Don’t miss out. This really is a Big Dill.
Get ready your taste buds because Sonic is going full pickle this summer. If you’re looking for something refreshing, you’re finally getting it—but with a tangy twist over at Sonic. The chain’s new limited-time menu features snacks and a sip that bring the brine in a big way. This one’s totally unexpected!
Just when you thought you’ve seen all the refreshing summer menu releases, Sonic drops a new offering that will shake up your fast food routine. This July, the chain will reportedly release their new innovation that screams pickle perfection. Say hello to the Big Dill Meal! Sonic, in collaboration with Grillo’s Pickles, will be offering three new menu items that bring all the briny goodness.
The Big Dill Meal includes the Big Dill Sonic Smasher, which features Grillo’s Hot Chips, a dilly ranch, and dill pickle cucumbers. This can be enjoyed with the side of Groovy Fries or the new pickle-seasoned tots, along with another new sip, Picklerita Slush. Yup, you read that right. A pickle-flavored slush is coming to Sonic, and it even has “pickle-flavored bursting bubbles.” While there’s no official release date yet, in-the-know foodies gave us the tip that these pickle goodies are coming some time this July.
What’s New at Sonic?
While waiting for the Big Dill Meal to arrive, Sonic is giving us other new treats for the summer. Let’s talk about the returning sips first! Sonic brought back two fan-favorites, the Watermelon and Lemonberry Slushes. The Watermelon Slush is making its first appearance since 2019, and is priced from $2.79 for a medium. Meanwhile, the Lemonberry Slush, which combines Sonic Slush with strawberries and a hint of lemon, was last seen in 2020. It costs $3.29 for a medium. Prices may vary by location.
Additionally, Sonic recently launched the Cheesy Garlic Pepperoni Bites. These feature a mix of provolone and mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, and pepperoni all loaded into bite-sized shells. You can choose from three, five, and seven-piece orders, with prices starting at $2.99. These bites are made to complement any option from Sonic’s beverage menu.
And speaking of beverages, there’s a sweet deal you shouldn’t miss at Sonic. Everyday, after 5 P.M., you can enjoy half price shakes! This offer is valid for Classic Shakes and Master Shakes. Limited-time items are excluded. The promo will be running through June 29, 2025 at participating Sonic Drive-In locations, while supplies last.
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Pickle Is Taking Over the Fast Food Scene
Sonic isn’t the first to come up with a pickle innovation. In fact, pickle-forward menu items have been in the spotlight for quite some time, thanks to popular chains like Popeyes and Shake Shack. But what exactly is the reason behind the pickle fever? The obvious answer is the bold, contrasting flavors of pickle-flavored items. That tangy kick of dill does a fine job of cutting through the rich, fried flavors, creating craveable combinations. In addition, younger consumers are more adventurous than ever. They crave novelty, and pickle everything fits the bill.
Don’t believe us? Just look at these pickle-forward menu items that successfully made their debut this 2025:
Popeyes’ Pickle Menu
Last April 2025, Popeyes didn’t just add pickles to the menu, they pickled everything. Yup, it was a full-on pickle takeover with Popeyes’ Pickle Menu. The brand brought a punch of flavor through these items:
- Pickle Glaze Sandwich
- Pickle Glaze Bone-In Wings
- Pickle Glaze Boneless Wings
- Fried Pickles
- Pickle Lemonade
The brand went all in when it promoted its pickled flagship restaurant in Times Square, NY. It featured a green exterior sign and even a completely pickled-out interior!
Shake Shack’s Fried Pickles
Now, let’s talk about something that you can try right now. Shake Shack is currently offering Fried Pickles as their newest side! This menu item features thick, juicy dill pickles with a crisp and flavorful outer layer. This brine-y and craveable side arrived just in time for summer and all that BBQ activities.
The new Fried Pickles from Sonic is served with Buttermilk Ranch for dipping. While they can be enjoyed on their own, they’re even better when paired with any of the chain’s sandwiches or the crowd-favorite Crinkle Cuts. The Fried Pickles won’t be around for long, so act fast and savor!
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New Fast Food Releases That Bring the Sweet Heat
Aside from pickle everything, the swicy (sweet + spicy) flavor is also taking off. This flavor has made it to the mainstream menus, and it isn’t surprising because swicy hits a sweet spot. The sweetness calms the heat of the chili, creating a harmonious blend that’s almost addictive. Check out these swicy new offerings that are making waves:
- Subway’s Hot Honey Sandwiches – Subway has entered their swicy era when they launched two sandwiches that feature cayenne and habanero pepper powder, sweet honey, and other flavorful spices. Try the new Hot Honey Pepperoni, or the Hot Honey Chicken, which also comes with creamy sriracha and SubKrunch™ for extra crunch!
- Chipotle’s Chipotle Honey Chicken – This new innovation from Chipotle features fresh, hot-off-the-grill chicken seasoned with Mexican spices and marinated with chipotle peppers and honey. You can enjoy it in a bowl, burrito, quesadilla, or salad. The Chipotle Honey Chicken is made fresh daily, with no artificial ingredients.
- Chick-fil-A’s Creamy BBQ Chicken Sandwich – This is a new test item from Chick-fil-A, currently available in Jacksonville, Florida. It features the chain’s original filet, served with sweet heat pickle chips and creamy barbecue slaw on a toasty, buttered bun. This sandwich is also available with spicy or grilled filet.
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From The Club
Sonic is so wild for dropping a new menu and going full pickle mode! Their beautiful Unicorn Dreams Slush is still etched on my mind, but now, I guess I have something new to think about. 😂 I’m not really a fan of pickle-flavored food but those new tots might just convert me. The new Picklerita Slush is also unexpected, and I can’t wait to see how pickle people will react to it!
Special thanks to @snackolator for the image and tip.