Fast Food Friday: 5 New Drops That Feel Built For 4/20
Welcome to Fast Food Friday, a quick weekly roundup of the boldest, weirdest, and most snackable new menu drops in the world of fast food, quick service, and convenience.
Sometimes there's a theme. Sometimes, it's just what's popping off in my inbox. Either way, it's your bite-sized guide to what's new, limited, or lowkey amazing—just in time for the weekend.
Some fast food releases don't need to say '4/20' to hit the brief. Whether it's a snack mashup or a flavor bomb built for late-night cravings, this week's launches feel engineered for the kind of appetite that wants salty, crispy, spicy, and unexpected—all in one bite. Here are five new fast food drops that deliver munchie-level satisfaction, whether you're celebrating or just chasing a good bite.
Heads up: Many of these drops are limited-time offers and may vary by location. I can only vouch for what's available at the time of posting, so be sure to check the brand's official site or your local spot before you roll through.
After selling out in a December test run, Taco Bell's Crispy Chicken Nuggets return nationwide April 24. Marinated in jalapeño buttermilk and coated in a crunchy tortilla-chip breadcrumb blend. According to the brand's announcement this launch marks 'the first step in Taco Bell's plan to add crispy chicken to menus permanently by 2026.'
Subway teamed up with Doritos for a full-footlong snack bomb: Nacho Cheese Doritos loaded with cheese sauce, shredded cheddar, jalapeños, veggies, and Baja Chipotle sauce. Even better? You could add chicken or steak at no extra charge. It's a bold, limited-run remix that speaks directly to the snack-driven spirit of 4/20.
Panera's new Croissant Toast Sandwiches mash up buttery, flaky texture with savory fillings like ham, cheese, and Dijon cream sauce. It's giving upscale grilled cheese meets stoner comfort food, and it's now available at lunch and dinner.
The Jalapeño BBQ Bacon Stack Smash checks every box: crispy jalapeños, double patties, melty cheddar, sweet BBQ sauce, and smoky bacon all piled on one towering burger. It's a sensory overload in the best way—and built for anyone who wants their burger to bite back.
Jack is back with the most extra drop of the week: a Pink Pineapple Express Shake that blends tropical sweetness with candy-colored chaos. It's part of their 4/20 lineup, and it's leaning all the way into the moment. Loud, sweet, and completely unapologetic.
If there's a throughline this week, it's texture as spectacle—from jalapeño crunch to croissant flake to popcorn-loaded nachos. These aren't quiet foods. They snap, drip, layer, and crunch, designed to deliver maximum sensation per bite.
With crispy chicken dominating fast food menus lately—from tenders to the return of the McDonald's Snack Wrap and America's overall love for chicken tenders and nuggets—Taco Bell's play feels both inevitable and right on time. There's a reason our cravings lean this way, especially during times of stress or sensory overload or even when we get the munchies—but that's a story for another day.
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