Archive
Oct 16, 2011

News: Krispy Kreme - Krispy Skremes! Doughnuts for Halloween

This Halloween season, Krispy Kreme returns three Halloween–themed doughnuts and their fall Pumpkin Spice Doughnut dubbing them altogether as their Krispy Skremes! line.

The line is available for a limited time only in Krispy Kreme U.S. and Canadian Shops. It includes:

Jack-o-Lantern Doughnut: A pumpkin-shaped doughnut wearing a mask of orange icing and a jack-o-lantern face.
Chocolate Iced with Halloween Sprinkles Doughnut: An orange and black sprinkled doughnut.
Spider Web Doughnut: A chocolate-iced doughnut with creme filling and a web of white icing.
Pumpkin Spice Doughnut: An old-fashioned cake doughnut made with pumpkin flavors and spices and finished with Krispy Kreme's Original Glaze.

Oct 15, 2011

Review: Nabisco - Chips Ahoy! Chewy Gooey Chocofudge Cookies

The yin to Chips Ahoy! Megafudge yang, Nabisco's Chips Ahoy! Chewy Gooey Chocofudge features the standard soft, chewy Chips Ahoy! chocolate chip cookies but with a chocolate fudge center.

A 10-ounce package goes for around $3.29 or about $2.00 on sale.

News: Jack in the Box - New Outlaw Burger and Outlaw Spicy Chicken

Similar to other Western-themed burgers at competing chains, Jack in the Box serves up the new, limited-time Outlaw Burger and Outlaw Spicy Chicken Sandwich.

Beyond the choice of a hamburger patty or spicy crispy chicken fillet, each sandwich features lettuce, tomato, hickory-smoked bacon, American cheese, onion rings, and a bourbon barbecue sauce on a sesame seed bun.

The sandwiches are not available in Austin, Kansas City, Santa Barbara, San Diego or Yakima which are cities Jack in the Box tends to use as test markets. Apparently, they're testing a chipotle chicken club sandwich in San Diego. The sandwich consists of their spicy crispy chicken fillet with bacon, American cheese, lettuce, and chipotle sauce.

Nutritional Info - Jack in the Box Outlaw Burger
Calories - 725 (from Fat - 356)
Fat - 39g (Saturated Fat - 16g)
Sodium - 1558mg
Carbs - 61g (Sugar - 13g)
Protein - 28g

Nutritional Info - Jack in the Box Outlaw Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Calories - 771 (from Fat - 294)
Fat - 32g (Saturated Fat - 9g)
Sodium - 1859mg
Carbs - 80g (Sugar - 13g)
Protein - 37g
Oct 14, 2011

Frozen Friday: Stouffer's - Chicken a la King

I've always been curious about what Chicken a la King was (although not curious enough to actually look it up) and so it was only natural that I picked up a box when I saw it in the frozen food aisle.

Stouffer's Chicken a la King features white meat chicken in a creamy sauce with mushrooms, onions, celery, and peas with white rice (it seems more common to serve it over pasta or some sort of bread though).

An 11.5-ounce box sells for $3.69 at regular price or around $2.50 on sale.

News: Jack in the Box - New Mini Cookies

Jack in the Box adds cookies to their dessert repertoire with new value-priced Mini Cookies.

The soft-baked cookies come flecked with chocolate chips and candy-coated M&M-style (well more like M&M minis) chocolates.

Mini Cookies come five for $1 which is somewhat comparable to McDonald's larger cookies which come three for $1.

Oct 13, 2011

Burger King Introduces New BK Toppers Burger Line

Burger King's BK Toppers line-up.
For a limited time, Burger King introduces new BK Toppers cheeseburgers. They're so-named because the burgers come in three varieties; each featuring "tasty toppings."

The available varieties are: the Deluxe, Mushroom & Swiss, and Western BBQ and each BK Topper comes at a suggested retail of $1.99.
Oct 12, 2011

News: McDonald's - The McRib Returns October 17th!

Missing your McRib fix? Hate the McRib? Either way, McDonald's is bringing back the McRib for a limited time starting on October 17th, 2011 at participating restaurants.

The last time it came around, it was available for a little more than a month and you can probably expect the same this time as well.

It costs about $2.69 in my area but your mileage may vary.

The McRib features ground pork meat shaped in a very rough approximation of a mini rack of ribs (like if it came from a pygmy pig) and then slathered in barbecue sauce with pickles and onions and served on a roll.

Oct 11, 2011

News: Jack in the Box - Holiday Shakes are Back!

Once again, Pumpkin Pie and Egg Nog Shakes are back at Jack in the Box for a limited time through the holidays.

As with all of Jack's shakes, they are available in large (24-ounce) and small (16-ounce sizes).

Retail pricing is $2.49 for a regular and $2.99 for a large.

Both shakes features a base of vanilla ice cream, their respective flavors, and are topped with whipped topping and a maraschino (preserved and sweetened) cherry.

Oct 10, 2011

News: Dunkin' Donuts - Fall Offerings 2011

Fall means pumpkin in your food and drinks and Dunkin' Donuts is no exception with their line up of limited-time offerings for the Fall of 2011:

Pumpkin Coffee and Latte: Pumpkin spice in coffee and lattes is once again on tap at Dunkin' You can get it hot or iced.

New Pumpkin Packaged Coffee: For the take-home-and-brew-yourself crowd, new Pumpkin packaged coffee is available in a special 8 oz. size (the standard for coffee is 12 oz) for a suggested price of $5.99.

Pumpkin Donut and Munchkins: Pumpkin cake donuts and donut holes.

News: Arby's - New Ultimate Angus Philly Sandwich

The latest in Arby's Ultimate Angus line of sandwiches, the new Ultimate Angus Philly features roasted, thin-sliced Angus beef along with fire roasted onions and green bell peppers, a garlic aioli spread, and Swiss cheese on a toasted roll.

I believe the standard cheese is usually provolone or Cheese Whiz on a prototypical Philly Cheesesteak but Arby's goes with a fairly standard variant.

It's $4.99 a sandwich although Arby's tends to send out pretty good coupons in their mailers.

The Ultimate Angus Philly joins Arby's current Angus line up of the Cool Deli Ultimate Angus and Three Cheese & Bacon Ultimate Angus.

Oct 9, 2011

Review: Quaker - True Delights Wild Blueberry Multigrain Fiber Crisps

Billed as a wholesome snack, Quaker's True Delights Wild Blueberry Multigrain Fiber Crisps feature blueberry flavor in a thin, round multigrain crisp. They don't actually contain blueberries though.

A 3.5-ounce bag should run you about $1.99 at retail or a buck on sale.

Oct 8, 2011

Review: Nabisco - Triple Double Oreo Cookies

In a less-than-inspired bout of innovation, the wonks at Nabisco came up with new Triple Double Oreos, a club-sandwich-like Oreo with three chocolate cookies sandwiching two layers of creamy filling (one layer of chocolate creamy filling and one layer of vanilla).

It's about $2.99 for a 13.1-ounce package.

News: Arby's Goes with Healthier Kids Meals

Similar to McDonald's recent change, Arby's is making their Kids Meals healthier by default.

The new default for Arby's Kids Meals is an entree, apple slices with dipping, and the choice of either low-fat milk, Capri-Sun fruit juice, or bottle water.

Arby's also has two new entree choices for their Kids Meals: Kraft Macaroni & Cheese and the Jr. Turkey & Cheese Sandwich. These choices are in addition to the Jr. Roast Beef Sandwich and Prime-Cut Chicken Tenders.

Parents still have the option to request curly fries and a fountain drink as substitutes for the healthier choices.

News: Baskin-Robbins - Trick Oreo Treat - October 2011 Flavor of the Month

Baskin-Robbins goes with a Halloween theme for their featured flavor for the month of October 2011: Trick Oreo Treat

Trick Oreo Treat features vanilla ice cream mixed with orange (the color not the flavor) creme Oreo cookies (the Halloween ones) and Baby Ruth and Butterfinger pieces.

Trick Oreo Treat is available nationwide during the month of October by the scoop (in a cup or cone), in a sundae or in hand-packed pints, quarts and half-gallons.

Samples are available gratis in those mini pink sample spoons.

Oct 7, 2011

Frozen Friday: Stouffer's Spaghetti with Meatballs

Stouffer's Spaghetti with Meatballs is one of their Signature Classics frozen entrees and features spaghetti with meatballs in a tomato sauce accented with spices.

A roughly 12-ounce box will run you about $3.59 at regular price or $2.00 to $2.50 on sale.

News: Dairy Queen - October Blizzard of the Month - Pumpkin Pie

It's pumpkin season! Every year around this time, companies like Starbucks and Sonic trot out their seasonal pumpkin offerings. Dairy Queen is no different and is here this October with the Pumpkin Pie Blizzard.

The Pumpkin Pie Blizzard features pumpkin pie blended with vanilla soft serve finished with whipped topping and nutmeg and is only available for the month of October.

In their other monthly promotion, Dairy Queen also has their Chicken Strip Basket for $3.99. It comes with four batter and fried strips of chicken, fries, and Texas toast.

Oct 6, 2011

Review: Burger King - Peach and Granola Sundae

Burger King's new Peach and Granola Sundae is one of the new premium sundae in their new soft serve line up and features a simple cup of vanilla soft serve with peach topping and crunchy granola.

Unlike the slightly larger Oreo Sundae, it's the same size as the $1 "traditional" (read: chocolate, caramel, or strawberry) sundaes but costs a little more at $1.79.

News: Taco Bell - The XXL Chalupa Returns

For a limited-time the XXL ("Double XL") Chalupa returns to Taco Bell.

First (and last) seen around this time last year, the XXL Chalupa rides on an XXL Chalupa flatbread filled with Fiesta salsa (tomatoes, onions, and cilantro), reduced fat sour cream, Taco Bell's three cheese blend (mozzarella, monterey jack, and American), lettuce, nacho cheese sauce, red tortilla strips, and seasoned ground beef.

At $2.79 at my local Taco Bell, the XXL Chalupa presents a little more bang for the buck than its smaller brethren.

Oct 5, 2011

Review: Burger King - Oreo Sundae

Burger King's new Oreo Sundae is part of their new soft serve line-up and features vanilla soft serve layered with chocolate fudge and topped with Oreo cookie pieces.

The Oreo Sundae is priced at $2.49 and comes in a larger cup than Burger King's "traditional sundaes."

Oct 4, 2011

Review: Domino's - Italian Sausage & Pepper Trio Artisan Pizza

One of a trio of Domino's new Artisan Pizzas, the Italian Sausage & Pepper Trio Artisan Pizza features an artisan-inspired rectangular pizza with tomato sauce, banana peppers, roasted red peppers, green peppers, shredded Parmesan Asiago cheese, and sliced Italian Sausage for $7.99.

Oct 3, 2011

Review: Domino's - Tuscan Salami & Roasted Veggie Artisan Pizza

Domino's Tuscan Salami & Roasted Veggie Artisan Pizza is one of their new Artisan Pizzas. The 13" x 9" rectangle pizza is priced at $7.99.

It's described as "ideal proportions of salami, spinach and onions, roasted red and banana peppers, and a dash of oregano, all over a garlic Parmesan sauce on an artisan-style crust." The boxes are signed by the store manager. Mine's was signed by a non-Saved by the Bell "Mario Lopez."

Oct 2, 2011

Review: Hostess - Orange CupCakes

Hostess Orange CupCakes are orange flavored cake with a creamy filling finished with an orange frosting and trademark squiggles.

A 2-pack goes for around $1.59 at my local supermarket.

Oct 1, 2011

International Weekend: Bouvard - Butter Biscuits

Bouvard's Butter Biscuits or "Petit Beurre" come from France but I was able to pick up a 175g package at a local supermarket for $2.59.

Sep 30, 2011

Frozen Friday: Banquet - Rigatoni & Italian Sausage

Banquet's Rigatoni & Italian Sausage is one of Banquet's new frozen entrees and features Italian sausage in marinara sauce over rigatoni pasta with shredded mozzarella cheese.

They tend to cost about $1.39 at regular price or at $1.00 or less on sale for an 8-ounce box.

Sep 29, 2011

Review: Jamba Juice - Apple Cinnamon Pretzel

Jamba Juice's Apple Cinnamon Pretzel is one of the baked goods in a revamped lineup and is all-natural and flavored with apple sauce, apples, and cinnamon.

It can be toasted and costs $1.95.

Sep 28, 2011

News: 7-Eleven - Free Coffee from 7am to 11am on National Coffee Day

7-Eleven is celebrating National Coffee Day tomorrow morning, September 29th, 2011, by offering free medium-sized cups of fresh-brewed hot coffee at participating locations in an event they're calling "CofFREE Day."

It's more like "CofFREE Morning" though; the promotion only runs from 7am to 11am.

Still, not bad at all for those looking for their morning pick me up.

In summary: Free medium-sized hot coffee at participating 7-Eleven stores on Thursday, September 29th, 2011 from 7am to 11am.
Sep 27, 2011

News: Krispy Kreme - Free Coffee for 2011 National Coffee Day

This Thursday, September 29, Krispy Kreme is celebrating National Coffee Day and their new Krispy Kreme Signature Coffee Blends by giving a free 12-ounce cup of House Blend Coffee to guests who visit one of their shops.

Krispy Kreme Signature House Blend is one of Krispy Kreme's new Signature Coffee Blends (along with Dark Roast and House Decaf) and is described as "a smooth, medium-bodied, Latin American blend with a balanced flavor profile for the everyday coffee drinker."

This offer is limited to one free 12-ounce House Blend Coffee per customer at participating U.S. and Canadian Krispy Kreme retail shops on Thursday, September 29, 2011.

News: Popeyes - New Dip'n Chick'n

Popeyes is following up their limited-time (and now gone) Rip'n Chick'n by changing a letter and going with new, limited-time Dip'n Chick'n.

Instead of a freaky hand-shaped fried chicken breast, Popeyes goes a bit more normal with breaded and fried breast meat chicken scoop-shaped medallions served with a double portion of blackened ranch sauce.

The blackened ranch dipping sauce consists of a buttermilk ranch dressing mixed with onion, garlic, a blend of peppers and Magic-brand blackened seasoning.

Dip'n Chicken'n is available for a limited-time with Cajun fries and a biscuit for $3.99 through October 23, 2011.

News: Carl's Jr./Hardee's - New Steakhouse Burger

In their take on the type of burger served up in a steakhouse, Carl's Jr. and sister (considering their main consumers, shouldn't it be "brother"?) chain Hardee's offer up the Steakhouse Burger created by none other than the mythical god of hamburgers (at least according to the commercial), Hamblor.

The Steakhouse Burger features mayo, A.1. Steak Sauce, crumbled blue cheese, crispy onion strings, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a charbroiled beef patty on a sesame seed bun. As far as the beef patty goes, you can get it as a single patty, double patty, or an Angus Six-Dollar Burger (aka Thickburger) patty.

You can check out Hamblor and his supernatural burger creation methods after the jump.

Sep 26, 2011

Review: Wendy's Spicy Bacon & Blue Chicken Sandwich

Wendy's Spicy Bacon & Blue Chicken Sandwich is something they've been testing here and there and features a crispy fried spicy chicken filet, lettuce, tomato, thick applewood smoked bacon, blue cheese crumbles, and the same steakhouse sauce they used on the Bacon & Blue Cheeseburger.

It's a buck more than the regular Spicy Chicken Sandwich at my local Wendy's coming in at $4.99.

Sep 25, 2011

Review: Taco Bell - Crunchy Taco Supreme

Taco Bell's Crunchy Taco Supreme features a crunchy corn tortilla shell filled with seasoned ground beef, reduced fat sour cream, shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced tomatoes.

My local Taco Bell sells 'em for $1.29.

Sep 24, 2011

Review: Old El Paso - Garlic Chili Chicken Tortilla Stuffers

Old El Paso's Garlic Chili Chicken Tortilla Stuffers are a convenient meal option offering seasoned rice, chicken, pinto beans, and peppers in a microwavable pouch.

A 9.5-ounce bag costs about $3.49 or around $2.00 on sale.

Sep 23, 2011

Frozen Friday: Klondike - What the Fudge? Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Klondike's new What the Fudge? Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches feature vanilla ice cream with a dollop of chocolate fudge inside sandwiches by two pieces of brownie.

They come in a box of four for about about $5 or between $2 and $3 on sale.

News: Domino's - New Artisan Pizzas

In a pretty bold step as far as The Big Three pizza chains go, Domino's is out with new Artisan Pizzas which feature new, hand-stretched "artisan-style" crusts in three varieties: Spinach & Feta, Italian Sausage & Pepper Trio, and Tuscan Salami & Roasted Veggie.

Each pizza is a  rectangular 13" x 9" meant to feed two people and cost $7.99 per pizza.

Sep 22, 2011

Review: Carl's Jr. - Sunrise Croissant

Carl's Jr.'s Sunrise Croissant is basically your standard run-of-the-mill breakfast sandwich (bacon or sausage, egg and cheese) but on a croissant.

My local Carl's Jr has them for a promotion price of 99 cents but they regularly cost $2.49.

Sep 21, 2011

Review: Wendy's - Dave's Hot 'N Juicy Cheeseburger

Dave's Hot 'N Juicy Cheeseburgers are the new representation of the Wendy's premium burger touting "juicier, thicker beef," "new premium toppings," and "buttered, toasted buns."

I picked up the 1/4 pound version for $3.59 but you can also double and triple up on patties if that's more to your liking.

News: Burger King Expands Dessert Menu with Soft Serve

Burger King has expanded their dessert offerings with new soft serve offerings to go along with their pre-existing shake line-up.

The new soft serve includes premium sundaes, traditional sundaes, and good old plain soft serve in a cup or cone.

Premium sundaes are available with peach and granola for a suggested retail price of $1.79 and with double brownie, OREO or M&M’s for a suggested retail price of $2.49.

Traditional sundaes cover the standards with chocolate fudge, caramel and strawberry for a suggested retail price of $1.

Plain soft serve cones and cups are available for a suggested retail price of 89 cents.

Sep 20, 2011

Review: McDonald's - Caramel Apple Sundae

McDonald's Caramel Apple Sundae is a new slightly different permutation of their Hot Caramel Sundae and comes with vanilla soft serve ice cream, diced apples, caramel, and chopped peanuts.

It's available for a limited time for $1.49 and also comes in a yogurt parfait version.

News: Pizza Hut - Any Pizza for $10 Returns

In time for football season, Pizza Hut returns their "Any Pizza for $10" deal.

For a limited-time, customers can pick any size pizza, with any crust (extra for Stuffed Crust), and any toppings (including specialty pizzas) for an even $10.

Fine print: additional charge for Stuffed Crust, some Pizza Hut restaurants might charge for extra cheese, price and participation may vary. Delivery charges may also vary.
Sep 19, 2011

News: Ben & Jerry's - New Schweddy Balls Flavor

In honor of the eponymous holiday SNL skit starring Alec Baldwin, Ben & Jerry's has launched a new, limited-time flavor: Schweddy Balls.

The new flavor keeps with the holiday theme featuring Fair Trade vanilla ice cream with a hint of rum mixed with fudge covered rum balls and milk chocolate malt balls.

The skit features Mr. Baldwin as Pete Schweedy, owner of Seasons Eatings, a holiday bakery, as he hawks his holiday treats, Schweddy Balls, on NPR.

It can be viewed after the jump.

Sep 18, 2011

News: Sonic - New Bacon & Blue Dog and Kickin' Coney

Sonic has two new premium beef hot dogs: the Bacon & Blue Dog and the Kickin' Coney.

The Bacon & Blue Dog features a all-beef hot dog covered in crisp bacon, shredded lettuce, tomatoes and blue cheese dressing on a poppy seed bun.

The Kickin' Coney takes the Sonic Chili Cheese Coney and adds some crunch and heat with crispy onions and chipotle BBQ sauce.

Both hot dogs are available for a very reasonable $1.99 each.

News: Sonic - Pumpkin Pie Shake Returns

Pumpkin Pie Shakes are back for a limited time for the fall at Sonic.

Sonic's Pumpkin Pie Shakes are made with ice cream, pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, and pie crust pieces blended all together and finished with whipped topping and more pie crust pieces.

Sep 17, 2011

News: Jamba Juice -$2 Oatmeal and All-Fruit Smoothie Coupons

Jamba Juice has some nice coupons this month for their Slow Cooked Steel-cut Oatmeal, Fruit & Veggie Smoothies, All Fruit Smoothies, and baked goods.

The coupons are printable and available online here. They're valid from Wednesday, 9/14/11 until Tuesday, 9/27/11 and are as follows:
  • "$2 Slow Cooked Steel-cut Oatmeal"
  • "$2 Fruit & Veggie or All Fruit Smoothies (sixteen size)"
  • "$1 Baked Good with purchase of any menu drink"
Sep 16, 2011

News: Dairy Queen - September Blizzard of the Month - Ooey Gooey Caramel Brownie

Dairy Queen's September Blizzard of the Month is a bit more run-of-the-mill than last month's Nutter Butter. This month it's Ooey Gooey Caramel Brownie which features vanilla soft serve with caramel, chocolate chunks, and fudge brownie pieces blended in.

Dairy Queen is also serving up a limited-time promotion dubbed the "Mini Blizzard Meal Deal" where you can pick up a 1/4lb Grill Burger with Cheese, fries, a drink, and a Mini Blizzard for $5.

Sep 15, 2011

News: Klondike - New "What the Fudge? Brownie" Sandwiches and Mint Chocolate Chip

Klondike bars are out in two new flavors with new "What the Fudge?" Brownie ice cream sandwiches and new Klondike Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream bars.

"What the Fudge?" Brownie ice cream sandwiches feature vanilla ice cream with a fudge center sandwiches by two slices of brownie while Klondike Mint Chocolate Chip features the same Klondike bars you know (and maybe love) but with a mint chocolate chip ice cream center rather than the standard vanilla.

News: Wendys - New Dave's Hot 'N Juicy Cheeseburgers

Wendy's has revamped their website as well as their burgers by replacing their Cheeseburgers with new Dave's Hot 'N Juicy Cheeseburgers, so named after the founder of Wendy's, Dave Thomas.

The revamped burgers feature new "premium" toppings (crinkle-cut pickles, red onions, thick-sliced tomatoes), thicker, juicier hamburger patties, and buns that are buttered before toasting.

Like the previous Wendy's Cheeseburgers, Dave's Hot 'N Juicy Cheeseburgers are available with single (1/4 pound), double (1/2 pound), or triple patties (3/4 pound).

News: Sonic - Three New Breakfast Burritos

With school starting Sonic serves up three new, limited-time breakfast burritos this late summer/early fall.

With breakfast served up all day Sonic offers the following new burritos:

The Ultimate Meat & Cheese Breakfast Burrito with sausage, bacon, tots, zesty cheese sauce, melted cheddar cheese and fluffy eggs wrapped in a warm flour tortilla;

the Fiesta Steak Breakfast Burrito with carne asada (seasoned sirloin steak), sliced jalapenos, tots, diced onions & tomatoes, melted cheddar cheese and fluffy eggs wrapped in a warm flour tortilla, and finally;

the Steak & Egg Breakfast Burrito featuring marinated sirloin steak, tots, cheddar cheese and fluffy eggs wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.

Sep 14, 2011

Review: Pizza Hut - Spicy Sicilian Hand-Tossed Pizza

Pizza Hut's Spicy Sicilian Hand-Tossed Pizza is one of their specialty pizza and features toppings of beef, Italian sausage, onions, and jalapenos.

As with most of their specialty pizza, a large will run you $12.

Sep 13, 2011

News: The Coffee Bean - $1 Pumpkin Latte on September 13th, 4pm - 7pm

The Coffee Bean is encouraging you to sample their fall 2011 flavors with an open house where you can either try a 12-ounce cup of their Pumpkin Latte or Cinnamon French Toast Latte for only a dollar.

The Coffee Bean does events like this seasonally to highlight their featured drink selections and they're always from 4pm to 7pm which is when I guess a lot of folks are commuting home from work and maybe need an evening pick-me-up.

The offer is only valid today, Tuesday, September 13th, 2011 from the hours of 4pm to 7pm at participating Coffee Bean locations.
Sep 12, 2011

Review: Taco Bell - Enchirito

The Taco Bell Enchirito is Taco Bell's rendition of the enchilada and features a soft flour tortilla wrapped around seasoned ground beef, refried beans, diced onions and then topped with melted cheddar cheese and a tangy red sauce.

It goes for $1.99 at my local Taco Bell.