Fast food’s enduring appeal lies in its convenience, familiar flavors, and the constant stream of exciting innovations. Just when you think you’ve tasted it all, fast food chains roll out a fresh wave of novel dishes, and 2024 is proving to be no exception. Whether your cravings lean towards savory burgers, crispy fried chicken, or something delightfully sweet, this year’s New Fast Food Items menu is packed with options to satisfy every palate.
If you’re anything like us, the thrill of trying something new is irresistible. From groundbreaking culinary concepts to innovative twists on beloved classics, the fast food landscape is brimming with delicious discoveries. So, fueled by our own curiosity (and maybe a little bit of “research for a friend”), we’ve compiled a list of 35 of the most noteworthy new fast food items of 2024 that deserve a spot on your must-try list.
1. Arby’s Chicken Wraps
Arby’s, a fast-food staple since 1964, famous for its iconic roast beef sandwiches, is expanding its horizons with a lighter, handheld option. Introducing the new Crispy Chicken Wraps, a perfect addition for those seeking a quick and satisfying protein boost. These wraps feature a soft flour tortilla embracing a juicy, crispy-fried chicken tender. Customize your wrap with a choice of flavorful sauces, including creamy Parmesan peppercorn ranch, sweet honey mustard, or smoky barbecue, tailoring it to your individual taste.
via Arby’s
2. KFC’s Chizza
KFC is bringing back a global phenomenon to American shores for the first time: the Chizza. This isn’t your typical pizza; the Chizza boldly replaces the traditional pizza dough base with two crispy, juicy fried chicken fillets. Originally launched in the Philippines in 2015 and quickly becoming a global sensation, the Chizza is finally making its debut in the U.S. Nick Chavez, CMO of KFC US, emphasizes the excitement in a recent press release, stating, “The fan-favorite mash-up is finally available in the U.S. after making its way around the world. Try it while you can!” This limited-time offering is a must-try for anyone seeking a unique and indulgent fast food experience.
3. KFC’s Saucy Nuggets
KFC, a brand synonymous with fried chicken since 1952, continues to innovate with exciting menu additions. This year, they’re elevating their classic chicken nuggets with a burst of flavor. KFC’s new Saucy Nuggets feature their signature hand-breaded chicken nuggets now tossed in a variety of vibrant sauces. Spice lovers can rejoice with returning favorites like Nashville Hot and Georgia Gold, while adventurous eaters can explore new flavors such as the sweet and tangy Sticky Chicky sweet and sour sauce, savory Korean barbecue, and the fiery honey sriracha.
via KFC
4. Wendy’s Cinnabon Pull-Apart
Wendy’s, established in 1969 and famed for its square burgers and customizable toppings, is venturing into the sweet treat territory with a collaboration that’s sure to tempt dessert enthusiasts. Introducing Wendy’s Cinnabon Pull-Aparts, a warm and gooey indulgence perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack. These bite-sized pastries combine Wendy’s expertise in warm, comforting food with Cinnabon’s iconic cinnamon roll flavor, creating a shareable treat that’s hard to resist.
5. Chick-Fil-A’s Cherry Berry Drinks
Chick-fil-A, renowned for its beloved chicken sandwiches, is adding a splash of fruity refreshment to its spring menu. The new Cherry Berry Drinks line offers a vibrant and bubbly twist on classic beverages. These seasonal drinks combine the sweet and tart flavors of cherries and berries in refreshing combinations, including Cherry Berry sweet tea, Cherry Berry lemonade, and the Cherry Berry Sunjoy, a delightful mix of lemonade and tea. These drinks are the perfect way to brighten up your day and complement your favorite Chick-fil-A meal.
via Chick-Fil-A
6. Little Caesars’ Crazy Puffs
Looking for a fun and portable pizza snack? Little Caesars’ Crazy Puffs are the answer. This pizza chain, a go-to for cheesy and affordable pizzas since 1959, is expanding its menu with these convenient and flavorful pizza bites. Launched in March, Crazy Puffs are muffin-sized pizza pockets with irresistibly crispy edges. They come in classic cheese or pepperoni fillings, finished with a delicious garlic butter drizzle, making them perfect for a quick bite on the go.
7. Panera’s CinnaScramble
Panera Bread, a name synonymous with fresh bread and comforting bakery items, is introducing a breakfast innovation that combines sweet and savory flavors. The Sausage CinnaScramble is a new fast food breakfast item that’s reimagining the morning meal. Released in June, this unique creation features a warm cinnamon roll filled with fluffy cheese scrambled eggs and savory sausage. It’s a delightful fusion of breakfast staples, offering a sweet and satisfying start to your day.
via Panera Bread
8. Panera’s CinnaTops
Panera isn’t stopping at just the CinnaScramble; they’re doubling down on cinnamon roll goodness with another new fast food item: CinnaTops. These aren’t your average cinnamon rolls. Panera’s CinnaTops feature their signature cinnamon rolls generously glazed with decadent icing and then topped with your choice of indulgent toppings. Options range from a crunchy candy cookie to a rich chocolate brownie or a fudgy brownie, allowing you to customize your sweet treat to your exact cravings.
9. Burger King’s Chicken Philly Royal Crispy Wrap
Burger King, a major player in the burger fast food scene, is expanding its wrap offerings with a savory and satisfying new option. The Chicken Philly Royal Crispy Wrap is a new fast food item that brings the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak to a convenient wrap format. A soft flour tortilla envelops a crispy-fried chicken breast, melty Swiss cheese, roasted peppers, and onions. For those watching their calorie intake, opting out of the sauce makes this a lighter yet flavorful choice.
via Burger King
10. Burger King’s Philly Melt
Celebrating its 70th anniversary, Burger King is pulling out all the stops with a series of new fast food items, including a burger that pays homage to a classic flavor profile. The Philly Melt is a hearty and flavorful burger that captures the essence of a Philly cheesesteak. Featuring two juicy beef patties layered with Swiss cheese, roasted peppers, onions, and Burger King’s signature Royal sauce, this melt is a strong contender for burger lovers.
11. Pizza Hut’s Cheeseburger Melt
Pizza Hut, globally recognized for its pizzas, is venturing beyond traditional pies with a new fast food item that combines pizza and burger flavors. Say hello to the Cheeseburger Melt! This innovative creation features a Parmesan-crusted thin crust enveloping seasoned beef, crispy bacon, two types of cheese, and savory onions, all accompanied by a burger sauce for dipping. It’s a unique and flavorful twist on both pizza and cheeseburgers.
via Pizza Hut
12. Jimmy John’s Firecracker Wrap
Jimmy John’s, known for its fast and fresh sandwiches, is turning up the heat with a new wrap that packs a flavorful punch. The Firecracker Wrap is a new fast food item designed for those who crave bold and spicy flavors. This vibrant red wrap gets its color and heat from a red jalapeño-infused tortilla, filled with spicy ghost pepper cheese, savory turkey, salami, garlic aioli, and Jimmy peppers. It’s a fiery and flavorful combination that’s sure to awaken your taste buds.
13. Taco Bell’s Big Cheez-It Items
Taco Bell, a fast food icon since 1962, continues to push boundaries with creative and unexpected menu items. This year, they’re partnering with Cheez-It to bring a cheesy twist to their classics. Taco Bell’s new Big Cheez-It items are a playful and innovative take on their signature dishes. Choose between the Big Cheez-It Crunchwrap Supreme, where the traditional tortilla wrap is replaced with a giant, crispy Cheez-It cracker, or the Big Cheez-It tostada, both offering an intense cheesy flavor and satisfying crunch.
via Taco Bell
14. McDonald’s Grandma McFlurry
McDonald’s, the fast food giant known for its ever-evolving menu, is tapping into nostalgic flavors with its latest McFlurry creation. The Grandma McFlurry is a new fast food dessert item that evokes the comforting flavors of homemade treats. Served in a charming pink cup, this McFlurry features swirls of creamy vanilla ice cream blended with rich butterscotch syrup and topped with crushed candy pieces. It’s a sweet and nostalgic treat that’s perfect for dessert.
15. Dairy Queen’s Parmesan Garlic Sauced and Tossed Chicken Strip Basket
While Dairy Queen is famous for its frozen treats, they also offer savory options, and their newest chicken item is a must-try for chicken lovers. The Parmesan Garlic Sauced and Tossed Chicken Strip Basket is a new fast food item that elevates the classic chicken strip. Crispy fried chicken strips are generously tossed in a savory and flavorful parmesan garlic sauce, creating a sticky, delicious, and satisfying meal.
via Dairy Queen
16. Hardee’s Hand-Breaded Chicken Tender Wraps
Hardee’s, a popular fast food chain in the Southern and Midwestern US, is expanding its handheld options with a focus on crispy chicken. Hardee’s Hand-Breaded Chicken Tender Wraps are a new fast food item offering variety and flavor in a convenient format. Hardee’s has launched three distinct chicken wraps: the classic ranch tender wrap, the sweet honey mustard wrap, and the spicy tender wrap for those who like a kick, ensuring there’s a flavor profile for everyone.
17. Dunkin’ Green Goddess Wrap
Dunkin’, formerly Dunkin’ Donuts, is diversifying its menu with healthier and flavorful options beyond donuts and coffee. The Dunkin’ Green Goddess Wrap is a new fast food item that caters to health-conscious consumers. This nutritious wrap features egg whites, farro, spinach, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a flavorful secret green goddess dressing. It’s a light yet satisfying vegetarian option perfect for breakfast or lunch.
via Dunkin’ Donuts
18. Panera’s Sourdough Melts
Panera Bread continues to innovate with their melt offerings, introducing new flavor combinations on their signature sourdough bread. Panera’s Sourdough Melts are a new fast food item that expands their sandwich selection with gourmet flavors. They’ve added two new sourdough melt variations: one featuring applewood-smoked bacon with creamy avocado, cheese, and chipotle aioli, and another with savory smoked chicken, gouda cheese, red onion, cilantro, and chipotle aioli. These melts offer sophisticated flavor combinations in a comforting sandwich format.
19. Papa John’s Crispy Cuppy ‘Roni
Papa John’s, a leading pizza chain, is innovating on classic pizza toppings with a new pepperoni option that delivers enhanced flavor and texture. The Crispy Cuppy ‘Roni is a new fast food item that elevates the traditional pepperoni pizza. This new pizza topping features thick-cut pepperoni slices that curl into crispy cups as they bake, resulting in a delightful combination of crispy edges and tender centers, maximizing both flavor and texture.
via Papa John’s
20. Pizza Hut My Hut Box
Pizza Hut is addressing the dilemma of choice with a new value offering that allows customers to customize their meals. The Pizza Hut My Hut Box is a new fast food item designed for value and customization. This year, customers can create personalized meals at affordable prices by combining two personal pan pizzas with boneless wings or fries. For those not in the mood for pizza, cheesy melts can be substituted, offering a wide range of options in one convenient box.
21. Krispy Kreme’s Biscoff Doughnuts
Krispy Kreme, the doughnut experts, are collaborating with Biscoff cookies to create a sweet treat that’s sure to be a hit. Krispy Kreme’s Biscoff Doughnuts are a new fast food item that combines two beloved sweet brands. This collaboration features three delicious Biscoff doughnut variations: the Biscoff cookie butter cheesecake doughnut, the chocolate iced doughnut with Biscoff cookie crunch, and the classic iced doughnut with indulgent Biscoff icing. These doughnuts are a perfect fusion of Krispy Kreme’s signature sweetness and Biscoff’s unique caramel-cinnamon flavor.
via Krispy Kreme
22. Popeyes’ Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Popeyes, known for its Louisiana-inspired flavors and crispy chicken, is adding a new sandwich to its menu that balances smoky and sweet notes. The Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich is a new fast food item that introduces a new flavor profile to Popeyes’ chicken sandwich lineup. This new sandwich features a buttermilk battered chicken breast, crisp pickles, and a tangy barbecue and honey mustard sauce. It’s a flavorful and satisfying option that complements Popeyes’ classic offerings.
23. Taco Bell’s Churro Chillers
Taco Bell is expanding its dessert and beverage offerings with a sweet and refreshing new treat inspired by a classic dessert. Taco Bell’s Churro Chillers are a new fast food item that provides a sweet and cold complement to their savory menu. The Churro Chiller is a cup of smooth ice cream blended with caramel, topped with perfect cold foam and crunchy, sugary churro bites. Customers can choose from four exciting flavors, making it a customizable and indulgent dessert option.
via Taco Bell
24. Dave’s Hot Chicken Cauliflower Sliders
Dave’s Hot Chicken, despite its name, is venturing into vegetarian options with a new slider that mimics the texture and flavor of their signature chicken. Dave’s Hot Chicken Cauliflower Sliders are a surprising new fast food item offering a vegetarian alternative. These sliders feature crispy fried cauliflower that convincingly mimics the appearance of fried chicken, served with Dave’s Hot Chicken’s signature sauce and pickles. It’s a flavorful and satisfying option for vegetarians and those looking to try plant-based alternatives.
25. Red Lobster’s Crispy Salt & Vinegar Shrimp
Red Lobster, a casual dining chain specializing in seafood, is adding a tangy and addictive new shrimp dish to its menu. Red Lobster’s Crispy Salt & Vinegar Shrimp is a new fast food item that brings a popular flavor profile to seafood. Available since January, this offering features crispy fried shrimp tossed in a tangy salt and vinegar seasoning. Diners can enjoy an endless supply of these flavorful shrimp, dipped in their favorite Red Lobster sauces.
via Red Lobster
26. Papa John’s Calzone Papa Bites
Papa John’s is introducing a bite-sized version of a classic Italian dish, perfect for snacking or sharing. Papa John’s Calzone Papa Bites are a new fast food item that offers a miniature and shareable version of calzones. Since January, Papa John’s has been offering these calzone bites filled with ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, green peppers, sausage, and pepperoni. They’re ideal as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
27. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers’ Pretzel Bacon BBQ Steakburger
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is bringing back a popular burger with the option to customize the protein. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers’ Pretzel Bacon BBQ Steakburger is a returning new fast food item that was brought back due to popular demand. This burger features two beef patties, American cheese, crispy bacon, and sweet onions on a toasted pretzel bun, all topped with a smoky bourbon barbecue sauce. This time around, customers can also choose to swap the beef patties for chicken, offering even more customization.
via Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
28. Shake Shack’s Korean BBQ Burger
Shake Shack is taking inspiration from international flavors with a new menu that incorporates Korean BBQ. Shake Shack’s Korean BBQ Burger is a new fast food item inspired by South Korean cuisine. Part of a limited-time Korean-inspired menu, this burger features a juicy Angus beef patty generously coated in Korean barbecue sauce, topped with crispy onions, fresh scallions, and cheese, all served on a toasted potato bun. It’s a flavorful and globally-inspired burger experience.
29. Subway’s Lavash Wraps
Subway is expanding its bread options with a new flatbread inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine, offering a lighter and more versatile wrap. Subway’s Lavash Wraps are a new fast food item that introduces a new style of wrap to their menu. These Middle Eastern lavash-style flatbread wraps are available in four new flavors: homestyle chicken salad, honey mustard chicken, Caprese, and oven-roasted turkey with bacon and avocado. They offer a lighter and more flavorful alternative to Subway’s traditional bread options.
via Subway
30. Taco Bell’s Secret Aardvark Nacho Fries
Taco Bell is partnering with a popular hot sauce brand to create a spicy and flavorful twist on their nacho fries. Taco Bell’s Secret Aardvark Nacho Fries are a new fast food item resulting from a collaboration with Secret Aardvark hot sauce. These nacho fries feature Taco Bell’s seasoned fries loaded with a blend of spicy Serrabanero ranch sauce, slow-roasted chicken, cheese, sour cream, and pico de gallo. It’s a spicy, cheesy, and satisfying loaded fry option.
31. White Castle’s Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
White Castle, known for its iconic sliders, is adding a new chicken slider to its menu with a classic flavor combination. White Castle’s Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are a new fast food item that combines popular flavors in their signature slider format. These sliders feature crispy chicken topped with savory hickory-smoked bacon and White Castle’s special ranch sauce. They’re a flavorful and easy-to-eat option, especially when paired with a side of White Castle’s famous fries.
via White Castle
32. Hardee’s Blueberry Biscuits
Hardee’s is expanding its breakfast menu with a sweet and fruity biscuit option. Hardee’s Blueberry Biscuits are a new fast food item that adds a sweet and fruity flavor to their biscuit selection. These biscuits are baked with real blueberry bits throughout and topped with a deliciously sweet icing. They’re a perfect option for a sweet breakfast or brunch treat.
33. Panda Express’ Hot Orange Chicken
Panda Express, a leader in American Chinese cuisine, is adding a spicier version of its most popular dish to the menu. Panda Express’ Hot Orange Chicken is a new fast food item that turns up the heat on their classic Orange Chicken. This dish is a spiced-up rendition of the chain’s beloved orange chicken, with the addition of fiery chiles for an extra kick. It’s a bolder and more intense flavor experience for fans of orange chicken.
via Panda Express
34. Jack in the Box’s Cube’s Munchie Meal
Jack in the Box, a West Coast favorite, is partnering with Ice Cube to create a value meal box packed with a variety of flavors and textures. Jack in the Box’s Cube’s Munchie Meal is a new fast food item that is a collaborative meal box curated with Ice Cube. This value-packed box includes a taco, curly fries, mini churros, a soft drink, and the returning Chick-N-Tater Melt, a fried chicken sandwich with crispy hash browns, cheese, bacon, and ranch sauce stuffed into a croissant. It’s a diverse and satisfying meal deal perfect for late-night cravings or sharing.
35. Burger King’s Birthday Pie Slice
Burger King is celebrating its anniversary with a sweet treat that evokes birthday cake flavors. Burger King’s Birthday Pie Slice is a new fast food item celebrating Burger King’s anniversary with a birthday cake-inspired dessert. This pie slice features a birthday cake-flavored filling with a sweet cookie crust. It’s a perfect way to end your Burger King meal on a celebratory and sweet note.
via Burger King
Our favorite fast food chains are constantly innovating, upgrading, and introducing delicious new dishes to their menus. This continuous evolution is part of the magic of fast food, adding an element of surprise and excitement to every visit. This extensive list of the latest new fast food items demonstrates that there’s truly something to tempt everyone. Whether you prefer seafood, crave sweet treats, seek vegetarian options, or are a meat lover, all that’s left to do is decide which new item you’ll try first.
