Woman's World

Chick-fil-A Hacked! If You Live in These 10 States, Check Your App Now

strotter — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:11:42 +0000

Do you have a Chick-fil-A One account that you use to snag deals and order your favorite menu items? Listen up! Loyalty accounts in several U.S. states were hacked last month, and the company is now warning that your customer data may be at risk. If you’re wondering how this impacts you, we have the scoop below. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the recent Chick-fil-A data breach, including how you can protect yourself from cybercriminals.

What happened in the Chick-fil-A data breach

After detecting suspicious login activity in Chick-fil-A One loyalty accounts between June 17 and June 19, the fast food chain launched an investigation to determine what damage had been done. The review revealed that cybercriminals obtained usernames and passwords collected during a credential-stuffing attack and used them to log in.

In this type of cyberattack, hackers use bots to test different stolen username and password combinations (usually retrieved through other data breaches) until they’re able to get into an account. Once they gain access, these bad actors can illegally steal any of the information that a customer has saved in their account.

Which states were affected by the hack

This cyberattack was rather widespread, impacting customers in 10 different states around the country. If you have a Chick-fil-A rewards account and live in the District of Columbia, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island or Vermont, you should have received—or will receive—a data breach notification letter.

According to this letter, there are a number of sensitive account details that may have been compromised. These include:

Your name
Email address
Chick-fil-A One membership number
Mobile Pay number
QR codes
The last four digits of payment card numbers
Chick-fil-A gift card balances
Birth month and day
Phone number
Address

Essentially, if you have information stored in your account, it’s very likely that the hackers were able to retrieve it for their own personal gain.

How Chick-fil-A is protecting your account

If you believe your account may have been compromised, there is some good news: Chick-fil-A has taken action to address the security breach. In a statement to CBS News, the fast food chain assured that it immediately logged affected customers out of their accounts and removed any stored payment methods. It also adjusted any impacted Chick-fil-A One balances back to their accurate amounts.

Something that may look different in your account? Additional reward offers. The company added these perks to make up for the inconvenience and trouble caused by the hacking.

While Chick-fil-A has taken important steps to protect you, there are simple actions you can take right now to add an extra layer of security. Let’s walk through them.

How to lock down your Chick-fil-A One account today

SOPA Images / Contributor/Getty

Chick-fil-A suggests that affected customers stay vigilant to ensure the cyber attackers don’t use the stolen personal information for their own gain. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your bank account, credit card accounts and credit report to catch any suspicious activity.

If you do see something that looks concerning, immediately report it to your bank or credit card company. For concerns about identity theft, reach out to local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission and the three major credit bureaus.

Finally, change your Chick-fil-A password right away, ensuring it’s unique from those you use on other accounts. Here’s how to do so:

Visit the Chick-fil-A One log in page.
Select “Forgot password?”
Enter your email address and click “Email Reset Password Link.
Once you receive a link via an email message, follow the link to start the process. (Note: Check your spam or junk folder if needed!)
Create your new password, confirm and press “Submit.”

Even if you aren’t located in one of the aforementioned states, you may want to take this step as a precautionary measure. It’s a great way to ensure your account stays safe!

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Citi Field’s Back-to-Back Wins Show Why Finding the Best Stadium Food in America Now Drives Game-Day Plans

Lauren Schuster — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 16:59:01 +0000

Game day snacks have evolved far past peanuts and Cracker Jack. From dessert chicken buckets in the Bronx to fried gooey butter cake on a stick in St. Louis, the search for the best stadium food in America has turned ballparks and NFL venues into destinations for eaters, not just fans. Whether you’re planning a road trip around a team schedule or just curious what the concourse looks like these days, here’s a look at 10 stadiums setting the pace.

Best stadium food in America MLB ballparks leading the pack

Baseball’s long games and open concourses make it the natural home for stadium food innovation, and a handful of MLB parks have turned their concessions into a genuine draw. Fans have voted with their appetites in USA TODAY’s 10Best Reader Choice Awards, and the results paint a clear picture of who’s doing it best. These parks blend hometown institutions with viral novelty items, giving visitors a taste of the city alongside the game.

Citi Field (Mets) Queens, New York
Citi Field was named Best Stadium Food in 2023 and Best Baseball Stadium Food in 2024, 2025 and 2026 by USA TODAY’s 10Best. Must-gets include the Shack Burger from Shake Shack, New York-style hot dogs, soft pretzels and pastrami sandwiches.

Citizens Bank Park (Phillies) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Ranked second in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Baseball Stadium Food and number one for Best MLB Stadium. Look for the Pat LaFrieda steak sandwich, Chickie’s & Pete’s Crabfries, Manco & Manco boardwalk-style pizza and Federal Donuts & Chicken.

Progressive Field (Guardians) Cleveland, Ohio
Ranked fourth in the same awards and number two for Best MLB Stadium. Try Momocho’s gourmet nachos (hand-made chips topped with queso fundido, carnitas, chorizo and fresh salsas), a Slider Dog topped with Froot Loops, bacon and pimento mac and cheese, or an Ohio City Burrito with their famous queso.

Coors Field (Rockies) Denver, Colorado
Ranked fifth on that same 10Best list. Signature bites include green chili, buffalo burgers, craft beer from local breweries and Rocky Mountain oysters.

Yankee Stadium and the rise of viral concession items

Some parks are chasing awards others are chasing the algorithm. Yankee Stadium in the Bronx has leaned into an ever-expanding roster of vendors that blends old-school New York with the kind of over-the-top novelty items that end up on TikTok. Traditional pastrami and steak sandwiches share concourse space with desserts engineered to be photographed. It’s a strategy that has helped keep the concessions conversation moving.

Highlights include hand-carved USDA Prime steak sandwiches and pastrami fries from Lobel’s, a six-generation NYC butcher shop, plus brownies and blondies from Magnolia Bakery. The most talked-about item, though, may be the dessert chicken bucket: a drumstick-shaped ice cream with a chocolate-covered pretzel center as the “bone,” ice cream as the “meat” and a coating of white chocolate and candied corn flakes as “breading,” served in a mini chicken bucket.

Regional flavors Petco Park, Busch Stadium and hometown pride

The best stadium food often doubles as a local tour. Petco Park in San Diego and Busch Stadium in St. Louis both lean hard into hometown institutions, giving visitors a fast primer on regional taste. That approach turns a concessions run into part of the experience a chance to try a city’s signature bites without leaving your seat for long.

Petco Park (Padres) San Diego, California
Petco serves high-quality local favorites, from seafood to nachos. Standouts the “FTD Burger” (short for “Follow the Drink”), a massive bacon-cheeseburger classic from Hodad’s the Hot Hen Chicken Sandwich from San Diego’s Finest Hot Chicken and Cardiff Tri-Tip Nachos from Seaside Market, whose marinated tri-tip is known locally as “Cardiff Crack.”

Busch Stadium (Cardinals) St. Louis, Missouri
Busch is known for a vibrant game-day atmosphere and legendary regional favorites. Try Fried Gooey Butter Cake, the signature St. Louis cake dipped in funnel cake batter and deep-fried on a stick, or the Slinger Dog at Topp Dog, loaded with hash browns, taco meat, nacho cheese and fried eggs. Fans looking for value should consider tickets in the Big Mac Land sections (271 and 272) for Coca-Cola Unlimited, an all-you-can-eat program that includes hot dogs, chicken tenders, bratwursts, nachos, fries, popcorn, peanuts, kettle chips, ice cream cups and Coca-Cola fountain drinks.

NFL stadiums stepping up their food game

Football stadiums face a different challenge: shorter seasons, bigger crowds and less time between snaps. A few venues have responded with menus that punch well above the standard nachos-and-beer setup, pulling in local restaurants and rolling out value deals designed to keep families fed without draining a wallet.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Falcons) Atlanta, Georgia
Known for affordable pricing and deals including the $20 Fan Fare Deal (a hot dog, a slice of pizza, a pretzel, chicken tenders, fries, popcorn and a bottomless fountain drink) offered around the World Cup semifinal. Must-gets include the $2 Hot Dog at Fan Fare, lemon pepper wings from J.R. Crickets (an Atlanta staple) and cheesesteaks from Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks grilled ribeye, white American cheese and onions piled onto a toasted hoagie.

AT&T Stadium (Cowboys) Arlington, Texas
AT&T Stadium focuses on Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex specialties. Try brisket sandwiches and brisket nachos from Bent Buckle, Frito Pie (a paper bag of Frito corn chips topped with chili and shredded cheese) or the Elote Burger from Vaqueros, a 10-ounce Angus patty on a brioche bun with pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato and Flamin’ Hot elote, aka Mexican street corn.

MetLife Stadium (Giants/Jets) East Rutherford, New Jersey
MetLife is the spot for classic New Jersey-Italian dishes on game day. Highlights include the Margherita pie at Razza Pizza, a Taylor ham (pork roll), egg and cheese breakfast sandwich, and Spicy Vodka Rigatoni and Fried Ravioli at Nonna Fusco’s Kitchen.

How to plan your stadium food road trip

If you’re building a trip around the best stadium food in america, timing and location matter as much as the menu. Baseball’s 81-game home schedules give more flexibility than football’s eight or nine home dates, and open concourses at parks like Citi Field, Progressive Field and Petco Park make it easier to sample multiple vendors in one visit. Check each team’s schedule against the vendor lineup some pop-ups and limited items rotate throughout the season.

A few practical tips before you go: arrive early, since the most popular vendors (Lobel’s at Yankee Stadium, Chickie’s & Pete’s at Citizens Bank Park) build long lines by first pitch. Look for all-inclusive ticket options like Busch Stadium’s Coca-Cola Unlimited program in Big Mac Land if you’re traveling with a group and want predictable costs. And don’t skip the value deals: Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s $2 Hot Dog and $20 Fan Fare Deal remain some of the best bargains in pro sports.

National Hot Dog Day 2026: Snag Free Deals + Expert Cooking Secrets!

strotter — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:59:37 +0000

Nothing says summer quite like hot dogs! If you love indulging in these American classics, then you’re in for a treat. It’s National Hot Dog Day, and restaurants around the country are rolling out fantastic discounts on July 15 to mark the occasion. From affordable meal bundles to freebies, we rounded up the best deals that you won’t want to miss. Plus, discover food expert tips on how to whip up restaurant-quality hot dogs right at home!

Best National Hot Dog Day 2026 restaurant deals and freebies

7-Eleven

Satisfy your appetite for less with a $3.50 bundle! This deal at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes stores allows you to mix-and-match two Roller Grill items, including the Big Bite hot dogs and the Johnsonville Dr. Pepper Sausage.

Circle K

Celebrate the holiday with dollar dogs. When you order through the Circle K app, you can get a juicy and hot roller grill hot dog for just $1. Talk about a steal!

Dog Haus

The only thing better than a $1 hot dog? A freebie! If you’re a Dog Haus loyalty member, you can unlock a free hot dog today when using the Haus Rewards app to order.

Hot Dog On a Stick

This popular chain is marking 80 years of business with a special offer just for National Hot Dog Day. When you make an order (in person) for a stick at regular price, you can score a second for just 80 cents. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy an extra turkey, beef or veggie hot dog or pair yours with one of the cheese-on-a-stick varieties.

Krystal

Here’s a can’t-miss promotion: make a minimum purchase of $5 and enjoy a complimentary Classic Pup, Corn Pup or Chili Cheese Pup. There’s no promo code needed to take advantage of this one-day deal, but you will need to be a rewards member.

Love’s Travel Stops

Love’s has been going big for the holiday, offering five days worth of deals. If you missed the first two, there are still plenty of chances to treat yourself. Today only, you can snag a free hot dog at more than 600 locations when you use the Love’s Rewards App. Then on July 16, enjoy a buy-one-get-one for $1 hot dog deal and a two for $3 discount on July 17.

Philly Pretzel Factory

Head to your nearest shop and you can savor $1 pretzel dogs all day long! But that’s not all; if you use the Philly Pretzel Factory app to order, you can also get one free while supplies last.

Portillo’s

Through July 16, Portillo’s is giving its rewards members a special offer. Make a purchase of $5 or more and you can add on a delicious hot dog for just $1. Yum!

Regal Cinemas

Heading to the movie theater to catch a flick? You may be able to snag a complimentary hot dog! The chain is giving anyone named Nathan a free hot dog on July 15—and all you need is a valid ID to redeem.

Shake Shack

Newsday LLC / Contributor

Treat yourself to a tasty meal for less thanks to Shake Shack. From July 15 through July 18, use the code SUMMERDOG to get a hotdog and classic fries for just $8. Prefer a refreshing drink? Swap out the fries for a classic lemonade.

Wienerschnitzel

July is National Hot Dog Month, and this chain has been celebrating with a great weekly offer. Every Wednesday—today included—customers can pick up four chili dogs for just $4. Savor the flavor this week, then head back next Wednesday to enjoy again!

How to make restaurant-quality hot dogs

Planning to celebrate at home? We asked experts to share their top tips on how to make your best dogs yet—right in your own kitchen.

Cook them this way

Summer may be barbecue season, but you may want to hold off on firing up the grill for your hot dogs. Larry Domek, co-owner of the Minneapolis hot dog joint Uncle Franky’s, actually recommends boiling them in water.

“We don’t char them on a grill—you don’t want that natural casing to split,” he explains. “If the skins split you lose all the juices and a lot of the flavor.”

The reason why boiled is best? “When you take a bite, you’ll get that snap and that burst of flavor.”

Upgrade classic condiments

“Ketchup, mustard and relish are the classics, but there are so many ways to complement that savory flavor hot dogs have,” says Eliza Cross, author of Hot Diggity Dog.

Adding in some extra ingredients can really elevate these staple ingredients. Paul Tuennerman of Dat Dog, a hot dog restaurant with locations in Louisiana, suggests mixing pureed green habanero peppers in mayonnaise, pureed jalapeños in mustard or pureed chipotle peppers in ketchup.

Get creative with toppings

If you love the idea of being adventurous with your hot dogs, trying out some new toppings can really pay off. Here are experts favorites:

Domek: Grilled sauerkraut, sweet relish, meat sauce, Colby and cheddar cheese and Uncle Franky’s secret seasoning: celery salt.
Tuennerman: Fig jam and sliced jalapeños or mango chutney and chipotle mayo.
Cross: Pineapple salsa. “Tropical flavors go really well with the flavor of the hot dog,” she says. Or try her “breakfast dogs.” To make: Pile scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon and hot dogs into a toasted hot dog bun and enjoy.

Whether you take advantage of one of the special hot dog deals or make your own at home, your taste buds will thank you!

Craving Crispy Sides? Snag These Last-Minute National French Fry Day Deals!

strotter — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 17:20:03 +0000

The only thing that could make the end of the week even better? When Friday is also Fry Day! Today, July 10, is National French Fry Day, and your favorite fast food and restaurant chains are celebrating with special deals you won’t want to miss. From waffle fries to curly fries, there’s a little something for everyone this year. Ready to indulge for less? We rounded up the best National French Fry Day deals for 2026 that will have you saying, “Thank God it’s Fry-Day!”

Arby’s

Whether you love curly fries or crinkle cut, Arby’s wants to help you save. At participating locations, rewards members can get an XL order of fries for just $1.99 with any $5 and up purchase. This discount is good through Sunday, July 12, so you can keep celebrating even after the holiday ends.

Chick-Fil-A

Why not have a little extra fun this National French Fry Day? Play Chick-fil-A’s “Spot the Cows” game in the app, and you could earn a reward: a free order of medium waffle fries! The giveaway has a limit of one prize per person while supplies last, but you do have until July 13 to redeem.

Checkers & Rally’s

Courtesy of Checkers & Rally's

Fuel up on a budget when you eat at Checkers or Rally’s this weekend. Both chains are offering a buy-one-get one free deal on their seasoned fries (any size) from July 10-12. Plus, you can enjoy even more flavor when you pair them with a $1 Sauce Trio, which features ranch, honey mustard and a secret sauce.

Del Taco

Head to your local Del Taco now through July 12 for a great freebie: When you make a $3 and up purchase, you’ll be able to get an order of regular fries at no cost. Yum!

Five Guys

Satisfy your appetite with a hearty Five Guys meal today that includes complimentary fresh, hand-cut potatoes. The first step: Sign into your account online or in the app and order a hot dog, burger or sandwich. But before you checkout, also add a Little Fry and enter the promo code FRYDAY26. Once you hit apply, the free fries are all yours!

Jack In The Box

Listen up, rewards members! Make a $1 and up purchase through the Jack In the Box app today and you can snag free fries. Choose any size of your favorites, including the Halfsie style, which comes with both curly and classic fries.

McDonald’s

Munch away on McDonald’s fries for less thanks to a special deal. On July 10, customers who order through the app can unlock a free medium fry with a $1 purchase. It’s the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a midday snack and drink, or pair those golden fries with your favorite burger for dinner!

Penn Station

Make your Friday lunch or dinner even better today. Customers who purchase a sub, wrap, whole sandwich or bowl will get a free small fry to enjoy along with their entree. These hand-cut Idaho potatoes are flash fried, resulting in a delicious, crispy exterior.

Popeyes

The seasoned cajun fries at this Southern-inspired restaurant are legendary, and Popeyes wants to make it easier than ever for fans to enjoy them. On July 10 only, rewards members can snag a free, regular-sized cajun fries with a minimum $5 purchase. Just order through the Popeyes app or Popeyes.com and you’ll be savoring the spuds in no time.

Sheetz

Stop by your local Sheetz to indulge in some delicious potatoes. Through Thursday, July 16, all Sheetz locations are giving away one free bag of French fries to My Sheetz Rewardz members who make a minimum purchase of $10. Enjoy the promotion by selecting it under the OFFERZ tab in the Sheetz app.

Smashburger

Courtesy of Smashburger

Nothing beats the classic burger and fry combo! To enjoy this popular pairing for less, head to Smashburger. Today only, you can score a free regular-sized fry—French Fries, Smash Fries, Sweet Potato Fries or Scorchin’ Fries—when you spend at least $1. This offer is available for both in-person and online orders. Prefer to use the app? Enter the promo code FRYDAY26 to redeem!

Wendy’s

Do you love the fast food chain’s hot and crispy fries? Here’s a deal not to miss: in the Wendy’s app, you can access a special digital offer for a complimentary fry with a $5 purchase. Even better news? That offer is available for any size fry!

Whataburger

Like many of its competitors, this burger joint is honoring the food holiday with a limited-time giveaway. If you’re a rewards member, you can automatically enjoy a free medium order of French fries—no purchase required! All you need to do to redeem is order online or in the app.

White Castle

Can’t resist topping your fries with cheese? Then this is the deal for you! From July 10-12, use the code CHEESY on your White Castle order, and you’ll score free cheese fries with your purchase.

With all of these fantastic deals, your Friday is about to get a lot more fun!

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Quest Protein Bar Lineup Meets Its Rivals: RXBAR and David in 2026, and How They Compare Today

Lauren Jarvis-Gibson — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:52:40 +0000

Shoppers scanning the protein bar aisle in 2026 keep landing on three names, Quest, RXBAR and David, and each brand takes a very different approach to sugar, sweeteners and ingredient labels. Here’s how the three stack up on the numbers that actually drive purchase decisions.

What makes Quest protein bars different from RXBAR and David?

Quest bars keep sugar to about 1 gram per bar with zero added sugar, using stevia and sucralose instead of dates or cane sugar. Each Quest bar runs roughly 150 to 200 calories with around 23 grams of carbs and under 10 grams of fat, depending on flavor, according to Austin Letorney’s review for Hone Health. Letorney notes that “a typical protein bar can have more than 10 grams of added sugar. Not Quest.” The brand relies on a mix of stevia extract and sucralose, both zero-calorie sweeteners, to hit those low sugar numbers. That formula appeals to shoppers watching carbs and added sugar, but it will not work for anyone avoiding artificial sweeteners in daily snacks.

Are RXBAR protein bars healthier because of their “real ingredients”?

RXBAR builds its bars from three main ingredients readers can pronounce, egg whites, dates and nuts, which registered dietitians favor for the short, transparent label. Jennifer Scherer, a registered dietitian nutritionist, told Real Simple that she consistently recommends the brand. “I like that the ingredients are very transparent (egg whites, nuts, dates), the protein comes from a complete source, and there are no artificial sweeteners or fillers,” Scherer said. Egg whites are a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids the body cannot make on its own. The trade-off is natural sugar. Dates push the sugar count higher than bars sweetened with stevia or sucralose, so RXBAR reads healthier on the ingredient list but not always on the sugar line.

How much protein do David bars pack and what’s the catch?

David bars are engineered to maximize protein per calorie with zero sugar, but they get there by leaning on multiple artificial sweeteners. Depending on flavor, the bars combine stevia, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, cocoa powder and monk fruit, according to Olivia Luppino’s review for Women’s Health. Luppino writes that “while David bars don’t have any sugar, they do have artificial sweeteners, which is something to consider if you’re sensitive to them for any reason.”

Bryan Le, a food scientist, was blunter about the formulation. “This is obviously not a clean-label protein bar. If you’re looking for something with natural ingredients, this doesn’t have it,” Le told Women’s Health.

Remember that when choosing a protein bar, the protein content is only part of the story. It’s just as important to look at the full nutrition label, including added sugars, sweeteners, and how heavily processed the product is.

In a Campus Media Insights video, Ali Besharat, a professor at the University of Denver, explained that health claims on packaging can sometimes create a misleading impression. He says: “There are certain claims that they put in product packages that they try to lure customers to buy the product, assuming that they carry certain characteristics of being healthy. But in fact, there are other things that they’re hiding behind the labels.”

He points to protein content as an example: “So yes, it has 25 grams of protein that yeah, that’s great. It serves the need of obviously your daily intake for protein. But at the same time, you may have a lot of sugar hidden behind the scenes or even they claim that no sugar, they may use other sweeteners as part of making of this product, which is highly processed.”

Which protein bar should you pick for low sugar or clean ingredients?

For the lowest sugar and calorie load, Quest and David lead the pack. For a short, whole-food ingredient list, RXBAR is the bar dietitians consistently name. Quest and David both land near zero sugar by using stevia, sucralose and, in David’s case, acesulfame potassium and monk fruit. RXBAR skips artificial sweeteners entirely, using dates for sweetness and egg whites for a complete protein source. The right pick comes down to which trade-off matters more, artificial sweeteners in a low-sugar formula, or higher natural sugar from whole ingredients. Shoppers focused on macros often reach for Quest or David. Shoppers who prioritize a clean label tend to reach for RXBAR.

The Best America250 Food Deals To Cash in On

Carissa Mosness — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:16:22 +0000

America’s 250th birthday is almost here, and cities and brands across the country are joining the celebration! From special food deals to spectacular ball drops, these festivities are not to be missed. To discover all the exciting ways you can celebrate this historic milestone, keep scrolling.

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Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme is celebrating America’s birthday with sweet deals! Customers who wear red, white and/or blue on Saturday, July 4, will receive one free Original Glazed doughnut. Plus, from July 2 through July 5, you can snag an Original Glazed dozen for just $2.50 with the purchase of any dozen or 16-count Minis at regular price. This offer is limited to two per in-person guest and one per online guest—just use the code “USA” when placing your online order.

Burger King

Burger King Royal Perks members can get a Whopper Jr. for $2.50 only on the BK App or on BK.com on July 4 only. The store is also giving away limited-edition Firecracker Cookie Pies while supplies last, so if you want one, you better act fast.

Freddy’s

No Fourth of July celebration is complete without a hot dog, and this year Freddy’s is giving out $2.50 Freddy’s All-Beef Hot Dogs as well as their Freddy’s Mini Red, White & Blueberry Concrete, which is a version of their custard. Talk about some Fourth of July fireworks!

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Firehouse Subs

Craving a sub sandwich? Head to Firehouse Subs, where customers can buy one small or medium sub and get a second for just $2.50 from June 29 through July 4. Now that’s a deal that’s on fire!

Carl’s Jr.

Carl’s Jr. is giving their rewards members a Double Cheeseburger for $2.50 in the Carl’s Jr. app, at Carlsjr.com or by scanning the QR code while checking out in stores.

Cracker Barrel

From now until July 26, Cracker Barrel is giving rewards members a chance to win big—a $500 Cracker Barrel gift card and a $500 gas gift card with any eligible entree purchase. Plus, anyone who purchases All-American menu items (like the All-American Nostalgic Cherry Coke Float or All-American Kids Sundae) or American Heritage merchandise gets an extra raffle entry. How fun is that!

Checkers & Rally’s

Checkers & Rally’s is giving their customers a classic burger-and-pie combo for just $2.50 on Saturday, July 4. This deal is available online and in stores, but will stop once the clock hits midnight on the fourth.

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Did Someone Say Free Ice Cream? Check Out These Solstice Food Deals!

strotter — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:36:52 +0000

Ready to celebrate the start of summer? Here’s something to make the occasion even more special: Your favorite restaurants, smoothie shops and food brands are offering limited-time discounts and deals in honor of the summer solstice on June 21. That means cheap smoothies, free ice cream, giveaways and so much more! And if you stack these offers on this year’s Father’s Day deals, you’ll unlock even more chances to save this Sunday. Find out more below about the best summer solstice food deals that will help you begin your season on a high note.

CAVA

If you have a taste for Greek food, head to your local CAVA restaurant to score a freebie. On June 21, rewards members will be able to enjoy one free order of pita chips. You can choose the beloved Original flavor or try CAVA’s new Sumac Sour Cream & Onion flavor!

Dairy Queen

Stay cool on the kickoff to summer with a special DQ Deal. As long as you’re part of Dairy Queen’s fan loyalty program, you’ll be able to get a medium DQ Cooler or DQ Sparkler for 50 cents when you order through the DQ app. The chain’s Cooler drinks are a refreshing mix of soft serve with lemonade and a Misty Slush base, while the bubbly Sparklers combine a Misty Slush with lemonade and sparkling water. To enjoy yours, snag this deal once daily through Sunday, June 21!

Dunkin’

When you order your favorites at Dunkin’ June 20 and 21, you’ll earn big. The chain is giving rewards members 100 bonus points over the weekend when they order ahead through the app or order via the drive-thru.

Jamba

Love smoothies? You won’t want to miss this offer! On Sunday, June 21, Jamba is running a promotion for $1 smoothies—but that’s not all. This Sunday only, the first 100 guests at each location will receive a Golden Ticket scratch-off that could lead to a great prize: free smoothies for a year!

If you can’t make it to a Jamba that day, look for other solstice-inspired deals, including $2 Small Watermelon Over Ice or Strawberry Lemon Twist Over Ice on June 20 (in-store only) and $2 off any smoothie for rewards members on June 22.

Kroger

Courtesy of Kroger

Satisfy your sweet tooth for less with Kroger’s amazing summer solstice giveaway! Starting June 19 at 12 p.m. EST, head to FreeKrogerIceCream.com for a chance to snag one of 100,000 free pints of ice cream. If you are one of the lucky winners, you’ll get to download a digital coupon that can be used to redeem a pint of Kroger Brand ice cream through July 3. Look for new flavors like Cherry Pie and Seventh Inning Swirl alongside the classics.

Nestle Toll House

This one’s for you, soccer fans. In honor of the first day of summer, Toll House wants to give fans a chance to win a free pack of the brand’s limited-edition, soccer-themed treats. Visit TollHouse.com/kickoffsummer now through June 21 to enter. If you win the Milk Chocolatey Flavored Soccer Ball Morsels or Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with Soccer Ball Morsels, you’ll be notified via email.

Planet Smoothie

National Smoothie Day falls on the summer solstice this year, and this chain wants to help you celebrate for less. Join the Planet VIP rewards program by Friday, June 19, and you’ll be able to sip a free 20-oz. Lunar Lemonade on the 21st. Yum!

Playa Bowls

Who needs Starbucks’ Bearista cups? When you purchase a 20-oz. smoothie as a rewards member on June 21, you’ll get a free reusable cup that changes colors when filled with a cold drink. Supplies are limited though, so don’t wait to redeem yours!

Schlotzsky’s

Fans of the deli will be able to enjoy an extra perk now through June 21. Sign up for the loyalty program and you will get $5 off your purchase of $20 or more when ordering in-store or online.

Smoothie King

If you’ve been wanting to try the chain’s Hydration Watermelon Smoothie, there’s no better time. On June 21, the refreshing drink—a mix of strawberries, coconut water, electrolytes, watermelon juice and stevia—will be absolutely free.

Sonny’s BBQ

Craving a Sweet Carolina Sandwich or St. Louis Ribs? Sunday, June 21 is the perfect time to dine in! When you enjoy a sit-down meal on Sunday, you’ll receive a buy one, get one entrée offer that can be redeemed at a later visit. (Note: This offer is for rewards members only.)

7-Eleven

This convenience chain has already been rolling out deals, and it’s your last chance to enjoy them! Here’s what is available for 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members now through June 23:

Order a 2 for $3.50 mix and match grill meal and you can get a large Big Gulp drink for just 49 cents.
Purchase a roller grill item, Big Gulp and 7-Select chips and enjoy a grill meal for just $3.
When you buy a 5-piece boat of bone-in or boneless wings for $5, you can receive another for only $3.

Whether you sip a refreshing fruit smoothie or treat yourself to ice cream, these deals make it easy to start the summer off right!

Decaf’s Placebo Effect May Change How We Treat Caffeine Withdrawal. What This Means for Coffee Drinkers

Samantha Agate — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:30:24 +0000

If you’re cutting back on coffee and dreading the headache, you’re not alone in searching for relief. New research suggests decaf may help ease caffeine withdrawal, even when you know you’re drinking it.

Does decaf coffee help with caffeine withdrawal symptoms?

Yes, decaf coffee can significantly reduce caffeine withdrawal symptoms, even when drinkers know the cup contains no caffeine, according to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. The study took a rather interesting approach, which involved a bit of a fib.

Researchers studied 61 heavy coffee drinkers who normally had three or more cups a day and then went 24 hours without caffeine. Participants were split into three groups and given decaf and told it was regular, decaf and told the truth or water described as water. Both decaf groups reported meaningful drops in withdrawal symptoms after 45 minutes, while the water group saw no improvement.

What did the University of Sydney caffeine withdrawal study find?

The study found a measurable open-label placebo effect, meaning decaf eased symptoms even for people who knew they weren’t getting caffeine.

“A convincing cup of decaf has the power to reduce withdrawal symptoms a lot when the person drinking it is unaware it’s decaf. But our study suggests that even if they are aware it’s decaf, their withdrawal still subsides,” Dr. Llew Mills, a Senior Research Associate at the School of Addiction Medicine, said, per The University of Sydney. Participants had expected water to outperform decaf, but the opposite happened.

Why does decaf reduce caffeine cravings if it has no caffeine?

Mills and his team suggest the relief comes from a learned response built up over years of daily coffee drinking. The taste, smell and ritual of coffee become linked to the relief of withdrawal, so decaf can trigger that same conditioned response.

“The group we lied to reported a big drop in caffeine withdrawal even though there’s no pharmacological reason why it should. Because they expected their withdrawal to go down, it did go down,” Mills said. “In other words, a placebo effect. We’ve found this in several studies now.”

Can drinking decaf help you quit caffeine for good?

Probably not on its own. Mills cautioned that the effect is likely temporary and that decaf is not expected to relieve withdrawal symptoms on an ongoing basis.

“But a cup of decaf could help someone who is trying to cut back their caffeine intake to temporarily ride out the worst of the cravings and help them stay caffeine-free,” he said. The researchers also noted the findings could inform new treatments for drug dependence that incorporate placebo effects without violating informed consent.

Celebrate National Iced Tea Day With Freebies at Cane’s and McAlister’s!

strotter — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 17:01:26 +0000

Do you dream of kicking back with a glass of iced tea on a warm day? Then you’ll want to hear this: today, June 10, is National Iced Tea Day—and your favorite chains are ready to help you celebrate! Several fast food restaurants, drink shops and even a popular beverage brand have dropped great deals that make it easy to treat yourself. Keep reading to find out the best steals that will help you get your tea fix today!

McAlister’s Deli

Cool off today and upgrade your tea for free when you head to McAlister’s deli! From June 10 through the 14, rewards members can receive up to three flavor shots with the purchase of a beverage.

These delicious add-ins will turn your McAlister’s famous tea into an extra fruity delight. Choose from four shots of fruit puree: peach, strawberry, black cherry and pineapple. Just apply the reward at checkout to redeem.

Pure Leaf

If you love Pure Leaf tea, here’s a sweet deal for you. In honor of National Iced Tea Day, the brand is giving fans a chance to score a free 12-oz. can of its new Mental Focus Sparkling Iced Tea. These drinks—which come in flavors like peach and raspberry—contain both caffeine and L-theanine to give you a mental boost.

To redeem your freebie now through July 30, head to this link and scan the QR code to add the coupon to your mobile wallet. Then scan the barcode when you checkout at a participating retailer (like Walmart) that sells the new tea, and the drink is yours to enjoy!

Huey Magoo’s

Grab a bite to eat at your local Huey Magoo’s today and you’ll land a refreshing iced tea—at no cost! On June 10 only, guests at participating locations will receive a free regular iced tea with the purchase of any meal. The sweet drink will pair perfectly with the restaurant’s famous chicken tenders.

Raising Cane’s

Courtesy of Raising Cane's

The fast food chain is making it easier than ever to celebrate this year by offering both longtime fans and new customers a chance to snag a free 22-oz. iced tea.

If you’re already a registered Caniac Club rewards member, getting the deal couldn’t be easier! The chain will load the free tea offer directly to your account and you can redeem it today in the restaurant or via the Raising Cane’s app.

Not part of the loyalty program? No worries! You still have a chance to enjoy a free tea. Head to RaisingCanes.com/IcedTea to play an iced tea-themed word puzzle game and earn a free code. (Note: You must subscribe to the Hot Fresh News newsletter to receive it.) Then use the code for your mobile or app order to redeem the complimentary drink by the end of the day!

HTeaO

This drink spot’s BOGO offer can’t be beat! When you purchase a cup of iced tea on National Iced Tea Day in store or via the drive-thru, you’ll get another for free. And since the franchise offers more than 20 varieties of freshly brewed tea, there are many amazing options up for grabs.

Besides the more traditional flavors, you can tickle your tastebuds with the Paloma, The Razzler Refresher, Strawberry Passion, Dirty Cherry Poppi and so much more!

PJ’s Coffee

Outsmart the heat with a special discount from PJ’s Coffee. Today only, the shop’s large 32 oz. iced teas (normally $4.95) are on sale for just $3! Enjoy traditional black or citrus green tea, sweetened or unsweetened. You can also add syrups for 75 cents each for an extra flavor boost!

These wonderful deals are all for a limited-time only, so don’t miss your chance to grab your favorite iced tea—or try a new one—at a bargain!

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Crumbl’s New FIFA World Cup Cookie Line Is Here and We Want All of It

Carissa Mosness — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:56:50 +0000

It’s almost time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and if you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate, head to your local Crumbl! The dessert chain just announced they’re releasing a line of soccer-inspired desserts, and trust us when we say they’re even sweeter than that final goal. To learn more about the box, including when you can pick it up, keep reading.

A look at Crumbl’s new soccer line

From Dot Cake dupes to cookies inspired by sports drinks, here’s everything you need to know about Crumbl’s Soccer Bundl.

Blue Raspberry Sports Drink Cookie

Described as a “A rich, fudgy chocolate cookies & cream cookie topped with two swirls of tangy blue raspberry cream cheese frosting in deep and icy blue,” this cookie won’t quench your hunger, but it’s sure to satisfy a sweet tooth!

American Brownie Sundae Cookie

The cookie chain’s American Brownie Sundae Cookie, which they describe as, “A rich brownie cookie paired with fluffy vanilla mousse, gooey hot fudge, rainbow sprinkles and a cherry on top,” is basically a cookie version of an ice cream sundae—no spoon required. Talk about a win!

Mexican Tangy Mango Cookie ft. Tajín

Rooting for Mexico in the FIFA World Cup? Be sure to grab the Mexican Tangy Mango Cookie ft. Tajín. It’s a mango sugar cookie rolled in a Tajín-sugar crust, topped with a swirl of mango and Tajín whipped frosting and finished with a tangy mango-Tajín sauce drizzle. The result? Sugar, spice and everything nice in every bite!

Crumbl

Canadian Nanaimo Bar Cookie

This cookie, for fans who are rooting for our neighbors to the north, is a chocolate cookie with a crust made of toasted graham and coconut, topped with vanilla custard and chocolate ganache. It will have you saying “Go Canada” all soccer season!

Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookie

Peanut butter lovers, this one’s for you! Crumbl’s new Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookie is a peanut butter cookie filled with peanut butter and topped with melted peanut butter.

Soccer Field Dubai-Style Cheesecake

This sweet treat is a score! It layers chocolate cheesecake on a chocolate graham crust, topped with crispy Kataifi and pistachio filling, a drizzle of pistachio cream, whipped cream and an adorable soccer ball topper. It’s rich, creamy, crunchy and made for a victory bite.

Dot Cake Cookie

Looking for a good Dot Cake dupe? Head to Crumbl! As part of their soccer lineup, they’re releasing a Dot Cake Cookie, which they describe as “a cakey vanilla sugar cookie swirled with vanilla cream cheese frosting and fully dipped in rainbow dot sprinkles for a satisfying crunch—Crumbl’s take on the viral trend!” How fun is that?

How to get Crumbl’s new soccer line

Getty

Crumbl’s new soccer line will be available from June 8 to July 18. Prices for each item will vary, and you can buy them all or just choose one or two!

“Crumbl is serving up a roster of desserts that spans continents–from a Canadian classic to a Mexican-inspired flavor first to an internet-viral treat–all curated for the fans, the watch parties and every match in between,” the company says.

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