Review: Nabisco - Mint Chocolate Chip Chewy Chips Ahoy Cookies

Mint Chocolate Chip Chewy Chips Ahoy cookies are one of four new Ice Cream Creations flavors for the popular chocolate chip cookie brand. It features a chewy chocolate cookie with chocolate chips and mint-flavored chunks.

A 9.5-ounce package was $2.50 on sale.

News: McDonald's Testing New Petite Pastries

McDonald's is testing new Petite Pastries at participating locations in San Diego County as part of their McCafe line.

The new pastries are available all day and come in two varieties: raspberry and cinnamon cream cheese. They're made with real butter and feature a layered, flaky pastry dough. Apparently, they're freshly baked through the day in each restaurant.

Around the World: Pizza Hut Adds Yeast Spread to Stuffed Crust Pizza in New Zealand

Pizza Hut New Zealand is adding a local favorite, Marmite yeast spread, to their Stuffed Crust pizza with the new, limited-time Chee-Zee Marmite Stuffed Crust Pizza. Alongside with the standard pipping of mozzarella cheese is a layer of Marmite. The Stuffed Crust is paired with their Cheese Extreme pizza which is a plain cheese pizza with three times the normal amount of mozzarella.

News: Nabisco - New Wheat Thins Popped

A puffed/popped version of Wheat Thins are set to arrive this month in new Wheat Thins Popped.

According to the company, the new product will be the first popped whole grain snack/chips with wheat as the "first ingredient." Basically, they're like Popchips but made with wheat.

Review: Nabisco - Mocha Chunk Chewy Chips Ahoy Cookies

Mocha Chunk Chewy Chips Ahoy cookies are one of four new Ice Cream Creations flavors for the popular chocolate chip cookie brand. It features a chewy chocolate chip cookie with the addition of mocha-flavored chunks.

I bought a 9.5-ounce package for $2.50 on sale.

Fast Food Items You Might Not Expect to Have Artificial Sweeteners

Unlike some allergens like nuts and gluten, it isn't common for food manufacturers and, by extension, fast food chains to warn of artificial sweeteners in their products (it is however listed in the ingredients if you know what to look for).

So, for your reference, I went through the ingredients list (where available online) of some of the biggest fast-food chains to come up with this list of fast-food menu items containing artificial sugar that you might not expect.

News: Frito-Lay - New Buffalo Wild Wings Flavored Deep Ridged Ruffles

Frito-Lay is offering new Ruffles Deep Ridged potato chips boasting ridges two times as deep as regular Ruffles with a new, co-branded flavor: Classic Hot Wings inspired by Buffalo Wild Wings. The flavor features notes of tangy vinegar, chicken, and hot sauce.

Not sure how this squares with their existing Ruffles Ultimate line of -potato chips, which also has really big ridges (that seem at least two times as deep). It sometimes feels like Frito-Lay is out to become the General Motors ((before they got rid of overlapping brands like Pontiac and Saturn)  of snack foods.

News: Starbucks - New Grocery-Store-Only Bright Sky Blend

Starbucks is offering a new Bright Sky Blend packaged coffee that's only available in grocery stores (you won't find it in Starbucks stores or their online store).

The coffee was spotted in early February on Starbucks superfan blog Starbucks Melody.

Frozen Friday: Lean Cuisine vs. Smart Ones - Santa Fe Style Rice and Beans

I decided to pit Lean Cuisine's and Smart Ones' Santa Fe Style Rice and Beans against one another to see which one came out on top. Lean Cuisine's version comes in a sour cream and mild green chile sauce and is topped with a bit of cheddar cheese. Smart Ones' version also comes with a sour cream and green chile sauce but is topped with mozzarella.

News: Dunkin' Donuts - Mint Oreo Donuts and Irish Creme Coffee for St. Patrick's Day

Dunkin' Donuts is offering two new Mint Oreo donuts in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. In addition to the donuts, they're also offering some seasonal drinks including Irish Creme coffees and various mint-flavor drinks.

The new donuts are the Mint Oreo Donut and the Mint Oreo Creme Donut.

Neat! Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Available Fresh from the Factory

I didn't know this but Reese's occasionally offers "Fresh from the Factory" Reese's Peanut Butter cups that ship directly from the factory to your home.

The cups are currently available for pre-ordering from the Hershey's online store and will ship the week of March 24, 2014.

News: Arby's - 2014 St. Patrick's Day Deal on Reuben Sandwich

Arby's tends to promote their Reuben Sandwich around St. Patty's Day and this year is no different. On St. Patrick's Day weekend from Saturday, March 15 through Monday, March 17, Arby's will be offering a "buy one, get one free" deal (via coupon) on their Reuben sandwich at participating locations.

Review: Starbucks - Vanilla Macchiato

Starbucks' new Vanilla Macchiato features steamed milk mixed with vanilla syrup and topped off with a shot of espresso and a cross-hatch of vanilla-caramel sauce (they describe it as "a drizzle of Madagascar Bourbon vanilla mixed with brown sugar, butter and a dash of salt").

I paid $3.75 for a 12-oz Tall (I opted for whole milk over the standard 2%).

Around the World: McDonald's Australia - New Chicken Schnitzel Sandwiches

McDonald's Australia is current offering new Chicken Schnitzel Rolls / Sandwiches featuring a flattened, lightly breaded chicken patty in two flavors: Citrus Mayo and BBQ. The sandwiches are part of McDonald's M-Selections, a menu of premium sandwiches offered in Australia.

News: The Coffee Bean - New Tea Granitas for $2 Next Week

The Coffee Bean offers new Tea Granitas, which blend ice teas with fruit flavor and ice. The new drinks draw their name from granitas, an Italian dessert made with ice, sugar, and various flavors.

To promote the new drinks, The Coffee Bean will be offering them in a 12-ounce cups at $2 a piece (limit 1 per customer per visit) on Monday, March 10 through Friday, March 14, from 2 to 6 pm at participating Coffee Bean locations.

News: Oscar Mayer - New Bacon Scent Alarm Attachment for iPhone

Because they figured that people really want to wake up to the smell of bacon without there actually being bacon to eat, Oscar Mayer is offering a new Bacon Scent Alarm attachment for the iPhone. 

Review: Starbucks - Slow-Roasted Ham & Swiss Croissant

Starbucks Slow-Roasted Ham & Swiss Croissant features slow-roasted ham, a fried egg patty, and Swiss cheese on a warm croissant bun.

I paid $4.45 for one.

Around the World: Subway Japan Offering Meatloaf Sub

Over in Japan, Subway has been offering a limited-time Meatloaf Sub as well as a Prosciutto & Anchovy Potato Sub as part of a "Feast Sandwich" promotion.

The Meatloaf sub has a bit of a Japanese twist to it though: it's interspersed with veggies, but rather than the more typical onions in the US, the meatloaf contains a colorful blend of red bell peppers, green soybeans, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and arrowhead. Beyond the typical bread and veggies, it also comes with a demi-glace and cheese sauce.

News: Taco Bell - New Mountain Dew Kickstart Black Cherry Freeze

Mountain Dew's new Kickstart Black Cherry nighttime (not a joke) soda can now be found in ice-slush form at Taco Bell as the new Mountain Dew Kickstart Black Cherry Freeze.

The new drink features a blend of Mountain Dew, juice, electrolytes ("for taste" according to the company) and cherry flavor mixed into a smooth icy slush.

News: Caribou Coffee - New Mini Donut Muffin

Caribou Coffee jumps on a recently popular trend of combining desserts with the introduction of the new Mini Donut Muffin. The new bakery item is part of a larger bakery menu revamp, which introduces 13 new items.

The Mini Donut Muffin promises the shape of a muffin but the sweetness and texture of a donut.

News: Krispy Kreme - Free Donuts to Make Up for Daylight Savings

Krispy Kreme is looking to assuage the pain of getting up an hour earlier this Sunday, due to daylight savings, by offering free Original Glazed donuts (one per guest) at participating US and Canadian Krispy Kreme locations.

Review: Burger King - Alaskan Fish Sandwich

Burger King's Alaskan Fish Sandwich features a filet of white Alaskan pollock breaded with panko (bread crumbs), and served with tartar sauce, pickles, and lettuce, on a toasted artisan-style bun

It's normally $3.39, but I picked one up as part of the current two for $5 deal.

News: Starbucks - New Vanilla Macchiato

Starbucks expands their Macchiato selection by adding the new Vanilla Macchiato as a permanent menu item. The Macchiato line now numbers three flavors: the original Caramel, Hazelnut which was introduced last year, and now Vanilla.

News: Dunkin' Donuts - New Eggs Benedict Breakfast Sandwich

Dunkin' Donuts offers the new Eggs Benedict Breakfast Sandwich for you Hollandaise fans.

The sandwich features an egg, Black Forest ham, and a Hollandaise-flavored spread on a toasted English Muffin.

News: McDonald's - New Bacon Clubhouse

McDonald's is going with Mac sauce for its newest premium sandwich, the Bacon Clubhouse.

Along with Big Mac special sauce, the burger comes with either a quarter pound beef patty or grilled or crispy chicken, thick-cut Applewood-smoked bacon, caramelized grilled onions, white processed cheddar, leaf lettuce, and tomato on a shiny egg-washed artisan roll.

Review: Sonic - Honey Mustard & Swiss Chicken Sandwich

Sonic's new Honey Mustard & Swiss Chicken sandwich features either a grilled or crispy chicken breast with lettuce, tomato, honey mustard sauce, and mild Swiss cheese on a whole-grain ciabatta bun.

These go for $4.29 each at my local Sonic (20 cents less than the suggested price!) but I received them courtesy of Sonic.

News: Baskin-Robbins - March 2014 Flavor of the Month

Going with a Mardi Gras theme, Baskin-Robbins offers up Bananas Foster ice cream as March's Flavor of the Month. 

Inspired by the traditional New Orleans dessert, the new flavor features bananas foster-flavored ice cream with a brown sugar rum-flavored ribbon and praline pecans.

News: Dairy Queen - March 2014 Blizzard of the Month

Dairy Queen is offering up the Mint Oreo Blizzard as March's (for St. Patty's Day of course) Blizzard of the Month. The flavor features vanilla soft serve blended with Oreo cookies pieces and mint syrup.

News: Starbucks - New La Boulange Breakfast Sandwiches

Starbucks is currently rolling out four new breakfast sandwiches under their La Boulange bakery line.

To promote the new sandwiches, from March 12 to 14, participating Starbucks stores will offer a free 16-oz Grande brewed coffee with the purchase of any breakfast sandwich.

The new sandwiches are the Slow-Roasted Ham & Swiss Croissant, Vegetable & Fontiago Breakfast Sandwich, Egg & Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich, and Reduced Fat Turkey Bacon Breakfast Sandwich.

Review: Nabisco - Root Beer Float Chewy Chips Ahoy Cookies

Root Beer Float Chewy Chips Ahoy cookies are part of new line of "Ice Cream Creations" recently introduced by the brand. The flavor adds vanilla and root beer-flavored chips (in lieu of chocolate chips) to your standard Chewy Chips Ahoy cookies.

I bought a 9.5-oz package for $2.50.

News: Frito-Lay - New Smartfood Delight Reduced-Fat Popcorn

Frito-Lay's Smartfood brand recently introduced two new reduced-fat, air-popped popcorn flavors under the moniker "Smartfood Delight."

Smartfood Delight popcorn comes in two flavors: Sea Salt and White Cheddar.

News: Dreyer's / Edy's - New Fruit and Veggies Bars

Dreyer's is sticking a toe into the healthy desserts pool with new Fruit and Veggie bars as part of their Outshine fruit bars brand.

The bars clock in at 35 to 60 calories each and are made with at least 25% vegetables from purees and juices.

The new Fruit and Veggie bars come in five flavors and they are:

News: IHOP - Free Pancakes on March 4th

IHOP is once again celebrating National Pancake Day this year on March 4 by offering a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes as part of an annual fundraising effort.

The offer is good at participating IHOP restaurants on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, from 7 am to 10 pm.

Review: Pepperidge Farm - Lemon Chocolate Milanos

Pepperidge Farm's Lemon Chocolate Milanos are a new, limited-time spring flavor available exclusively at Target. It features a layer of chocolate and a layer of lemon-flavored paste sandwiched between to cookie biscuits.

I bought a package for $2.50 on sale.

News: Subway - March 2014 Featured $5 Footlong

Subway's Featured $5 Footlong for March 2014 is the same as last month. It's once again the Meatball Marinara, which comes with Italian-style meatballs in a marinara sauce plus the standard choice of cheese, veggies, condiments, and bread.

News: Oscar Mayer - New P3 Portable Protein Packs

For those looking for a protein fix with a little variety, Oscar Mayer offers new P3 Portable Protein Packs, which are basically portable packs with a combination of meat, cheese, and nuts.

Specifically, each pack contains Oscar Meyer Select Meats, Kraft Natural Cheeses, and Planters Nuts.

News: Reese's - New Fan Edition Printed Cups

For a limited time, Reese's is offering new NCAA college basketball fans peanut butter cups with basketball-themed designs printed on them.

They're calling them "Reese's Fan Edition Printed Cups" and there are 10 designs in all.

Frozen Friday: Ben & Jerry's - Scotchy Scotch Scotch Ice Cream

Ben & Jerry's Scotchy Scotch Scotch ice cream is a limited-time flavor inspired by Ron Burgundy, the lead character from The Anchorman 1 and 2. It features butterscotch ice cream with butterscotch swirls (sorry, no Scotch whiskey here).

I picked up a pint on sale for $3.50.

News: IHOP - New Sweet Cream Cheese Crepes

IHOP's latest menu additions are new Sweet Cream Cheese Crepes.

As the name suggests the new crepes are filled with sweet cream cheese and topped with a choice of one of three fruits (blackberries, peaches, or raspberries) plus whipped topping.

News: Wendy's $1 Frosty Key Tag Scores You Free Frostys

Wendy's is selling a Frosty Key Tag for $1 through mid-April with all proceeds to benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (Dave Thomas is the founder of Wendy's and was adopted himself).

But the warm and fuzzies aren't all you get with your purchase, the key tag can be used at participating Wendy's restaurants to get a free Jr. Frosty with any purchase through the end of August (i.e. all summer long).

News: Sonic - New Master Blasts

Sonic has come up with a premium line of their Sonic Blast desserts that they're calling "Master Blasts." The new line features six flavors in all: Cookie Dough, Triple Chocolate, Turtle Pecan, Pineapple Upside Down, Banana Split, and Caramel Brownie.

Review: Taco Bell - XXL Crispy Taco

Taco Bell's XXL Crispy Taco is their biggest taco yet and features a double portion of steak (also available with either shredded chicken or ground beef) along with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, avocado ranch sauce, and reduced fat sour cream in a new crispy shell.

I bought the steak version for $2.99.

News: Wienerschnitzel - New Ultimate Chili Cheese Fries

For a limited time, Wienerschnitzel is offering new Ultimate Chili Cheese Fries. Apparently, what makes them "ultimate" is that they come in two varieties: Pastrami and Bacon Ranch.

News: Nabisco - New Chips Ahoy Ice Cream Creations Cookies

Nabisco draws upon the ice cream parlor for inspiration in coming up with the new Ice Cream Creations line for Chips Ahoy chocolate chip cookies.

Numbering four in all, the new flavors are: Root Beer Float Chewy Chips Ahoy, Mocha Chunk Chewy Chips Ahoy, Dulce De Leche Chips Ahoy, and Mint Chocolate Chip Chewy Chips Ahoy.

Review: Sonic - Chili Cheese Pretzel Dog

Sonic's new, limited-time Chili Cheese Pretzel Dog features an all-beef hot dog inside of a pretzel bun, topped with chili and shredded cheese.

I picked one up for $2.69.

News: Quiznos Now Selling Toasty Pasta in Addition to Subs

Quiznos adds new Toasty Pastas to the menu with six options.

Each pasta is made with mostly existing Quiznos ingredients but the Cavatappi pasta featured in each one is new.

The available choices are:

News: Panda Express - New Szechuan Golden Fish

Panda Express unveiled their first nationwide fish item today with new Szechuan Golden Fish.

Available for a limited-time, the seafood (and Lent-friendly) dish features hand-sliced, lightly battered North Pacific Cod fillets, sugar peas, and sweet bell peppers stir-fried in a zesty Szechuan sauce.

News: 7-Eleven - New Stuffed Breakfast Hash Browns

7-Eleven now offers your favorite breakfast stuff stuffed inside other breakfast stuff with the new Stuffed Breakfast Hash Browns (please say 7 times fast).

Review: Taco Bell - Chili Cheese Burrito

Along with the introduction of the Chili Cheese Fries Griller, select Taco Bell locations are also offering the Chili Cheese Burrito. Like the name suggests, it features chili and shredded cheddar cheese wrapped inside of a warm flour tortilla.

I bought one for $1.59.

News: McDonald's Mighty Wings are Back and Cheaper to Boot

McDonald's Mighty Wings are back for a limited time this spring (mostly because the chain over-estimated demand when they offered them last year and now has a bunch of wings to get rid of).