Fast food chains are throwing everything at the wall this fall, and some of it is sticking. Wings coated in candy flavor, burgers on pretzel buns and a taco sauce teamed up with a language app are all on menus right now.
Mashed rounded up 11 of the best new items to hit menus in October 2026. The highlights show how far chains will go to get your attention.
The list was published October 20 on Mashed, and it includes launch dates and prices where available.
Wingstop’s CEO Says The Candy Wings Have No Business Being This Good
Wingstop launched Sour Patch Kids Wicked Punch Wings nationwide on October 27. The wings are coated in a Sour Then Sweet Red Berry glaze and topped with Sour Patch Kids Bitz.
The company calls it the wildest flavor creation yet. CEO Michael Skipworth went further, saying “it has no business being this good.”
Burger King’s Game Day Burger Is Big And Bold
Burger King’s Game Day Pretzel Burger is a quarter-pound flame-grilled burger with American cheese, bacon, crispy onions and nacho cheese sauce on a soft pretzel bun.
It is part of a Game Day Menu that started October 6, and the nacho cheese sauce can also be ordered on Chicken Fries. The article describes the burger as large enough to satisfy a serious appetite.
Arby’s Went Sous Vide On Chicken Cheesesteaks
Arby’s has three limited-time chicken cheesesteaks: the Chicken Cheesesteak, the Chicken Deluxe Cheesesteak and the Spicy Chicken Cheesesteak. They are available in 4-ounce and 8-ounce versions from October 12.
The chicken is spiced, seared and cooked sous vide. Reactions on Reddit are mixed but generally positive, though some people questioned portion size and value.
Taco Bell Teamed Up With A Language App
Taco Bell released Duo Habanero Sauce with Duolingo for Global Taco Day on October 6. The packets include multilingual phrases in nine languages.
One packet is free with each Doritos Locos Taco, or you can buy a packet for $0.20 while supplies last. An Instagram reviewer says it has sweet and tangy undernotes with plenty of spicy habanero kick.
The chain also has a limited-time Milk Bar Birthday Cake Empanada with a crispy crust, cake batter-flavored filling, pink frosting and rainbow sprinkles.
Cereal, Candy And Spooky Drinks
Bojangles launched a Cinnamon Toast Crunch Iced Coffee for fall. One Facebook reviewer says it tastes just like the cereal, while a TikTok reviewer finds it overly sweet.
Its Donut Bites come with a salted caramel dip, and reviewers on YouTube and TikTok say they are not too sweet.
Tim Hortons has the Twix n’ Treat Iced Capp, a frozen mocha drink blended with caramel and Twix pieces. Dutch Bros has Halloween drinks called Unicorn Blood and Vampire Slayer, topped with freeze-dried candy.
Shake Shack’s Mac And Cheese Bites Got Mixed Marks
Shake Shack’s Mac and Cheese Bites come with black truffle sauce as part of the Black Truffle Menu’s return. They are fried bites filled with cheddar, American cheese sauce and ditalini pasta.
A YouTube reviewer rated them 7 out of 10, calling them just above mediocre. The reviewer said the black truffle sauce raises the rating to a 10 and suspects the bites are cooked from frozen.
How To Try New Menu Items Without Wasting Money
New items are fun, but they can get expensive. Choose carefully and use the chain’s app to find coupons or deals.
- Pick items that fit what you already enjoy, like burgers or chicken, in a new style.
- Share bigger items so each person pays less and tries more.
- Check the end date so you do not miss a limited run.
- Watch the price. Add-ons like sauces and sides can turn a bargain into a bill.
Read The Label On Sweet Treats
Many of these items are very sweet. If you enjoy desserts, treat them as a special occasion rather than a daily habit.
Pair a sweet drink with something savory, or split the treat with someone. That keeps the fun while cutting down on sugar.
The fall menu race is a reminder that fast food has become a form of entertainment. Try a thing or two, and enjoy the show.
Why Chains Keep Launching Collaborations
Teaming up with outside brands has become a favorite fast food strategy. A cereal, a candy or a language app brings its own fans and gets people talking.
It also gives customers a reason to try something new right now. The Taco Bell sauce packets, with phrases in nine languages, are a fun example of a small item doing a lot of work.
For shoppers, the tradeoff is simple. These items are usually limited, so you either try them or miss them.
A Few Smart Ways To Compare Menus
Before you head out, scan the app for deals. Many chains reserve their best coupons for app users, and a free item with purchase can change the math.
Look at the portion sizes too. The Arby’s cheesesteaks come in 4-ounce and 8-ounce versions, so choose the one that fits your appetite and budget.
Consider the time of day. A burger is a fine lunch, while a cereal-flavored coffee and donut bites might be better as a weekend treat.
Finally, remember that you can always pass on the trend. A plain burger and fries from a favorite spot is still a perfectly good meal.
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