Summer is officially around the corner, and that means one very exciting thing—fast food chains are dropping their wildest, most mouthwatering creations. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably already peeked at your favorite drive-thru menus to see what’s new. And let me tell you, this summer’s fast food releases are seriously turning heads.
From crispy chicken strips to over-the-top sweet drinks, here are 7 new fast food items you’ll want to taste before they’re gone.
McDonald’s McCrispy Strips and Creamy Chili Dip
Let’s start with a big one. McDonald’s just added its first new permanent menu item in four years, and it’s already creating a buzz. The McCrispy Strips are tender, juicy, and made to be dipped. They come with a new Creamy Chili Dip that’s sweet, a little tangy, and has just the right kick. I tried them with my kids last week, and we all agreed—they’re way better than McNuggets. If you like your fast food crispy, flavorful, and fun to dip, you’ll want to grab these while they’re hot.
Jersey Mike’s Signature Chicken Salad Sub
Nothing says summer like a good chicken salad sandwich, and Jersey Mike’s has delivered a winner. Their new Signature Chicken Salad Sub is exactly what I’ve been craving. It’s made with slow-roasted chicken breast, black pepper, celery, and mayo—nothing more, nothing less. No fruit, no nuts, no fuss. Just a classic, creamy chicken salad that actually lets the ingredients shine. It’s limited edition, so if you’re a chicken salad purist like me, don’t wait too long to try it.
Shake Shack Fried Pickles
As soon as I saw “Fried Pickles” pop up on Shake Shack’s summer BBQ menu, I knew I had to try them. These golden little bites are brined in-house, lightly battered, and fried to crispy perfection. They’re tangy, salty, and come with a cup of Shack Ranch for dipping. Honestly, they’re the kind of snack you could polish off before your main order even hits the table. If you’re heading to Shake Shack this summer, make sure these are on your tray.
Freddy’s BBQ Brisket Steakburger
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers came out swinging with their new BBQ Brisket Steakburger. This isn’t just your usual burger with sauce slapped on it. We’re talking two steakburger patties topped with sliced brisket that’s been pit-smoked for 16 hours. Add in American cheese, pickles, onions, and a smoky BBQ sauce, all served on a soft King’s Hawaiian bun, and you’ve got a burger that’s practically a backyard BBQ in sandwich form.
Burger King Frozen Strawberry & Nerds Drink
Burger King brought out its inner candy-lover with this one. Their new Frozen Strawberry Flavored & Nerds Drink is a colorful, tangy slush drink topped with crunchy Nerds candy. You can also get it in blue raspberry if you’re feeling adventurous. The combo of icy slush and sweet-tart candy gives major throwback vibes. It’s one of those drinks that takes you right back to your childhood summers, in the best way possible.
Jack in the Box Flavored Curly Fries
We all know Jack in the Box’s curly fries are already iconic. But now they’ve kicked it up a notch with two new flavors—Chili Crisp and BBQ Potato Chip. It’s basically the curly fries you love, coated in bold, craveable seasoning that takes them over the top. They pair surprisingly well with the chain’s new Sour Patch Kids drinks, which include a watermelon shake and a twisted soda. If you’re into flavor mashups, this combo is a fun one to explore.
KFC Chicken & Waffles
It’s been five years, but KFC Chicken & Waffles are finally back. And they came back in a big way. You can order a $7 Tenders and Waffle Box, a $7 Two-Piece Fried Chicken and Waffle Box, or go all out with the $25 Chicken & Waffles Fan Favorites Box. That one comes with four pieces of fried chicken, 12 nuggets, four Liege-style waffles, and your choice of syrups or dips. It’s indulgent, comforting, and perfect for a weekend family feast.
Fast food chains are clearly pulling out all the stops this summer. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy chicken, BBQ burgers, fun drinks, or fried sides, there’s something new out there worth the drive. So skip the usual order and treat yourself to one of these wild new releases. After all, summer is all about trying something different—and maybe a little deliciously over the top.
