Woman's World

The Protein Obsession Has Taken Over Grocery Aisles. The Data Says Most People Do Not Need More of It

Ryan Brennan — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 21:08:22 +0000

Cottage cheese in brownies. Protein-fortified coffee, cereal and pasta. Grocery aisles now sell the nutrient like it’s the only one that counts, even though federal data shows most Americans already meet their protein needs. The pushback is quietly building, and the next phase of this trend will look very different from the one shoppers are living through now.

What’s happening with daily protein intake

Food manufacturers have flooded shelves with high-protein versions of familiar products, from snack bars to baked goods to sauces. A February 2025 Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health article, citing BBC Science Focus, reported that food companies had quadrupled the number of high-protein products sold worldwide over the preceding decade.

Yet the underlying nutritional need is largely already met. A study of U.S. dietary data from 2013 to 2018 found that 92.8% of Americans age 2 and older met their recommended protein intake. A separate national survey cited by Tufts University put that figure at 85%.

Cottage cheese has become the trend’s mascot, blended into desserts and sauces as a way to slip extra grams into foods that traditionally carry very little.

Why protein is being added to everything

Three forces are keeping protein at the center of American food marketing, and none of them are new nutritional science.

Perception is the first force. “The obsession with protein is actually driven by the perception that more protein equals better health,” said Daphene Altema-Johnson, a registered dietitian and senior program officer at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future. Protein’s association with muscle, exercise, fullness and weight management makes a higher-protein label read as a health upgrade, even when it isn’t one.

Commercial incentive is the second. The Harvard T.H. Chan analysis attributes the tenfold-in-a-decade product expansion to the commercial appeal of protein claims, not to evidence that the general population suddenly needed more. Every new protein-fortified SKU reinforces the shorthand that protein content equals product quality.

Regulatory whiplash is the third. The longstanding Recommended Dietary Allowance sits at 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, about 55 grams a day for a 150-pound adult. The new 2025 to 2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram, roughly 82 to 109 grams for the same adult, nearly double. Harvard nutrition expert Teresa Fung is among those pushing back, arguing most Americans already get adequate protein, though certain groups may benefit from more.

Stephanie Van’t Zelfden, RD, dietitian and owner of Nutrition Hungry, put it this way: “Even though there is so much noise about protein these days, the truth is most people are able to eat enough protein from their regular meals and snacks and don’t need to stress about maximizing protein in every bite.”

What’s next for the protein-maxxing trend?

The high-protein-everything era is closer to its ceiling than its takeoff. Expect the conversation to shift in three ways over the next 12 to 24 months, and expect the sharpest shoppers to get ahead of each one.

Expect a pivot from “more protein” to “better protein sources.” Harvard nutrition researcher Walter Willett emphasizes that health effects depend on where protein comes from. Animal sources bring saturated fat, while plant sources like beans, lentils, nuts and seeds bring fiber and unsaturated fats. Federal data backs this up. About 75% of Americans meet or exceed intake targets for meat, poultry and eggs, but nearly 90% fall short on seafood and more than half fall short on nuts, seeds and soy.

Reader action. Audit your own protein mix this week. If your grams come almost entirely from chicken, beef and eggs, add one seafood meal and one plant-based protein meal before you buy another protein-fortified product.

Expect fiber to become the next label-front nutrient. Johns Hopkins notes that roughly 90 to 95% of Americans fall short on recommended fiber intake. That’s a wider gap than protein ever had, and the food industry rarely leaves a gap that big unmarketed. High-fiber reformulations of snack foods, cereals and beverages are the logical next wave.

Reader action. Start reading the fiber line on nutrition labels now. A snack with 8 grams of protein and 1 gram of fiber is not the win the front of the package suggests.

Expect regulatory tension around the new guidelines to intensify. The gap between the 0.8 g/kg RDA and the 1.2 to 1.6 g/kg target in the 2025 to 2030 Dietary Guidelines is wide enough to keep dietitians divided and marketing teams busy. Consumers hearing both numbers will keep defaulting to “more.”

Reader action. Pick one number and stick with it for a month. If you’re an average adult without heavy training demands, the traditional RDA is a reasonable floor. Track how you actually feel before chasing the higher target.

The through line is simple. For most people, hitting a protein number is the easy part of eating well. What comes with the protein, whether that’s fiber, healthy fats, micronutrients or variety, is where the real gains, and the next marketing cycle, will be.

THREE SIGNALS TO WATCH

New product launches in 2026 that pair protein claims with fiber grams on the front of the package.
Whether the FDA or USDA issues clarifying guidance reconciling the 0.8 g/kg RDA with the 1.2 to 1.6 g/kg target in the 2025 to 2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Grocery data showing whether cottage cheese sales plateau or keep climbing through 2026, the clearest signal of whether the trend is cresting or still building.

Fast Food’s Next Battleground Isn’t Food: Why Chains Are Opening Cafes Built Around Specialty Drinks

Ryan Brennan — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 09:39:03 +0000

The next time you search for “cafes near me”, don’t be surprised if a Taco Bell pops up. Fast food restaurants are going all in on drinks and beverages, turning what used to be a side order into the main event.

Starbucks already proved that specialty drinks can drive entire visits on their own. Now chains like Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s are racing to build their own version of that model.

The formats look different. The goal is the same: get you through the door when you’re not even hungry.

Taco Bell’s Live Más Café is turning drive-thrus into drink destinations

Taco Bell opened its first Live Más Café in Chula Vista, California in December 2024. The concept adds a specialty-drink counter and dedicated “Bellristas” inside an otherwise standard Taco Bell.

It’s growing fast. The café expanded to 31 locations by the end of 2025 and reached 38 restaurants by April 2026.

The menu includes more than 20 handcrafted drinks: Refrescas, coffees, energy drinks, chillers and frozen beverages. Taco Bell describes it as a “playground for beverage innovation” where they test new drinks before potentially going chainwide.

The numbers tell an interesting story. Live Más Café locations sell about 25% more beverages than standard Taco Bells. Even more telling, 43% of sales from specialty beverages are standalone orders with no food attached.

Think about that. Nearly half of these drink orders are the visit. Not an add-on. The destination.

“Live Más Café was created in response to what we’re seeing from Gen Z, a real cultural shift where beverages are becoming lifestyle drivers,” Taco Bell global chief brand officer Taylor Montgomery told Restaurant Dive.

Chick-fil-A’s beverage concept Daybright takes a standalone approach

Chick-fil-A isn’t adding a drink counter to existing stores. It’s building something entirely separate.

Its subsidiary Red Wagon Ventures opened the first Daybright Coffee and Refreshment in Hiram, Georgia in October 2025. No chicken sandwiches. No Chick-fil-A branding on the menu.

Instead Daybright serves cold brew, lattes, protein coffee, iced teas, lemonades, sparkling fruit “Fizzes,” smoothies and cold-pressed juices. There’s also a smaller menu of grab-and-go food, a full dining room and a dual-lane drive-thru.

“With schedules busier than ever, we know people are looking for easy, convenient ways to enjoy quality food and beverages,” Red Wagon Ventures vice president David Farmer told Restaurant Dive. “Daybright is designed with this in mind, offering delicious beverages and portable bites intended to delight customers and help boost their busy days.”

As of August 2026 Daybright still has just one location. That makes it a much earlier-stage experiment than Taco Bell’s rapidly expanding café model. But the ambition is clear: build a drinks-first brand from scratch.

What CosMc’s taught McDonald’s about specialty drinks

McDonald’s took the boldest swing and pulled back the fastest.

The company opened the first CosMc’s in Bolingbrook, Illinois in December 2023. The concept was built around customizable coffees, refreshers, lemonades, energy drinks and add-ins like popping boba and flavor syrups.

McDonald’s originally planned roughly 10 pilot locations across Illinois and Texas but never hit that number. When the company shut down CosMc’s in 2025, five locations remained.

McDonald’s didn’t frame the closure as a failure though. It called CosMc’s a “Learning Lab” for testing bold flavors, technology and restaurant processes.

Those lessons went straight into the core business. CosMc’s-inspired drinks were tested at more than 500 McDonald’s locations in Wisconsin, Colorado and surrounding markets later in 2025.

The takeaway was clear: many of CosMc’s best beverage ideas didn’t need a separate brand. They could live inside a regular McDonald’s.

Specialty drinks and beverages are becoming the reason to visit

Starbucks has already shown what this model looks like at scale.

The company says traffic is growing after 2 p.m., with its biggest gains between 3 and 5 p.m. Customers are stopping in for cold drinks well outside the traditional morning coffee window.

Refreshers are a huge part of that shift. Starbucks says the platform is now worth $2 billion in U.S. company-operated stores, making it the chain’s second-largest beverage platform behind espresso.

Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s are all chasing the same opportunity. Taco Bell is scaling drinks inside existing restaurants. Chick-fil-A is testing a separate destination. McDonald’s decided specialty beverages work best within its current footprint.

The common thread is that every one of these chains is building new visits that aren’t centered on a meal. The draw is a refresher, a cold brew, an energy drink or some other customizable beverage.

For the generation that turned a drink run into a social ritual, that shift makes perfect sense.

What Is a Refresher Drink? How a Starbucks Favorite Became the Category Every Fast-Food Chain Wants

Ryan Brennan — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 13:03:05 +0000

The refresher category is no longer a Starbucks side story. It’s one of the fastest-moving segments in foodservice beverages, and it’s pulling investment from chains that never would have touched fruit-forward drinks a few years ago.

Menu presence is surging. Consumer behavior is shifting toward cold, customizable and visually driven formats. And the category itself is fragmenting into new subtypes faster than most operators can track.

Whether you’re planning a beverage program, benchmarking against competitors or trying to understand why this format keeps winning with younger consumers, these are the questions worth answering right now.

What is a refresher drink?

A refresher is a cold, fruit-flavored beverage typically built on a base of juice, lemonade or flavored water, often with real fruit pieces and a light source of caffeine. Starbucks created the format in 2012 as a non-coffee option for afternoon customers, blending fruit with green coffee extract and ice.

The format has since expanded across QSR, fast casual and convenience channels.

How large is the Starbucks refreshers platform today?

The Starbucks refresher drinks platform has reached $2 billion in revenue across U.S. company-operated locations. Starbucks has identified Refreshers as its number-two beverage platform behind espresso, noting that the heaviest afternoon traffic lifts are landing in the 3 to 5 p.m. daypart.

Why is cold dominating the beverage mix?

Cold formats now account for about two out of every three drinks sold in U.S. Starbucks company-operated stores, per the company’s cold-beverage update. International cold beverage share sits near 60%.

Refreshers are a major contributor to that mix because they offer a cold, non-coffee option that appeals to a wider range of consumers and dayparts.

Which QSR chains have launched refreshers?

The list is growing fast. McDonald’s piloted refreshers, crafted sodas, cold coffees and energy-style beverages in over 500 U.S. locations before permanently adding Strawberry Watermelon, Mango Pineapple and Blackberry Passion Fruit Refreshers to its national menu on May 6, 2026.

The McDonald’s lineup features freeze-dried fruit, popping boba, cold foam and customizable flavor builds. Alyssa Buetikofer, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s USA, said the company sees beverages becoming a primary traffic driver, not just an add-on.

Dunkin’, Sonic and Whataburger have all introduced their own refresher platforms. Convenience retailers are also entering the space as a replacement for traditional fountain drinks.

Rapidly. Datassential’s Refresher Report, cited by Kerry, found that refresher menu presence across U.S. restaurants rose 33% in a single year and 150% across a four-year span. Current penetration sits at 1.8% and is forecast to reach 3% by 2030.

What consumer behavior is fueling refresher growth?

Gen Z is the primary driver. In a McCafé announcement, McDonald’s linked evolving beverage habits to younger consumers who view drinks as self-care, personal expression and an everyday indulgence.

Datassential’s Little Treat Culture HotShot Report quantifies the behavior: 77% of Gen Z consumers treat themselves at least weekly, compared with 66% across all age groups.

Refreshers are priced low enough to qualify as an impulse buy but distinctive enough to feel like a reward. Bright colors, layered textures and clear cups make them highly shareable on TikTok and Instagram, adding social currency to the purchase.

Why does customization matter so much for refreshers?

Customization turns a menu item into a personal choice. Swappable flavors, bases, caffeine levels and inclusions like boba or fruit pieces let consumers build a drink that feels like theirs.

Ben Ducharme, Senior RD&A Manager at Kerry, says a beverage now needs to deliver on taste, visual appeal, customization and a sense of lightness all at the same time. Refreshers meet every one of those criteria.

What refresher formats should operators watch?

The category is splintering into several distinct subtypes:

Energy: Starbucks rolled out customizable Energy Refreshers nationally in April 2026, followed by Blended Energy Refreshers in July.
Sparkling: Starbucks began piloting carbonated Refreshers and spritzes in about 100 locations in July 2026.
Frozen: Sonic and others are adapting the fruit-forward format into slush and frozen builds.
Functional: Protein, vitamins and wellness-oriented ingredients are moving refreshers closer to the sports and recovery space.
Texture-forward: Popping boba, foams, pearls and freeze-dried fruit are elevating the sensory experience beyond flavor.
Bolder profiles: Tropical, berry, citrus and spicy flavor combinations give operators more room for seasonal and limited-time rotations.

What’s the outlook for the refresher category over the next year?

Expect segmentation, not saturation. Chains will use the refresher format as a flexible platform to target different occasions, from afternoon energy to evening indulgence to wellness-oriented hydration. The winners will be operators who treat refreshers as a system of drinks rather than a single menu line.

KFC and Oreo Collaborate on This Bizarre New Flavor

Julianne MacNeill — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:44:57 +0000

Oreo has never been afraid to think outside the cookie box. Over the years, the brand has rolled out plenty of unexpected flavors, from Pumpkin Spice and Lemon Twist to Red Velvet, giving fans plenty to debate—and plenty to dunk. But its latest collaboration may have some cookie lovers wondering: Has Oreo finally gone too far?

The newest flavor comes from an unlikely partnership between Oreo and KFC, and let’s just say it’s not your typical sweet treat. The savory-inspired cookie has sparked plenty of confusion online, with some people questioning who, exactly, asked for this combination in the first place.

So, what does a KFC-inspired Oreo actually taste like, where can you find it and—perhaps most importantly—is it coming to the U.S.? We’re breaking down everything you need to know about the unusual new cookie, plus a look at a few more Oreo flavors headed to shelves that might be a little easier to get behind.

What is the new flavor?

Kevin Carter / Contributor // Justin Sullivan / Staff

If the two companies collaborating haven’t scared you off yet, the actual flavor just might. KFC and Oreo have partnered to release a fried-chicken-flavored cookie. Yes, you read that right. Taking the classic chocolate cookie Oreo fans know and love and combining it with a cream blended with 11 savory seasoning, this new cookie is sure to confuse you.

The Oreo creme, which replaces the cookie’s usual sweet, white filling, consists of herbs, spices and salt that resemble the classic KFC batter. So while it’s not actually chicken-flavored, it’s still unique enough to leave everyone questioning the combo. The cookie also features the KFC logo on one side, instead of the usual Oreo logo.

This new fried-chicken-flavored Oreo isn’t available everywhere yet, which may be a good thing. Currently, the product has been released only in China. But it’s possible it will one day make it to the U.S. if it gets a positive reaction.

What fans are saying

It seems that Oreo may have taken the adventurous flavors a step too far with the fried chicken flavor and fans are agreeing. Comments about the new cookie show that many aren’t excited about the flavor and have no interest in trying it. One reads, “Why would they make the kfc ones when they could make edible ones,” while another says, “Stop messing with the Oreos!”

It isn’t the first time an Oreo this strange has been released. In 2018, the Hot Chicken Wing and Wasabi flavors were released in Chinese markets, but considering they never made their way to the US, it’s safe to say they weren’t a success.

Other flavors on the way

While the Fried Chicken Oreos make their way through international markets, a couple of fan-favorite flavors have returned to shelves in the US. If you’re looking for something new that doesn’t taste like a savory bucket of chicken, you can check these out.

Oreo’s Apple Pie a la Mode cookies have returned, as well as the Orange Creme cookies. Both were major hits when they were first released last year and will officially be available again this fall. While the Orange Creme tastes just like a regular Oreo, just with orange-colored cream, it does feature spooky designs for Halloween including a witch’s hat, a skull, a haunted mansion, a howling wolf in front of a moon a jack-o-lantern and a hand rising from a grave.

The Apple Pie a la mode features two vanilla cookies, stuffed with apple pie and vanilla ice cream flavored cream. So, if you’re someone who enjoys going all out for fall and spooky season, be sure to pick these tasty Oreo flavors up this season.

Wingstop’s Chamoy Tajín Wings Are Proof That the Swangy Flavor Trend Has Officially Gone Mainstream

Ryan Brennan — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:32:37 +0000

Wingstop added chamoy and Tajín wings to its lineup on June 30, 2026, marking one of the biggest swangy flavor launches in fast food this year.

The limited-time Sweet Heat Chamoy combined a custom chamoy dry rub with a drizzle of Tajín Chamoy Sauce. Wingstop described the flavor as fruity and sweet at first, followed by lime and tanginess and a slow-building chile kick.

The offering was available on classic and boneless Wingstop wings, tenders, chicken sandwiches, fries and corn. Wingstop also rolled out Chamoy Ranch alongside the launch, blending the fruit and chile of chamoy with the chain’s signature ranch.

“Chamoy has become one of the most talked-about flavor profiles in food culture, and Sweet Heat Chamoy is our take on that trend,” Wingstop Chief Brand Officer Donnie Upshaw said in a press release. “By combining a bold dry rub with Tajín Chamoy, we’ve created something that feels authentic, craveable and unmistakably Wingstop.”

The limited-time offering has since ended. But its significance goes beyond a single menu drop. For anyone tracking the best Wingstop flavors or the broader direction of Wingstop sauces, the chamoy launch reflected a much larger shift in American food culture.

Swangy is a flavor profile that layers sweetness, spiciness and tanginess together rather than leaning on a single dominant note. It differs from swicy, which pairs only sweetness and heat, by adding an acidic or tangy dimension.

Chamoy is a textbook example. The Wingstop version delivered sweetness first, lime in the middle and chile at the finish. Each stage arrived separately, creating the kind of layered experience that defines the trend.

Tajín and chamoy wings aren’t new to food culture. Tajín was founded in Mexico in 1985 and began exporting to the U.S. in 1993. Chamoy and Tajín have since spread from fruit cups and Mexican candy into restaurant menus, beverages and desserts.

The adoption has been broad. Taco Bell tested a full Tajín menu in 2024. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Dutch Bros, First Watch, Dairy Queen and Applebee’s have all featured the ingredient. Tajín appeared on 1.3% of U.S. restaurant menus in 2021 and reached 2.2% by the end of 2025, roughly 69% growth in four years, according to Technomic data reported by Nation’s Restaurant News.

Wingstop’s launch pushed the trend further. With more than 3,000 locations, the chain brought chamoy and Tajín wings to a scale that specialty menus and regional chains hadn’t reached. And the collaboration put Tajín’s name directly on the product rather than hiding the flavor behind a generic label like “sweet chile.”

That decision matters. It preserved chamoy’s Mexican identity while introducing it through familiar fast-food formats. Building an entire limited-time experience around the flavor showed that chamoy could serve as a menu platform, not just a garnish.

The swangy flavor trend aligns with broader consumer demand for novelty. GlobalData found that 65% of Gen Z consumers worldwide consider uniqueness or novelty essential when buying food products.

“Brands that modernize comfort foods without losing authenticity and treat innovation as a repeatable pipeline through limited drops and remixable flavor platforms will be best positioned to build loyalty and stay culturally relevant,” GlobalData consumer analyst Sainul Abidin said.

Wingstop’s Sweet Heat Chamoy was temporary. But the swangy flavor trend it represents is not. Expect more recognizable American foods to meet tamarind, lime and chile as chains continue chasing the layered profiles that Gen Z consumers are demanding.

Score Free Treats and Deals for Chocolate Chip Cookie Day 2026!

strotter — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 22:30:38 +0000

Love indulging in ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookies? Your week is about to get even better! August 4 is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, and your favorite chains, brands and online shops want to help you celebrate. With buy-one-get one deals, giveaways and more, there are plenty of chances to enjoy cookie bliss without spending a fortune. Find out more below about the limited-time offers you can snag for this fun food holiday. Plus, learn about an easy cookie-based treat you can whip up at home!

The best fast food and bakery cookie deals near you

Burger King

Royal Perks rewards members, this freebie’s for you. On August 4 only, you can use 150 Crowns (Burger King’s loyalty points) to redeem two cookies when ordering through the app or in-restaurant.

Chip City

Who doesn’t love a great BOGO deal? When you spend just $5.50 on cookies on August 4, you’ll score a free chocolate chip cookie. This crowd-pleaser features a brown sugar cookie base loaded with dark chocolate chips—pure bliss!

Cookie Plug

This hip-hop-themed bakery chain wants to help you celebrate National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day for less. For one day only, customers can score an OG Cookie (its thick chocolate chip variety) for 50 percent off with the purchase of another item. Just enter the promo code OG during checkout to redeem.

Dirty Dough

If you’re a rewards member, you can satisfy your sweet tooth for a steal. In honor of the holiday, the shops are allowing loyal customers to enjoy a free chocolate chip cookie with any purchase.

Edible

Here’s a sweet deal: Edible is giving away free signature chocolate chip cookies on August 4 and 5—no purchase necessary! While the chain is famous for its elaborate fruit arrangements, its cookies are equally delicious. Head to your local Edible store to grab yours!

Gregorys Coffee

Make your Tuesday a memorable one with this special offer: if you’re a rewards member, you will get a free chocolate chip cookie with any purchase. Yum!

Insomnia Cookies

Courtesy of Insomnia Cookies

Enjoy double the fun when you order from your local Insomnia Cookies location. Through August 4, guests who purchase one eligible warm cookie will receive a second (of equal or lesser value) for free! This offer is available for both in-store purchases at participating bakeries and local delivery orders.

Mightylicious

You can save all month long when you order from this online bake shop. Just enter the promo code CHOCOLATECHIP15 at checkout and you’ll receive a 15 percent discount on cookies, including favorites like the brown butter chocolate chip.

Tate’s Bake Shop

On August 4, the shop is making it more affordable than ever to snatch up all things chocolate chip cookies! You can buy chocolate chip cookies, a chocolate chip pie and chocolate chip cookie-themed merch for 40 percent off—no discount code needed—when you make a purchase on TatesBakeShop.com.

That’s not all; there’s a special holiday celebration for New Yorkers, as well! Butterfield Market locations will be giving away 500 free cups of froyo topped with a Tate’s chocolate chip cookie garnish. Just head to the Lexington Ave or Madison Ave location during one of the two giveaway periods at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to snag yours.

Easy 4-ingredient cookie cake to make at home

For even more cookie fun, treat yourself with Donna Kelce’s delicious chocolate chip cookie recipe or whip up a fun dessert that’s a twist on the classic: a cookie cake!

To make: Heat oven to 350°F. Spray a 12″ pizza pan with nonstick cooking spray. Press 1 (16 oz.) package of refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough into the pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden. Let cool. Remove from the pan. Garnish with dollops of melted chocolate or piped swirls of chocolate ganache. Sprinkle on a handful of mini M&M’s and enjoy!

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Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Menu 2026 Drops August 25: Here's What's New!

Julianne MacNeill — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 19:17:56 +0000

Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice season is almost here, and fans are counting down until the return of the coffee chain’s beloved fall menu. From the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) to the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, the annual lineup has become the unofficial kickoff to cozy season.

While you wait for the August 25 launch, you don’t have to put your fall cravings on hold. Here’s a first look at Starbucks’ 2026 pumpkin spice menu, including returning favorites, rumored new drinks and cozy beverages you can order right now from their “secret” menu!

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Fall-inspired drinks to order now

If you’re already in the mood for cozy flavors, there are several drinks that bridge summer and fall. The Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso delivers warm notes of cinnamon and brown sugar, while the Chai Tea Latte can be ordered hot or iced depending on the weather.

Another seasonal favorite is the Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew, which combines smooth vanilla with rich caramel flavors.

Returning favorites on the 2026 menu

No Starbucks fall menu would be complete without the Pumpkin Spice Latte, which is expected to return on August 25. Also coming back are the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai and Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Blended Beverage.

If you prefer hot drinks, you can order the PSL as usual or customize a hot Chai Tea Latte with pumpkin cream cold foam for a similar flavor profile.

New Starbucks drinks coming this fall

This year’s menu expands beyond pumpkin with several new additions. Coffee fans can try the Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso, while matcha lovers can opt for the Iced Pumpkin Cream Matcha. The new Pumpkin Spice Chai also joins the lineup.

Looking for something different? Starbucks is introducing two banana bread-inspired drinks—the Iced Banana Bread Latte and Iced Banana Bread Chai—as well as the new Chaider, a chai-and-apple-cider blend available hot or iced. Yum!

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!