New fast-food items that already have people buzzing in the New Year

The fast-food industry is coming out of the gate in January with a clear message to still mostly quarantined diners ordering from apps: We are going back to give you more cool new foods to try in 2021. After a 2020 where product innovation took a backseat as most restaurants focused on ensuring employee safety and managing restaurant closures during the pandemic, the biggest chains have kicked off January with several key new releases. Per the usual in the fast-food space, the introductions are focused on creating buzz for a particular chain and often getting consumers to pay up for the experience of trying new items.

Burger King pumps up the bacon.

Widely-followed food reviewer The Endorsement posted a video on his YouTube page of Burger King’s new Breakfast Bacon King Sandwich.  The sandwich appears to be undergoing a test in certain restaurants. Going by the video, the sandwich looks to be a classic fast-food mashup. It features six slices of bacon, a sausage patty, an egg, two slices of cheese, and zesty sauce on a bun.

“We’re always working to provide our guests the craveable, satisfying breakfast they deserve any day of the week and that means working to test new products, like the Breakfast Bacon King Sandwich. We don’t have specific details that we are ready to share at this time, but exciting developments will be coming soon,” said a Burger King spokesman.

McDonald’s revamps its fried chicken sandwich.

After watching rival Popeyes dominate the fried chicken sandwich game for over a year, McDonald’s has decided it’s time to take some action. The Golden Arches has stated that it will introduce three new fried chicken sandwiches on February 24th: the crispy chicken sandwich (pickles and a new buttered toasted roll are the highlights); the spicy chicken sandwich (same build as the crispy sandwich, except with spicy pepper sauce); and the deluxe chicken sandwich (adds shredded lettuce and tomatoes to the mix).

Chipotle cauliflower rice pushes aside carb heavy regular rice.

Chipotle has announced it will launch cilantro-lime cauliflower rice nationwide for a limited time. Cauliflower rice — which is essentially finely chopped cauliflower — has quickly spread in the frozen food sections of supermarkets due primarily to its lower calorie and carb counts relative to traditional rice. Chipotle says cauliflower rice has been among the most asked for items at the chain, per findings from its surveys of consumers.

Next up for 2021 at Chipotle: a potential nationwide rollout of brisket, which would certainly be buzz-creating.

Dunkin’ gets a new plant-based friend.

Apparently Dunkin’ Brands has no plans to stop its trademark, impressive product innovation engine. After debuting a new line of coffee a week ago that is allegedly 20% more caffeinated, Dunkin’ said Monday it’s teaming up with Kellogg’s Morningstar Farms brand for an interesting take on a plant-based sandwich.

Dubbed the Southwest Veggie Power Breakfast Sandwich, it features a Morningstar Farms black bean patty with southwest flavors, an egg white omelette infused with spinach, bell peppers and onions, topped with cheddar cheese. It’s all packed between two multi-grain thins and available at select restaurants nationwide. This gives Dunkin’ two plant-based breakfast sandwiches, the other one being with long-time partner Beyond Meat and its spicy sausage patty.

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