Review: Carl's Jr. - Jalapeno Poppers

Carl's Jr.'s Jalapeno Poppers are deep-fried, breaded jalapeno and cheddar cheese bites.

An order of six Poppers was $2.99.

Belgian Waffles Return to White Castle

Imported Belgian waffles are coming back to White Castle starting April 5, 2015. Returning are Belgian Waffle Breakfast Sliders, Chicken & Waffle Sliders, and Mini Belgian Waffles, along with new Strawberry and Cream Waffles.

McDonald's to Serve Chicken Raised Without Human Antibiotics

McDonald's plans to only serve chicken raised without antibiotics that are important to human medicine within the next two years.

Review: Taco Bell - Biscuit Tacos

Taco Bell's Biscuit Tacos are breakfast tacos featuring a buttermilk biscuit "shell" with various fillings including fried chicken strips, sausage, bacon, eggs, and cheese.

To cover the range of ingredients, I went and got the Sausage and Cheese Biscuit Taco, the Crispy Chicken Biscuit Taco with Jalapeno Honey, and the Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit Taco.

It cost $2.19 for Sausage and Cheese Biscuit Taco and $2.69 each for the other two.

Popeyes Introduces New Tabasco-Marinated Fried Chicken Strips

Popeyes' latest flavor is new Tabasco-marinated fried chicken strips that they're calling "Red Stick Chicken."

The name derives from the little red sticks that the folks at McIlhenny Company, the makers of Tabasco sauce, use to determine when a pepper is perfectly ripe (when the color of the stick and peppers match, the pepper is ready).

New Bacon Cheddar Tendercrisp Sandwich at Burger King

New at Burger King is the limited-time Bacon Cheddar Tendercrisp Sandwich. It features a crispy breaded chicken breast filet with lettuce, tomato, American cheese, bacon, and a cheddar sauce on a brioche-style bun.

Review: Tazo - Organic Chai Latte

Tazo's Organic Chai Latte features a liquid concentrate of black tea, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and vanilla that you simply mix with milk to make a hot or cold chai tea latte.

It was $3 for a 32 fl oz-carton (I got it at Target and they had both organic and non-organic version at the same price, so I went for the organic).

Starbucks Introduces Two New Wraps

Starbucks adds two new wraps as quick to-go options that can be found in their refrigerated displays. There's a new Edamame Hummus Wrap and a new Thai-Style Peanut Chicken Wrap.

Taco Bell Testing Ghost Pepper and Habanero Sauces

Taco Bell is in the midst of testing out new Ghost Pepper and Habernero sauces in a new menu item that they're calling the "Daredevil Loaded Griller."

The new test item has been spotted out in the greater Cincinnati area of Ohio.

Review: Trader Joe's - Easter Dove Bread

Trader Joe's Easter Dove Bread ("Columba di Pasqua") is a sweet dessert bread interspersed with candied orange peel, topped with almonds and pearl sugar.

A 16-oz loaf was $4.99.

KFC Rolls Out New Toasted Burritos in UK

Perhaps borrowing a page from sister chain Taco Bell, KFC has rolled out new Toasted Burritos over in the UK.

The burritos come filled with spicy rice, beans, salsa, lettuce, and chipotle mayo and can come filled with either Original Recipe, Zinger, or Pulled Chicken.

McAlister's Deli Adds Four New Pastas

McAlister's Deli adds four new pasta dishes to their menu: Chicken Bacon Jalapeno, Four Cheese Chili, Chicken Cavatappi, and Cavatappi.

Review: Starbucks - Birthday Cake Frappuccino

Starbucks' Birthday Cake Frappuccino features a Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino with hazelnut syrup, topped with raspberry-infused whipped cream.

It was $4.15 for a 12-oz Tall size.

Carl's Jr. and Hardee's Introduce New Thickburger El Diablo

Carl's Jr. and Hardee's look to add some extra heat with the new, limited-time Thickburger El Diablo. The burger features four spicy ingredients: sliced jalapenos, Jalapeno Poppers, habanero bacon sauce, and pepper jack cheese. Also included are a seasoned Black Angus patty in various sizes, crispy bacon, and a Fresh Baked Bun.

Wendy's Discontinues Pretzel Cheeseburger

It was just last year that it was declared permanent but Wendy's has discontinued the Pretzel Bacon Cheeseburger. Additionally, the Monterey Crispy Chicken Sandwich has also ended its most recent run on the menu.

Review: The Coffee Bean - Thai Tea Latte and Ice Blended

The Coffee Bean's Thai Tea Latte and Ice Blended both feature Assam black tea and the flavor of condensed milk (and what appears to be a healthy dose of food coloring).

It cost me $3.99 for the small 12-oz iced latte and $4.19 for the 12-oz Ice Blended (which is a more shake-like drink).

Schlotzsky's Debuts Four New Oven-Baked Pastas as Part of New Italian Menu

Schlotzsky's introduces four new oven-baked pasta dishes, three new ciabatta sandwiches, and a new pizza for their new "Viva l'Italia!" ("Hooray for Italy") menu at participating locations.

Starbucks Celebrates 20th Birthday of Frappuccino with Very Limited-Time Birthday Cake Version

Starbucks' Frappuccino turns 20 this summer but they're celebrating now with a very limited-time Birthday Cake Frappuccino that's only available through Monday, March 30, 2015, at participating Starbucks locations.

Review: Panda Express- Chinese Spare Ribs

Panda Express' Chinese Spare Ribs are marinated and slow-cooked before being finished in a wok with a Chinese barbecue sauce. The sauce features sesame oil, mirin (a sweet rice wine), red chili bean paste, garlic, and red peppers.

A 2-entree plate was $6.80 plus a $1.25 upcharge for the ribs (a total of $8.05).

Free Hot Dog on a Stick on March 28th at Hot Dog on a Stick

Apparently, Saturday, March 28, 2015, is National Something on a Stick Day. To celebrate, participating Hot Dog on a Stick locations will give a free Hot Dog on a Stick to customers who come by with a printable version of the chain's signature hat.

Review: Tropical Smoothie Cafe - Smoked Jalapeno Chicken Taco

Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s Smoked Jalapeno Chicken Taco features grilled chicken with a smoked jalapeno spread, bacon, shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and red onions served on a flour tortilla. It is one of three limited time Artisan Tacos.

The Artisan Tacos go for $2.99 each or 2 for $5.69 at my local store.

Gyros Back for a Limited Time at Arby's

Gyros are back at Arby's for a limited time through the end of April, but only at select locations.

The Greek-inspired flatbread sandwich features a choice of either thin-sliced roast turkey or beef along with Greek seasoning, tzatziki sauce, sliced red onions, shredded lettuce, and sliced tomatoes, folded inside of a pita.

Church's Offers $10 Slam Dunk Meal Deal Through March 29, 2015

Church's Chicken is offering a $10 Slam Dunk Meal Deal through March 29, 2015 amid the Sweet 16 portion of the men's college basketball tournament this year.

Review: Chick-fil-A - Frosted Lemonade

Chick-fil-A's Frosted Lemonade features a blend of their signature Ice Dream soft serve and their fresh-squeezed lemonade.

It comes in a 16-oz cup and cost me $3.25.

Preview: Taco Bell's New Biscuit Tacos & Chickstar

A slew of new breakfast items are hitting Taco Bell starting this Thursday, March 26, 2015, including new Biscuit Tacos, a trio of new Crispy Chicken items, and Mountain Dew Kickstart soda and I got to check all them out at a recent preview event at Taco Bell headquarters.

Burger King Brings Back Chicken Fries Permanently

After being discontinued back in 2012 and brought back for a limited-time last summer, Chicken Fries are now back permanently at Burger King.

Review: Carl's Jr. - Red Hook Beer Battered Cod Fish Sandwich

Carl's Jr.'s Red Hook Beer Battered Cod Fish Sandwich features a cod filet fried with batter made with Redhook Extra Special Bitter (ESB) ale, lettuce, tomato, tartar sauce, and a sesame bun.

It goes for $3.99 in my area but I received this courtesy of Carl's Jr.

Sbarro Unveils New X-treme Double Duo Pepperoni Pizza

Sbarro adds a spicy kick to their pepperoni pizza with the new, limited-time X-treme Double Duo Pepperoni Pizza.

Jack in the Box to Try for World's Largest Coupon Record

In one of the weirder fast food publicity stunts, this Wednesday, March 25, 2015, Jack in the Box will make an attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the largest coupon in Los Angeles, CA to promote their new Buttery Jack burger.

Review: Frito-Lay - Jalapeno Pepper Jack Doritos Jacked 3D

Frito-Lay's Jalapeno Pepper Jack Doritos Jacked 3D chips are a smaller version of their Doritos Jacked tortilla chips (which, in turn, are bigger and crunchier than their Doritos line) but with added depth (so that they're no longer flat).

An 11-oz bag was $1.99 on sale.

Free Future Large Pizza with $15 or More Purchase at Papa John's Through April 6, 2015

Papa John's vies for your pizza dollar with a college basketball-themed deal for a free large, 3-topping pizza on a future order when you spend $15 or more on an online order through Monday, April 6, 2015.

Krispy Kreme Launches Easter-Themed Donuts

To welcome the spring, Krispy Kreme launches a trio of seasonal Easter-themed donuts available through April 5, 2015 at participating locations in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, they plan to offer special Bunny Bum Donuts only from April 3rd to 5th.

The three Easter-themed donuts include:

Review: Cheetos - Sweetos

Cheetos Sweetos feature cinnamon sugar-flavored versions of the iconic corn puff snack.

It was $1.99 for a 7-oz bag on sale.

Sprite Brings Back LeBron's Soda But Shortens the Name

Last year, Sprite introduced "Sprite 6 Mix by LeBron James," a limited-time orange and cherry tinged version of the lemon-lime soda. This year, they've brought it back with a new name and new look, perhaps to match the basketball star's new playing address in Cleveland, OH (and also to match the fact that he no longer wears the number 6 on his jersey).

McDonald's Trying New $4 Meals

Perhaps looking for another value angle, McDonald's is testing/trying new $4 Meals in the Baltimore metro area.

The deal was spotted by one of your fellow readers, Adam.

The $4 Meals feature a choice from a limited selection of entrees plus a medium order of fries and a medium drink.

Frozen Friday: Chili's - Bacon Mac 'N' Cheese

Chili's Bacon Mac 'N' Cheese frozen meal features macaroni pasta, diced poblano peppers, and bits of bacon in a creamy cheese sauce.

A 10-oz box was $2 on sale.

Japan Gets New Shrimp-Flavored Funyuns

To welcome the spring and sakura (cherry blossom) season, Frito-Lay Japan introduces Sakura Shrimp-flavored Funyuns (Yes, they're shrimp-flavored, onion-flavored snack rings) as a limited-time flavor.

Ben & Jerry's 2015 Free Cone Day on April 14th

Ben & Jerry's is holding this year's Free Cone Day on Tuesday, April 14th, 2015, from 12 to 8 PM at participating Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops.

The annual tradition is meant to show appreciation to the brand's fans and customers. During the event, you can get a free scoop of any ice cream of your choice in a cup or cone.

Review: Subway - Turkey Italiano Melt

Subway's Turkey Italiano Melt features a base of genoa salami, pepperoni, and turkey plus your standard choice of bread, cheese (provolone is the suggested cheese), veggies, and condiments (including the new Subway vinaigrette, which is the suggested sauce).

It was $4.50 for a 6-inch sub, which is the middle-tier price for their sandwiches.

Starbucks Launches Cold Brew Coffee in Select Parts of U.S.

At the end of this month, Starbucks is launching their new Starbucks Cold Brew coffee in over 2,800 stores located in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest United States, as well as select Canadian cities (Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary).

Del Taco Offers Value with $2.50 Bacon Grilled Breakfast

Del Taco is packaging together a few of their bacon breakfast offerings for the new Bacon Grilled Breakfast for $2.50.

Review: Panera Bread - Napa Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich

Panera Bread's Napa Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich features chicken raised without antibiotics, diced celery, seedless red grapes, almonds, and chicken salad dressing plus lettuce and vine-ripened tomatoes on fresh-baked Sesame Semolina Bread.

A half sandwich was $5.39 and included a side (choice of chips, apple, or bread). A whole sandwich goes for $7.29.

Panda Express Unveils Chinese Spare Ribs

Panda Express unveils new, limited time Chinese Spare Ribs, bring back pork to the menu. The new ribs are inspired by char siu pork, a type of Chinese barbecued pork known for its red color.

Tostitos Giving Free Dips for Chips for National Chip Day

In a pretty hilarious promotion, Tostitos will be celebrating National Chip and Dip Day through March 23, 2015, by giving away free dip for anyone named "Chip" in the U.S. who chooses to claim it. 

Additionally, if you live in a city in the U.S. that being with "Chip," you can also get free dip.

White Castle Veggies Sliders Make the Permanent Menu

Vegetarian slider lovers rejoice! White Castle's Veggies Sliders are now a permanent menu item at the burger chain.

The Veggie Sliders were initially released at the beginning of the year as a limited-run item.

Review: Arby's - Rachel Sandwich

Arby's Rachel sandwich is a slight variation on their Reuben and features thin-sliced roast turkey, housemade coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing on marble rye bread.

I bought one for $5.29.

Papa John's Brings Back Philly Cheesesteak Pizza

The Philly Cheesesteak Pizza makes a limited-time return to Papa John's in time for college basketball championship time.

First introduced last December, the pizza comes topped with a creamy garlic sauce, thin-sliced steak made by the Original Philly Cheesesteak Company, sliced onions, green peppers, and a combination of mozzarella and provolone cheeses.

Chick-fil-A Introduces New Frosted Lemonade

Chick-fil-A introduces new Frosted Lemonade, a combination of their fresh-squeeze lemonade and signature Icedream soft serve.

Nutella Ice Cream Returns to Carvel

Nutella ice cream makes a return to Carvel ice cream shops and brings along a new shake version for the ride.

You can find the chocolaty-hazelnut-spread-flavored ice cream desserts at participating Carvel shops through May 31, 2015.

The featured line up includes:

Review: Smashburger - Mint Oreo Shake

Smashburger's Mint Oreo Shake features vanilla Haagen-Dazs ice cream, crushed Oreo cookies, and (green) mint syrup.

A glass full goes for $4.59 but I received this courtesy of Smashburger.