Best New Fast Food Items of 2017

With the year rapidly winding down, here's my picks for the best new fast food items for 2017 (in no particular order):

General Mills Rolls Out New Blasted Shreds Cereal

Looking to add bold flavor to shredded wheat cereal, General Mills rolls out new Cinnamon Toast Crunch Blasted Shreds cereal as well as new Peanut Butter Chocolate Blasted Shreds cereal.

$1 Pretzels at Pretzelmaker Every Tuesday in January 2018

Pretzelmaker celebrates their Customer Appreciation Month by offering their pretzels for $1 a piece every Tuesday in January 2018.

Fish Sandwiches Return to Arby's Along with New Nashville Hot Fish Sandwich

Crispy Fish sandwiches are back at Arby's for a limited time and bring with them the new Nashville Hot Fish sandwich.

Review: McDonald's - Steak, Egg, & Cheese Bagel Sandwich

McDonald's Steak, Egg, & Cheese Bagel sandwich features a steak patty, grilled onions, American cheese, folded egg, and Breakfast sauce on a toasted and buttered bagel. The breakfast sandwich is largely discontinued but still available at some participating locations.

99-Cent Chili Cheese Fries at Wienerschnitzel on January 1, 2018

Wienerschnitzel will be offering a deal for 99-cent Chili Cheese Fries all day on January 1, 2018 in celebration of the new year.

Church's Chicken Introduces New Chicken MegaBites

For a limited time, Church's Chicken adds a chicken nugget-type option with the introduction of new Chicken MegaBites.

Starbucks Releases Trio of Black & White Mocha Beverages

Getting ready for the upcoming new year, Starbucks releases a new trio of Black and White Mocha beverages for a short time through the first week of January 2018.

Kellogg's Debuts New Special K Cereal with Probiotics

Kellogg's adds probiotics to their portfolio of cereals with the introduction of new Special K Nourish Berries & Peaches with Probiotics.

Papa John's Launches New Salted Caramel Topping for Desserts

Papa John's adds an extra dose of salty sweetness to their dessert selection with the launch of new Salted Caramel Desserts.

Cookies 'n' Cream and Birthday Cake Rice Krispies Treats Coming in January 2018

Claiming inspiration from the "most sought-after flavors of homemade Rice Krispies Treats on social media," Kellogg's is set to release new Birthday Cake and Cookies 'n Creme Rice Krispies Treats starting in January 2018.

Krispy Kreme Offers Donut Waterfall Footage as Yule Log Fireplace Alternative

As some of you may know, around this time of year, there are several options to play a video of a roaring fireplace on your TV (or other screen) for Christmas. This year, Krispy Kreme offers their own take on the holiday fireplace video with the Happy Holiglazer.

Wacky Wafers Return after Six Years

Wacky Wafers are back on store shelves starting this month after being gone for six years.

Ghost Pepper Wings Return to Popeyes

Ghost Pepper Wings are back at Popeyes for a limited time at participating locations this winter just in time for peak wing season.

Buy One, Get One Free Pizza Deal at Papa John's Through January 28, 2018

Papa John's is running a buy one, get one free deal on regular menu-priced pizzas for a limited time through January 28, 2018.

KFC Trots Out Non-Celebrity "Value" Colonel and $3.99 Pot Pies

KFC continues their parade of Colonels but takes a slightly different tack with the debut of the first non-celebrity Colonel since the launch of the campaign.

Red Lobster Adds Tasting Plates and Globally-Inspired Entrees

Red Lobster adds new options and variety with the roll-out of new Tasting Plates and Globally-Inspired entrees.

Del Taco Bolsters Value Menu with New Salsa Chicken Taco

Looking to highlight their Buck and Under Menu, Del Taco is set to debut the new Salsa Chicken Taco nationwide starting December 28, 2017.

Dunkin' Donuts Dark Roast Coffee Makes Its Way Into Beer

In celebration of the "darkest day of the year," Dunkin' Donuts and Wormtown Brewery will introduce DDark Roasted Brew, the first beer brewed with Dunkin' Donuts Dark Roast beans on the winter solstice at 11:28 AM on December 21, 2017.

Review: Arby's - Smokehouse Chicken Sandwich

Arby's Smokehouse Chicken sandwich features smoked chicken breast, pepper bacon, smoked gouda cheese, crispy onions, mayo, and BBQ sauce on a toasted star-cut bun.

General Mills Updates Logo by Adding a Heart

General Mills updates their signature blue logo with a touch of color and Valentine-ish accent in the form of a red heart that sits near the top of the cursive "G."

Sweet Black Pepper Bacon Breakfast Sandwich is Back at Dunkin' Donuts

The Sweet Black Pepper Bacon Breakfast Sandwich returns to Dunkin' Donuts for a limited time this winter at participating locations nationwide.

Walmart Debuts Four New Patti LaBelle Cakes

Walmart grows their ever-expanding line of Patti LaBelle baked goods with the arrival of four new 9-inch cakes.

Starbucks Vanilla & Fig Cold Brew Coffee Bottles Coming February 2018

Starting in February 2018, Starbucks will expand their bottled Cold Brew coffee line up with two new flavors: Vanilla & Fig and Sweetened Black.

Jack in the Box Serves Up New Country Scrambler Plate

Jack in the Box adds to their Brunchfast menu with the debut of the new Country Scrambler Plate.

Krispy Kreme Australia Features Christmas Tree Kit-Kat Donut

Like here in the US, Krispy Kreme Australia has a selection of festive donuts to get you in the holiday mood. Unlike here in the US, they're offering a new Christmas Tree Donut with a Kit-Kat bar serving as the trunk.

Nutter Butter and Chips Ahoy Cereals Coming Exclusively to Walmart

New Nutter Butter and Chips Ahoy cereals are coming soon exclusively to Walmart.

Review: Burger King - Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich

Burger King's Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich features a white meat seasoned crispy-fried chicken filet, tomato pepper signature sauce, Black Forest ham, and melted mozzarella cheese on a toasted potato bun.

Yoshinoya Introduces New Habanero Chicken

Yoshinoya introduces another chicken option with the arrival of new Habanero Chicken.

Preview: Taco Bell - $1 Stacker and Breakfast Stacker

Taco Bell's $1 Stacker and $1 Breakfast Stacker are coming out later this month (on December 21, 2017) but I was able to get an early preview of them recently.

Buy One, Get One Free Dozen Donuts at Krispy Kreme on December 15, 2017

Celebrating Ugly Sweater Day, Krispy Kreme will be offering a deal where you can get a free dozen of their signature Original Glazed Donuts when you buy any dozen donuts on Friday, December 15, 2017.

Oreo Reveals Fruity Pebbles as Mystery Flavor

Earlier this year, Oreo invited fans to guess a mystery flavor that they put out for a limited time. Now, they've revealed the Oreo mystery flavor as Fruity Pebbles.

Taco Bell to Test $1 Cheesy Crunch Melt

Starting in January, Taco Bell will be testing a new value-price item called the "$1 Cheesy Crunch Melt" out in Dayton, Ohio.

Review: Jack in the Box - All-American Ribeye Burger

Jack in the Box's All-American Ribeye Burger features a grilled, seasoned ground ribeye beef patty, provolone, red onion, tomato, hand-leafed spring mix lettuce, and mayo on a toasted artisan potato bun.

Taco Bell to Test $1 Grande Burritos

Taco Bell explores more $1 value options with a test of new $1 Grande Burritos in Birmingham, Alabama starting December 21, 2017.

Jack in the Box Debuts New Trio of Peppermint Desserts

Jack in the Box aims for your sweet tooth this winter with the debut of three new peppermint-flavored desserts.

Yoplait Releases New Girl Scout Cookie Yogurt Flavors

Yoplait joins forces with the Girl Scouts to release three new flavors inspired by Girl Scout Cookies.

Cheetos Popcorn Comes to Regal Movie Theaters

Cheetos Popcorn arrives at Regal Cinemas movie theaters nationwide starting December 15, 2017.

New Swiss Mushroom Melt Burger and Chicken Sandwich Available at Select McDonald's

There's a new Swiss Mushroom Melt option on McDonald's Signature Crafted Recipes line in select areas across the country.

Peppermint Bark Cheesecake Returns to The Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory brings back their festive Peppermint Bark Cheesecake leading up to Christmas.

Review: Krispy Kreme - Gingerbread Glazed Donut

Krispy Kreme's Gingerbread Glazed Donuts feature spiced (with cinnamon and ginger) gingerbread donuts covered in a gingerbread molasses glaze.

Coca-Cola Gives You Your Own Soda Endorsement... in a Video Game

For anyone who's ever fantasized about getting their own Coca-Cola endorsement, the Coca-Cola Company gives you the opportunity to do so vicariously through a video game character in FIFA 18, a soccer simulation video game.

Review: Haagen-Dazs - Coffee & Vanilla Trio Ice Cream

Haagen-Dazs Coffee Vanilla Chocolate Trio Ice Cream features layers of crispy Belgian chocolate, coffee ice cream, and vanilla ice cream.

Sprint Comes Up with 8 Popcorn Flavors Inspired by Hulu Shows

In a fairly clever bit of marketing, Sprint highlights their partnership with Hulu by coming up with eighth popcorn flavors inspired by Hulu shows that you can find starting this weekend at select Sprint stores nationwide, while supplies last.

The limited-edition flavors include:

York Peppermint Pattie Ice Cream is Back at Baskin-Robbins

York Peppermint Pattie returns to Baskin-Robbins as the Flavor of the Month for December 2017.

Krispy Kreme's 2017 Holiday Donuts Include Santa Belly Donut

Krispy Kreme's seasonal holiday donut menu for 2017 remains largely unchanged with the arrival of the same trio of donuts as last year and includes the Santa Belly Donut.

Kellogg's Brings Back Strawberry Milkshake Pop-Tarts

Citing popular demand, Kellogg's is bringing back Frosted Strawberry Milkshake Pop-Tarts starting this month at retailers nationwide.

Jack in the Box Joins the Fray with New Value Menu

With Taco Bell re-upping on their $1 Cravings value menu and McDonald's bringing back their own Dollar menu, Jack in the Box joins in by revealing a new, limited-time value menu to kick off 2018.

New Starbucks Christmas Tree Frappuccino Available Through December 11, 2017

As as very limited-time nod to the holiday season, Starbucks introduces the new Christmas Tree Frappuccino, which is only available through December 11, 2017 at participating locations in the US and Canada.

Review: Burger King - Flamin' Hot Mac N' Cheetos

Burger King's Flamin' Hot Mac N' Cheetos feature a center of mac and cheese with a crispy battered coating flavored like crunchy Flamin' Hot Cheetos.