Snack News tops the QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) headlines this week, with contributions from Taco Bell, Dunkin’s, Planter’s and Pringles. Starbuck’s expands its breakfast menu – in the UK. And Wendy’s, Burger King and Church’s Chicken make another trip to The Smokehouse…
This photo is a put-up job: You actually get three Buttermilk Pancakes per order,
with your choice from among three Syrups and Sauces…
Taco Bell brings back Nacho Fries
The Bell introduced Nacho Fries (coated with Powdered Nacho Cheese) at the beginning of this year, and Bell fans loved ’em. So what did they do? Removed them from the menu after a limited time, only. But they’re coming back July 12. All three versions of the Fries will be offered, including: Basic Fries with Cheese Sauce, Supreme Nacho Fries and BellGrande Nacho Fries. The latter two options will feature increasingly lavish toppings, with the BellGrande being a super-sized Supreme. The Nacho Fries will be here ’til September. Alas, the naked Chicken Chalupa will be withdrawn from the Bell’s menu at the same time the Fries arrive, with no indication of when it will return.
Dunkin’s launches Doughnut ‘Fries’
Well, they’re actually Doughnuts in the shape of chubby Fries, something like a Mexican sweet treat known as the Churro. And they’re served in Fry-like sleeves, to add to the pretense. This faux-Fries thing may soon qualify as a ‘thing’, if others in the QSR (Quick Serve Resto) sphere start offering their wares in stick form. Doughnut Fries will come in sleeves of five, dredged in Cinnamon and Sugar, for (US)$2, starting this coming week.
Planter’s brings back Cheese Balls
A decade ago, Planter’s, the Nuts people, put something different in their familiar blue tin, and fans went wild. Cheese Balls were an instant hit. They couldn’t miss, actually. The product is, essentially, a close cousin to the immortal Cheezie. Now, they’re coming back, to supermarkets, convenience stores and all the usual outlets for the summer, and they’re here in two forms: familiar Cheese Balls and new Cheese Twists.
Pringles going ‘Nashville Hot’
‘Hot used to be a thing all by itself, after Doritos introduced its Flamin’ Hot line, and fans proclaimed their love for the flavour. In Phase II of the ‘Hot’ snacks revolution, other crispy treats adopted the flavour profile and their fans likewise went bananas for it. Then… A sub set of ‘Hit, ‘Nashville Hot’ emerged as a leading variation on the form, and the flavour quickly seeped into Burgers, Fried Chicken and other QSR foods, as well as snacks. Now, Pringles is offering ‘Nashville Hot’ Chicken Pringles for the summer, an echo of their summer offering last year, Top Ramen Chicken Pringles. Get ’em while summer lasts.
Starbucks tests Pancakes – in London
We wonder why Starbuck’s is testing its new breakfast menu item in London, of all places. Wouldn’t it make more sense (just common sense?) to try them out in Pancake country – say, Vermont? Anyway, they’re serving ‘stacks’ of three fairly substantial Buttermilk Pancakes with your choice of Honey, Maple Sauce or Fruit Compote, at selected UK locations. No word if or when they might show up on this side of the Pond.
Other launches of note:
- Wendy’s is offering a new Buffalo Ranch Crispy Chicken Sandwich for just a dollar.
- Starbuck’s is floating new Foam Tea lemonades for summer.
- Burger King and Budweiser partner on a new American Brewhouse King Burger.
- Church’s releases Bourbon Black Pepper Smokehouse Chicken.
- McDonald’s adds a new Bacon Smokehouse Burger to its Signature Crafted menu.
Novelty Note: Jell-O launches edible Lego bricks!
Some kids like to eat them just as they are – hard plastic – but Jell-O has now partnered with Lego to produce Jell-O Play and Eat Kits. You actually get to make the Jell-O, in a variety of flavours and colours, and mold it into Lego brick shapes which you use to build various edible scenarios. They’re available for pre-order at Amazon and Target now, and will be everywhere later this summer. Just the thing if your kid won’t stop playing with his food!
And that’s it for this week…
Tune in again in seven for the next unmissable episode of Fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.