News: Starbucks - 2013 Holiday Menu

It's only mid-November, but Starbucks is already rolling out their holiday menu for 2013. This year, you'll find the Creme Brulee Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte, and Egg Nog Latte as this winter's featured drinks and are available hot, iced, or blended.

On the food side, the popular Cranberry Bliss Bar returns as does the Frosted Snowman Cookie, and Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop.

News: Arby's - Improved French Dip & Swiss Sandwich

Arby's recently re-worked their French Dip so that there's more beef and more cheese.

According to the chain, the revamped French Dip & Swiss sandwich also looks better.

News: Taco Bell - Cinnabon Delights Now Available Nationally

While Taco Bell's First Meal breakfast menu won't be available nationally until 2014, one of its items, Cinnabon Delights, have been made available early as part of Taco Bell's snackable dessert menu.

Previously only available at Taco Bell restaurants that offered breakfast, Cinnabon Delights can now be ordered all day nationwide.

Review: Taco Bell - Chili Cheese Fries Loaded Griller

Taco Bell's Chili Cheese Fries Loaded Griller is being tested in my area and comes with a new chili, crispy potatoes bites, and warm nacho sauce wrapped up in a flour tortilla and grilled.

I picked one up for 79 cents (a test price to spur sampling; if it goes to market you can expect it to be more in line with the other Grillers at $1.29).

Update 1/23/14 - These made it through test and are now available for a limited time at $1 a pop.

Review: Pringles Pecan Pie Flavor

Pringles Pecan Pie flavor is a limited-time seasonal holiday offering by the potato crisp brand.

A 5.96-ounce canister was $1.50.

News: Domino's - $5.99 Carryout Large, 2-Topping Pizza Deal

Domino's is offering large, 2-topping pizzas for $5.99 on carryout orders only all this week starting today.

To take advantage, simply click on the link prominently displayed on the Domino's online ordering page and it will be added to your order.

The offer ends on Sunday, November 17, 2013.

Review: Trader Joe's - Petite Mixed Berry Tart

Trader Joe's Petite Mixed Berry Tart features cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries in a "flaky, buttery crust."

The 12-ounce tart goes for $3.99.

News: Dunkin' Donuts - New Spicy Smoked Sausage Breakfast Sandwich

Dunkin' Donuts is offering the new Spicy Smoked Sausage Breakfast Sandwich for a limited time to give a little heat this holiday season.

The oven-toasted sandwich features a split spicy sausage link with egg and American cheese on an English Muffin.

The suggested retail price for the Spicy Smoked Sausage Breakfast Sandwich is $3.49.

News: Denny's Hobbit-Inspired 2013 Holiday Menu

Denny's is offering a Hobbit-inspired theme to their 2013 holiday menu, including the option to build your own "Hobbit Slam" from a selection of breakfast items.

The menu draws its inspiration from this year's The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug movie so, of course, there's a Smaug burger called "Smaug's Fire Burger."

Here's the full menu:

Review: The Coffee Bean - Chocolate Hazelnut Ice Blended

The Coffee Bean's Chocolate Hazelnut Ice Blended features coffee extract, hazelnut powder, chocolate powder, and milk blended with ice before poured into a cup with a chocolate syrup swirl and topped with whipped cream and more syrup.

A 16-ounce "regular" was $3.95.

News: Del Taco Testing Turkey Taco

Del Taco is testing seasoned ground turkey as a healthier option compared to their ground beef. While turkey burgers are available at some fast food chains, the addition of a turkey option would be a first for a major Mexican-style fast food chain.

On my recent trip to Del Taco HQ, I got to experience a shortened version of their consumer research product testing procedures which, to be brief, involved a laptop with questions, a red light, and food sliding out of walls.

News: Lay's - New Chocolate-Covered Chips at Target Only

Frito Lay just came out with new Milk Chocolate-Dipped Wavy Lay's Potato Chips. 

According to USA Today (citing research firm Symphony IRI), the new chips follow not one, not two, but three trends: the sweet and salty trend, the holiday seasonal-limited-time trend, and the overall increase in snacking.

The chocolate-covered chips are only available at Target stores and only through the holidays, although there's always the possibility for them to become permanent should they become popular enough. The chips come in 5-ounce bags for $3.49.