Around the World: McDonald's India - New Crispy Veggie Pops

In a decidedly Indian take on the McBites platform, McDonald's recently introduced new Crispy Veggie Pops in India.

In a country with a large vegetarian population, the new bite-sized fritters fit right in with a filling of potatoes and spinach in a spicy, breaded shell.

Review: Lay's Chicken & Waffles Potato Chips

Frito Lay recently brought back their "Do Us a Flavor" chip flavors for a limited time. Since I missed them the first time around, I picked up a bag of Lay's Chicken & Waffles-flavored potato chips because it sounded the weirdest of the three (the other two are Sriracha and Cheesy Garlic Bread).

A 9.5-ounce bag was on sale for $2.50.

News: Lean Cuisine - New "Honestly Good" Meals

Lean Cuisine's latest line are the new "Honestly Good" entrees made with 100% all natural ingredients and zero preservatives. They debuted earlier this year in March and continue to make their way into the frozen food aisle.

The "Honestly Good" line currently features six varieties: Pomegranate Chicken, Lemongrass Salmon, Roasted Red Pepper Chicken, Plum Ginger Grain-Crusted Fish, Pineapple Black Pepper Beef, and Honey Citrus Chicken.

Frozen Friday: Lyfe Kitchen - Farmer's Market Frittata

Lyfe Kitchen's Farmer's Market Frittata frozen meal features a skillet-cooked low-yolk egg frittata with mushrooms and goat cheese plus a sweet potato and mango hash and a spicy garden salsa with poblano chiles.

A 10-ounce box retails for $4.99, but I found this on sale for $2.50.

Around the World: Subway Japan Offers Hot Dog and BBQ Sub

If you've ever wondered what a hot dog from Subway might look like, you'll be happy to know that Subway Japan is celebrating the summer barbecue season by offering a sausage and barbecue sub.

The sub is being offered through the end of August as part of a special where a 6-inch version of the sub and a drink can be had for 490 yen (~$5.02 US).

News: Ruby Tuesday - New Pretzel Burgers

Ruby Tuesday jumps on the pretzel burger bandwagon, but with a literal twist: their new line of pretzel burger buns actually sport a bit of pretzel-like twist as well as a sprinkle of pretzel salt.

Review: Del Taco - Fiery 6 Layer Burrito

Del Taco's Fiery 6 Layer Burrito features slow-cooked beans, seasoned beef, hand-grated cheddar cheese, spicy jalapeno slices, and sour cream, wrapped in a flour tortilla with a "secret" layer of warm nacho cheese.

The burrito goes for $1.59.

News: Starbucks Testing Handcrafted Sodas

Starbucks is trying new Handcrafted Sodas as a test out in Austin and Atlanta. "Handcrafted" is the term Starbucks uses for drink they make as opposed to the bottled drinks available in their refrigerated displays.

The kicker here is that Starbucks is using a machine to add carbonation to the drinks so that you can ask them to adjust the level of fizz to your liking.

News: Red Lobster - Endless Shrimp is Back for $15.99

Red Lobster is once again offering their Endless Shrimp deal for a limited time. Under the deal, you can get as many shrimp entrees as you like for $15.99. The price also includes a choice of salad plus unlimited Cheddar Bay Biscuits.

Options include new Spicy Soy-Wasabi Grilled Shrimp, Hand-Breaded Shrimp, Garlic Shrimp Scampi, and Shrimp Linguini Alfredo.

Review: Popeyes - Blackberry and Cream Cheese Pie

Popeyes' Blackberry and Cream Cheese Pie ("Blackberry 'N Cream Cheese Pie") is a new, limited-time pie featuring a deep-fried, bubbly turnover-style crust with a piped filling of cream cheese and blackberry puree.

I picked one up at my local Popeyes for $1.29.

News: KFC Tests KFC eleven Fast Casual Concept

KFC is testing a fast casual concept dubbed "KFC eleven" (for the 11 secret herbs and spices of the Colonel's Original Recipe) with a recently opened location over in Louisville, Kentucky.

Similar to Chipotle and Subway, the new restaurant features a cafeteria-style, made-to-order setup.

News: Taco Bell Testing Chicken and Waffle Taco

Photo: Anonymous

While Taco Bell is still working on their Waffle Taco breakfast test, they're also looking at other variations by having very briefly (for about a week) tested the Chicken & Waffle Taco and are currently testing the Very Berry Waffle Taco at a few select locations in Orange County, CA.

Unlike the original Waffle Taco, the two new versions were/are offered as all-day options.