It seems like a somewhat sluggish start to the year as not that many chains have rolled out items geared toward those who have resolved to eat more healthily this year (there will probably be more next week).
But there are better-for-you items at El Pollo Loco (more protein), Nekter Juice Bar (drinks with L-Carnitine, which is supposed to help burn body fat), Next Level Burger (channeling the Blue Zones where people live longer), Uno Pizzeria and Grill (supporting Dry January), Mellow Mushroom and Just Salad (veganuary), and Dutch Bros, which has taken the unusual approach of adding extra protein to its milk.
Dutch Bros is also reprising Shine, which is a flavorless sparkly liquid apparently intended purely for social media posts.
Chick-fil-A is bringing back its Mango Passion Sunjoy — Sunjoy being the name of its combination of lemonade and iced tea — and also offering the new option of adding mango and passion fruit flavors just to lemonade or iced tea, rather than combining the two.
Jack in the Box has added a smash-style burger to its permanent lineup, which is kind of a big deal, and Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s have chicken tenders now, which they’re serving in wraps.
Less of a big deal, but still interesting, Peet’s Coffee’s Golden Caffè Latte is now on its permanent menu, as is Starbucks’ Iced Shaken Hazelnut Oatmilk Espresso.
But some people resolve to embrace joy better in the new year, and a variety of chains are supporting that with pleasure-inducing items, such as Scooter’s Coffee, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Another Broken Egg Cafe, and Cool Hand Luke’s.
Sort of related, Cinnabon and Studio Movie Grill have new items celebrating the upcoming release of the new “Mean Girls” movie.
Also, Friendly’s is starting a new line of monthly sundae specials, Insomnia Cookies has a new item made with something called unicorn barf, both Smalls Sliders and Smoothie King are anticipating Mardi Gras, although its six weeks away, with beverages inspired by king cake.
Last month MOD Pizza had three weekly game-day themed specials in celebration of college football, and now all of them are available.
Kolache Factory is bringing back croissant sandwiches, the first iteration of which is available now, Miguel’s Jr. is reprising pozole, Flying Biscuit Café has new pancakes, Jason’s Deli has a new sandwich and a returning soup, and Velvet Taco’s Weekly Taco Feature has rotisserie chicken and peanuts.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected]