QSRs are bringing the heat this spring with new spicy menu items.
McDonald’s is adding two new limited-time offer flavorful twists to its classic McCrispy chicken sandwich. The Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy and Bacon Cajun Ranch Deluxe McCrispy (with Roma tomatoes and shredded lettuce) will be available beginning April 22 at participating restaurants.
“The Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy is inspired by soul food flavors of the South, with a bold, creamy and spicy Cajun ranch sauce, applewood smoked bacon and crisp crinkle cut pickles, all served on a warm toasted potato roll. It’s the spiced-up touch the OG McCrispy didn’t even know it needed,” said McDonald’s.
McDonald’s also added a sweet treat to its menu, bringing back its Oreo frappe this spring, reported Food & Wine magazine.
The drink, which adds Oreos and cookies ‘n’ cream syrup to a mocha frappe base, is already available on the McCafé menu at select locations nationwide.
Subway’s spring menu also features new sweet and spicy items—though the sandwich shop isn’t actually adding anything new, just bringing back sandwich ingredients, reported Mashed.
According to Mashed, “Subway's menu refresh includes the fan-favorite honey oat bread, the previously-exclusive creamy Sriracha sauce and an all-new chip collaboration with Miss Vickie's.” The honey oat bread came off the menu four years ago, much to the dismay of its fans.
The chain's signature creamy Sriracha will now be a permanent Subway sauce at all locations, and its also tapping another popular sauce, baja chipotle, for a chip collaboration with Miss Vickie's kettle-cooked chips in the baja chipotle flavor.
Taco Bell announced it would bring back Nacho Fries to its menu starting April 25, this time with a new sauce. Taco Bell partnered with Portland-based hot sauce company, Secret Aardvark, to unveil Secret Aardvark Nacho Fries with the new serrabanero ranch sauce, crafted from green tomatoes, roasted tomatillos serrano and green habanero peppers blended with savory ranch.
To celebrate, Taco Bell and Secret Aardvark are teaming up with Portland-based artist Bryce Wong to give 300 select Taco Bell Fire! Tier Rewards Members a chance to claim a "secret" Tuesday Drop on the app, available April 23.
"We’re thrilled to bring back fan-favorite Nacho Fries for their 11th return, in a whole new way, with an extra flavorful partnership with Secret Aardvark," Liz Matthews, global food innovations officer said in a release. "Secret Aardvark’s dedication to bold flavors and culinary innovation makes them the perfect partner for Taco Bell and our iconic Nacho Fries. Together, we’re taking flavor exploration to new heights, ensuring our fans experience the ultimate taste sensation with every bite."