Our last Fast Food Week Update before Christmas… And all through the post, deals and specials are screaming – MAINS, SIDES and SNACKS the most! Taco Bell is bringing back Cheesy Dipping Burritos, Steak Nacho Garlic Fries, and its fan fave Garlic Sauce!
The rundown…
Lots of ideas to help you banish the Holiday Menu Blues! From Taco Bell, KFC, Shake Shack and Starbuck’s…
MAINS
Taco Bell brings back Cheesy Dipping Burritos
By fan request. Or, rather, demand! The popular rolls are offered with your choice of 3 dipping sauces: legendary Creamy Garlic, Creamy Chipotle, or Nacho Cheese. There’s also $9 Discovery Luxe Box, which includes two Cheesy Dipping Burritos (marinated steak or slow-roasted chicken), a Seasoned Beef Chalupa Supreme, Cinnamon Twists, and a medium fountain drink. For a limited time at participating Taco Bell locations.
Papa Murphy presents Pappa’s Picks Pizzas
Included in the deal are: a large Double Shredded Pepperoni or 4-Cheese Pizza in your choice of Thin Crust or Original Crust Pizza. The deal is available now through available through January 25, 2026, at participating locations. A great way to banish the Festive Feast Blues…
SIDES
KFC leaves Potato Wedges decision with the fans
I think we told you, a week or two back in this Saturday space, that KFC was bringing back its cult-fave Potato Wedges permanently . Maybe that was wishful thinking. Now, the chicken monster is letting fans decide the question…
It’s not a contest… The Colonel’s kids are watching social media like hawks to determine just how strong the demand is for Wedges. We’ll let you know when we get the official word. Meanwhile, talk up those Potato Wedges in your fave social media channels.
Shake Shack adds Onion Rings
The classic Fast Food side is coming to the Shack as a permanent menu addition! They’re described as: ‘Crispy-fried, beer-battered onion rings made from sweet Spanish onions served with your choice of ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, or Shack Sauce. Cheese sauce is also available for a small extra charge.
Taco Bell reprises Steak Fries…
Steak Nacho Garlic Fries, to be precise. Fans will remember, they’re seasoned fries topped with marinated grilled steak, pico de gallo, shredded cheddar cheese…
… nacho cheese sauce, and Creamy Garlic Sauce. All part of a big New ear’s Garlic celebration, apparently.
…And that legendary Garlic Sauce!
The Bell is centering its Garlic-fest on the return of it’s fan fave Garlic Sauce (for a limited time). “The community showed us how powerful a simple drizzle of Creamy Garlic Sauce could be,” said Liz Mat-thews, Taco Bell’s Global Chief Food Innovation Officer. “What started as a fan hack quickly became a shared passion, and we made sure to listen.”
BEVERAGES
Starbuck’s feature Holiday Fancies…
Behold the Holiday Duo from Starbuck’s! Eggnog Latte – an updated version described as a, “nos-talgic, creamy indulgence that feels like a hug in a cup.” And: Chestnut Praline – made with steamed milk and espresso, and a caramelized chestnut-flavored syrup. It’s garnished with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chestnut pralines.
DESSERTS & SNACKS
OREO slamming fans with 8 new nibbles
That’s right. 8 new products. But many of them are just new takes on old faves. You’ll soon be able to try OREO Muffins, OREO Confetti Cakesters, OREO Thins Chocolate Ganache, OREO Minis Chocolate Creme…
… OREO Cookie Dough (Flavoured Creme), Golden OREO Minis, OREO Minis (Peanut Butter), and OREOs Reese’s (Peanut Butter Creme). Some available now. Others on or after January 5, 2026.
MARS Wrigly fêting fans with ‘Winter Blend’
It’s a limited-time ‘frosty white and blizzard blue’ candy shell treatment for regular chocolate M&Ms. Also here for the season: Twix Snowmen; Life Savers Gummies Holiday Shapes; Snickers Trees; M&M’S Toasty Holiday Peanut; and Skittles Original Holiday Candy Cane…
Domino’s gifts Chocolate Lava Crunch Cakes
… But only to fans who place orders of $10 or more via Domino’s online options, now through this coming Monday (December 22). I thought we’d seen a Holiday hiatus in the Fast Food sector drive to make us all order electronically. Not a chance… The offer marks the chain’s 65th birthday.
Goldfish floating new flavours
Stuck for new ideas to spice up your Holiday snacks arrays? Goldfish is pumping out three new flavoured varieties of the classic snack: Honey Mustard, Hot Buffalo and Zesty Ranch.
The brand is also featuring a Toy Story-themed Cheddar-flavoured varieties featuring Woody- and Buzz Lightyear-shaped crackers.
NOVELTIES
Over the top: New Avatar popcorn bucket
It’s a complicated construction of plastic mouldings from Regal Toys, in the shape of a Banshee, with a faux-woven basket on its back – to hold the popcorn. The kicker? It costs (US)$80!
There’s also a waste-basket-like tin popcorn bucket and a selection of themed beverage cups – ‘all priced at less than $30’… And all premiered at AMC cinemas yesterday (December 19, 2025). While supplies last…
And that’s the skinny…
… On what’s going to be making some of us a little more well-padded over the coming days and weeks. See you back here in 7 for next climate-challenged edition of Fast Food Week…
~ Maggie J.