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Fast food item launches in 2024 brought innovation and creativity to the forefront, with restaurants introducing fresh takes on customer favorites and bold new options. From sweet milkshakes to savory pizzas, these additions won people's hearts for their flavors and uniqueness.
This article highlights the 10 best fast food item releases of the year, as curated by media outlets Tasting Table and The Takeout, two trusted platforms for food enthusiasts and trends. Owned by Static Media, these outlets are known for showcasing the year’s top food trends and launches.
Must-try fast food item releases of 2024
1) Chick-fil-A banana pudding milkshake
Chick-fil-A revived its banana pudding milkshake after 13 years, and it has become a year-round favorite. Made with real banana chunks, vanilla wafer bits, and the chain’s signature Icedream base, this fast food item offers a creamy, nostalgic dessert in every sip. Topped with whipped cream and a cherry, it’s a refreshing treat for banana pudding lovers.
2) Little Blue Menu’s Chick-fil-A pizza pie
Little Blue Menu: Chick-fil-A’s test kitchen concept introduced a pizza pie that blends chicken, dill pickles, and Chick-fil-A sauce on a classic pizza base. This pizza pie offers an adventurous twist on traditional pizza, though it is currently limited to select locations.
3) Shake Shack smokey classic BBQ burger
Shake Shack’s Smokey Classic BBQ Burger became a standout on this list with its blend of bold flavors. Featuring a beef patty, crispy bacon, BBQ sauce, and crunchy onions, this fast food item captured the essence of summer barbecues, adding depth to the chain’s burger lineup.
4) Pizza Hut Chicago thin-crust tavern-style pizza
Pizza Hut’s Chicago thin-crust tavern-style pizza brought a new take on traditional pizza. With its thin, crispy crust and 16-square slice design, this fast food item became a hit amongst everyone. The double pepperoni option, featuring two types of pepperoni, received special praise for its balanced flavor.
5) Taco Bell’s cheesy chicken crispinada and caramel apple empanada
Taco Bell launched the cheesy chicken crispinada, a hot and flaky pastry filled with chicken and cheese, alongside the return of its beloved caramel apple empanada. This dessert features a golden, crispy shell filled with warm caramel and apple filling. These items cater to different cravings—savory and sweet—offering variety to Taco Bell’s menu.
6) Wendy’s saucy nuggs
Wendy’s saucy nuggs are chicken nuggets tossed in a choice of flavorful sauces like buffalo, garlic parm, and ghost pepper, catering to various taste preferences. This saucy twist on a classic menu item was especially popular among fans seeking a spicier or more flavorful snack.
7) Burger King’s pickle fries
Burger King introduced pickle fries as a standalone fast food item, building on the popularity of fried pickles. With a crunchy coating and tangy dill pickle flavor, they make a unique and savory snack, appealing to pickle lovers everywhere.
8) Baskin Robbins’ Brie My Guest flavor ice cream
Baskin Robbins debuted Brie My Guest, a fast food item inspired by a cheese board. Combining brie- and burrata-flavored ice cream with apricot swirls and nutty pistachios, this dessert delivers a sweet and savory experience for adventurous ice cream lovers.
9) KFC’s original recipe tenders
KFC reimagined its chicken tenders with the original recipe tenders. Coated in the brand’s iconic 11 herbs and spices, this fast food item stands out for its crispy texture and juicy, flavorful meat. The tenders are fried to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior, delivering the classic KFC flavor in a convenient form.
10) Chick-fil-A maple pepper bacon sandwich
Chick-fil-A’s maple pepper bacon sandwich became a crowd favorite instantly. It features a lemon herb-marinated chicken breast, pepper jack cheese, and crispy brown sugar and pepper bacon on a maple-infused brioche bun. This sandwich offers a rich and satisfying combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors.
The fast food item launches of 2024 demonstrated creativity and a strong focus on customer preferences. These items stood out in a competitive market, from bold new flavors to updated classic favorites.
