You’ll swoon at the sheer beauty of the marketing department ‘glamour’ shots of this week’s new and returning Mains and Snacks. And you’ll marvel at the seas of new sauces and dips online for spring…
Adult Deals and Happy Meals: McDonald’s and Minecraft celebrate new Movie…
The rundown…
Check out this week’s especially enticing array of desserts! Including Hershey’s new PB&J Big Cups, and Dairy Queen’s 2025 Summer Blizzard Menu!
Mains
McDonald’s Partnering with Minecraft Movie
Seems McD’s always gets the biggest partnerships on new installments of blockbuster movie franchises. This time it’s the new Minecraft Movie, and the Golden Arches is offering special grown-up and Happy Meals to celebrate. Both feature Minecraft Collectibles appropriate to their target age groups. The adult meal comes with either Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, medium fries, and a drink.
Papa John’s 1-Topping Large BOGO offer
It’s another of their simple but enticing Pizza discount deals signalling a major pie score. Get any 1-topping pizza free when you buy any large pizza at the regular menu price. But get in there NOW! The deal is good only until end of day tomorrow, April 6!
Subway does Hot Honey sammys
Choose either Hot Honey Chicken or Hot Honey Pepperoni. Either way, it’s Subway’s first foray into the HH universe.
And ask for new Hot Honey sauce on any sandwich, wrap, or salad at no additional charge. Now, for a limited time through spring.
Cheez-It launches a line of frozen Pizzas!
Though launched on April 1, the cracker giant insists these supermarket pies are real. Choose from Italian Four-Cheese, Pepperoni and Cheddar Cheese Supreme. Described as, ‘a cracker-thin crust infused with the signature flavor of Original Cheez-It, topped with 100% real cheese for an authentic taste profile’. Perfect, they insist, for heavy-duty snacking or as a pizza night Main…
Signature Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger back at Whataburger
Environmentally-conscious, sustainability champion, NYC rooted Whataburger is offering its celebrated Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger now through June 2. It features two grilled beef patties, melted Swiss cheese, creamy au jus sauce, AND two layers of grilled mushrooms. Also comes in a Jr. version.
Sides
Hidden Valley splashes out new flavours
The folks who’ve promoted Ranch Dressing like no other brand – ever – have announced a new range of flavours that will be débuting at intervals this year. Look for: Blue Cheese, Cajun Blackened, Cilanto Lime, Cracked Pepper, Sweet BBQ, Garlic or Creamy Jalapeño…
“We are so excited to present these new twists on Hidden Valley Ranch condiments and seasoning,” CC Ciafone, Marketing Director at Hidden Valley Ranch, said in a statement.
Taco Bell focuses on Nacho Fries
Choose either new Caliente Chicken Nacho Fries (topped with slow-roasted chicken, warm nacho cheese sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, crispy Fiesta Strips, reduced-fat sour cream, and Caliente Sauce). Or go with returning fan fave Nacho Fries (‘seasoned’ fries with warm nacho cheese sauce for dipping).
Carl’s Jr. rolls out Snack Stash deals
Are they snacks or sides? We’re going with Sides, because Carl’s uses that term in their official description… Choose any 3 of 5 different items for just $5.99.
The Snack Stash includes: Onion Rings, Waffle Fries, 6-piece Jalapeno Poppers Bites, Small Fries, or Fried Zucchini.
McDonald’s showcases new Minecraft Sauce
McDonald’s is offering a new Minecraft-themed Nether Flame Sauce for its Chicken McNuggets. For a limited time, to celebrate the launch of the new Minecraft Movie. Fans of the game will know what to expect just by the name. For others, it’s described as featuring ‘crushed pepper and cayenne’ with, ‘hints of garlic and sweetness’.
Desserts & Snacks
Hershey’s PB&J Big Cups finally arrive
They were launched on April 1 with a notable (for Hershey’s) April Fool’s prank. But the PB&J Big Cups are all to real. They ‘ve been teased for many weeks since their official announcement last year. They’re newstalgia all over again… (See photo, top of page)
Dairy Queen Summer Blizzard Menu is here
And there are some interesting new flavours on tap… Try the new Mixing Bowl Mashup or new Dipped Strawberry Cheesecake. The old fave S’Mores Blizzard is back, along with Coffee Cake and Cotton Candy.
They’re back spring-into-summer. kicking off with an special $0.85 Small deal marking DQ’s 85th birthday later this year.
Krispy Kreme and Fruity Pebbles partner
… For a very limited time. In fact KK’s new Fruity Pebbles Milk Original Glazed Donuts Are available only today and tomorrow. Get a dozen for just $5 with the purchase of any other dozen donuts at the regular price. Limit of two discounted dozens in-shop and one discounted dozen per online order, using the code ‘PEBBLES’.
Hershey’s kisses up to Cinnamon Toast Crunch
The folks at Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal have been ultra-busy pushing their favour franchise over the past few weeks. Their latest partnership is with Hershey’s Kisses.
“Unexpected crossovers are having a moment, and we’re delivering a Hershey’s Kisses flavor combo no one saw coming — but everyone will want to try,” said Katie DeCapria, Senior Brand Manager. These are a limited-time treat, and De Capria hints that nobody knows when or if they’ll ever be back. So…
Novelties
Domino’s Doughnuts? Only in Aus…
That ‘Australia’, just to clear. Land of crazy foods and fad tou see nowhre else. This one is interesting though. The Pizza giant’s down-unbder brandh is baking up giant doughnuts with a variety of frostings and decorations. The 16 cm / 6.3 in. handcrafted, oven-baked beauties come in 4 flavours: Original Glaze, Sprinkles, Cookie Crumb, and Choc Crumble. A bit pricey at (AUS)$7 / (US)$4.38 each, they’re still a satisfying mouthful…
Events
Taco Bell unveils April digi-deals
The Bell features special selection of deals exclusively for fans who order via the mobile app or the web page. The full list is now at a dedicated webpage courtesy of FoodBeast…
And that’s the skinny…
… On what’s going to be making some of us a little sweeter and/or spicier in the coming days and weeks. See you back here in 7 for the next melty-good edition of Fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.