News: McDonald's Testing Horchata Frappe Plus Buy One, Get One Deal

McDonald's is testing the new Horchata Frappe here in Southern California. The new drink is made with a new horchata-flavored syrup, coffee base, milk, and ice, topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce.

McDonald's describes the Horchata Frappe as "made with vanilla, a hint of cinnamon and coffee."

Horchata is a Mexican sweet rice drink typically made with rice, water, milk, cinnamon, and sugar (although there's a fair amount of variation).

News: Pizza Hut - New BBQ Cheddar Crust Pizzas

Pizza Hut follows up on their Garlic Parmesan Pizzas with new Cheddar Crust BBQ Pizzas.

Launching in partnership with country music artist Blake Shelton, Pizza Hut's new BBQ Pizzas come in three varieties, each featuring a toasted cheddar crust and honey barbecue sauce on their Hand-Tossed Pizza.

The three available varieties are:

Around the World: Lotteria Japan - New Triple Ramen Burger

Japanese burger chain Lotteria is set to introduce a super-carb-heavy triple ramen burger featuring three ramen noodle patties sandwiched inside of a hamburger bun come May 20th.

The official name of the burger is the "Taishoken Original Tsukemen Burger" as it was developed in partnership with Tokyo's Taishoken ramen shop.

News: McAlister's Deli - New Big Bold Cheesesteak

McAlister's Deli expands their line of "Big Bold Sandwiches" with the new limited-time Big Bold Cheesesteak.

McAlister's take on the regional sandwich features Black Angus roast beef, roasted bell peppers, caramelized onions, and American cheese sauce on a toasted baguette (if you're like me, you're wondering where the actual steak is).

Review: Lay's - Honey Barbecue Potato Chips

Lay's Honey Barbecue Flavored Potato Chips isn't stocked as widely as their other flavors (at least not in my area) but I see them here and there now and again.

I picked up a bag for $2.99.

Around the World: McDonald's Portugal Offers Their Own Take on the Portuguese Steak Sandwich

McDonald's is offering their own version on the Portuguese Steak Sandwich, the Prego, with the new McPrego in Portugal.

A prego (literally "nail" in Portuguese) is a simple steak sandwich served on a crusty roll. The steak tends to be tenderized or nailed hence the name.

News: New Blue Fusion and Red Fusion Jamba Juice At-Home Smoothies

Jamba Juice's At-Home line of smoothies adds two new fruit and vegetables smoothies in Blue Fusion and Red Fusion.

Blue Fusion features a mix of blueberry, banana, apple, blackberry, carrot, broccoli and spinach.

Red Fusion consists of red raspberry, strawberry, dark sweet cherry, purple carrot, and sweet potato.

Review: Hostess - eXtreme Cream Twinkies

Hostess' eXtreme Cream Twinkies are so-named as a promotion tie-in with the upcoming X-Men: Days of Future Past movie. They come in two summertime flavors: Blue Raspberry and Strawberry.

A 13.58-oz box of 10 individually-wrapped snack cakes retails for $3.99 but I received these courtesy of Hostess.

News: New Salted Caramel and Cocoa Planters Peanuts

Planters peanuts now come in four new flavors including Salted Caramel and Cocoa, which are a far cry from the Salted and Dry Roasted peanuts they're known for.

Rounding out the selection are the slightly more traditional spicy Chipotle and Smoked.

News: Haagen-Dazs - New 2014 Limited Edition Flavors

Haagen-Dazs is offering two "new" Limited Edition ice cream flavors and one new Limited Edition ice cream bar for 2014. 

The two "new" ice cream flavors are more like "newly limited-edition" flavors. They're Banana Split and Midnight Cookies & Cream.

Around the World: Burger King Malaysia - New Godzilla Burgers

As a promotional tie-in with the upcoming Godzilla movie, Burger King Malaysia recently introduced new, limited-time Raksasa Burgers.

Raksasa means "giant" or "monster" in colloquial usage in Malaysia.

Frozen Friday: Haagen-Dazs - Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Haagen-Dazs' Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream features chocolate ice cream with a peanut butter swirl.

I bought a 14-oz carton for $2.99 on sale.

News: Haagen-Dazs - Free Cone Day on May 13, 2014

Haagen-Dazs is celebrating their annual Free Cone Day on this upcoming Tuesday, May 13, 2014, from 4 to 8 pm.

News: Jack in the Box Reminds Us That They Serve Breakfast All Day

In a clever way to remind us that they serve breakfast all day, Jack in the Box has come up with an online Magic 8-Ball of sorts. Except it only answers one question: "Can I Still Get Breakfast?"

News: Panda Express - New Shiitake Kale Chicken Breast and Orange Chicken with Bacon

Panda Express debuts both healthy and indulgent options with the introduction of two new, limited-time dishes: Shiitake Kale Chicken Breast and Orange Chicken with Bacon.

Review: Starbucks - Iced Oprah Chai Tea Latte

Starbucks' new Iced Oprah Chai Tea Latte (so-named because it was developed in partnership with Oprah Winfrey) features a brewed blend of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, loose-leaf black tea, and rooibos, served over milk and ice and sweetened with sugar.

I paid $4.25 for a 16-oz Grande (30 cents more than their regular Chai, but 25 cents goes to charity).

News: Papa John's - Half-Off Large Pizzas Ordered Online Through May 11

With the NFL Draft starting today, Papa John's is running a promotion where you can get a large pizza with any toppings for half off the regular menu price if you order online through Sunday, May 11, 2014.

News: 7-Eleven Adds New Kolaches in Texas

In another edition of "Where's mine?!" 7-Eleven now offers Kolaches, but only in Texas. Technically klobasniky, 7-Eleven's Kolaches come in two varieties: Pork and Beef Sausage, and Pork and Beef Sausage with Jalapeno and Cheddar.

News: Corner Bakery - New Superfood Salads and Real-Fruit Smoothies

Corner Bakery Cafe aims for nutrition with the arrival of new real-fruit smoothies and superfood salads.

There are two new salads, the Quinoa & Pico Salad and the Toasted Sesame Kale Salad. Quinoa is known for being a complete protein as well as a good source of calcium, iron, and fiber (it tastes a little grassy to me though), while kale is a good source of beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, and calcium.

Review: Burger King - BBQ Bacon Whopper

Burger King's new BBQ Bacon Whopper features a quarter-pound, flame-grilled beef patty, thick-cut bacon, American cheese, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, mayo, ketchup, and barbecue sauce on a toasted sesame bun. Along with the new Honey BBQ Chicken Strips, it seems a scaled back nod to last year's barbecue-themed summer menu.

I picked one up for $4.69.

News: Hostess- New eXtreme Creme Twinkies

As a promotional tie-in to the upcoming X-Men: Days of Future Past, Hostess has come up with new eXtreme Creme Twinkies in two limited-time flavors: Blue Raspberry and Strawberry Blast.

Each flavor features their respective flavored creme fillings inside of a golden sponge cake.

News: McDonald's Testing Fries That You Season Yourself

McDonald's is testing seasoning for their French Fries that you sprinkle on yourself out in the Sacramento, Stockton, and Modesto CA area (as well as St. Louis, MO).

They're calling them "Shakin' Flavor Fries" and the seasonings are available for free with a large order of fries or with a small surcharge for smaller sizes. The available flavors are Ranch, Buffalo, and Garlic Parmesan.

News: Starbucks - Buy One, Get One Free Oprah Chai Lattes on Mother's Day

In celebration of Mother's Day, Starbucks will be offering a buy one, get one free deal on the new Oprah Chai Tea Latte on Sunday, May 11, 2014.

The deal is good at participating Starbucks stores in the U.S. and Canada as well as at Teavana Fine Tea + Tea Bars (which currently only has locations in New York, Seattle, and Chicago), while supplies last.

Review: Sonic - Blue Raspberry Nerds Slush

Sonic's Blue Raspberry Nerds Slush is new leading up to summer and features ice slush mixed with blue raspberry-flavored syrup with a combination of Nerds and rainbow candies thrown in. I also tried the Lemonberry and Super Peach Ring (like the candy) Slushes.

A 20-ounce medium was $1.10 during their half-price Happy Hour but I got these courtesy of Sonic.

News: Long John Silver's - Chicken Family Pack for $10

Perhaps banking on people being tired of all that seafood after Lent, Long John Silver's is offering a Chicken Family Pack for $10.

The limited-time deal features 8 pieces of battered and fried white meat chicken, a family-size side of choice, and 8 hush puppies for $10.

News: Mother's Day Donuts

In honor of Mother's Day this upcoming Sunday, Krispy Kreme is offering flower-shaped Springtime Flower Donuts through May 11, 2014 at participating Krispy Kreme locations in the US and Canada.

The yeast donuts feature a five-petal flower shape dipped in yellow icing and decorated with a chocolate outline.

News: McAlister's Deli - Pecanberry Salad is Back

The seasonal Pecanberry Salad is back at McAlister's Deli. The summery salad features strawberries, blueberries, candied pecans, and grilled chicken on a bed of mixed greens with Fat Free Raspberry-Pecan Vinaigrette Dressing.

The Pecanberry Salad is available through September 30, 2014.

Review: Sonic - Jalapeno Chocolate Shake

Sonic's Jalapeno Chocolate Shake is one of the new flavors available for their Summer of Shakes promotion. True to its name, it's a milkshake made with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and chopped up jalapenos.

The price was $1.99 for a mini-sized shake, but I received this one courtesy of Sonic.

Around the World: McDonald's Japan Introduces the McChurro

For a limited time starting May 7, McDonald's Japan is offering new McChurros, available either covered in cinnamon sugar or with hotcake syrup for dipping.

While they might be called "churros," and are indeed long, deep-fried sticks of pastry dough, in appearance, the McDonald's version of the Latin treat look more like youtiao i.e. Chinese fried breadsticks although youtiao tend to be more savory than sweet.

News: Bruegger's - Featured Spring 2014 Menu

Bruegger's Bagels launches their spring menu with two new sandwiches, a new bagel, and a new coffee flavor.

The two new sandwiches are the Riviera Egg Sandwich and Prosciutto & Brie Ciabatta Sandwich.

News: 7-Eleven Offers New Ginger Ale Slurpee Only in Michigan

In a bit of regional favoritism, 7-Eleven has launched their first-ever regional Slurpee flavor with the new Vernors Ginger Ale Slurpee in Michigan.

The new flavor is only available at the over 200 7-Eleven stores within the state of Michigan.

News: Arby's - Smokehouse Brisket Sandwich is Back

With summer being prime barbecue season, Arby's has brought back last year's Smokehouse Brisket sandwich for a limited time. 

Like the name suggests, the Smokehouse Brisket features thin-sliced beef brisket that the chain touts has been smoked for "at least 13 hours."

Review: Doritos Jacked Tortilla Chips Mystery Flavors

Frito Lay recently came out with three mystery "test" flavors of Doritos Jacked tortilla chips (the "Jacked" line features a bigger, thicker, crunchier version of Doritos) labeled as test flavors 2653, 404, and 855 each with a different label: blue, yellow, and red respectively.

I picked up all three bags for $1.99 each.

Around the World: KFC UK Offers New BLT Quad Wrap

While KFC has largely abandoned the wrap here at home, it's still available in many countries abroad with new versions occasionally appearing like the new BLT Quadwrap in the United Kingdom.

Similar to the Tortada sister brand Taco Bell trotted out a few years back, the Quadwrap is toasted and folded into a square shape.

News: Rita's Italian Ice - New Wild Berry Italian Ice

Rita's Italian Ice has a new Italian ice flavor: Wild Berry. It's made with raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries.

News: Togo's - New Primo Italian Sub

Togo's latest sandwich is the new Primo Italian Sub, which replaces their previous Italian sub.

The new sub strives for a little more brand recognition than the old version; it's made with four hand-sliced meats: Fiorucci Hot Capicola, Margherita Pepperoni, Fiorucci Dry Salami, and Hormel Ham. Along for the ride are provolone cheese, Italian vinaigrette, shredded lettuce, tomato, red onions, pickles, and pepperoncinis on a choice of fresh baked Artisan bread.

Review: Thomas' Cinnamon Vanilla English Muffins

Thomas' Cinnamon Vanilla English Muffins are a new, limited-time flavor featuring cinnamon vanilla-flavored English muffins with pockets of cinnamon and cream cheese.

I picked up a 6-count package for $2.99.

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

Baskin-Robbins' Flavor of the Month for May presents a twist to cookie dough ice cream and is called Mom's Makin' Cookies ice cream.

The new flavor features brown sugar-flavored ice cream filled with chocolate chip cookie pieces, chocolate-flavored chips, and a cookie dough batter ribbon.

News: Bomb Pop-Flavored New Tic Tacs

Tic Tac strikes a summer theme with Bomb Pop-inspired Summer Ice Pop Tic Tac mints.

Rather than just one flavor, the new candiess are actually an assorted combination of three different pills, each in a different color. There's blue berry-flavored pills, red cherry-flavored pills, and white lime-flavored pills.

News: Cracker Jack'd - New Energy Trail Mixes

Frito Lay expands their bold-flavored Cracker Jack'D line with new Energy Trail Mixes.

The new trail mixes are available in two sweet and savory flavors: Chocolate Flavored Cherry and Mixed Berry. Each of the flavor features a pouch inside a larger pouch to keep the fruit pieces fresh and separated from the drier granola and nuts, which in turn stay crunchier.

Frozen Friday: Michael Angelo's - Cheese Ravioli

Michael Angelo's Cheese Ravioli is filled with Ricotta and imported Romano cheese and served in a tomato basil cream sauce.

I bought one for $2.99.

News: Arby's Testing Grilled Artisan Melts

Arby's is testing new Grilled Artisan Melts out in Evansville, Indiana. Besides a grilled/pressed version of the chain's classic Reuben, there's also the Steak & Garlic Toast, Turkey Avocado & Bacon, and Steak & Portabella sandwiches.

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like they'll be making an appearance nationally (at least not any time soon). I reached out to the company and a company spokesperson had this to say:

News: Dunkin' Donuts - New Arnold Palmer Coolatta

Dunkin' Donuts unveiled the new Frozen Arnold Palmer Coolatta, which is available throughout the summer. They've partnered up with Arizona Beverages and Arnold Palmer Enterprise for the flavor because otherwise they'd have to call it the "Frozen Lemonade Ice Tea Coolatta."

The Frozen Arnold Palmer Coolatta is an icy slush drink with a half iced tea and half lemonade flavor.

News: Sonic - New Candy-Inspired Slushes Including Nerds Slushes

Sonic is offering new Nerds candy Slushes as well as a number of other candy-flavored Slushes as part of their seasonal summer drink menu.

The Nerds candy Slushes feature the typical mix of flavored-syrup and ice but throws in a blend of Nerds and rainbow candies to sweeten the deal. Each slush features its own unique syrup rather than a blend of existing syrups.

News: Pizza Hut Commissions Pizza Box Derby Hats for Kentucky Derby

In one of the odder promotions I've seen (when people think horseracing, pizza tends not to figure into the equation), Pizza Hut has partnered with Project Runway alum Angela Bacskocky to create custom derby hats out of Pizza Hut pizza and wing boxes as well as other various materials found in Pizza Hut restaurants in honor of the Kentucky Derby, which takes place tomorrow. In other words, it's a cardboard and paper derby hat.

Review: Starbucks - Caffe Espresso Frappuccino

Starbuck's new Caffe Espresso Frappuccino features Frappuccino Roast coffee and milk, blended with ice, and topped with new espresso-infused whipped cream and Italian Roast Drizzle.

I picked a Venti-sized cup during their Happy Hour promotion for $2.62 (normally $5.25).

Around the World: Pizza Hut Singapore Promotes X-Men Movie by Slapping a Huge "X" of Cheese on Pizza

In one of the weirder (but perhaps fitting) cross-promotions I've seen, Pizza Hut Singapore is pushing the upcoming X-Men: Days of Future Past movie by offering a pizza with a huge "X" painted on it with what appears to be nacho cheese. They're calling it the "X-Treme Pizza."

News: Dairy Queen - May 2014 Blizzard of the Month

Dairy Queen's Blizzard of the Month for May 2014 is the new Strawberry Shortcake Blizzard.

Based on the classic dessert, the Strawberry Shortcake Blizzard features the chain's signature vanilla soft serve blended with strawberry topping and shortcake pieces. It's available at participating Dairy Queen locations throughout the month of May.

News: Church's Chicken - Spicier Spicy Chicken Returns

Church's Chicken's Spicier Spicy Chicken is back for a limited time. As the name suggests, it's a spicier version of their spicy fried chicken.

News: Jamba Juice - $2 Coconut Water Fruit Refreshers

Fruit Refreshers with coconut water are back at Jamba Juice as a spring-summer offering and to promote them the smoothie chain is offering them at $2 for a small-size cup at participating locations through Tuesday, May 6, 2014.

As with most Jamba Juice deals, you'll need a coupon to take advantage of it and you can find it on their website here.