Fast food gets a glow-up with these new menu releases.
Fast food chains across the country are stepping up their game with new limited-time offers, unexpected twists, and bold flavors. The great news is they’re anything but basic! Finally, McDonald’s is bringing us what we’ve been waiting for so long. Hint: they’re made with chicken. 👀 Culver’s also released tempting menu items, one is a returning fan-favorite, and the two others are new, sweet, and refreshing. We also have Smashburger in this roundup, offering new beverages that will make you “go bananas.” You’ll want to try all these to level up your lunch run!
Culver’s x SKITTLES POP’D Beverages
If you’ve seen the new frozen beverages from Burger King with NERDS on top, then what you’ll find at Culver’s would seem like a strong contender. Culver’s, in collaboration with SKITTLES, just released two new beverages that feature SKITTLES POP’D. These light and crispy fruit candies can be mixed into the chain’s signature Concrete Mixers and Lemon Ice Coolers. These new offerings are available for a limited time at participating Culver’s locations until June 15, 2025.
Let’s take a closer look at Culver’s POP’D beverages:
- SKITTLES POP’D Concrete Mixer – This is made with the chain’s creamy vanilla Fresh Frozen Custard, blended with fruity SKITTLES POP’D.
- SKITTLES POP’D Lemon Ice Cooler – This features slow-frozen lemonade mixed with SKITTLES POP’D for added crunch and extra burst of fruit flavor.
Both of these options are available in three sizes: small, medium, and large, with suggested prices starting at $3.59. Prices may vary by location. Again, you can find these new Culver’s x SKITTLES POP’D beverages at participating locations for a limited only, so act fast!
In addition, Culver’s quietly brought back a fan-favorite menu item called Colby Jack Pub Burger, available now at participating locations. Clocking in at 970 calories, this burger is quite massive and will surely hit the right spots. It features a fresh and never-frozen ground beef patty, seared on the grill. On a lightly buttered, toasty everything bun, the meat is layered with Wisconsin Colby Jack cheese, zesty A1 4-pepper mayo, and crispy onions.
The Colby Jack Pub Burger is available as a single, double, and triple burger, worth $5.59, $8.19, and $10.79, respectively. Prices may vary by location. This item is also available for a limited only.
McDonald’s McCrispy Chicken Strips
If you’ve been waiting for the Chicken Strips’ much-awaited return, it’s your lucky day today! The wait is almost over (at least for some) because the McCrispy Chicken Strips will be available nationwide at McDonald’s on April 29th. This is not a drill; in fact, some locations already started selling them today, according to eagle-eyed foodies.
What’s even more surprising is that the chicken strips come with a new Creamy Chili Strip Dip, adding more depth and extra kick to the returning menu item. Some fans who have already tried the McCrispy Chicken Strips shared that they’re good and the sauce isn’t too spicy. Others were thrilled about the news, and have started anticipating the return of another item (hopefully soon), the Snack Wrap. To try the McCrispy Chicken Strips before the official release date, check out your local McDonald’s for availability.
Smashburger’s Banana and Banana Chocolatey Chip Shakes
Feeling the heat of summer already? Smashburger got you covered with two new craveable shake creations! Say hello to the Banana Shake and the Banana Chocolatey Chip Shake. Both of these frozen treats are made with Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream and real banana purée, but the latter takes it one step further by having Denali chocolatey chips mixed in and sprinkled on top, along with whipped cream.
Drooling already? The two new shakes are now available at Smashburger locations nationwide, joining the brand’s lineup of hand-spun classics, including Chocolate, Vanilla, OREO Cookies & Cream, Strawberry, Peanut Butter Cookie, and Salted Caramel. For just 50 cents more, you can also customize any shake by adding chocolatey chips that melt into the frozen beverage, creating a more sip-worthy experience.
According to the Founder of Smashburger, Tom Ryan, their new shakes bring a bold flavor and a touch of nostalgia. They’re fun, refreshing, and the perfect way to sip into summer. Both shakes can be purchased via Smashburger’s app or website.
Additionally, Smashburger is sweetening things even more by bringing back the Shake Happy Hour! This will happen on May 2, 2025 to July 31, 2025, allowing you to score 50% off all shakes every Friday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The offer gets activated when you purchase using the code “SHAKES25.” This deal is valid in-store, online, to-go, or via the Smashburger app.
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More Fast Food Releases You Shouldn’t Miss
Ready for more crave-worthy treats? We weren’t kidding when we said that chains everywhere are upgrading their menus. After all, it’s springtime, and new items are about to bloom and become your next favorites!
- Krispy Kreme’s Craving Cheesecake Collection – Krispy Kreme just dropped a new collection, merging your favorite sweets: doughnuts and cheesecake. This new collection features three delectable flavors, including Caramel Delight Cheesecake Doughnut, Cookies & Kreme Cheesecake Doughnut, and Strawberry Dream Cheesecake Doughnut. The sweetness doesn’t end there, because the brand also released its summer beverages, featuring the flavors of s’mores, as well as the fruity pairing of lemonade and berry infusions.
- White Castle’s Cheddar Blast Chicken Rings – If you’re looking for something salty to cleanse the palate, White Castle might interest you in getting the new Cheddar Blast Chicken Rings. It’s a cheesy spin on the fan-favorite Chicken Rings, dusted with real cheddar cheese seasoning. Through June 29, you can get any 12 Chicken Rings (including the cheddar-flavored ones) for just $3.99.
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From The Club
Get ready to be refreshed by the new frozen treats from Culver’s and Smashburger. As a long-time fan of the banana-chocolate combo, I can’t wait to head over to the nearest Smashburger location. And for the fast food release we have all been waiting for, McCrispy Chicken Strips, I’m also coming for you, lol! I love that the new dipping sauce isn’t too spicy, because that’s my kind of thing. 😂
Special thanks to @snackolator for the image and tip on McDonald’s new release.