Try These Brand New Fast-Food Menu Items Dropping in February

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: Ultimate Steakhouse Bacon Whopper

There’s a new burger in town at Burger King: the Ultimate Steakhouse Bacon Whopper. It’s topped with bacon, Swiss cheese, onion rings, sauteed mushrooms, and creamy peppercorn aioli. For dessert, try a cinnamon apple pie, which is actually deep fried, like all good fast-food pies should be.

Pizza Hut: Big New Yorker Pizza

Though the holiday are over, Pizza Hut is still keeping the Triple Treat Box around. You get two medium 1-topping pizzas, five breadsticks, and 10 cinnamon sticks all in a festive holiday box for $20.

Taco Bell: Luxe Value Menu

Taco Bell just revamped its value menu into the Luxe version, so there are a lot of new things this month. Here’s what’s new.

• Mini Taco Salad, $2.49: beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, refried beans, and creamy chipotle sauce in a tiny crispy tortilla bowl
• Beefy Potato Loaded Griller, $2.49: beef, crispy potatoes, nacho cheese sauce, creamy chipotle sauce, and sour cream, rolled and grilled in a tortilla
• Chips & Nacho Supreme Dip, $2.49: a take on 7-layer dip with layers of beef, refried beans, nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, pico de gallo, and shredded cheese, served with tortilla chips for dipping
• Avocado Ranch Chicken Stacker, $2.99: grilled chicken, avocado ranch sauce, shredded cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes folded and grilled in a tortilla
• Salted Caramel Churros, $1.99: mini churros dusted in salted caramel sugar
• Crispy Chicken Nuggets: marinated chicken nuggets with a tortilla chip coating

McDonald’s: Hot Honey Menu

McDonald’s released a new hot honey menu, with three new items.

• Hot Honey Sausage Egg Biscuit: sausage and egg biscuit with new hot honey sauce
• Bacon Hot Honey McCrispy Sandwich: crispy chicken filet, bacon, jalapeños, lettuce, mayo, and hot honey sauce on a potato roll (also available without bacon)
• Hot Honey Snack Wrap: crispy chicken strip, shredded cheese, lettuce, and hot honey sauce in a tortilla

Dunkin’: Protein Refreshers

There are lots of new things on the Dunkin’ menu right now, including high-protein drink options. Here’s everything that’s new.

• Megan’s Mango Protein Refresher: mango pineapple flavor mixed with protein milk
• Strawberry Protein Refresher: strawberry gragonfruit Refresher made with protein milk
• Caramel Chocolate Iced Protein Latte: espresso mixed with caramel chocolate-flavored syrup and protein milk
• Almond Iced Protein Matcha Latte: iced matcha latte made with protein milk and toasted almond flavor
• Caramel Chocolate Shakin’ Espresso: double shot of espresso shaken with caramel chocolate-flavored syrup and oat milk
• Berry Moonlight Daydream Refresher: berry sangria flavor combined with oat milk and topped with sweet cold foam

Papa Johns: Pan Pizza

There’s a new type of pizza at Papa Johns this month. The pan pizza is made with garlic butter and parmesan on the bottom, giving it a crispy, sturdy crust. There’s caramelized cheese around the edge of the pan as well, similar to a Detroit-style pie. In case you’re wondering how it is, we thought it was pretty good — and better than Domino’s.

Dairy Queen: Swicy Menu

Things are hot and sweet at Dairy Queen this month with a new “Swicy” menu. The FlameThrower Chicken Strip basket includes smokey, spicy chicken strips, fries, Texas toast, and a small cup of vanilla soft serve meant for dipping your hot chicken into. There are also two new pineapple drinks made with Tajin, the sour and spicy Mexican seasoning.

Starbucks: Matcha and Valentine’s Day Menu

Starbucks has transitioned to its Valentine’s Day menu. Here’s what’s new.

• Iced Double Berry Matcha: strawberry puree, matcha, and raspberry cream cold foam
• Iced Banana Bread Matcha: matcha with brown sugar syrup and milk over ice with a layer of banana cream cold foam and a caramel crunch topping
• Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino: swirls of strawberry puree and cinnamon dolce syrup with whipped cream and a caramel-sugar sprinkle
• White Chocolate Strawberry Cream Cold Brew: cold brew and vanilla syrup topped with white chocolate strawberry cream cold foam and a sprinkle of chocolate curls

Arby’s: Italian Beef Dip

There are a lot of new items on the menu at Arby’s right now, including the Italian Beef Dip. It’s made with the chain’s sliced roast beef, Swiss cheese, and Chicago-style pickled giardiniera peppers, all with a side of au jus for dipping. Plus, King’s Hawaiian fish sandwiches are back, and there’s a new peach cobbler roll (think dessert eggroll!).

Wendy’s: Tendys

Wendy’s debuted chicken tenders recently, 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 are 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 are 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, or try one of the new brioche bun breakfast sandwiches instead. On the sweet side, cinnamon and raisin biscuits are back.

Sonic: Sonic Smasher

There’s a new burger on the menu at Sonic this month. The Sonic Smasher is made with two smashed, crispy beef patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, pickles, ketchup, and mayo. Plus, there’s a Reese’s chocolate peanut butter shake and the crispy fish sandwich is back.

If you’re in search of more Sonic deals, check out our ranking of the Sonic Value Menu.

Panera: Toasted Caprese Focaccia

There’s a lot new at Panera right now for winter.

• Harvest Medley Chicken Salad: mixed greens, arugula, farro, chicken, mandarin oranges, feta, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, pecans, and balsamic vinaigrette
• Toasted Caprese Focaccia: fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, arugula, pesto, and balsamic glaze on black pepper focaccia
• Chicken Roma Asiago Bagel Stack: grilled chicken, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, arugula, green goddess dressing, and garlic aioli on an asiago bagel
• Wake Up BLT Stack: bacon, egg, tomatoes, arugula, and cheesy benedict sauce on an asiago everything bagel
• Autumn Squash Soup: creamy butternut and pumpkin soup with a hint of curry
• Hearty Fireside Chili: beef and bean chili with fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles
• Creme Brulee Latte
• Frozen Hot Chocolate

Del Taco: Jumbo Shrimp Tacos

Del Taco is ready for seafood season. Jumbo shrimp tacos are back, made with crispy shrimp, cabbage, pico de gallo, and special sauce in a flour tortilla. You can also get a shrimp burrito or beer battered fish tacos.

Popeyes: Shrimp Tackle Box

Seafood is back already at Popeyes. You can get fried shrimp in the shrimp Tackle Box with cocktail sauce, a side, and a drink. You can also get them as a Surf and Turf combo with two chicken strips.

Chick-fil-A: Frosted Sodas and Floats

Chick-fil-A doesn’t have any special sandwiches right now, but does have two new drinks on the menu. Frosted sodas and floats are permanent additions to the menu, and they’re part of the chain’s 80th birthday celebration this year (which includes a Chick-fil-A-for-a-year sweepstakes). Plus, hot chicken tortilla soup is back.

Whataburger: Monterey Melt

There are a few new items on the menu to start the year at Whataburger. The Monterey Melt is a burger topped with American and Monterey Jack cheese, grilled peppers and onions, and jalapeno ranch. There’s also a chicken fajita taco with grilled chicken and grilled peppers and onions inside a flour tortilla, and a Big Ranch Wrap with a chicken strip, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ranch.

Little Caesars: Detroit Slices-n-Stix Pizza

Little Caesars has a smaller person-sized special right now. The Slices-n-Stix pizza has two slices of Detroit-style pepperoni or cheese pizza, along with four cheesy breadsticks. There’s also a new Stuffed Crunch Crust option where the stuffed crust pizza is brushed with garlic and topped with toasted breadcrumbs.

Jack in the Box: Protein Bowls

Jack in the Box never lets anyone down who wants new, unusual menu items. Here’s what’s new on the menu this month.

• Chicken Teriyaki Bowl: grilled or crispy chicken with white or brown rice, broccoli, carrots, and teriyaki sauce
• Chicken Fajita Bowl: grilled or crispy chicken with white or brown rice, grilled onions, shredded cheddar, corn and black bean blend, and chipotle ranch
• Chicken Supreme Sandwich: crispy chicken patty, mayo onion sauce, lettuce, tomato, and Swiss cheese
• Waffle Sticks

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
• Ham and Three Cheese Melt: double portion of ham, cheddar, provolone, parmesan, and mayo
• Sicilian Pizza Sandwich: ham, salami, capocollo, mozzarella, marinara sauce, and basil-oregano blend

Subway: Protein Pockets

Subway is leaning into its healthy image to start the new year. Here’s the new lineup of Protein Pockets, all wrapped in a wheat tortilla.

• Baja Chicken: grilled chicken with cheddar, Baja Chipotle sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños
• Peppercorn Ranch Chicken: grilled chicken with cheddar, peppercorn ranch, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles
• Italian Trio: ham, pepperoni, salami, cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo
• Turkey & Ham: turkey, ham, cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo

KFC: $5 Bowls, Cheese Curds

KFC has brought back fan-favorite $5 bowls, including some new variations beyond the Famous Bowl. Some include fried cheese curds, a brand new item at the chain.

• Matty’s Cheesy Nuggy Gravy Bowl: fries, brown gravy, chicken nuggets, and cheese curds
• Mac & Cheese Bowl: mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, and three-cheese blend
• Mashed Potato Bowl: mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, chicken nuggets, and three-cheese blend
• Spicy Mashed Potato Bowl: mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, chicken nuggets, three-cheese blend, and Nashville Hot sauce

Qdoba: Citrus Lime Shrimp

Qdoba, Chipotle’s biggest rival, has brought back a popular protein option just in time for Lent. The citrus lime shrimp is sauteed in a tangy lime sauce. Get it in any entree, including burritos, bowls, and on top of nachos.

Shake Shack: Korean Style Menu

There’s a whole new Korean-inspired menu at Shake Shack this month. Here’s what’s new.

• K-Shack Fried Chicken Bites: chicken bites coated in a spicy-sweet sesame gochujang glaze, finished with scallions
• K-Shack Spicy Caramel Shake: gochujang caramel frozen custard topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of gochujang caramel
• K-Shack Fried Chicken Sandwich: breaded chicken breast glazed in spicy-sweet sesame gochujang, with fresh scallions and kimchi slaw
• K-Shack BBQ Burger: beef patty topped with American cheese, crispy sweet onions, scallions, and savory Korean BBQ sauce
• K-Shack Spicy BBQ Fries: fries dusted with kimchi seasoning and served with a side of Korean BBQ sauce

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: Stuffed Grilled Tacos

Taco John’s has a new take on tacos this month. The Stuffed Grilled Taco is similar to a burrito, with seasoned beef, nacho cheese, shredded cheese, sour cream, taco sauce, and crushed tortilla chips all wrapped in a flour tortilla and grilled. It’s also available in a spicy chicken version with chipotle lime sauce, hot sauce, pickled jalapenos, and sour cream, and a guacamole ranch version.

Bojangles: Salted Caramel Apple Crisp

There’s a new 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 two new bowls: a breakfast bowl with sausage, Bo-Tato Rounds, creamy gravy, and cheese, and a Cajun rice bowl with dirty rice, Cajun pintos, grilled chicken, cheese, and hot sauce.

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.

Chipotle: Chicken al Pastor

Chipotle is bringing back one of its most popular proteins on February 10th. Chicken al pastor is a take on pork al pastor spices on the chain’s grilled chicken. It’s marinated with smoky chiles, achiote, and pineapple, then finished with cilantro and lime juice. You can try it topped with a brand new sauce, red chimichurri, made with roasted garlic, chile peppers, and cilantro.

Culvers: Chicken Club Sandwiches

There are some new chicken sandwiches at Culver’s, which is known for its burgers and custard. The chicken club sandwiches all have bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo, and you can choose to get those toppings on crispy fried chicken, spicy fried chicken, or grilled chicken breast.

Jersey Mike’s: Mike’s Hot Italian

Jersey Mike’s doesn’t often get limited time specials, but there’s a new one right now. Mike’s Hot Italian has ham, salami, and pepperoni chopped and grilled, then topped with provolone, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, and pepper relish.

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 December — 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.