Last week, we were overwhelmed by new snacks reveals. This week, we’re inundated by a beverage bounty, heavy on returning Valentine’s and St. Patrick’s Day faves. On the down side, no sides to mention, and only two mains…
The Goodbye Pie: The breakup gift – and ‘notifcation’ – that makes,
“Unhappy Valentine’s Day!” land a little softer on an ex…
The rundown…
Mains
McDonald’s new ‘Better Burgers’ are here!
McD’s announced an initiative over a year ago under which they would enhance their classic burgers providing better value and a better eating experience. They’re now rolling out their, “hottest, juiciest and tastiest classic burgers ever.” It’s a fundamental McUpgrade, across the chain.
It’s also part of a broad-based McInitiative to give customers better value for their hard-earned bucks. That goes hand-in-hand with a new commitment from McD’s, announced last week, to focus on ‘affordability’ in the face of soaring costs and prices.
Del Taco does better Beer Battered Fish
The new Beer Battered Crispy Fish Taco is made with Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager. It replaces the regular Beer Battered Crispy Fish Taco on the DT menu for a limited time.
Decscribed as, “the ultimate beer battered crispy fish taco,” it owes its unique flavour entirely to Stone Brewing’s Baja-inspired lager, “brewed with just the right amount of sea salt and lime.” Served with shredded cabbage, a savory mayo sauce and pico de gallo, wrapped in a warm corn tortilla.
Beverages
Behold new Coca Cola Spiced…
It’s a new permanent addition to the Coke line and it’s a flavour like none other before. It’s described as ‘a burst of raspberry and spice’. Available in both conventional sugar-sweetened and Zero Sugar versions.
… And give some Drops of Joy
New limited-time Happy Tears Coke is all about kindness to others. It’s a special promo for Random Acts of Kindness Day, February 17. It’s described as ‘sweet and salty’, like tears.
“Coca-Cola Happy Tears Zero Sugar is our newest Creation that embraces the power of kindness, it is also the first-ever to be sold in a hype kit exclusively available on TikTok,” said Oana Vlad, Senior Director, Global Strategy at The Coca-Cola Company. Now through February 19.
Two old faves return to Dairy Queen
The Under the Rainbow Shake and the Mint Brownie Blizzard are back at Dairy Queen for St. Patrick’s Day. I know… That’s over a month away. But DQ wants you to indulge your inner Leprechaun and go green over a longer limited-time release this year. Available now through March 17, at DQ locations chain-wide.
McDonald’s resurrects St. Paddy’s Day ‘standards’
McDonald’s stalwarts: Make way for the returning legendary Shamrock Shake and the OREO Shamrock McFlurry. Back now through St. Patrick’s Day…
…while supplies last, at participating locations. Hard to believe the Shamrock Shake has been around every March since 1970. That’s 54 years!
Starbuck’s pours Valentine’s Day special bevs…
Celebrate V-Day in style with Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Crème Frappuccino and Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie Cold Brew. As has become the norm at Starbuck’s, the longer the name, the more luxe the brew. Available for a limited time, at participating locations.
… Rolls out Olive Oil Coffee across the chain
Starbuck’s Oleato is now available at all locations across the US and Canada. The specific bevs on offer include: Oleato Golden Foam Iced Shaken Espresso with Toffeenut, and Oleato Caffè Latte with Oatmilk.
What differentiates them from regular Starbuck’s coffees is a teaspoon full of spoonful of Partanna extra virgin olive oil. It’s supposed to be very tasty. And good for you, too.
Snacks
White Castle reprises Shrimp Nibblers
They’re breaded, deep-fried Shrimp, and they come in Regular and Sriracha versions. They’re here for Lent, along with Clam Strips. Available in small, medium, and sack size orders, now through March 31. They’re great dipped in almost anything savoury!
Popeye’s brings back V-Day Heart-Shaped Biscuits
They are, in fact, sweet confections, riddled with strawberry pieces and topped with a white icing drizzle. This Valentine’s Day, when you buy a Heart-Shaped Biscuit…
…$1 from your purchase will go towards the SERVING WITH LOVE initiative by the Popeye’s Foundation. The funds raised will aid both national and local nonprofits dedicated to supplying food to those in need.
Novelties
Break up with a ‘Goodbye Pie’ Pizza
Pizza Hut is coming at Valentine’s Day from a dramatically different angle this year. They’re selling a special ‘Goodbye Pie’ you can send to your soon-to-be-ex, to break up without having to face them in person. he pie itself is the Hut’s new Hot Honey. It’s billed as a way to deliver spicy news ‘sweetly’. They’re also giving away free ‘Goodby Pies’ to a winners of a draw. Enter at: GoodbyePies.com.
Heart-shaped Pizza back at Papa John’s
PJs is bringing back its beloved heart-shaped Pie for Valentine’s Day. It’s a one-topping pizza that comes un-cut to preserve its shape during transport.
Available at all US PJ’s locations, now through February 14. And it’s a great value at just (US)$11.99.
McDonald’s Pies around the world
I have a love-hate relationship with McDonald’s over its international menu items. We don’t get them here in North America, but we hear about them and have to settle for worship from afar. This month it’s regional hand pies: Butterscotch Pie in Japan; Double Chocolate in Pakistan; Raspberry Cream Cheese in South Korea; Sweet Egg Floss Pink Cream Pie in Thailand; and Raspberry White Chocolate in the UK. *SIGH*
Old El Paso débuts Dessert Taco shells
It’s a new one on me, for sure. Never before have I heard of a sweet shell especially for dessert tacos. But now, Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal is partnering with Old El Paso on the innovation.
Suggested serving idea is an ice cream sundae in a shell. Could get really messy when the ice cream starts to melt!
And that’s the skinny…
… On what’s going to be making some of us ‘cuddlier’ over the coming days and weeks. See you back here in 7 for the next gust-busting instalment of Fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.