Again this week, snacks and beverages take the lead on our Fast Food report menu. Summer is definitely here (in spite of the equinox still being a month away). Also, Taco Bell enters the Chicken Sandwich Wars (sort of) and Hidden Valley crosses brands with Crocs to create Hidden Valley Clogs…
The Taco Bell’s Naked Chicken Chalupa: Back for a limited time (?)
as The Bell’s entry in the so-called Chicken Sandwich Wars…
Taco Bell brings back Naked Chicken
The Bell is resurrecting its Naked Chicken Chalupa (NCC) after a 2-year absence. Observers suggest this move is designed to position The Bell in the so-called Chicken Sandwich Wars with a secret weapon. The ad campaign that accompanies the launch points out that all Chicken Sandwiches are more or less the same, but their NCC stands out (and above) the rest. We don’t know if this is a permanent addition to The Bell’s menu, but as a combatant in the Wars, it ought to be.
Wendy’s x Pringles collab produces Spicy Chicken Chips
Wendy’s and Pringles have crossed brands to create a new Pringles flavour: Spicy Chicken Sandwich. Pringles – which isn’t quite as prolific as Lays in adding new flavours – will let the new flavour loose for a limited time next month. If you love Wendy’s popular Spicy Chicken Sandwich and Spicy Chicken Nuggets, you’ll probably like the new Pringles Chips…
Krispy Kreme salutes the islands
KK is now serving a collection of new summer collection of ‘Island’-themes doughnuts including: a Key Lime filled ring (for a return engagement); and a Piña Colada cream filled; and an ‘Island Time’ Original Ring with an elaborate icing decoration suggesting a desert island, complete with palm tree. You can also order Key Lime glazed and Key Lime filled doughnuts (the original 2019 line-themed doughnuts) on Friday, May 27.
Skittles loves Lime for summer
Last week, we told you Skittles was offering a special ‘flavour’ to support LGBTTQ Pride Week across the land this summer. Now, the candy icon is offering Lime-Only packs for summer. “Our SKITTLES fans asked, and we are thrilled to deliver. Lime-loving SKITTLES fans have been very vocal with their pleas to bring back their favorite flavor and we’re excited to be able to offer them all the lime SKITTLES they want with the release of our All Lime packs,” Fernando Rodrigues, senior brand manager, SKITTLES, said in a press release. and the Skittles Facebook page teased: “BUY THEM OUT AND MARKETING MIGHT BRING THEM BACK FOREVER.” Hmm…
Chipotle’s tests mini Churros
It appears Chipotle’s is market-testing mini-churros – bite-sized versions of the delectable deep fried Mexican desert pastry. They’ve quietly been polasced on the menu at at least 0ne California Chipotle location. Three to a paper sack, they’re reportedly dusted liberally with Cinnamon Sugar, and do deliver the coveted crispy outside / soft inside mouth feel. Watch for them at your local Chipotle’s.
Mountain Dew does summer sippers
Mountain Dew Vibe – a summer special blend spiked with tart Lemon flavour – is now available at Which Wich restos across 37 states. But it’s not available in cans or bottles, and Pepsico has not announced it will be generally available. Yet. Anyway… It sounds like a great lite, brite summer quaff, and I hope we all get a chance to try it.
Also, There’s a new Dew (apparently) coming to all the usual locations later this year. Thrashed Apple is described as ‘DEW Charged with Crisp Apple’. It’s (apparently) going to début September 9 for a limited time run. Apples? Autumn? Sounds like a natural for the fall season.
Novelty Alert! Hidden Valley ‘dressing’ adds Clogs
Hidden Valley has collaborated with Crocs to create a new Ranch Dressing-themed Classic Clog. They’re creamy white with little green specs to suggest the product, and come with a selection of Jibbitz™ shoe charms featuring some of the famous dressing’s most beloved companions: french fries, chicken nuggets, veggies and pizza. Hidden Valley Crocs will be generally available later this year.
And that’s the skinny…
… On what’s going to be making some of us fatter in the coming days and weeks. See you back here in 7 for the ne3xt edition of Fast Food Week!