Summer is finally here! With that comes days at the beach, hanging out in pools, summer blockbusters, and of course, summer menu items! It’s definitely one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year. 2024 is shaping up to have an awesome summer thanks to the amount of new releases we’re getting from different fast food chains. You definitely won’t run out of choices.
In this list, we’ve got all the heavy hitters like Starbucks and Chick-fil-A but we also have some brand new menu items that, while not specifically made for summer, will still be worth trying and keeping on your radar. From new flavors to new burgers to new desserts and new drinks, here are the 15 best summer menu releases you must try in 2024.
15. Starbucks
Must try:
- Starbucks Summer Skies Drink Refresher
- Starbucks Pineapple Cloud Cake
- Starbucks Spicy Dragonfruit Refresher
Let’s start this list off with a bang. Starbucks’ 2024 summer menu items have looooong been rumored and a lot of people started speculating online what we would be getting this year. Good thing they made the official announcement last May 7 and it’s safe to say that we won’t be disappointed. Pretty far from it actually. This year’s summer menu items look both delicious and refreshing! What particularly stands out are the Summer Skies Drink Refresher and the Spicy Dragonfruit Refresher. Both of them are pretty great twists on Starbucks’ signature Refreshers and are definitely must-tries this summer. And if that wasn’t enough, they also released two new snacks! If you had to try one though, we’d recommend the Pineapple Cloud Cake. Starbucks sure knows how to pull out on all stops just to make sure we have an awesome summer.
RELATED: 16 Starbucks Summer Menu Items for 2024
14. Subway
Must try:
- Baja Chipotle Kettle Chips by Miss Vickie’s
- Homestyle Chicken Salad Wrap
- Honey Oat Bread
Two years ago, Subway revamped their whole menu which ended up being the biggest transformation in the brand’s history. Since then, they’ve stayed true to their slogan (“Eat Fresh”) and lived up to it by constantly refreshing their menu items. While they don’t have a dedicated summer menu this year, they do have lots of newly released menu items that you can enjoy long into the season. Must-tries include the Baja Chipotle Kettle Chips by Miss Vickie’s, Homestyle Chicken Salad Wrap, and the returning Honey Oat Bread. The Baja Chipotle Kettle Chips are delicious potato chips coated in Subway’s signature Baja Chipotle Sauce and are made in partnership with PepsiCo brand Miss Vickie’s. Then there’s the Homestyle Chicken Salad Wrap which features a lavash-style flatbread and can hold more ingredients than your standard wheat tortilla. Lastly, you have the return of the Honey Oat Bread. Its subtle sweetness and oat texture makes it a perfect complement to the savory meat options you could get for your sub sandwich.
13. Carl’s Jr.
Must try:
- El Diablo Burger
- El Diablo Hand-Breaded Chicken Tender Wrap
Who said that you can’t enjoy spicy things during the summer? These latest menu items from Carl’s Jr. will make your summer even hotter! While it isn’t part of an actual summer menu, these are still definitely items to look out for. The best part is that they’re now permanently a part of their menu so you can have these spicy meals anytime you’re over at Carl’s Jr. The El Diablo Burger perfectly celebrates the combination of spiciness and that trademark beefiness you can only get from burgers at Carl’s Jr. The El Diablo Hand-Breaded Chicken Tender Wrap may sound like a mouthful but it’s definitely worth every syllable when you order it. It has a strong burst of flavors that combine the habanero ranch sauce with chicken tenders.
12. Popeyes
Must try:
- Hot Crispy Chicken Sandwich
- Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich
- Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Popeyes is all about fried chicken and this summer, we’ll get some of the best chicken dishes we’ve ever had. First up they have two new Chicken Sandwiches. You have the Hot Crispy Chicken Sandwich and the Golden BBQ Sandwich. We all know that Popeyes always brings their A-game when it comes to their chicken, and their new Hot Crispy Chicken Sandwich and Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich are their latest entry in the raging chicken sandwich wars. Both of them look and sound absolutely delicious. Then you have the Honey Lemon Pepper Wings. When you want something sweet, tangy, and a very mild amount of heat, you should go and give this meal a try. It’s the perfect finger food for when you’re hanging out at the beach, by the pool, or just chilling at your friend’s crib. Popeyes definitely has you set for summer.
11. Nothing Bundt Cakes
Must try:
- Churro Dulce de Leche
- Lemon Raspberry
- Pineapple Upside Down
Think it’s only beverages and fast food getting in on the summer fun? Nothing Bundt Cakes would beg to disagree. This bake shop is throwing their hat in the ring with their “Taste of Summer” menu for 2024. Known for their delicious cakes and pastries, Nothing Bundt Cakes are releasing 5 new limited-time flavors and a bonus mystery flavor that will only be revealed during the last stretch of the season. These cakes all look good but the ones that stand out are definitely the Churro Dulce de Leche, the Lemon Raspberry, and the Pineapple Upside Down. The Churro Dulce de Leche is a delicious cinnamon spice cake topped with cinnamon sugar and filled with dulce de leche. And then you have the Lemon Raspberry which is basically a lemon cake that contains raspberries. Then finally, there’s the Pineapple Upside Down which is made mostly of pineapple with cherry halves and drizzled with caramel sauce. What’s even better is the mystery flavor they teased with their summer menu announcement. If you thought cakes and pastries aren’t really meant for summer, then you should head on over to try Nothing Bundt Cakes’ summer menu; it will surely change your mind.
10. Taco Bell
Must try:
- Big Cheez-it Tostada
- Big Cheez-it Crunchwrap
- Mountain Dew Baja Blast Pie
Taco Bell had one of the most anticipated 2024 menu announcements during their Live Más Live. During their broadcast, they revealed their plans and it looks like we’re finally seeing them come to fruition this summer! Taco Bell definitely knows how to bring it when it comes to innovating their products which is why their summer menu for this year is definitely one for the ages. There’s a lot to be excited about but the stars of the show are definitely the meals featuring a giant Cheez-it. The Big Cheez-it Tostada and the Big Cheez-it Supreme are two of the most innovative items we’ve seen from the Mexican fast food chain. The Big Cheez-it Tostada features a giant Cheez-it square that’s 16 times larger than the average Cheez-it piece and is topped off seasoned beef, diced tomatoes, lettuce, shredded cheese, and reduced-fat sour cream. While the Big Cheez-it Crunchwrap is essentially the same but the whole thing is contained inside a tortilla wrap. If you’re looking for dessert right after these hearty meals, you can go for a Mountain Dew Baja Blast Pie. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a Mountain Dew Baja Blast flavored-pie. It’s safe to say that Taco Bell is having not just a big summer but a big year in 2024.
RELATED: The Viral Taco Bell Summer Menu is Finally Here
9. Burger King
Must try:
- Philly Melt
- Oreo BK Blast
- Cherry Limeade
Burger King may be known as the literal king of burgers but this summer, they’re opting for something a little different. Let’s face it, there are tons of burger chains out there coming out with new burgers for their own summer menu. Burger King has done enough to justify their place in burger history which is why it’s a breath of fresh air that they’re releasing new menu items for the summer that aren’t just burgers. There’s plenty to be excited about so let’s take a look at some of them. The Philly Melt is basically a Philly Cheesesteak in burger form. It has two Whopper Jr. patties, grilled peppers, onions, melted Swiss cheese and Royal Sauce. Then for desserts, we’re going with the Oreo BK Blast just because it has Oreos. This vanilla soft serve is basically an oreo milkshake in your mouth. Once you’ve had your dessert, what better way to wash it down than with the Cherry Limeade. It’s a refreshing beverage that brings traditional lemonade flavor with a cherry and lime twist.
8. Sonic
Must try:
- Cheesy Bacon Sonic Stack
- Orange Cloudsicle Slush Float
- Groovy Fries
This summer, Sonic isn’t coming out with a summer menu. But they still make the list because of what they’ve released so far that will be available deep into the season! They’ve got tons of new items for us to sink our teeth into and we’ve rounded out the best ones on their menu. First up is the Cheesy Bacon Sonic Stack. It’s made from their signature Texas Toast and includes a seasoned all-beef patty, bacon, cheese, and some vegetables. It’s definitely an awesome twist to their typical toaster sandwiches. Next up, is the crowd favorite, Orange Cloudsicle Slush Float. Sonic really knows how to come up with a good slush. You could even say that their line of shakes, beverages, and other frozen treats are better than the savory items on their menu. The Orange Cloudsicle Slush lives up to that reputation with its blend of orange vanilla boba in a frozen slush mix, creamy soft serve, and a special orange cloudsicle syrup. It tastes exactly like summer in a cup. Then you have their Groovy Fries which is a complete revamp of their usual french fries which now features “grooves” specifically designed to hold more flavor. This all goes to show that even without a dedicated summer menu, Sonic will still deliver the goods.
7. KFC
Must try:
- Saucy Nuggets
- Apple Pie Poppers
- Tropical Passionfruit Lemonade
KFC is officially reigniting the chicken wars this year and they’re looking to prove that they’re the absolute best when it comes to any fried chicken-based dish. In typical KFC fashion, they’re releasing a revamped version of their Chicken Nuggets now called the Saucy Nuggets! With flavors like Georgia Gold, Sticky Chicky, Honey Sriracha, Korean BBQ, and the returning Nashville Hot, KFC will definitely keep things interesting this summer. Apart from the Saucy Nuggets, they also released a new item that’s basically a bite-sized take on a classic dessert, the Apple Pie Poppers. And speaking of summer, they just released a brand new drink that’s just perfect for the season with the release of the Tropical Passionfruit Lemonade.
6. Shake Shack
Must try:
- Smoky Classic BBQ Burger
- Carolina BBQ Burger with Fried Pickles
- BBQ Fries
- BBQ Cheese Fries
Summer is officially BBQ season and Shake Shack has a summer menu that will give you those delicious, smoky flavors with these new items. The best part is you don’t have to spend all day sweating by the grill! You can just hit up Shake Shack and you can have these new menu items delivered straight to your doorstep. The Carolina BBQ Burger with Fried Pickles stands out in particular. We haven’t seen anything quite like it. Pickles have been a mainstay in burger toppings but fried pickles? That’s something you don’t see everyday. Made with 100% Angus beef plus pepper jack cheese, applewood-smoked bacon, fried pickles, and a Carolina-style BBQ sauce on a toasted potato bun, it’s safe to say that Shake Shack came prepared to blow us all out the water.
RELATED: Shake Shack Brings The Heat with Their Summer BBQ Menu!
5. Dairy Queen
Must try:
- Ultimate Cookie Blizzard Treat
- Picnic Peach Cobbler Blizzard Treat
- Cotton Candy Blizzard Treat
What summer menu list would be complete without any ice cream? Fortunately, Dairy Queen has us covered! This summer, they’re releasing a new set of Blizzard Treat menu which features both brand-new and returning flavors that are perfectly catered for the season. They got everything you could possibly want. Craving for something with cookies? Try the Ultimate Cookie Blizzard Treat. It brings together three of the most iconic cookies of all time: Oreos, Chips Ahoy, and Nutter Butters. Want something fruity instead? Well, you could go for the Picnic Peach Cobbler Blizzard Treat. It has peach toppings and buttery cobbler pieces blended to perfection. Sounds good but what if you want something really sweet? Lucky for you, one of the returning flavors is the Cotton Candy Blizzard Treat. It mixes Dairy Queen’s classic soft serve with Cotton Candy sprinkles that will remind you of those times you’re at the fair or at the carnival. Dairy Queen definitely stepped up their game this year with the reintroduction of old flavors and coming up with new ones.
4. Wendy’s
Must try:
- Saucy Nuggets
- Orange Dreamsicle Frosty
- Sausage Breakfast Burrito
Wendy’s is never one to back out from a challenge. When KFC released their take on the Saucy Nuggets, Wendy’s retaliated and brought back their legendary nuggets complete with brand new sauces that are sure to spice up your summer. Featuring flavors like Honey BBQ, Buffalo, Ghost Pepper, and Garlic Parmesan, these new Saucy Nuggets are the perfect finger food for when you’re just hanging out in your backyard or when you’re out for a picnic. They’re also releasing a new Triple Berry Frosty in June but we have yet to see any official promotion. While we keep an eye on that, we can still enjoy their Orange Dreamsicle Frosty. They also recently released a new breakfast item with the new Sausage Breakfast Burrito. Wendy’s may not have a summer menu at the moment but these new items will definitely keep us coming back to the store.
3. Dunkin’
- Must try:
- Watermelon Burst Donut
- Vanilla Frosted Donut Signature Latte
- Kiwi Watermelon Dunkin’ Refresher
- Green Goddess Wrap
We all love Dunkin’ for their signature donut and coffee combo. But what if I told you that this summer, they’re releasing an iced coffee blend that’s literally a donut in a cup? That’s right! That’s just one of the many things you can expect in Dunkin’s summer menu for 2024. This summer, Dunkin’ has you covered for whatever you may want. Looking for something to start your day on a warm summer morning? Try the Vanilla Donut Signature Latte. Need a pick me up after a long day? Go for a Kiwi Watermelon Dunkin’ Refresher. Need to snack on the go? Try the Watermelon Burst Donut or if you want something that isn’t sweet, try the Green Goddess Wrap. This summer season is a big one for Dunkin’ and we’re all tagging along for the ride.
RELATED: Dunkin’ Rolls Out Summer Menu for 2024
2. Chick-fil-A
Must try:
- Maple Pepper Bacon Sandwich
- Peach Milkshake
- Banana Pudding
Chick-fil-A is being a little lowkey when it comes to their summer menu releases for 2024. But that won’t stop us from flocking to their stores because what they’ve announced so far just sounds that good. First up is the Maple Pepper Bacon Sandwich. It’s made with a lemon-herb marinated grilled chicken filet, maple-flavored brioche bun, green leaf lettuce, pepper Jack cheese, candied pepper bacon, and spicy bread and butter pickles. To pair with this new sandwich, Chick-fil-A is also bringing back its famous Peach Milkshake to wash this savory meal and keep us cool during the summer. And that’s not all. What all of us are excited about is the long rumored dessert that’s finally been confirmed! While we’re still waiting for an official announcement, the Banana Pudding sounds like the perfect dessert for this summer. Fingers crossed, Chick-fil-A may just surprise us all with a nationwide rollout before the season ends.
1. McDonald’s
Must try:
- Smoky BLT Quarter Pounder with Cheese
- KitKat Banana Split McFlurry
Last but definintely not the least, we have McDonald’s releasing two new items the first week of July. In the competitive world of the fast food industry, you gotta keep up when you want to stay on top. And that’s exactly what McDonald’s is doing this summer. There are plenty of McDonald’s locations around the world releasing their own set of summer menu items. But for this list, we’re gonna focus on what’s coming in the United States. The biggest release has to be the Smoky BLT Quarter Pounder with Cheese. It’s not exactly a new menu item since it was tested in select locations around Maryland in the fall of 2021. People who’ve tried it can testify just how good this burger is which makes us even more excited for it to get a nationwide release. McDonald’s isn’t just blowing away the competition with their burgers; they also have a new dessert lined up that will absolutely blow your mind: the KitKat Banana Split McFlurry. It’s a combination of two limited-edition McFlurry flavors released before, the KitKat McFlurry and the Banana Split McFlurry. Looks like we’re getting the best of both worlds this summer!
Bonus: Starbucks Summer Menu Part 2
It looks like Starbucks isn’t done with the surprises this summer! We got an insider report courtesy of Markie Devo, that they are in fact releasing a new set of Summer menu items that is set to drop on June 25, 2024. There’s a whole lot of new items here that we didn’t expect from Starbucks. The best part about this is that most of the new drinks in this menu are non-dairy. It’s a very nice balance to all the other options that Starbucks usually offers. These new summer menu drinks would come in three categories: Iced Energy Drinks, Coffee, and Sweet Drinks. They’re also coming out with two new food items. At first glance, the ones that stand out are the Frozen Tropical Iced Energy Drink, the Non-Dairy Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, and the Egg, Pesto & Mozzarella Sandwich. Starbucks has yet to make the official announcement so we’ll have to wait a while before we can try them all.
RELATED: Leaked: More Starbucks Summer Menu Item’s To Get Excited About
With each brand competing and releasing their own set of summer menu items, it’s safe to say that Starbucks just blew the competition out of the water. They’re definitely miles ahead and it looks like they’re gonna win the battle of the summer menus in 2024.