Tim Hortons Introduces New Salted Caramel Drinks and Baked Goods

Tim Hortons goes with a Salted Caramel theme this month with a whole line of drinks and baked/fried goods dedicated to the flavor.

The full line-up includes:

- Salted Caramel Latte Supreme - A latte mixed with a caramel flavor shot and finished with whipped topping, caramel drizzle, and a salted caramel topping.

Dunkin' Donuts Blends Up New Smoothies

Dunkin' Donuts is gradually introducing new Smoothies as part of a new blended beverage platform (i.e. they're adding blenders) that they're rolling out nationwide this year at participating locations.

Along with the new Smoothies, there will also be Coolatta Lite frozen beverages, and Frozen Dunkaccinos.

Review: Lunchables - Chicken Popper Kabobbles

Oscar Mayer's Lunchables Chicken Popper Kabobbles with Smoothie features breaded white meat chicken poppers along with Kraft processed American cheese, pretzel sticks, Tree Top Banana Strawberry Smoothie, and Mini Chips Ahoy cookies.

A 3.5-oz plus 4.54-fl oz box is normally $3 to $4 but I got this one for $1 on closeout.

New Ultra-Filtered Milk with More Protein, Calcium, and Less Sugar Than Regular Milk

Popping up in the dairy aisle, new Fairlife Ultra-Filtered Milk features 50% more protein, 30% more calcium, and 50% less sugar of regular milk as people look for more protein in their diet.

Basically, it's extra fortified milk but fortified with milk rather than with protein or calcium additives.

New Pretzel Poppers and Bowties from Snyder's of Hanover

Snyder's of Hanover introduces new Pretzel Poppers and Bowties to their pretzel line up as "lighter snacking and in-home entertainment" options.

Review: Chobani - Green Tea Greek Yogurt

Chobani's Green Tea Greek Yogurt features low-fat Greek yogurt blended with green tea.

I bought a 5.3-oz cup for $1 on sale.

Campbell's Launches New Line of Organic Soup

Campbell's introduces a new line of Organic soups. In addition to being made with USDA-certified organic ingredients, a number of the varieties offered are gluten-free and/or vegetarian, so there's a little something for everyone.

There are six varieties at launch. They are:

How to Get $5 Off One of Panera's New Broth Bowls

For a limited time, Panera Bread is offering $5 off one of their new Asian-inspired Broth Bowls after you watch three out of six short videos featuring the new menu items.

You'll need a MyPanera rewards card (free to sign up) to take advantage of the deal though, as the coupon is loaded onto your card.

Frozen Friday - Dreyer's - Chocolate Malt Frozen Custard

Dreyer's Chocolate Malt Frozen Custard is a new, thicker, richer version of their regular ice cream in a chocolate malt flavor.

It was $3.89 for a quart.

$1 Hot Dogs at Sonic on February 16, 2015

Sonic is celebrating Presidents Day this upcoming Monday, February 16, 2015 by offering All-American Dogs or Chili Cheese Coneys for only $1 each.

The deal runs all day on Monday at participating Sonic restaurants and there's no limit on how many you can buy (except for if they run out of supplies).

Both hot dogs normally sell for around $2.

Croissant Donuts are Now Permanent at Dunkin' Donuts

As they've sold over 8.5 million of them since the launch in November, Dunkin' Donuts is now keeping the Croissant Donut as a permanent addition to the menu. Additionally, plans are in the works to introduce new flavors throughout 2015.

The glazed, flaky croissant-shaped like a donut was originally meant to be a limited-time item at launch.

Review: Papa John's - Double Chocolate Chip Brownie

Papa John's new Double Chocolate Chip Brownie is a family-sized dessert featuring an 8-inch pan of fudge brownie with chocolate chips, baked to order and cut into squares.

I bought one for $6.

Buy One, Get One Free Burritos at Qdoba on 2/14 for a Kiss

Qdoba offers the opportunity to score an extra burrito on Valentine's Day this Saturday with their annual kiss-for-a-burrito deal. 

This year, they're calling it "Smothered for a Smooch" because it's buy one Smothered Burrito, share a smooch with a love one, friend, or willing stranger, and get a second Smothered Burrito for free.

P.F. Chang's Goes with "Hot & Spicy" Menu for Valentine's Day

P.F. Chang's is offering a "Valentine's Hot & Spicy Menu" this year through Sunday, February 15, 2015. The menu introduces three new dishes: Flaming Pork Wontons, Firecracker Chicken, and Chinese Red Wine & Pepper Braised Beef.

The menu features a 3-course meal for $45. The items on the menu can also be ordered a la carte.

Einstein Bros Baking Up Heart-Shaped Bagels

Einstein Bros is once again baking up Heart-Shaped Bagels for Valentine's Day this year.

You can pre-order them now by calling your local Einstein Bros and pick them up on Friday, February 13 or Saturday, February 14, 2015. You can also just stop by, as most locations will have some on hand on Friday and Saturday.

Review: Hostess - Cherry Chocodile Twinkies

Hostess Cherry-Flavored Chocodile Twinkies feature the brand's signature golden spongecake filled with a cherry-flavored creme and dipped in a chocolaty coating.

A 13.02-oz box contains 9-individually-wrapped snack cakes and cost me $2.99.

Chicken Selects Returning to McDonald's in March

For those of you who have been clamoring for it, Chicken Selects are returning to McDonald's in early March but only for a limited time, so get it while you can. They're also getting a slight name change and are now "Chicken Select Tenders."

Nutella Partners with Cronut Creator for One-Day-Only Pancake Cones

This is for you guys in/near/going-to New York City: Nutella has partnered with Dominique Ansel, best known for creating the Cronut, to come up with the limited edition Nutella Pancake Cone. Best of all? They'll be giving them out for free at Grand Central Station in honor of Pancake Day (AKA Shrove Tuesday) on Tuesday, February 17, 2014.

Review: Wawa - 3 Cheese Pretzel Melt

Wawa’s Three Cheese Pretzel Melt features a slice of American, cheddar, and provolone cheese on a pretzel bun.

I picked one up for $3.99.

Church's Chicken Debuts New Butterfly Shrimp

Church's Chicken takes a page out of Popeye's playbook and introduces new battered and deep-fried Butterfly Shrimp. 

Also, because it wouldn't be Church's if there wasn't a deal involved, you can get 8 Butterfly Shrimp, a small order of fries, and a biscuit starting at $3.99.

CPK Offers "Sweet Deal for Two" Menu for Valentine's Day

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is offering a "Sweet Deal for Two" prix-fixe menu for Valentine's Day that includes a choice of an appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert for $32.

The Sweet Deal for Two is available through Sunday, February 15, 2015 and offers the following choices:

Appetizer (choose one):

Review: Pizza Hut - Gluten-Free Pepperoni Pizza

Pizza Hut's Gluten-Free Pepperoni Pizza is a Gluten Intolerance Group-certified pizza made with an Udi's brand gluten-free crust topped with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni.

It only comes in a 10" small size and set me back $9.99.

Papa Murphy's Heartbaker Pizza Makes Its Annual Return for 2015

Papa Murphy's take-and-bake, heart-shaped pizza, the "HeartBaker" is once again available through Valentine's Day, February 14, 2015.

Lobsterfest is Back at Red Lobster

Lobsterfest is back for a limited time at Red Lobster, offering their largest variety of lobster dishes for the year. New for this year are Dueling Lobster Tails, Wood-Grilled Lobster, Shrimp & Salmon, Lobster Scampi Linguini, Ultimate Surf & Turf, and Roasted Maine Lobster Bake.

Here's the complete 2015 Lobsterfest menu:

Heinz Offers New Sriracha Ketchup

Heinz joins their signature ketchup with the spicy chili pepper and garlic flavor of Sriracha sauce for new Heinz Ketchup Blended with Sriracha Flavor.

The new trendy flavor comes in upside-down 14-oz plastic squeeze bottles and joins a line of flavored Heinz ketchups that include Heinz Ketchup Blended with Real Jalapeno, Heinz Ketchup Blended with Balsamic Vinegar, and Heinz Hot & Spicy Ketchup Blended with Tabasco Sauce.

IHOP Introduces New Criss-Croissants

The folks at IHOP have combined waffles with croissants for new Criss-Croissants. The new breakfast items takes croissant dough and bakes it in a waffle iron for a distinctive criss-cross waffle pattern.

Basically, they're promising taste of a buttery, flaky croissant with a bit of waffle texture. Criss-Croissants come folded over one of two filling combinations:

Review: KFC - Popcorn Nuggets

KFC's Popcorn Nuggets feature bite-sized white meat chicken nuggets with a seasoned, extra crispy breading.

I got a large order as part of a $5 Fill Up meal (with a side, biscuit, cookie, and drink); you can also buy a large order a la carte for $3.99.

Pizza Hut Offers Heart-Shaped Pizza This Year for Valentine's Day

Pizza Hut is offering a Valentine's Day deal through February 14, 2015 where you can get a 1-topping Heart-Shaped pizza and a Hershey's Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie for $13.99.

Outback Offers Weeklong Valentine's Meal for Two

From now through Sunday, February 15, 2015, Outback Steakhouse is offering a special Valentine's Meal for Two.

Outback's Valentine's Meal for Two starts at $32 and includes:

- A Bloomin' Onion
- Two Sides
- Two Side Salads
- Two 6-oz Special Sirloins
- Classic Cheesecake

Heart-Shaped Bo-Berry Biscuits are Back at Bojangles for Valentine's Day

Bojangles' Heart-Shaped Bo-Berry Biscuits are back for Valentine's Day.

The seasonal items takes the chain's signature, made-from-scratch, iced blueberry biscuits and gives them a heart shape for the romantic holiday.

Review: Red Velvet Oreo Cookies

Red Velvet Oreos feature a cream-cheese-flavored creme sandwiched by red velvet Oreo chocolate wafers.

I picked up a 10.7-oz package for $2.99.

Taco Bell is Testing a Bacon Quesarito

Taco Bell is testing a new version of their infamous Quesarito with bacon called the Bacon Quesarito. The key feature is bits of bacon nestled in the cheese sauce layer between the two tortillas.

Wrapped inside the Quesarito is the same combination of meat (chicken, beef, or steak), Latin rice, chipotle sauce, and sour cream.

New Fire Double Down Offered in Korea

The people of South Korea must really love KFC Double Downs as they keep getting new versions of it. The latest is the new KFC Fire Double Maxx, which features two spicy fried chicken filets sandwiching spicy chili sauce, a slice of tomato, and a slice of cheese.

Review: Hostess - Red Velvet Cupcakes

Hostess Red Velvet Cupcakes are here for Valentine's Day and feature red velvet cupcakes with a creamy filling, frosted with cream cheese-flavored icing.

A 12.7-oz box of 8 individually-wrapped cupcakes cost me $2.99.

Cheez-It Takes Aim at Cheetos with New Cheez-It Crunch'd Cheese Puffs

Cheez-It looks to compete with Cheetos Cheese Puffs with new Cheez-It Crunch'd Cheese Puffs.

To differentiate the new snacks from Cheetos, Cheez-It Crunch'd are made with cheddar cheese baked into the puffs (Cheetos are corn puffs coated in a cheese seasoning) and aims to be a little less messy. They're also shaped roughly like puffed-up Cheez-It crackers, complete with a hole in the center.

Checkers / Rally's Two for $2 Crispy Fish & Spicy Chicken Sandwich Deal is Back

Checkers and Rally's have brought back their "Two for $2" Crispy Fish & Spicy Chicken Sandwich deal.

Under the promotion, you can get your choice of either two Crispy Fish Sandwiches, two Spicy Chicken Sandwiches, or one of each sandwich for $2.

New Special K Chewy Snack Bars and Brownies

Kellogg's Special K brand offers up some new 100-calorie or less snacks: Chewy Snack Bars and Brownies.

The new Special K Chewy Snack Bars are made with chewy rolled oats and rice crisps. There are four flavors in all: Berry Medley, Blueberry Bliss, Salted Caramel Chocolate and Salted Pretzel Chocolate. Each bar is good for 9 grams of whole grains and 100 calories.

Frozen Friday: Chili's - Chicken Bacon Ranch

Chili's Chicken Bacon Ranch frozen meal features strips of grilled white meat chicken with rice, broccoli, and bacon in a creamy ranch sauce.

A 10-oz box was $2 on sale.

Wendy's North Pacific Cod Sandwich Returns with a New Sauce

The North Pacific Cod sandwich makes its annual return to Wendy's and picked up a few tweaks along the way: namely, a new creamy dill tartar sauce and pickles.

Along with the new sauce and pickles, you'll find a hand-cut, panko-breaded filet of wild-caught North Pacific cod, lettuce, and a toasted bun. Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb that comes in flakes and results in an airier, crispier texture when fried.

New Cookie Butter Donuts at Krispy Kreme in the UK

Cookie butter fans might want to hurry across the pond to the UK where Krispy Kreme is offering new donuts filled with a Biscoff brand Cookie Butter-infused creme.

Cookie butter is a peanut butter-like spread made with finely ground Speculoos cookies (it tastes exactly like the cookie but with the texture of peanut butter).

Jones Soda Invades the Soda Fountain

Jones Soda expands their reach with the launch of the Jones Cane Sugar Soda fountain program. They've partnered with a number of foodservice and quick-serve chains across North America to offer their signature sodas from a spout.

The available selection ranges from traditional flavors like cane sugar cola and root beer to the company's signature flavors like Berry Lemonade and Orange & Cream.

Snyder's of Hanover Unveils New Raspberry Creme Sweet Pretzel Sandwiches

Latching onto a Valentine's Day theme, Snyder's of Hanover unveils new Raspberry Creme Sweet Pretzel Sandwiches for the upcoming holiday.

The snack sandwiches features a creamy, raspberry-flavored filling sandwiched by latticed pretzel rounds.

Re-Review: Taco Bell - Triple Steak Stack

I decided to re-review Taco Bell's Triple Steak Stack as it's lost some weight since I last tried it, and Taco Bell has reformulated their steak since as well. It features a triple portion of marinated steak and a three-cheese blended folded in a warm, nine-inch, Mexican-inspired flatbread.

It cost $4.99 for one. I added some onions hoping they'd add a little more variety than last time.

Cinnabon Adds Two New CinnaSweeties Donut Holes

Cinnabon adds two new frosted flavors to CinnaSweeties, their line of cinnamon-sugar covered, bite-sized donut treats. The flavors are Frosted CinnaSweeties with Oreo cookie pieces, and Frosted Cinnasweeties with sprinkles.

The addition of frosting is new to the CinnaSweeties line and you basically just choose whether they top the frosting with Oreo cookie pieces or rainbow sprinkles.

Starbucks Offers Coconut Milk Starting February 17, 2015

Starting February 17, 2015, Starbucks stores in the U.S. will offer coconut milk as an alternative to milk in their beverages.

Specifically, they'll be offering Starbucks Single Origin Sumatra Coconut Milk. It's certified vegan and made from coconuts grown in Sumatra, Indonesia.

7-Eleven Introduces New Go!Smart Bars

7-Eleven introduces two new "better-for-you" snack bars under the name 7-Select Go!Smart.

The new bars contains less than 200 calories each and come in two flavors: Cranberry Cashew and Pistachio & Mixed Berries.

The bars features fruit and nuts drizzled in a yogurt-flavored coating. Other featured ingredients include brown rice, flax seed, raisins, roasted peanuts, sunflower oil, and sea salt.

Review: Wendy's - Bacon and Blue on Brioche Burger

Wendy's Bacon and Blue on Brioche burger features artisan blue cheese from Wisconsin, blue cheese herb aioli, spring mix, tomato, three strips of thick-cut Applewood-smoked bacon, a quarter-pound beef patty, and a toasted brioche bun.

I bought one for $4.99 (sadly, they forgot the bacon...).

Frito-Lay Kicks Off 3rd "Do Us A Flavor" Contest

For the third year, Frito-Lay is inviting fans to submit their ideas for potato chips flavors in the 2015 Lay's "Do Us A Flavor" contest for a chance to see their flavor on shelves and win a $1 million grand prize.

In addition to coming up with a flavor and chip pairing, this year, Lay's is going with a "Tastes of America" theme and asking participants to include the location that inspired the flavor (like say Philadelphia for a Cheesesteak flavor or New York for a pastrami flavor).

Papa John's Offers New Double Chocolate Chip Brownie

In addition to the new Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza, Papa John's also has a new dessert: the Double Chocolate Chip Brownie.

Review: Carl's Jr. / Hardee's Grilled Cheese Breakfast Sandwich

Carl's Jr. / Hardee’s Grilled Cheese Breakfast Sandwich features two slices of American and one slice of Swiss cheese, folded egg, and either sausage, bacon, or ham on grilled sourdough bread.

I purchased one for $3.29.