But something up above decided to open the heavens and shine down upon me. Last December, we got wind that the Snack Wrap may be making its ultimate return. My heart fluttered at the thought. Then, another discontinued Mickey D’s favorite, the McCrispy Strips, also made a comeback. Now, we’ve finally gotten confirmation that the Snack Wraps are indeed coming back this summer, and I positively needed everyone to know.

When is the McDonald’s Snack Wrap returning?

Starting July 10, 2025, we’ll finally be able to get our loving little hands on all the Snack Wraps we could possibly want. I remember grabbing a few between high school practices and softball games. They were honestly a lifesaver. They were a quick bite that didn’t make me feel so weighed down, and they pair seamlessly with a side of McDonald’s fries. For all I know, Snack Wraps were secretly giving me all the power I needed to succeed. You never know!

This time around, McDonald’s is gifting us two flavors:

• Spicy Snack Wrap: Anyone who likes a bit of heat will love the bold zest and wicked fire in the Spicy Snack Wrap. Much like the Spicy McCrispy sandwich, a whole ‘lotta habanero will take the spotlight on this one.
• Ranch Snack Wrap: Our tried-and-true returns. The Ranch Snack Wrap was my favorite back in the day, and I imagine it will easily reclaim its place. With a mix of smooth ranch, garlic and onion, you’ll find yourself ordering two or three of these at a time. Trust me.

McDonald’s is really giving us everything we’ve ever wanted this year. Aside from the return of the McCrispy Strips and the Snack Wrap, the chain is also bringing in new drinks inspired by its soon-to-close spinoff location, CosMc’s.

How long will the McDonald’s Snack Wrap be available?

Snack Wrap lovers, I’m going to need you to buckle up. The catch is that there is no catch. It’s coming back to stay this time. McDonald’s has officially confirmed that the Snack Wraps will be a permanent addition to the menu. If you had told 2016 me that this was in my future, I would have never believed you. But look where we are now.

Related:

• What the McDonald’s Menu Looked Like the Year You Were Born
• We Went to 8 Restaurants to Find the Best Fast-Food Chicken Sandwich
• Wendy’s Just Revealed 6 New Frosty Flavors, and Fans Did Not See This Coming

The post McDonald’s Snack Wrap Returns with One Special Catch appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Pizza

Just like Costco, Ikea has a small snack bar right next to the exit with cheap grab-and-go foods. You can enjoy them while trying to figure out how to fit an apartment’s worth of flat-pack furniture into the back of a Honda Civic. Unlike Costco, Ikea’s pizza is not very good, even by cheap pizza standards. You’re better off baking your own homemade pizza to eat on the floor while you stare at the scattered parts of your new kitchen table.

Plant Balls

These vegan alternatives to Ikea’s signature Swedish meatballs are surprisingly meat-like. Made of pea protein, oats, apple juice (seriously!) and other extra-special secret vegan ingredients, they’re deeply savory, with a bouncy, accurate meatball texture. But despite the fact that I would gladly devour a platter of these if they were served to me at a shindig, I probably wouldn’t order Ikea’s plant balls again—because I prefer the classic version.

Hot Dog

The star of the snack bar, Ikea’s hot dog is very respectable. However, based on its in-store location, I can’t help but compare it to the Costco hot dog, which is so iconic it’s ruined all other exit-adjacent snack-bar hot dogs for me. If you can muster the strength to think about something other than Costco while eating one, you’ll probably enjoy them quite a lot! Sadly, I am not capable of this, thus diminishing my abilities as a professional hot dog critic. I’m sorry, America.

Macaroni and Cheese

Ikea’s mac and cheese is slowly baked rather than cooked on the stovetop, giving it a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs quality that’s intensely comforting. It’s meant for the kids menu, but that shouldn’t stop you from ordering a kids plate as a side dish for your adult self.

Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are essentially required at any establishment that serves children, and as a mother myself, I can testify that the Ikea cafeteria is pretty much the most family-friendly dining spot you can drag your kids to. But don’t let the fact that they’re meant “for kids” dissuade you from ordering a big plate of them for yourself! These are top-tier chicken fingers, with an ultra-crispy breadcrumb coating that doesn’t flake off or fall apart.

Salmon Filet

Even though the Ikea cafeteria menu has plenty of stellar American-style options, when I’m there, I like to take advantage of its Swedish roots. Despite the fact that the salmon is one of the pricier items on the menu ($11.99), it’s still a steal that you won’t find anywhere else—one that’s cooked beautifully to boot. It’s so soft and buttery that it doesn’t need a drop of sauce to shine. In fact, I’d recommend ordering it with sauce on the side, so you can dig into the fish first before deciding to jazz it up or not. (And if you don’t like the sauce options at the counter, there’s always the honey mustard at the condiments bar.)

Shrimp Salad

Ikea’s shrimp salad is simple, dressed with a touch of mayo, a squirt of lemon and a reasonable amount of dill that doesn’t overpower the dish. It’s a mild entree that’s perfect for a light lunch or an afternoon snack. For a full meal, get the shrimp salad sandwich, which is served on a flaky, buttery croissant. Otherwise, grab a small plate as an appetizer. Just because it’s a cafeteria doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to a (kinda) glamorous, multi-course meal!

Marinated Salmon

You’ll find Ikea’s marinated salmon offered three ways: on top of the cafeteria’s Stockholm Salad, stuffed in a multigrain flatbread for a healthy wrap sandwich, or alone on a small side plate with a slice of lemon. No matter how you enjoy it, you will enjoy it immensely, and you’ll feel proud of yourself for eating something healthier than chicken fingers.

Veggie Balls

This is the second of Ikea’s meat-free meatball options, and it’s the superior one. Unlike the plant balls, which are meant to mimic meat, the veggie balls are proud of their vegetable roots and don’t try to hide them. Made with chickpeas, carrots, peas, red peppers, corn and kale, these vegetarian balls are a bit like falafel but with a softer texture and a variety of veggie flavors. The tahini romesco sauce is so good, you’ll be licking it off the plate.

Garlic Lemon Cod

I’ll admit that in the case of Ikea’s garlic lemon cod, I’m probably biased by nostalgia. A simple dinner of flaky baked white fish sprinkled with breadcrumbs and doused in freshly squeezed lemon juice was one of my favorites when I was a kid. And I’m sure it inspires the same feelings in many of you, since the dish has been a favorite of exhausted working moms for generations. While I can (and do) make this at home, it tastes even better when someone’s made it for me, so Ikea gets top marks for its version.

All the Desserts

It’s impossible for me to rank Ikea’s desserts, because they are all so good. It would be a travesty if you didn’t try at least one.

If there’s a downside to the gloriously fudgy chocolate cake, it’s that it’s not served with a tall glass of ice cold milk. The Swedish apple cake tastes like real apples (not like the chemically-tinged canned pie filling), and is barely sweet, making it the ideal companion for a mug of bitter black coffee. The caramel almond cake is essentially a wedge-shaped version of Sweden’s beloved Daim candy bars, which put most American candy bars to shame.

And, after a brief absence from the menu, Ikea’s legendary princess cake has returned! This traditional Swedish dessert was originally designed for a literal princess, with a delicate disc of vanilla sponge cake slathered with raspberry jam, topped with a dome of fluffy whipped cream, wrapped in a thin sheet of pleasantly pink marzipan and drizzled with chocolate. How often do you get the chance to be treated like royalty when buying a couch?

Swedish Meatballs

The best thing at Ikea is, of course, the Swedish meatballs. Did you honestly expect anything else? For many of us who didn’t grow up Scandinavian, these are the quintessential Swedish meatball, and just as essential to the Ikea experience as going home with a Kallax, Smycka or Malm. It would almost feel wrong to go to Ikea and not order the meatballs, but with so many other good options on the menu, it’s understandable. Just make sure to grab a frozen bag of meatballs from the Ikea Marketplace before you hit check-out—you’ll definitely find yourself craving them once you get home.

The post The Best Food at the Ikea Restaurant, Ranked appeared first on Taste Recipes.

The Frosty has been a staple of Wendy’s core menu since the chain opened in the ’60s, and it’s been wildly popular (with almost no change) ever since.

I’ve been a Frosty fanatic since before I could walk. The food critic in me can’t resist a Wendy’s Frosty and fries for the perfect salty-sweet combo.

Recently, Wendy’s made a major change to its original Frosty by introducing Frosty Fusions, aka flavor swirls and mix-ins. I had to know if this was a change for the better, or if Wendy’s should’ve stuck to the tried-and-true.

Are the new Frostys good?

There are six new options in total, three Frosty Swirls and three Frosty Fusions. You can start with a chocolate or vanilla base and choose strawberry, caramel or brownie batter sauce for a Swirl. Fusions involve mix-ins on top: strawberry sauce with Strawberry Pop-Tart pieces, brownie batter with Oreo or crunchy toffee with caramel.

The vanilla-based Strawberry Frosty Fusion piqued my interest, so that’s what I ordered. Boy, did I make the right decision! As the Wendy’s employee placed my Frosty on the counter, I already knew it was going to be a great day. I grabbed it and sat down for a thorough taste test.

First things first, it’s still a Frosty. The consistency is thick, smooth and creamy. That’s a given. The vanilla and strawberry syrup combo reminds me of the Strawberry Frostys from once upon a time. The syrup tasted much more authentic than I had anticipated, and I appreciated it. It wasn’t overwhelming. I didn’t find myself wading through pools of syrup looking for a pocket of vanilla. The layers mixed together naturally and tasted incredible.

The absolute best part was the Pop-Tart mix-ins. I took my first bite and was instantly transported back to childhood. If you’ve ever had a frozen Pop-Tart, you know what I’m talking about! The combination of creamy Frosty and crunchy pastry was a symphony in my mouth. I was floored. And, on top of everything, the Pop-Tarts didn’t lose their flavor. The filling was sweet and worked well with the syrup.

I would put this Frosty Fusion on the same level as the Thin Mint Frosty. I only wish I had ordered a side of fries for the momentous occasion.

How long are the new Frostys at Wendy’s?

The Frosty Fusions and Frosty Swirls are part of the permanent Wendy’s menu! Because they’re absolutely perfect for the summer, I imagine you’ll be going back for more just like I will. Turns out, innovation is the key to success. Just don’t change your square burgers, Wendy’s.

Related:

• The Best Fast-Food Ice Cream, Ranked By a Food Writer
• Our Best Wendy’s Copycat Recipes
• McDonald’s Plans to Drop Something Brand-New This Year

The post Here’s Why the Brand-New Frosty at Wendy’s Won Me Over appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Regular horchata is sweet yet refreshing, and I can’t make it through a day without some form of coffee. This shaken espresso felt like it could be the best of both worlds!

What’s in the Starbucks Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso?

This drink is a mix of blonde espresso and horchata syrup shaken with ice and topped with creamy oat milk. According to the Starbucks app, the horchata syrup is “a fusion of cinnamon, vanilla and rice flavors.”

If you haven’t ventured into the realm of shaken espresso yet, I highly recommend it. Inspired by the Italian shakerato (aka chilled espresso), the Starbucks version also incorporates milk for a creamy element. I find it so much tastier than a basic iced coffee, even though they’re quite similar.

How does it compare to a classic horchata?

I don’t think the two are meant to be compared. Because the Starbucks drink is made with horchata syrup rather than real horchata, I wouldn’t have known it was a horchata-inspired drink if I tasted it in a lineup of unmarked iced coffees. The cinnamon flavor stood out, but the sweet rice milk was totally lacking.

That being said, the drink is good! You really can’t go wrong with cinnamon, vanilla, espresso and oat milk. It would have been a real winner if it were made with a base of horchata shaken with a double shot of espresso. While it wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for, I’d still order the drink again—and I want to try making my own version at home.

If you’re curious to test out the Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, it’ll be on the Starbucks menu through summer.

Related:

• Copycat Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
• The Nespresso Vertuo Plus Is the Best Coffee Pod Machine Money Can Buy
• The Starbucks ‘Teddy Grahams Shaken Espresso’ Is Like the Adult Version of the Snack

The post I Tried the Starbucks Horchata Shaken Espresso—Here’s My Honest Opinion appeared first on Taste Recipes.

3. Dairy Queen

DQ offers a lot of ice cream cake options for special order, and stores also keep the basics on hand for last-minute celebrations. We purchased the classic 8-inch round ice cream cake for $34. This size promises to serve eight to 10 guests.

The Dairy Queen ice cream cake has a layer of vanilla ice cream, followed by a crunch layer made with chocolate cookie crumbles and caramel, then a chocolate ice cream layer. The entire cake was frosted with a thin layer of smooth white icing and then decorated with delicate pink embellishments.

We appreciated that this cake was designed with ample space for a personalized message. Plus, DQ had the largest cake for the lowest price, so it was a good value! The one thing that struck us as odd was the fact that it was all ice cream and no cake. It was more like ice cream in the shape of a cake with the addition of frosting and decorations.

The crunch layer was the real standout here; we kept sneaking more bites of that fantastic center.

Bottom Line: If you’re all about the ice cream and less about the cake, this one is for you. In fact, if the DQ Blizzard is a favorite of yours, there is an Oreo Blizzard Cake that reflects this legendary menu item.

2. Baskin-Robbins

Walking into our local Baskin-Robbins, we were impressed by the variety of ice cream cakes in the freezer ready for pickup. Each one was decorated, and there was a colorful array of frostings to choose from. Ice cream options included chocolate chip, mint chip and pralines and cream. There were square, round and rectangular cakes. Some even had “Happy Birthday” pre-written on them for anyone who might be short on time. For people who want a fully custom cake, Baskin-Robbins can do that, too.

We selected a pink cake with lovely roses, made with chocolate chip ice cream and chocolate cake. This ice cream cake was comprised of about 2/3 ice cream and 1/3 cake, and the entire dessert was coated with a thick layer of frosting. It felt more like a true cake than DQ’s option. For $30, this rectangular cake is meant to serve six to eight. The flavor of the ice cream was just OK, and we found the cake to be a bit dry.

Bottom Line: This ice cream cake is for anyone who doesn’t want to miss out on a thick layer of frosting and elaborate decorations.

1. Coldstone

The “Tall, Dark & Delicious” cake from Coldstone was the absolute best ice cream cake. A small round signature cake from Coldstone will run $36 and should serve up to eight. This impressive cake is made with two layers of moist devil’s food cake, along with a layer of sweet cream ice cream mixed with brownies and a layer of chocolate ice cream mixed with Oreos. The whole cake is wrapped in fluffy white frosting and finished off with a cascading fudge ganache.

Even before taking the first bite, we knew this ice cream cake was perfection. We loved the equal layers of ice cream and cake. The ganache was rich and delicious as well as visually stunning. The ice cream layers were flavorful and creamy, and the cake layers were moist with a delicate crumb.

We can’t wait to return to Coldstone before our next party to pick up one of the other options we saw on display in the store. We were lured in by “Oreo Cookies and Cream Extreme,” “Cookie Dough Delirium,” “Strawberry Passion,” “Cake Batter Confetti,” “A Cheesecake Named Desire,” and “Peanut Butter Playground.” Coldstone even makes ice cream cupcakes for individual ice cream cake experiences!

Bottom Line: Everything about this ice cream cake was 10/10—the cake, the ice cream and the frosting.

Related:

• The Most Iconic Ice Cream Flavor in Every State
• The Best Fast-Food Ice Cream, Ranked By a Food Writer
• This Cult-Fave Dairy Queen Treat Is Discontinued, But You Can Still Order It With This Menu Hack

The post I Ordered Ice Cream Cakes at DQ, Coldstone and Baskin-Robbins—There Was One Clear Winner appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Now, Shake Shack has officially announced its own fried pickles, and I’m here to give you all the juicy details.

How are Shake Shack’s fried pickles?

Restaurants often attempt fried pickles, but often, they’re not well-executed (in my humble opinion). Sometimes they don’t have enough batter and end up as hot, soggy pickle slices wading in grease. Sometimes they’re so over-battered that the core essence is lost altogether.

I’m wildly excited to inform you that Shake Shack hit fried pickles right on the money—my only complaint is that there aren’t more in every order.

My first impression was pure joy. I could see the green rind of the eight pickles peeking through the edges of the golden brown batter. There was a tiny bit of grease coating the bottom of the cardboard clamshell, but that only informed me they were fresh out of the fryer. That’s a win for me.

I picked up my first pickle and admired the consistency. I took a bite and nearly wept at the crunch of the batter. When a food claims to be battered and fried, I expect it to be battered and fried! There was even a small, unexpected kick of spice in that crunchy coating.

Combined with Shake Shack’s delicious buttermilk ranch, I finished my order in less than a minute.  As far as fried pickles go, these were some of the best I’d had in a long, long time. Good work, Shake Shack.

How long will they be on the menu?

Fried pickles will only be on the menu through summer, so there’s no time to dawdle. When you visit your local Shack for a side of your own (as you should), don’t forget to order a Banana Pudding Shake while you’re there. I can’t imagine a more elite combo of fast food goodness.

And when the fried pickles have to make an exit, don’t worry. We’ve got the perfect fried pickles recipe for you.

The post This Popular Fast-Food Chain Just Quietly Added Fried Pickles to Its Menu appeared first on Taste Recipes.

My inherent yearning for coffee knows no bounds, and my heart instinctively kicks into high gear when I smell a seasonal menu on the horizon. I’m still reeling over the dramatically delicious Teddy Grahams Shaken Espresso at Starbucks, and it seems the joy doesn’t stop there.

The new Starbucks summer drinks have dropped, and my expectations are at an all-time high. With some fresh new additions alongside returning favorites, this will be a sweet summer indeed. Here’s everything you need to know!

The Starbucks Summer Drinks for 2025

Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

Never has a drink so immediately hooked me. I love horchata, so I know Starbucks has been listening in on my conversations lately. This brand-new shaken espresso combines Starbucks Blonde Espresso, oat milk and horchata-flavored syrup for a drink that will surely be the highlight of my summer.

Such a mix of light, smooth coffee with the fusion of cinnamon, sweet vanilla and subtle nutty notes from the syrup can only be described as absolutely divine. It’s got my vote.

Summer-Berry Refresher

This returning favorite has everything you loved the first time around—a summery mix of blueberry, raspberry and blackberry flavors shaken with ice and poured over tart raspberry-flavored pearls. If you love a little lemon in your life, you can also order this Refresher as a Summer-Berry Lemonade Refresher.

Summer Skies Drink

Think of this one as a new take on a returning favorite. The Summer Skies Drink features the sweetness of the Summer-Berry Refresher mixed with the creaminess of coconut milk. Refreshers with coconut milk seem to garner their own popularity, so I’m not surprised this drink has earned its own name. The mixture of the coconut milk and the bright blue refresher also creates a vibrant color combo that reminds me of a soft summer sky. Imagine sipping on this in the sunshine—perfection!

Starbucks Summer Menu Release Date

Starting May 20, you can order the seasonal drinks at participating Starbucks locations everywhere. Alongside these sweet and tasty drinks, you can also snag a brand-new Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop that has to be as delicious as it is adorable. This menu will be at Starbucks through summer, while supplies last.

Related:

• Starbucks Just Brought Back Its Free Refills and Other Popular Perks
• I Tried the Starbucks Iced Cherry Chai—Here’s My Honest Review
• Best Fast-Food Iced Coffees, Ranked

The post This Is Every Drink on the Starbucks 2025 Summer Menu appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Boo Buckets have come close, and kids loved the Furby toys and Hot Wheels cars. But no collection of Happy Meal toys could whip up a frenzy like Teeny Beanies—until now.

Here’s what Ronald McDonald himself has in store for us.

What is the new McDonald’s Happy Meal?

McDonald’s is bringing back its wildly popular Squishmallows Happy Meal toys! Your kiddo’s Chicken McNuggets will now come with one of 12 adorable plush characters, like the adorable cactus Maritza. Squish collectors, the full lineup is: Charles, Zumirez, Junie, Rorty, Mirren, Babs, Rossi, Maritza, Cam, Cookie, Stevon and Halley. Halley is an Intergalactic Axolotl, which is a brand-new McDonald’s exclusive.

Each pocket-sized Squishmallow comes with a character hang tag that tells you the name and a little about each Squish. There will also be a code to scan so you your kids can play an interactive game. No word on whether you’ll need tag protectors to protect your Squishmallows investment.

This collection is returning after a two-year hiatus, and people are already lighting up Instagram to say they’re having Happy Meals for dinner all week long.

When will McDonald’s have Squishmallows?

You can start building your Squish squad right now. The toys will only be available for a limited time while supplies last, so find your perfect Squish before they all disappear. If you don’t make it to McDonald’s for a Squishmallows Happy Meal, hold out for another couple of years. You can buy a full set of the 1998 McDonald’s Teeny Beanies on eBay for only $20.

Oh, and for the next hit McDonald’s Happy Meal toys? My bet is a Jellycats collection.

Related:

• 8 Best Fast-Food Kids Meals, Ranked
• Things You Probably Didn’t Know About McDonald’s Nuggets
• I Tried the New McDonald’s McCrispy Strips—Here’s My Honest Review

The post McDonald’s Just Brought Back This Wildly Popular Happy Meal After a Two-Year Hiatus appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Introduced in the early 1900s by Italian immigrants, Italian beef is a staple of our proud city. When you visit, expect to have at least four Italian beef restaurants nearby at all times. When it comes to Italian beef restaurants, Midwestern fast-food chain Portillo’s shines with a heavenly glow.

The chain was quick to capitalize on Chicago’s latest global achievement, the election of Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025. Just one day later, Portillo’s announced “the Leo,” a scrumptious Italian beef created in honor of its holy namesake.

I booked it over to my nearest Portillo’s as soon as I heard the news.

What does the Leo taste like?

This simple-looking Italian beef was quite possibly one of the most delicious sandwiches I’ve had in an obscenely long time. It’s been running laps around my brain, and now I want it for every meal. Breakfast? The Leo. Snack in the middle of the day? The Leo. Not even that hungry? The Leo.

Portillo’s humbly describes this sandwich as a “divinely seasoned Italian beef, baptized in gravy, and topped with your choice of sweet or hot peppers.” Every bite of this sandwich has oregano, basil, thyme and rosemary-soaked beef.

Any self-respecting Chicagoan goes extra dip with the gravy, but there are some drier options for those not looking for bread bathed in juice. As a lover of the spicy life, I also opt for both sweet and hot peppers.

The soft texture of the roll combined with the intense flavor of the tender beef and spark of the peppers created a Broadway spectacle on my tongue. I didn’t even stop to grab a napkin as the juice rolled down my wrists. I can’t speak for the Pope, but I have a feeling he’d be honored to be immortalized with such a meal.

How long will the Leo be at Portillo’s?

While I want the Leo to be available every day, I don’t think it will be a permanent menu item. Perhaps it will last through the end of May, or the end of summer. Possibly, it will be on the menu until Pope Leo XIV is no longer pope. For those unlucky few who can’t drive to a Portillo’s, check out our favorite Portillo’s copycat recipes and whip up a Leo at home.

The post This Fast-Food Chain Just Dropped a Sandwich Called ‘The Leo,’ and I Feel Blessed appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Now those drinks will finally appear on the menu at regular McDonald’s locations!

What’s new on the menu?

I’m no stranger to CosMc’s. In fact, I did a lengthy review of the chain’s menu this past January. While each drink has its merits, there are some that I hope to see more than others. I’m talking about you, French Toast Galaxy Latte, Pistachio Swirl Shaken Espresso and Sprite Moonsplash.

Between espresso drinks, energy boosters and shakes, CosMc’s is a fantasy of flavors fit for the adventurous! McDonald’s hasn’t confirmed which drinks will be coming to the menu, but I have some theories. The Chai Tea Latte and Turmeric Spiced Latte tend to collect high praise, and so does the Churro Cold Brew Frappe.

On the fruity side of the menu, the Sour Cherry Energy Burst and Island-Pick-Me-Up Punch both have the right amount of odd attraction to make people yearn for a sip. McDonald’s has yet to burst into the energy drink scene, so something fruity and caffeinated on the menu wouldn’t be a surprise.

If I had to choose a drink to add, it would be the Sprite Moonsplash. It already goes perfectly with the signature Sprite. I’d also get on my hands and knees for a Matcha Latte. McDonald’s, I’m begging you.

When will CosMc’s drinks officially begin to appear?

We know CosMc’s drinks will appear on menus in 2025, but we’re not sure exactly when. With so many iced drink options, though, we hope to see new drinks hit the menu sometime during the summer!

Related:

• I Tried the New McDonald’s McCrispy Strips—Here’s My Honest Review
• The Best Fast-Food Coffee You Can Order
• Every Drink on the McCafe Menu, Ranked by a Former Barista

The post I Just Discovered That McDonald’s Plans to Drop Something Brand-New This Year appeared first on Taste Recipes.

If you remember, McDonald’s had Chicken Selects on its menu for 10 years before discontinuing them in 2013. The next iteration, Buttermilk Crispy Tenders, was around from 2017 until 2020. I’ve tried all of McDonald’s previous chicken tenders in my lifetime, and the fast-food critic in me needed an honest taste of the new McCrispy Strips.

What do the McCrispy Strips taste like?

To be transparent, the strips were lackluster. The chicken itself tasted fine, so that wasn’t my problem. McDonald’s promised that the chicken strips would be “made with juicy, 100% white meat, coated with crispy golden-brown breading and bursting with a bold, new black pepper flavor.”

My stomach yearned for a thick, crunchy coating that would have me visiting McDonald’s constantly like the Snack Wraps used to. That’s not what I got.

The breading was way darker than I expected, and it wasn’t so much crispy as it was a single, homogeneous layer of peppered flour. Crunchy? Not that I could tell. It had the same consistency as a McChicken, and that’s not what I thought I was buying into. The breading softened by the second as I picked up each piece to dip into the new Creamy Chili Dip.

For some good news, the Creamy Chili Dip is an objective win. It has a rich, creamy pepper flavor with a masterfully measured amount of kick. I considered grabbing an order of McNuggets just to give them a blank canvas to paint upon!

McDonald’s has always been reliable when it comes to its lineup of sauces. I’m definitely going to grab a few of the Creamy Chili flavor for my emergency Mickey D’s sauce stash.

How long will McCrispy Strips be at McDonald’s?

The McCrispy Strips are the first permanent new menu item in over four years, so don’t worry about having to rush. You can grab a three-count for $5.29 or a four-count for $5.99. McDonald’s plans to roll out the strips nationwide by May 5, 2025. Check your McDonald’s app or a kiosk inside the restaurant for details!

Related:

• The Best Fast-Food Fried Chicken, Ranked
• This Is the Best McDonald’s Breakfast Sandwich Ever
• Chick-fil-A Just Brought Back a Sandwich Fans Haven’t Seen in Years

The post I Tried the New McDonald’s McCrispy Strips—Here’s My Honest Review appeared first on Taste Recipes.

It seems Shake Shack adores nostalgic comfort food as much as I do, because the chain added a Banana Pudding Shake to its summer menu. Being the banana pudding connoisseur that I am, I absolutely had to have a taste.

What’s in the Banana Pudding Shake?

Like its namesake dessert, this shake consists of frozen banana pudding custard made with real bananas, hand-spun with vanilla wafer cookies. It’s topped with a cloud of whipped cream and a vanilla wafer crumble.

Shake Shack is known for having some of the best fast-food shakes, so my expectations were high as I walked in to order.

What does the Banana Pudding Shake taste like?

The Banana Pudding Shake delivers on the banana pudding taste. I was extremely impressed with the cookie-to-frozen custard ratio, and the consistency was absolutely dreamy. It was thick enough to make me work for it, but not so thick that I got annoyed.

My shake didn’t have any of the promised Nilla Wafer crumbles on top, probably because I went the day the menu dropped. Honestly, though? I didn’t miss that final touch.

The banana flavor itself was subtle but real. Sometimes milkshakes have a heavy, inauthentic taste that makes me want to gag. (Sorry, Shamrock Shake, I’m looking at you.) This shake, however, left the artificial banana taste at home and relied on the power of fresh bananas. I was absolutely floored with the overall combination and found myself sucking it down to nothing almost instantly.

As I climbed into my car to leave Shake Shack, I stared longingly at the menu from outside, wishing I had purchased another. I imagine I’ll be taking a trip again tomorrow. Darn you, Shake Shack!

How long will it be on the menu?

The Banana Pudding Shake will likely be gone by the end of summer. Shake Shack is also dropping two other nostalgia-heavy flavors: Oreo Cookie Funnel Cake and Campfire S’mores. While I am a banana pudding lover at heart, the Campfire S’mores shake was a close second for me.

Now don’t go puddin’ it off—grab these shakes before they’re gone!

Related:

• We Made the Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe
• How to Make Milkshakes
• Ripe Banana Recipes to Use Up Your Bunch

The post This Iconic Fast-Food Chain Has Banana Pudding Shakes on the Menu for Summer appeared first on Taste Recipes.

We all know Colonel Sanders is the grandfather of fast-food fried chicken. But can he make a respectable waffle? I doubted it would live up to the hype. However, as a longtime lover of KFC, I had to place an order.

What’s the deal with chicken and waffles?

This southern staple is a sweet-and-salty indulgence. You can pair KFC’s waffles with the chain’s fried, bone-in chicken or its Original Recipe Tenders. For my first taste, I ordered waffles with three pieces of KFC’s extra crispy signature fried chicken plus an order of Ed Sheeran’s go-to fries on the side.

My order arrived with the chicken and waffles in a box, along with two containers of Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup.

Are KFC’s chicken and waffles good?

I knew what I was getting into with KFC’s chicken, so I first sampled the waffle on its own. This is a Liège-style waffle, meaning that it’s smaller and denser than a typical waffle. It also has a subtle glaze of pearl sugar that caramelizes, forming a thin crust when cooked. The result couldn’t be further from the soggy mush I feared I’d be tasting.

The waffle, even when doused with syrup, had a sweet, crispy texture and was so flavorful I could hardly stop eating it. I had to remind myself there was also the chicken to consider.

But let’s get to the chicken and waffles of it all. It was logistically challenging to arrange a bite of both chicken and waffle, and, admittedly, these bites weren’t my favorite. The two flavors cancelled each other out a bit. I recommend alternating bites of chicken and waffles and embracing the messiness of it all. Just be sure to grab extra napkins before you dive in!

The whole thing is wonderfully decadent and perfect for Saturday brunch. Fortunately, the KFC near me opens at 10:30 a.m.

How long are the chicken and waffles at KFC?

KFC hasn’t said how long its chicken and waffles will be on the menu. This item first appeared in 2020 and then quickly disappeared for a five-year hiatus, so if you want chicken and waffles, order sooner rather than later. While you’re there, check out KFC’s new Strawberry & Crème Pie Poppers, which just joined Apple Pie Poppers and Cherry Pie Poppers on the dessert menu.

Related:

• • Homemade Chicken and Waffles
  • Copycat KFC Fried Chicken
  • Is Raising Cane’s the Next Chick-fil-A?

The post KFC’s Chicken and Waffles Are Back—Here’s Our Honest Review appeared first on Taste Recipes.

What’s next on the King’s agenda? I heard whispers of a new drink coming for the hot summer months; whispers of a fruity, frozen concoction that could be topped with tiny, colorful Nerds. It’s the Frozen Strawberry drink, and I sped straight to the drive-thru for a taste.

What does the Frozen Strawberry drink taste like?

To begin, the drink is maddeningly sweet. I’d expect no less from this kind of beverage, though, and I imagine it will be such a sugary relief on hot summer days. The consistency is similar to the Icee I used to slurp at movie theaters as a kid—not so frozen that it won’t suck up through your straw, but just enough to make it thick so you let it melt on your tongue.

Honestly, the frozen strawberry drink hit like nostalgia. The syrup was strawberry to the umpteenth degree, and it reminded me of the Fla-vor-Ice tubes I used to crunch on when I was younger. Add the overdose of crunchy Nerds on top, and you’ve got an intensely saccharine experience.

Overall, it was tasty. I can only take so much sugar at a time, so this won’t be something I’ll order daily. However, the product delivers. It’s full of flavor with a unique texture combo that will likely find a foothold in many people’s fast-food agendas (especially the under-12 age group).

And I will say, it complements a Texas Double Whopper beautifully.

How long will the drink be at BK?

We asked Burger King how long the Frozen Strawberry drink would be on the menu and were told: “for a limited time!”

Not a conclusive answer, but we imagine it will stick around through the better part of summer. Next time you’re at the King, give it a try! The strawberry lover in you will be ecstatic.

The post Burger King Just Released a New Strawberry Frozen Drink, and It Tastes Like Nostalgia appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Cash vs. Card Tipping

Let’s make it easy: When dining at a full-service restaurant, tip 20%. That’s the standard. That’s the rule. No need to overthink it. If the service was excellent, tip more, and if someone made your night, let your tip reflect that. Cash is still king, yes, but credit card tips are absolutely welcome. They’re typically paid out on your server’s paycheck, which means they’re taxed and tracked, while cash usually goes right into their pocket at the end of the shift.

A lot of folks don’t realize that hospitality workers aren’t always guaranteed full minimum wage. In many states, the tipped minimum wage is much lower, as low as $2.13 an hour in some places. Employers are supposed to make up the difference if tips don’t bring workers to the standard minimum wage, but enforcement can be spotty, and wages can still fall short. Your tip isn’t just a thank-you—it helps servers pay bills.

Tip Pooling

Every restaurant is different. Some use tip pooling, others don’t—but in almost every case, servers tip out a percentage to bussers, runners, bartenders and even hosts. That great service you experienced? It was a group effort. Tip pooling formalizes what most servers already do: Share the wealth with the team that helped deliver the experience.

If your meal isn’t up to snuff, don’t go quiet and stiff the tip—say something. Give your server a chance to make it right. Most of us would rather fix the problem than lose your trust. If it’s a more significant issue, ask to speak with a manager. Good communication benefits everyone, from you, the guest, to the team taking care of you.

Many rules of etiquette come and go, but tipping well is always in style.

Related:

• Mistakes People Make When Dining in a Large Group
• Here’s How Much You Should Tip for Pizza Delivery
• Lifelong Lessons We Learned from Waiting Tables

The post This Is the Only Way to Make Sure Restaurant Servers Actually Get Your Tips appeared first on Taste Recipes.

While the chain’s quick service has stayed the same, its menu has changed drastically since the ’50s. Plenty of past menu items have been discontinued, so clearly, McDonald’s doesn’t sit on its laurels. The chain is constantly looking for the next big thing, and McCrispy Strips are next up to bat.

What are the new McCrispy Strips?

McCrispy Strips are a brand-new upgrade to the McDonald’s chicken menu. I’ve been a fan of McNuggets since I can remember, so I’m a loyal proponent of expanding the chicken options. I was a diehard fan of the Snack Wrap and still remember the Buttermilk Crispy Tenders from years ago.

I’m not alone—the McDonald’s community loves crispy chicken. The Golden Arches heeded the call of its fans and decided to drop its juicy, dippable chicken strips!

McDonald’s McCrispy Strips are made with real chicken and coated with a crispy breading. The best part? To go with the strips, McDonald’s introduced a brand-new Creamy Chili Dip. This sauce will be spicy, sweet and tangy—perfect adjectives to bring out the best in the salty McCrispy Strips.

When can I get McCrispy Strips?

McDonald’s will officially roll out McCrispy Strips nationwide by May 5, 2025. You’ll be able to purchase them in 3- or 4-piece counts accompanied by one or two Creamy Chili Dip sauces. You can also switch out the Creamy Chili Dip for your regular McDonald’s sauces.

No rush, because McCrispy Strips are a permanent menu item—the first in over four years.

Related:

• Sabrina Carpenter Is Waiting to Eat McDonald’s Until This Happens
• This Is the Best McDonald’s Breakfast Sandwich Ever
• I Tried a McDonald’s Hash Brown McFlurry Sandwich, and It Did Not Go According to Plan

The post McDonald’s Just Dropped McCrispy Strips—Here’s Everything We Know appeared first on Taste Recipes.

But I do have one bone to pick with DQ. My absolute favorite treat was taken off the menu years ago. And considering that a Change.org petition was started in 2018 to demand this item be brought back, I’m far from the only one who’s upset.

I’m talking, of course, about the S’mores Galore Parfait.

What is the S’mores Galore Parfait?

It’s incredibly hard to describe perfection, but I’ll give it a go. Fans of the decidedly inferior Peanut Buster Parfait will already know where to begin (I don’t know why they kept that parfait and got rid of my baby).

The S’mores Galore Parfait is layered with that signature DQ vanilla soft serve, hot fudge, marshmallow sauce and graham cracker crumbs. If you’re thinking, That’s it?, then I need you to think again. I’ll enumerate the perfection:

1. Vanilla soft serve: The perfect base for any treat. It’s cold, sweet and incredibly creamy.
2. Hot fudge: This is far superior to regular ol’ chocolate sauce. The contrast of warmth against the cool soft serve is a delight for the senses.
3. Marshmallow sauce: This is literally the secret sauce, and I don’t understand why it isn’t used in more desserts. Anyone who thinks it’s “too sweet” needs to grow up.
4. Graham cracker crumbs: The best way to add a little texture and flavor to each bite, graham cracker crumbs are far superior to nuts, which can be too hard. The delicate crumble of a graham cracker is the perfect accompaniment to the other ingredients.

These four ingredients work so beautifully together, and none of them outshines the others. It’s a symphony of a dessert. And it begs the question: Why did Dairy Queen ever take it off the menu? Well, they kind of … didn’t. Let me explain.

How can you order the S’mores Galore Parfait?

While Dairy Queen will always have their soft serve, hot fudge and marshmallow sauce on the menu, the graham cracker crumbs are more of a seasonal or specialty item. In order to get the S’mores Galore Parfait, you need to go to a DQ when the S’mores Blizzard is available. You guessed it: Graham cracker crumbs are one of the ingredients in the S’mores Blizzard.

I went to my local Dairy Queen on a quiet, rainy afternoon to see if they could make the treat. First, I just tried asking for the S’mores Galore Parfait by name. The cashier said he wasn’t familiar with it, and asked me if I had a photo.

I showed him the photo and said that it was similar to a Peanut Buster Parfait, and started naming off the ingredients. At this point, another employee came around the corner, saw the photo and immediately said, “Oh yeah, I can make that!” I was so pleasantly surprised that it was that easy! Not only did the second employee spring into action, but she showed the first employee how to make it.

When I took the first bite of my S’mores Galore Parfait, I felt instant bliss. It was so nice to enjoy a treat from my childhood again! A bonus was that the DQ employee actually added a new ingredient to the bottom layer: the marshmallow-filled chocolate bars from the S’mores Blizzard!

I have to say, this 2025 upgraded version might be the best Dairy Queen treat I’ve ever had. Don’t believe me? Go try one for yourself!

Related:

• Dairy Queen Quietly Dropped a New Dipped Cone, and We Need It Now
• Dairy Queen Is Bringing Back Its Popular S’Mores Blizzard This Summer
• How to Order a Dairy Queen Pup Cup

The post This Cult-Fave Dairy Queen Treat Is Discontinued, But You Can Still Order It with This Menu Hack appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Naturally, Sabrina has been everywhere on the internet. In an interview with LADBible, she revealed that she has never eaten at McDonald’s before. Shocking, I know! But what’s even more curious is that she has a specific goal she wants to accomplish before indulging in her first Big Mac.

Why is Sabrina Carpenter waiting to eat at McDonald’s?

Initially, when I had heard that Sabrina had never eaten at McDonald’s, I thought of two things. First, I wondered if she didn’t think McDonald’s was very healthy. And second, I felt sorry about the fact that she has never indulged in the simplicity of a perfect McDonald’s hash brown!

But according to this interview, it’s not that she doesn’t want to eat under the golden arches. It’s just that she is waiting for a specific achievement before she allows herself to enjoy it in all its glory.

It didn’t take any time at all for fans to pull it all together and theorize that Sabrina was waiting for her first Grammy before grabbing a Snack Wrap. The interview with LADBible took place in 2024, and Sabrina won not just one, but two Grammys at the 2025 ceremony in February.

As far as professional goals go, there really isn’t a higher honor for a musician than winning a Grammy, so it makes sense to speculate that this career achievement means she will finally go to McDonald’s. Let’s see if she enjoys the “Taste” of a McMuffin as much as the rest of the world does!

The post Sabrina Carpenter Is Waiting to Eat McDonald’s Until This One Thing Happens appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Now, as other spring menus begin to pop up, Panera has a brand-new item of its own: sandwich bread made with croissant dough. I need to know more about this flaky goodness!

What is ‘Croissant Toast?’

In a press release, Panera says the croissant toast is “an all-butter, flaky croissant sliced bread.” The loaf is made entirely from croissant dough! Look at the beautiful flaky swirls on every slice! I expect every bite to be like eating a croissant but better because this variation is toasted.

If you wish you could eat croissants for brunch and lunch, Panera has you covered. The croissant toast will be part of two brand-new sandwiches:

• Croque Monsieur Croissant Toast: This one has Black Forest ham, melted provolone and Asiago, plus a Gruyere and caramelized onion spread. It looks like a tidier version of a French croque monsieur.
• Fromage Croissant Toast: Basically a French grilled cheese with melted provolone and American cheeses, caramelized onions, arugula and garlic aioli.

Knowing Panera prides itself on daily fresh-baked bread, we have a lot of faith in the chain’s new croissant toast. Only time will tell if it will officially knock the bread bowls off the top of my list.

How long will it be at Panera?

Croissant toast is available now at participating Panera locations nationwide as a part of the spring menu. Oh, and the Strawberry Poppyseed Salad and Mexican Street Corn Chowder are both back on the menu, too!

The post Panera’s New ‘Croissant Toast’ Is the Bakery Mashup You Didn’t Know You Needed appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Truly, this has been an emotional rollercoaster for everyone involved, especially people who love pickles just as much as they love Popeyes. I count myself as one of those, so I grabbed everything on this limited-time menu. Here’s what I thought.

Pickle Glaze Sandwich

Popeyes holds the crown for best chicken sandwich, and the chain somehow found a way to make the classic even better. Instead of just loading the darn thing with a handful of pickle chips and calling it a day, the creators of this pickle sammie employed a “zesty pickle-flavored glaze.” At first, I was pretty disappointed there weren’t more actual pickles on this sandwich, because I enjoy the textural contrast they provide as much as their flavor. One solitary pickle slice is not enough for a pickle-celebrating sandwich!

But, after I got about halfway through the Popeyes pickle glaze sandwich, I didn’t care as much about the shocking lack of legitimate pickles. The pickle-flavored glaze is, in fact, quite zesty and very, very good! Flecked with dill, it has a light, vinegary tang that pairs beautifully with the buttery brioche bun. You can get boneless wings tossed in this glaze, too, if you’re in the mood for nothing but chicken.

Fried Pickles

There are many styles of fried pickles, and all of them are valid. Popeyes’s version uses pickle chips, coating them in a thick, dense flour batter that cooks up extra crisp. Personally, I like a thinner batter and a thicker-cut pickle, but that didn’t stop me from inhaling these. There is literally no such thing as a bad fried pickle.

Pickle Lemonade

Popeyes Pickle Lemonade tastes incredibly similar to lemon-lime Gatorade, which is my least favorite flavor of Gatorade. (Orange forever!) It’s not bad, though! I’d suggest sharing one with a friend so you can both say you at least tried it, and grab another drink to go with your meal. If you like it enough, you can always get another one for the road.

How long is the Pickle Menu at Popeyes?

The Popeyes Pickle Menu is available now at participating restaurants nationwide, but will only be around til May 5.

The post I Tried the Popeyes Pickle Menu—Here’s My Honest Review appeared first on Taste Recipes.

The chain has long been a customer favorite for its wide-ranging menu of hearty Italian-American dishes, its never-ending soup and salad and, of course, those warm, perfectly buttery breadsticks. In 2024, however, Olive Garden experienced just 0.8% growth in its system-wide sales.

What chain took over for number one restaurant chain?

The new leader in the casual dining space saw its sales climb by 14.7% in 2024, and that leader is the steakhouse chain Texas Roadhouse.

The chain, which serves up Southwestern-style steakhouse cuisine, has benefited from an increased consumer appetite for steak. It has also managed to keep its menu prices affordable for diners.

In addition to its steaks, Texas Roadhouse is well-known for its flavorful ribs, fresh-baked rolls (hello, honey cinnamon butter!) and popular appetizers like the “cactus blossom” fried onion platter and cheese-stuffed “rattlesnake bites.”

Other chains also experienced significant growth last year, including Chili’s, which leapfrogged Applebee’s to place third in the new ranking due to its 15% growth in sales, and LongHorn Steakhouse, which saw 7.2% growth in sales. LongHorn passed over rival Outback Steakhouse to rank as the nation’s sixth-biggest casual dining chain.

What other restaurants are part of the Texas Roadhouse family?

Texas Roadhouse’s success has allowed the chain to expand its offerings to two other growing restaurant concepts—Bubba’s 33 and Jaggers. Bubba’s 33 is a sports bar-inspired casual dining concept known for its pizza, wings and burgers with over 40 locations across the country, including restaurants in Texas, Indiana and Florida. Jaggers is a fast-casual chain that offers burgers, chicken sandwiches and shakes. It currently boasts 20 locations across the U.S. including spots in Indiana, North Carolina and Kentucky.

The post Olive Garden Is No Longer America’s Top Restaurant Chain—Here’s What Took Its Spot appeared first on Taste Recipes.

3. McDonald’s

At McDonald’s, an order of hotcakes includes three pancakes, each exactly five inches in diameter, as well as one container of hotcake syrup and two pats of whipped butter.

The first thing we noticed about the McDonald’s pancakes was that they looked perfect—almost too perfect. Each one was precisely the same size. Even before taking the first bite, it was clear that these must have been made by a machine and reheated, rather than flipped fresh from the griddle. The color was a bit pale, and they were pretty thin.

Bite-wise, these pancakes were slightly rubbery. The hotcake syrup was not pure maple syrup but rather corn syrup with flavoring and caramel color. At $4.99 for three pancakes, McDonald’s offered mid-range value for its stack.

Bottom line: Of the three restaurants we sampled, McDonald’s was the only one with a drive-thru option for pancakes. This is your best bet if you want pancakes that don’t require getting out of the car.

2. Denny’s

While Denny’s is a diner typically associated with sit-down service, we found it offers speedy and efficient to-go ordering. We ordered a small stack of pancakes for $3.49. Moments later, the order was up, and we were on our way.

A lovely, sweet aroma wafted from the to-go box. Inside were two pancakes, each six inches in diameter. They had a golden brown hue and arrived with a container of syrup but no butter. The taste test revealed that the pancakes were as sweet as they smelled. Depending on your palate, one might even declare these a little too sweet. We wished there was a container of salty whipped butter included to offset it a bit. Denny’s syrup, like McDonald’s, was doctored up high-fructose corn syrup rather than a natural option.

However, it was clear that these pancakes were made from scratch to order, which we certainly appreciated.

Bottom line: The pancakes from Denny’s were easily the best value. If you prefer a sweeter pancake, these are definitely for you.

1. IHOP

A three-stack of original buttermilk pancakes at IHOP sells for $7.99, making them the priciest pancakes on our list. That being said, they were also far and above the best of the bunch! IHOP lived up to expectations, given that “pancakes” is in its name. The order arrived with two containers of old-fashioned pancake syrup and two whipped butters. Each pancake was six inches in diameter, and they were clearly made to order.

Each pancake was a deep golden color and delightfully thick and fluffy. The pancakes were a sweet treat, but not overly so. The salted butter was delightful as well. Like the other two chains, IHOP’s syrup is corn syrup-based. Our only complaint is that a pancake house should offer pure maple syrup for its signature menu item.

Bottom line: When the word pancakes is in your name, you better deliver, and IHOP does exactly that. These might have been the most expensive fast-food pancakes, but they were worth it from the first bite to the last.

The post I Taste-Tested the Pancakes at McDonald’s, Denny’s and IHOP—Here’s the Clear Winner appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Instead of an employee taking your order for Chalupas and a Baja Blast, some Taco Bell drive-thrus will have AI order-takers. In a press release, Yum! Brands, the parent company of Taco Bell, says this will “optimize drive-thru efficiency,” but customers aren’t so sure.

What are people saying about Taco Bell’s AI drive-thru?

Taco Bell has already begun testing its AI technology in select drive-thrus—and the backlash has been swift.

On the Reddit community r/tacobell, users have expressed that the AI makes them “feel gross,” and some have threatened to leave Taco Bell behind rather than interact with AI. Over at r/Economics, one person was more introspective about losing the human touch:

“I’ve used it twice at Taco Bell and it worked fairly well without mistakes, albeit slow to complete order / repeated too much info,” the Redditor said. “Despite that, it made me feel kinda stupid and empty in the moment, creating a point of self-reflection: ‘I just ordered food talking to a robot […]'”

Will Taco Bell’s AI drive-thrus last?

Big Tech has entered the fast-food space in all kinds of ways. Flippy, a robotic fry cook, has been working at White Castle locations since 2022. In Fort Worth, Texas, McDonald’s has been testing a system that geolocates customers and only starts preparing food when you’re within a certain radius of the restaurant. Wendy’s tested drone delivery in Virginia.

That kind of technology generally appeals to customers. But AI voice ordering in the drive-thru stokes a unique level of ire.

For one thing, the very nature of voice recognition tech—recording a customer’s voice and studying the interaction for greater accuracy in the future—can feel like a violation of privacy. By using the drive-thru, customers effectively sign on to help train the AI when all they probably wanted was a Crunchwrap Supreme.

From everything we’ve seen up to this point in fast food’s Big Tech journey, AI’s voice recognition capabilities simply aren’t good enough for prime time. AI has a hard time processing accents, which is not great given that fast-food chains serve customers of every conceivable demographic.

AI also isn’t great at interpreting customized orders, such as meat substitutions or extra tortillas on the side—and Taco Bell’s menu is nothing if not a sandbox that invites customization.

Last year, McDonald’s ended its trial run of AI voice recognition in the drive-thru. TikTok has a library of viral videos that appear to show orders being bungled by the technology (and often rescued by human employees).

Taco Bell says its AI will provide a more natural ordering experience, but I’ll believe it when I can successfully order a Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito, sub shredded cheese for the nacho cheese sauce.

The post Taco Bell Wants AI to Take Your Drive-Thru Order—and People Aren’t Happy appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Well, we’re here to axe you just one question. Would you block off some time to pick up a Happy Meal? I guess it’s nether here nor there—McDonald’s knows how to craft a Happy Meal no matter what!

What is the new McDonald’s Happy Meal?

Did I drop enough obvious clues? McDonald’s is officially launching A Minecraft Movie Happy Meal!

As an active Minecraft player, this makes my youthful heart so very, very happy. The new Happy Meal will include one of 12 different Blockhead or Blockworld toys from both the film and the game. That means cute little bees, explosive Creepers and fluffy sheep.

Better yet, for all my fellow older Minecraft fans out there, McDonald’s didn’t forget about us. Along with the Happy Meal is A Minecraft Movie Meal that will include one of six different collectibles created just for this meal. McDonald’s and Minecraft teamed up to reimagine iconic McDonald’s items as they would be in the Minecraft Overworld. Some of these include a Grimace Egg, a Big Mac Crystal and even what appears to be a Zombie Hamburglar. Incredible.

Aside from the return of the Shamrock Shake, I think this may be my favorite McDonald’s 2025 event so far.

When can I order the Minecraft meal?

A Minecraft Movie Happy Meal will drop on April 1, 2025, right before the movie’s release on April 4. The meals will only be available for a limited time while supplies last, so there’s no time to drag your little iron boots. Grab a bundle and collect ’em all before they disappear!

The post McDonald’s Just Launched a New Happy Meal—Here’s What’s Inside appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Never fear because every time The Cheesecake Factory closes a door, it opens a window. In this instance, the chain closed 13 doors and opened 23 windows. So it’s a win!

Which menu items have been cut?

If you searched the lengthy menu for any of these, my Parmesan-crusted heart goes out to you. The 13 items that will no longer be available are:

• Everything Flatbread Pizza
• Mushroom Burger
• Seared Ahi Tuna Salad
• White Chicken Chili
• Spicy Cashew Chicken
• Bistro Shrimp Pasta
• Fried Shrimp Platter
• Petite Filet
• Factory Combinations
• Loaded Mashed Potato Omelette
• Taco Dorados and Eggs
• SkinnyLicious Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken
• SkinnyLicious Spicy Shrimp Pasta

What’s new on the menu?

The Cheesecake Factory is leaning into viral food trends for this menu revamp. It’s hard to underscore just how much influence TikTok has on the food scene at large! Several of the new menu additions, like the Asian Cucumber Salad and Thai Stir Fried Noodles, were inspired by viral TikTok recipes.

The new mean leans into the increasing popularity of mocktails with several new drink options, some of which feature the tart citrus fruit, yuzu. Of course, The Cheesecake Factory is not above “inspiration” from its competitors, which is how a Double Smash Burger ended up on the menu. The famous brown bread is also being turned into a bun for any of your sandwich needs.

In all, this is a great way for The Cheesecake Factory to stay relevant and serve food that fans actually want to eat. I can think of another popular chain that could benefit from following this lead and permanently bring back, oh, I don’t know, the Mexican pizza.

The post The Cheesecake Factory Just Cut 13 Items from Its Menu—Here’s the Full List appeared first on Taste Recipes.

The Filet-O-Fish is the original fast-food fish sandwich, and it’s a classic choice for people who want fast food during Lent.

What if we could make the Filet-O-Fish even better, though? I had to find out if there was a way. I found three Filet-O-Fish hacks and headed to McDonald’s on a blustery Friday night to test them out.

Request No Tartar Sauce

I’ve heard murmurings from people that ordering without tartar sauce would result in a freshly made sandwich. Hopping onto the Mickey D’s app, I selected the Filet-O-Fish and was able to easily customize my sandwich to ditch the wonky tartar sauce. I then drove to McDonald’s to collect my prize.

When I picked up the unassuming sandwich and took a bite, I was met with…disappointment. A Filet-O-Fish with no sauce isn’t the right fit for me. The combo of fish and bread was much too dry for my taste, and it was clearly lacking its most iconic element. While the flavor of the fish was definitely highlighted, the sandwich wasn’t noticeably fresher, and I wouldn’t order it again.

Order an Extra Fish Patty

This viral hack appeared on a Reddit thread, where a user mentioned that the McDonald’s app allows you to make a Double Filet-O-Fish into a Triple Filet by adding an additional fillet for $1.10.

Let it be known that my app charged me $1.20 for an additional fillet. Nevertheless, I created the three-story behemoth. It was a whole ‘lotta fish. I could barely take a bite! The Reddit user claimed it was a better fish-to-bread ratio, and I have to agree. There was more tartar sauce, too. Overall, the sandwich was tasty with extra fish, but not worth the extra cost. Where I live in Chicago, a single Filet-O-Fish is $4.69, while a triple is $7.69.

Replace the Tartar Sauce with Big Mac Sauce

This last hack comes from TikTok user @chefmikeharacz, a former McDonald’s corporate chef. In one of his videos, he mentions that Big Mac sauce on a Filet-O-Fish is even better than tartar sauce. Color me curious! Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to add this one to my McDonald’s app order because you can’t customize the Filet-O-Fish with Big Mac sauce, and you can’t order the sauce separately. When I got to McDonald’s to pick up my order, I just asked at the drive-thru for a Filet-O-Fish with Big Mac sauce instead of tartar sauce.

I took a bite of this sandwich and it was heavenly. Big Mac sauce is basically elevated tartar sauce, and it suits the Filet-O-Fish wonderfully. The subtle sweetness of the sauce was a fantastic complement to the fish.

Of the three Filet-O-Fish hacks, this is the one I liked most. You’re looking at my new Filet-O-Fish order!

The post I Tested 3 Viral Filet-O-Fish Hacks—Here’s the One That Actually Works appeared first on Taste Recipes.

While it’s true that you can enjoy ice cream year-round, Dairy Queen knows that its sweet treats have a special place in our hearts during the warmer months. That’s why DQ wants to treat you to free ice cream to usher in the season.

When is Dairy Queen Free Cone Day?

Free Cone Day 2025 will be on Thursday, March 20, aka the official first day of spring. You can visit any DQ and ask for a free small vanilla soft serve cone with that signature Dairy Queen swirl on top. Just two things to keep in mind: There’s a limit of one cone per customer, and you can’t order using the mobile app.

That’s not the only reason to celebrate. DQ is also launching a sweepstakes leading up to Free Cone Day. Now through March 19, download the DQ App and sign up for rewards for a chance to win free cones for an entire year!

Why does Dairy Queen do Free Cone Day?

It’s a day of appreciation and thanks for all their loyal treat enthusiasts. The tradition started in 2014 and has happened almost every year on the first day of spring. (It was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic.) You might want to add this day to your calendar so you never miss out on free ice cream!

While you’re at Dairy Queen, I highly suggest that you check out their new limited edition Crunchin’ Cookie Dipped Cone. It’s a cone dipped in a crunchy blue cookie confection that will be in my order rotation while it lasts.

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21. Blazin’ Knockout

This, the hottest wing on the Buffalo Wild Wings menu, is explicitly designed to murder you, not to be enjoyed. This is something you order in attempt to show off in front of your friends, only to fail miserably, spending the remainder of your time together suffering in silence while refusing milk or any offers of help because you’re “totally fine.”

20. Desert Heat Dry Rub

Buffalo Wild Wings offers five different sauce-less wings, and the Desert Heat Dry Rub is supposed to be the spiciest of the lot. But they’re not really all that spicy, and they’re not that remarkable either. There are much better dry rubs on the BWW menu for people who want to keep their fingers and faces clean.

19. Wild

Not quite as hot as the Blazin’ Knockout, but still hot enough to barely be enjoyable. And I’m someone who can handle heat! However, too much heat drowns out the flavor of everything else, and if that’s the case, why bother eating wings at all? Why not just pour hot sauce directly on your tongue and call it a day?

18. Teriyaki, Sweet BBQ and Honey BBQ

I’m lumping these three wings together because they all generate the same emotional response, which is “meh.” These are such generic sauces, you probably have all three in your fridge right now. These are the sorts of flavors that are fine for a backyard barbecue or quick air-fried dinner, but if you’re bothering to go out to a restaurant, do better than something you can easily make at home.

17. Orange Chicken

After eating these wings, I realized how essential it is to eat takeout orange chicken with white rice, since the starch helps offset the sweetness that sticks on your tongue. Without it, these wings stop being fun after a couple bites. They’re a good choice if you order a range of wings to share, but not for rolling solo.

16. Buffalo Dry Rub

I’m pretty sure the only reason these exist is so you can eat Buffalo wings on a date without getting bright red sauce all over your face or messing up your lipstick, and I love that. I had never considered Buffalo Wild Wings as a place of romance before, but now, thanks to this wing, I do. But outside of that, there’s no reason to order these over the many other, better Buffalo-flavored wings on the menu.

15. Thai Curry

A respectable effort! And maybe something fun to get if you’ve got a crowd together and want to get a whole slew of wings from across the flavor spectrum. While this isn’t the most remarkable fried curry chicken I’ve ever tasted, I suppose it makes Buffalo Wild Wings a good spot when you’re in the mood for Thai, but your kids refuse to go to any sort of restaurant that doesn’t have mozzarella sticks on the menu. (Remember: They’ll move out one day, and you’ll be able to eat whatever you want again. Hang in there!)

14. Chipotle BBQ Dry Rub

These chicken wings taste like barbecue potato chips, which is a thing I didn’t even realize I needed until Buffalo Wild Wings gave it to me. Even though dry rubs are, by nature, designed to leave less mess than sauce, these are better when they’re dipped in way too much ranch to be socially acceptable.

13. Hot

These are the third spiciest wings on the Buffalo Wild Wings menu and the only ones that succeed in bringing the pain while also delivering flavors besides fire. You can still taste the sharp tang of vinegar before the heat creeps in, which is just as important as feeling the burn. Good job, BWW.

12. Medium and Mild

To my fire-tolerant palate, there wasn’t much of a noticeable difference between these two wings. You’ll probably be able to tell if you’re spice-sensitive, but you won’t lose or gain anything flavorwise by opting for one or the other. They’re good, but in a field of over 20 sauces, they’re also pretty boring. But maybe you like boring. You do you.

11. Mango Habanero

I have been metaphorically burnt by so many bad mango habanero wings in the past that I’d all but given up on them, but these wings made me a believer again. They’re sweet without being too sweet, with a legitimate kick that will make you remember why this fruity flavor combo works so well in the first place. I’m proud of them.

10. Lemon Pepper

There are two lemon pepper wings on the menu: one with dry rub and one with sauce. And the one with dry rub is better, which is why this wing is all the way down here. It’s still good, though; I’m not mad at it.

9. Asian Zing

This sauce takes a lot of its flavor cues from Southeast Asia, balancing soy sauce saltiness, fish sauce savoriness and sugary sweetness with Thai chile fire. As someone who loves all these things, I liked these wings, and you will, too.

8. Caribbean Jerk

Don’t worry about burning your face off with Scotch bonnets. Buffalo Wild Wing’s take on jerk sauce leans more on spice than spicy, with lots of warm notes of clove and allspice. These are also excellent when eaten cold in front of an open fridge at 2 a.m., in case you want to order a few extra to take home.

7. Nashville Hot

These wings would have been rated higher if they came with more pickles, which, in my professional opinion, are a critical component when eating Nashville hot chicken. Tip from a legitimate expert: Wrap one around your wing before you take a bite, so you get a spritz of something sour while your tongue gets punched with spice.

6. Parmesan Garlic

Though I love Parmesan and garlic, they’ve never really endeared themselves to me on chicken wings. Then I was told by the incredibly wise manager of the Buffalo Wild Wings that I should order them boneless with a side of marinara to make bite-sized chicken Parm. In doing so, I changed my life forever. (She also recommended ordering cheese curds, if you want to get really crazy. This woman is truly a genius.)

5. Lemon Pepper Dry Rub

What makes lemon pepper dry rub better than its sauced counterpart? Enough lemon flavor to make your ears perk up. Though they’re not so tart your mouth will pucker, they are aggressively lemony and lovely at that.

4. Jammin’ Jalapeno

Simply put: This wing is great. No complaints from me. Had I not been conducting this very serious taste test, I probably wouldn’t have ordered them, because they don’t pop out as the most compelling option on a menu with so many choices. But my gorgeous, intelligent and incredibly sexy editor bestowed this assignment upon me, thus thrusting this wing into my life, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

3. Original Buffalo

The original recipe for Buffalo wings hits just as heavy with butter as it does with hot sauce. I’ve eaten my way around Buffalo (as one does as a chicken wing professional), and while these aren’t quite as good as the ones from Mr. Goodbar, Kelly’s Korner or the Anchor Bar, they’re as close as I’ve ever had from a chain, and the best Buffalo-style wing on the entire menu. Everything really is better with butter!

2. Spicy Garlic

Garlic is one of my absolute favorite things on earth, so I’m incredibly biased when it comes to judging this wing. This sauce needs equilibrium to work (too spicy, you won’t taste the garlic; too garlicky, the spice becomes pointless), and it achieves the right balance. These have obviously been touched by the hand of some of the world’s most brilliant wing scientists, and it shows.

1. Salt & Vinegar Dry Rub

Salt and powdered vinegar can make it impossible to taste the potato when doused on chips. They still pack a punch on wings, but don’t take over the whole game, and it’s wonderful. As tasty as the best Buffalo Wild Wings sauces are, they’re so flavorful you can’t often taste the actual chicken. Meanwhile, this simple rub adds flavor without covering everything else up. If you also think the best part of a roast chicken is the crispy, savory skin, this will become your new favorite wing, too.

The post I Taste-Tested Every Buffalo Wild Wings Sauce—Here’s the Best One appeared first on Taste Recipes.

I’m the country’s leading fast-food critic (according to my editor), and as such, I’m well-acquainted with the chain restaurant landscape. I hold unreasonably strong opinions about all fast-food burgers. And while McDonald’s may be most famous for its Big Mac and Quarter Pounder, the Steak Egg & Cheese Bagel is low-key the best sandwich on the entire menu.

What’s so great about McDonald’s Steak Egg & Cheese Bagel?

The breakfast menu actually has three bagel sandwiches, the others being Bacon, Egg & Cheese and Sausage, Egg & Cheese. But McDonald’s Steak Egg & Cheese Bagel is something truly special. It’s preposterously indulgent. This is not a healthy McDonald’s breakfast by any means, nor is it something to be eaten casually. This is a sammie that you order when you need a morning meal.

The bagel is not great, and that’s fantastic. I grew up in New York City, so bagels are another food group I take seriously. And if McDonald’s used a serious bagel in this situation, the sandwich wouldn’t be as good. This bagel is too dense and chewy to be enjoyable with cream cheese, but as the base of something marvelously greasy, it couldn’t be more perfect. It sucks up all the errant juices and flavors from the fillings without losing structural integrity.

As for those fillings, there’s a fluffy folded egg topped with a slice of melted American cheese and sweet roasted onions. Then there’s a steak burger patty, which is exclusive to breakfast for reasons unknown. It’s far better than the beef patties used on the Big Macs or McDoubles (which are small and have a tendency to dry out), with enough moisture to balance out the egg.

A simple sandwich becomes sublime if all its elements work in perfect unison, and that’s exactly what the McDonald’s Steak Egg & Cheese Bagel achieves.

Is there a way to make this bagel even better?

While I think this breakfast sandwich is perfect on its own, it can be brought to higher levels of wonderment with the addition of McNugget sauces. I’m partial to Buffalo, but McDonald’s Tangy Barbecue Sauce is also a strong option. It’s essential to request extra napkins, as this sandwich will definitely leave your hands greasy, the way good fast food should.

Just remember: Even if McDonald’s Steak Egg & Cheese Bagel is the best sandwich on the menu, it’s only available for breakfast, so get there before 11 a.m.

The post This Is the Best McDonald’s Breakfast Sandwich Ever—and It’s Not Even Close appeared first on Taste Recipes.

The staple chicken sandwich is a perennial top ranker in fast-food chicken sandwich taste tests. The seasonal and limited edition offerings are strong, too, and fans have been known to shed a tear when beloved menu items disappear.

The Smokehouse BBQ Bacon Sandwich dropped off the menu in 2022, but Chick-fil-A just confirmed its return!

What’s on the Chick-fil-A Smokehouse BBQ sandwich?

Expect a juicy grilled chicken filet topped with crispy brown sugar and black pepper bacon, Colby Jack cheese, lettuce and a savory, smoky barbecue sauce. The bun will be fluffy, toasted and buttery, so this truly is the sandwich of dreams.

When this sandwich was on the menu three years ago, it only came with the original breaded chicken filet. This time around, though, customers to order a spicy breaded chicken filet or grilled chicken filet! I’m an absolute sucker for the Spicy Chicken Sandwich, so you know I’ll be sampling this bad boy with spicy chick. Thank you for blessing us, Chick-fil-A. You can bet it will be my pleasure to chow down on this sandwich.

When does the spring menu drop?

The Smokehouse BBQ Sandwich drops on March 17, 2025. To complete the spring menu, Chick-fil-A also has a new line of Pineapple Dragonfruit beverages. You can order Pineapple Dragonfruit mixed with regular lemonade, Frosted Lemonade, iced tea and Sunjoy (aka 50-50 ice tea and lemonade). The new items will be available at participating locations but only for a “limited time,” according to Chick-fil-A.

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