We’re halfway through the year, so it only makes sense to do a roundup of eye-popping fast food creations and releases this year. Here’s the verdict: fast food chains went rogue (in the best way); think Takis-stuffed sandwiches, a drink that feels like a dream, and fried pickles from a chicken chain. These 12 releases are unexpectedly awesome!
12. Wendy’s Thin Mints Frosty
In February 2025, Wendy’s dropped a new frosty flavor that quickly became a crowd-favorite (this Reddit thread is proof). Wendy’s, as a licensed partner of Girl Scouts of the USA, launched the treat made with Classic Chocolate or Vanilla Frosty, swirled and topped with a minty cookie crumble sauce inspired by the Girl Scout Thin Mints. The result? A collab that’s mint to be!
11. Chipotle’s Chipotle Honey Chicken
Balancing sweetness and heat isn’t an act frequently done by Chipotle. So, we were caught off guard when the Chipotle Honey Chicken dropped. Finally, the brand enters the swicy arena and we have a new chicken option for our bowls and burritos. The item was Chipotle’s top performing offer in test markets, showing that the brand nailed that sweet and spicy twist.
10. KFC’s Fried Pickles
In case you missed it, KFC now has fried pickles! That’s right, a brand known for their chicken offerings is serving up something new. These golden-fried pickle slices are perfectly crispy, and even more flavorful when paired with the brand’s “Comeback Sauce” or ranch. It’s also quite obvious that this limited-time offer is coming for Shake Shack’s fried pickles. 👀
9. Sonic’s Unicorn Dreams Slush
How can we forget the unicorn-themed drink from Sonic? This wasn’t just a drink; it was an experience! It featured a vibrant pink slush, blue-raspberry bubbles, whipped cream, and glittering sugar crystals. The drink even included a collectible “Legendary Wish‑Awakening Unicorn Horn Straw” that was available in four styles. Everything looked like a magic moment you’d save for Instagram!
8. Einstein Bros. Bagels’ Morning Mocktails
Who says you can’t bring the party and bold flavor to your A.M. lineup? Einstein Bros. Bagels proved us all wrong when they launched their morning mocktails. These juice-based, alcohol-free drinks add a playful twist to your mornings, and they’re made to pair perfectly with the brand’s breakfast egg sandwiches and iconic classic bagel with cream cheese shmear.
7. Dairy Queen’s Superman Blizzard
This Blizzard treat is part of the summer tie-in with Warner Bros. to celebrate the new Superman film. The treat itself combines crave-worthy elements: blue-tinted vanilla soft serve, cake-batter flavor, sugar cookie dough, and sprinkles. It’s like cookie dough, birthday cake, and your favorite ice cream mixed all together!
6. Shake Shack’s Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Shake
Shake Shack has turned a viral gourmet trend into a delectable shake. Imagine layers of texture and flavors from pistachio frozen custard, toasted kataifi, crackable dark chocolate shell, and crunchy toppings—it’s a full-on experience. The fact that the availability was very limited (25-50 servings per day per Shack) turned this treat into an exclusive, made-to-order indulgence.
5. KFC’s Chicken & Waffles
After a five-year hiatus, KFC’s Chicken & Waffles made a grand comeback in April 2025. And this happened due to overwhelming customer demand. The meal served sweet and savory perfection, featuring KFC’s crispy fried chicken and Liège-style waffle with caramelized pearl sugar. To top it all off, there’s Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup to add that classic sweet taste.
4. Wendy’s Frosty Swirls & Fusions
For the first time ever, Wendy’s went beyond offering the classic chocolate and vanilla frosty by adding Swirls (sauces) and Fusions (sauces + mix-ins). Swirls allow you to swirl Strawberry, Brownie Batter, or Caramel sauce into your frosty while Fusions go further with mix-ins like OREO cookie pieces, toffee bits, and Pop-Tarts Crunchy Poppers. This lineup shows a sweet, craveable evolution of a 55-year old treat.
3. Sonic’s Big Dill Meal
The pickle mania is taking over the fast food world, and Sonic joins in on the fun by releasing a complete pickle-themed meal. Everything—from smashed burger and sides to the slush—centers on the bold dill flavor. The pickle chips + smashed burger is definitely great for texture lovers, while the Picklerita Slush is the most unexpected, made with lime, pickle juice, and popping pickle-flavored bubbles.
2. Popeyes’ Chicken Wraps
To be fair, chicken wraps aren’t new. For many months, McDonald’s has teased us about bringing back their Snack Wraps. But that’s the thing…in one bold move, Popeyes dropped their own Chicken Wraps even before Snack Wrap made a return! Popeyes’ creation can be enjoyed in three flavors: Classic, Spicy, and Honey Mustard. These are a must-try, especially if you want to following along the chicken wrap wars happening this 2025.
1. Wendy’s Takis Fuego Meal
Turning snack chips into a meal? We’re here for it! The meal features a one-of-a-kind sandwich loaded with spicy chicken filet, crushed Takis Fuego chips, creamy corn spread, Chili Lime sauce, and a cheddar cheese sauce. Wendy’s is clearly going all in with these layers of flavors. The Fuego Fries (dusted with Takis chili-lime seasoning) complete the summer’s fiercest duo!