Summer is officially here and it’s obvious with how competitive fast food chains are right now. Brands are going head-to-head in a battle of chicken, sweet treats, wraps, and drinks. So, forget the beach drama and savor the action happening at the drive-thru. Follow these 10 juicy fast food battles and see who’s winning!
10. The Great Pickle Craze
The pickle craze has swept the fast food world this summer as it fits the current love for spicy-sour combos. It started when Popeyes launched a full pickle menu in April 2025. Shake Shack joined in by adding a new side: fried pickles. And recently, Sonic dropped the Big Meal Dill, a pickle-themed combo meal complete with a pickle juice slush!
9. Battle of the Chicken Tenders
For this battle, McDonald’s and Wendy’s are going head-to-head. After McDonald’s reintroduced McCrispy Strips in May 2025, Wendy’s quietly brought back their chicken tenders. Those who were able to try the latter said that they were super moist and “10/10” even without the sauce. Meanwhile, McDonald’s brought back their chicken strips with a new Creamy Chili Dip for that spicy kick!
8. The Lemonade Showdown
Lemonades are booming this summer and it’s obvious when you look at many fast food chains. McDonald’s upgraded their lemonade drink, now made with real lemon juice. Chick-fil-A resurrected the Key Lime Frosted Lemonade, while Wendy’s continues to innovate with Dave’s Craft Lemonades. For a creamy, sweet twist, Sonic released Sweet-Topped Lemonades available in three refreshing flavors and finished with velvety cold foam.
7. BBQ Face-Off
What is summer without BBQ? For this showdown, Shake Shack is clearly going against Burger King. Shake Shack made the first move when they dropped the Summer BBQ menu, packed with BBQ-inspired sandwiches, fries, and shakes. Burger King, on the other hand, is new to the BBQ arena. They just dropped the BBQ Brisket Whopper, featuring slow-cooked brisket set atop the classic flame-grilled patty.
6. The Race for the Best Value Meal
The fast food value wars continue to heat up as inflation remains a threat. McDonald’s is still in the arena with $5 Meal Deals and McValue platform. Burger King and Wendy’s also have their own $5 meal deals, featuring some of their most popular items. This summer, KFC countered with the return of $7 Fill Ups, while Taco Bell is currently offering Luxe Cravings Boxes worth $5, $7, and $9.
5. Hot Honey Takes Over
For all swicy fans out there, the hot honey showdown is far from over. If you’ve tried the hot honey chicken from Popeyes and KFC, prepare your taste buds for more! Chipotle has joined the craze by launching the Chipotle Honey Chicken, which you can add to your burrito, quesadilla, or salad. And let’s not forget that Taco Bell also dropped the Mike’s Hot Honey Diablo Dip Sauce. Can you handle the heat?
4. S’mores Showdown
Fast food chains are also turning the classic campfire treat into the next viral dessert. In case you missed it, the S’mores Blizzard (everyone’s favorite) is back at Dairy Queen! McDonald’s countered with the release of a dessert that was only previously available in Canada: S’mores McFlurry. But that’s not all…because Shake Shack is also offering the Campfire S’mores Shake, featuring everything you love about classic s’mores.
3. Refreshers Rivalry
This summer, there’s clearly a battle to dominate the booming market for iced and fruity refreshers. Starbucks brought back their Summer-Berry Refreshers, bringing together lemonade and berry flavors in one sip. Not to be outdone, Dunkin’ is promoting their refreshers made with B vitamins and green tea. Popular flavors worth checking out are Strawberry Dragonfruit and Tropical Guava.
2. Fast Food Lip Care Trend
What do we get when beauty and fast food branding collide? That’s right, delicious lip care products! Baskin-Robbins recently launched the Rainbow Sherbet Lip Sleeping Mask in partnership with LANEIGE. This product features a triple swirl of Orange, Pineapple, and Raspberry scents! Meanwhile, Panera partnered with Holler and Glow to release two lip balms inspired by their iconic mac and cheese and Bread Bowls. What a time to pucker up!
1. Chicken Wrap Wars
The chicken wrap wars are officially on this 2025. What started with McDonald’s reintroduction of snack wraps has turned into a full-blown competition when Popeyes and Taco Bell launched their own versions of the snack. Sonic is also coming in hot with two Crispy Tender Wraps, available in Cheesy Baja and Honey Chipotle flavors. Who’s next?