Crazy Puff form.
Jack in the Box: Gremlins Midnight Meal
Jack in the Box never lets anyone down who wants new, unusual menu items. Here’s what’s new on the menu this month.
- Gremlins Midnight Meal: two chicken strips, two tacos, onion rings, fries, new Midnight sauce, and a drink (only available after midnight)
- Midnight Chicken Sandwich: fried chicken filet on a bun with pickles and Midnight sauce
- Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks: fried mozz sticks in a Nashville hot-flavored breading, served with ranch
- Midnight Snack Shake: vanilla shake with M&Ms, pretzels, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs
Jimmy John’s: Toasted Sandwiches
Jimmy John’s has finally brought toasted sandwiches to its menu after serving only cold subs for so long. You can get any sub toasted, or you can try five new toasted subs.
- Chicken Bacon Ranch: chicken, bacon, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, ranch dressing, and ranch seasoning
- Roast Beef and Cheddar: roast beef, bacon, cheddar, crispy fried onions, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, and horseradish sauce
- Ultimate Italian: capocollo, salami, ham, bacon, parmesan, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, oil, oregano, basil, and vinegar
- Three Cheese Pizza Sandwich: mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, marinara sauce, and basil-oregano blend
- Sicilian Pizza Sandwich: ham, salami, capocollo, mozzarella, marinara sauce, and basil-oregano blend
If toasted subs are not your thing, JJ’s has brought back a refreshing option: Picklewiches. Instead of bread, the subs are made on giant pickles sliced in half.
Noodles & Company: Chili Garlic Ramen
Noodles & Co. has a new dish this month, and it sounds great. Chili Garlic Ramen is inspired by viral ramen hacks on social media. The stir fried dish has cabbage, spinach, and green onions sauteed with chili garlic sauce and ramen noodles.
Subway: TurHamKen
For the first time, Subway is ready for Thanksgiving. It’s got three new sandwiches all inspired by the holiday, complete with stuffing and cranberry sauce. The TurHamKen is the chain’s take on turducken, with turkey, ham, and rotisserie-style chicken with cheddar, spinach, red onions, mayo, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. The other two swap the meats out for just turkey or chicken.
KFC: Original Honey BBQ
KFC has brought back its Original Honey BBQ sauce, a fan favorite. You can get your bone-in chicken, tenders, or chicken sandwiches coated in it. Plus, the chain has brought back potato wedges, arguably superior to the fries that replaced them.
Qdoba: Cholula Hot and Sweet Chicken
Qdoba, Chipotle’s biggest rival, has brought back a popular protein option. The Cholula How and Sweet Chicken is made with grilled chicken tossed in Cholula hot sauce and honey, and can be ordered as a protein on any entree. Plus, Loaded Tortilla Soup is back just in time for chilly weather.
Shake Shack: French Onion Soup Burger
There’s a whole new French onion soup-inspired menu at Shake Shack this month, including a new side. Here’s what’s new.
- French Onion Soup Burger: Gruyere, caramelized onions, crispy onions, and roasted garlic parmesan aioli
- French Onion ‘Shroom Burger: fried portobello stuffed with Muenster and cheddar, topped with caramelized onions and roasted garlic parmesan aioli
- French Onion Shack Stack: the burger and fried cheese-stuffed portobello together on one bun
- Onion Rings: beer-battered rings made with sweet onions, with your choice of sauce
- Parmesan Garlic Fries: fries tossed with parmesan, served with roasted garlic parmesan aioli
Plus, there’s a big new burger in town: the Big Shack. It’s like a Big Mac, but better.
Steak ‘n Shake: Beef Tallow Fries
Steak ‘n Shake has brought back a blast from the past. The entire burger chain is frying its French fries in beef tallow. It gives the chain’s shoestring fries an unmistakable flavor that many people still crave after McDonald’s stopped the practice in the 1990s.
Taco John’s: Meat and Potato Burritos
Taco John’s has two new burritos on the menu this month. The Spicy Beef & Jalapeno Burrito includes ground beef, Potatoes Oles, nacho cheese, hot sauce, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, and pickled jalapenos. The Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Burrito is stuffed with fried chicken, Potatoes Oles, bacon, ranch, lettuce, and tomatoes. There’s also a new Jr. Crispy Chicken Wrap.
Bojangles: Salted Caramel Apple Crisp
There’s a new fall dessert at Bojangles, a Southern chain known for its biscuits and fried chicken. It’s got warm apple topping, cinnamon streusel, and salted caramel served on top of a fresh buttermilk biscuit. There’s also a new Carolina Crunch: a sandwich made with egg, bacon, and cheese in between two giant sides Bo-Tato Rounds instead of a biscuit.
Domino’s: Parmesan Stuffed Crust Pizza
It’s hard to believe that Domino’s hasn’t had stuffed-crust pizza until now, but that’s all changed with its new Parmesan-stuffed crust. It’s made with buttery-flavored dough wrapped around mozzarella cheese, then topped with garlic seasoning and parmesan. Get it with whatever toppings you want. Plus, try the new cinnamon- or garlic-flavored bread bites.
Culver’s: Roasted Garlic and Bacon Pub Burger
There’s a new Butterburger on the menu at Culver’s this month. The Roasted Garlic and Bacon Pub Burger tops the chain’s smashed burger patties with cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and creamy garlic mayo on a pretzel bun. On the sweet side, there’s a Pumpkin Spice Shake and a Salted Caramel Pumpkin Concrete Mixer.
Chipotle: Carne Asada
Chipotle recently brought back one of its most requested proteins: carne asada. The beef is marinated, then grilled in-store and seasoned with cumin, coriander, garlic, and oregano. Once it’s cooked, it’s sliced and sprinkled with lime juice and fresh cilantro for a refreshing kick. You can try it topped with a brand new sauce, red chimichurri, made with roasted garlic, chile peppers, and cilantro.
Panda Express: Crispy Sesame Shrimp and Beef
Surf and turf has come to the menu at Panda Express. It’s made with tempura shrimp and crispy beef strips cooked together with bell peppers, string beans, and a slightly spicy sesame sauce.
More Fast-Food Deals and News From Cheapism
- ‘Rubbery,’ ‘Horrible’: McDonald’s New Snack Wrap Is a Big Disappointment to Fans — If you were excited about the return of Snack Wraps, we have bad news for you.
- 23 Fast‑Food Family Meal Deals Available in November — Feeding a group doesn’t have to bust your budget. Discover the latest meal deals from your favorite chains.
- The Cheapest Fast‑Food Items That Actually Fill You Up — Despite rising prices, you can still fill up on bargains.
