The next time you visit Starbucks, your drink may be served in a new and improved cup. On April 18, just a few days ahead of Earth Day, the coffee giant unveiled its new lineup of single-use cold cups, which were created to be more sustainable. According to the company's announcement, the redesigned cups are made with 10 to 20 percent less plastic, depending on the size, when compared to the previous versions. Starbucks created this new lineup as part of its efforts to cut its carbon, water, and waste footprints in half by 2030. The coffee chain is introducing the cups at select stores in the U.S. and Canada this month and plans to complete the full rollout over the next year. RELATED: 8 Best Starbucks Menu Hacks, According to Baristas
Starbucks said this redesign will keep 13.5 million pounds of plastic out of landfills each year. Additionally, the coffee chain expects the cups to decrease emissions, conserve water in the production process, and simplify the workload for employees because there will be fewer lid combinations. Grande and venti cups already used the same lid size, but now the redesigned tall cups will feature a wider mouth and profile, so they still hold 12 ounces but can use the same lid. Trenta cups will still require a different lid. RELATED: 9 Starbucks Orders That Make Baristas Roll Their Eyes Previously, Starbucks employees had to store and stock multiple lids separately, which the chain said "created clutter and took up valuable shelf space." Now, the new cups will be color-coded and no longer packaged in clear bags to assist with size identification. Starbucks created its new cold cups at the Tryer Center, its innovation lab in Seattle, and noted that baristas made drinks in test and store settings. The baristas rated the iterations' feel and performance, while customers completed surveys via QR codes. Beyond using less plastic, the new cups will also include some accessibility features. These include raised dots, which will indicate sizes for those with impaired vision. There will also be embossed letters on the bottom to signify to the barista what cup they're grabbing, as well as black and white "fill lines" to assist with measurements. RELATED: Every Starbucks Coffee Drink—Ranked by Sugar Content
Starbucks has deployed multiple sustainability efforts over the years. In January, the company announced that it would accept reusable cups for all orders at company-operated and participating licensed stores in the U.S. and Canada. In 2019, the chain also introduced strawless lids. 
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Chick-fil-A has already developed quite a reputation for providing stellar customer service thanks to its famously friendly employees and high order accuracy. But a new report only reaffirms that the chicken chain is the best of the best when it comes to the guest experience—though one brand is nipping at its heels. The experience management software company Qualtrics recently set out to identify which companies provide the best customer service in America by comparing three recent surveys: Forbes's Best Customer Service 2024, Newsweek's America's Best Customer Service 2024, and the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) 2023-2024. All three of these surveys assign numerical scores to different businesses based on their customer service or satisfaction, so the Qualtrics team weighted the results and used them to give each company an overall customer service score out of 300 possible points. Using those scores, it then compiled a ranking of the 50 companies with the best customer service. While a wide range of businesses were analyzed in the study, including restaurants, grocery stores, airlines, hotels, and other retailers, Chick-fil-A eclipsed them all with a final score of 277.43. However, the popular regional grocery chain Publix was very close behind with a score of 275.91, less than a two-point difference. This shows that even though Chick-fil-A may hold the customer service crown in America right now, it's far from lacking in competition. RELATED: Chick-fil-A Is Now the 3rd Largest Fast-Food Chain in America—and McDonald's Better Watch Out
So what makes Chick-fil-A and Publix so highly rated among their customers? Regarding Chick-fil-A, the Qualtrics report noted the chain's high company standards for customer service, such as training employees to say "my pleasure" when guests thank them. RELATED: I Taste-Tasted 7 Publix Cakes—and One Was Pitch-Perfect "Small quirks like this have helped set the fast food chain apart from its competitors and leave a positive lasting impression on customers," Qualtrics said. Additionally, 80% of Chick-fil-A franchisees only run one restaurant, which allows operators to be more hands-on and ensure smooth operations. "With policies in place to encourage great customer service from both employees and franchise owners, we predict that the fast food restaurant will continue to offer great customer service for years to come," the report said of Chick-fil-A. RELATED: I Tried Every Entree at Chick-fil-A & the Best Was Crunchy, Spicy, Flavorful As for Publix, the Qualtrics report noted that the chain received the highest customer service scores of any grocer in both the Newsweek and ACSI surveys. Customer value is also a key part of its mission statement. Trader Joe's (273.82 points), Wegmans (266.28 points), and Texas Roadhouse (255.53) were among the other restaurant and grocery chains that scored high in the new ranking. Consumers can check out the full list of the 50 companies with the best customer service on the Qualtrics website.
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Iowa-based grocery chain Hy-Vee is continuing to grow its presence in the Midwest. On Wednesday, April 17, the company announced plans to acquire Strack & Van Til Food Market, a Northwest Indiana grocery chain that is also known as Indiana Grocery Group, LLC. The acquisition will add 22 stores and about 2,800 employees to Hy-Vee's portfolio. This marks Hy-Vee's entrance into Indiana, its ninth state. Hy-Vee currently operates more than 550 retail units, which cover grocery stores, drug stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and convenience stores. Under this new ownership, Strack & Van Til will keep its name and operate as Hy-Vee's subsidiary, just like the company's other subsidiaries. Some of these include Midwest Heritage, Perishable Distributors of Iowa, D&D Foods, Amber Specialty Pharmacy, Vivid Clear Rx, and Wall to Wall Wine and Spirits. RELATED: Costco Rival Meijer Is Opening 3 Massive New Supercenters Next Month—Here's Where
Hy-vee expects to finalize this acquisition in early May. The company is now a member of Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), which supplies Strack & Van Til's stores in Northwest Indiana. Hy-Vee said it would continue to serve its current grocery stores with its own supply chain facilities in Ankeny, Chariton, Cherokee, and Cumming, Iowa. "As our company continues to expand into Indiana and the Southeast region, Strack & Van Til's customer-centric focus and company vision to 'make lives easier' aligns with Hy-Vee's values and growth strategy," Jeremy Gosch, Hy-Vee's CEO, said in a press release. RELATED: 10 Grocery Chains Opening Dozens of New Stores in 2024 Beyond this acquisition, Hy-Vee has multiple upcoming grocery store openings. While the company planned to start construction on two stores in Zionsville and Fishers, Ind., later this year, Tina Potfoff, a Hy-Vee spokesperson, told the Des Moines Register that the timeline may change because of the acquisition. Hy-Vee also plans to enter Kentucky and Tennessee with additional supermarkets and confirmed in 2022 that it will open in Alabama. In February, the grocery chain opened two stores in Wisconsin—one in Janesville and another in Oregon. Hy-Vee currently operates stores in eight midwestern states: Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
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KFC customers have been relentlessly begging the chain to bring back a beloved discontinued menu item for years, with one even going so far as to create a petition that garnered thousands of signatures. This month, the chicken chain finally answered their pleas. KFC just debuted a new and improved version of its fan-favorite Twister Wrap on April 15, according to a press release shared with Eat This, Not That! Available in both classic (700 calories) and spicy (670 calories) varieties, the wraps feature two of KFC's Original Recipe Tenders, lettuce, tomatoes, and either a pepper mayo sauce or spicy sauce wrapped inside a warm, toasted tortilla. The debut is big news considering that 2014 was the last time KFC offered Twister Wraps in the United States, though the item has been available in some international markets like Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. The catch with this launch, however, is that KFC is currently only testing the new Twister Wraps in Nashville, Tenn., for a limited time. RELATED: Popeyes vs. KFC: Which Has the Best Bone-In Fried Chicken?
Fast-food chains often use limited test runs such as these to gauge whether a new offering is popular enough to be offered nationwide. So, KFC fans can hope the Nashville debut is successful enough to support a wider rollout further down the road. In the meantime, customers in the Nashville area can score a Twister Wrap by itself for $5.99 or as part of a combo with a side and medium drink for $9.99. RELATED: The Best & Worst Menu Items at KFC, According to a Nutritionist Though KFC is perhaps best known for its classic bone-in fried chicken, the chain has been putting a much bigger emphasis on wraps over the last year and a half. It debuted new Classic Chicken Wraps and Spicy Slaw Chicken Wraps nationwide for a limited time in February 2023, then brought them back in October 2023 along with a new Mac & Cheese Wrap. Then, KFC expanded its wrap Kentucky Fried Chicken Wrap line again in January this year with a new Spicy Mac & Cheese Chicken Wrap and a Honey BBQ Chicken Wrap. The limited-time wraps are no longer available, but customers shouldn't rule out the possibility that they'll return in the future given that KFC has already brought them back once before. In other KFC news, the chain dropped new Saucy Nuggets on April 1 that come in five flavors: Honey Sriracha (45 calories per nugget), Korean BBQ (45 calories), Sticky Chicky Sweet 'n Sour Sauce (45 calories), Nashville Hot (60 calories), and Georgia Gold (60 calories). A new dessert—Apple Pie Poppers (80 calories each)—also joined KFC menus at the start of April. RELATED: Every New KFC Saucy Nugget, Tasted & Ranked KFC also unveiled a new value menu on April 9 with three meal options starting at $4.99. The "Taste of KFC Deals" lineup will be available through the end of the year.
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Some American diners may have to find a new go-to spot for chicken and dumplings and country-fried steak following the sudden closures of four Cracker Barrel locations. The southern-themed chain just shuttered two California restaurants located at 1000 Howe Ave. in Sacramento and 905 Betteravia Road in Santa Maria. Several local media outlets reported on the closures earlier this week, though we also confirmed that both locations were marked as "permanently closed" on Google. Cracker Barrel only operated a handful of locations in the Golden State to begin with and is now down to just five units in California, according to its website. Cracker Barrel has also closed its outposts located at 1445 Center Drive in Medford, Ore., and 253 Forum Drive in Columbia, S.C., KXTV reported. The Medford location was Cracker Barrel's last store in Oregon following the closures of three other restaurants in March 2023. South Carolina still has 23 Cracker Barrel restaurants in operation following the loss of the Columbia store. RELATED: Cracker Barrel Is Still Losing Customers—Here's How It Hopes to Win Them Back
When contacted for comment on the reasons for the closures, Cracker Barrel shared the following statement with Eat This, Not That!: "As a standard course of business, we continually evaluate the performance of our stores, using various criteria to ensure we are meeting the needs of our guests and our business," the statement read. "We have made the difficult decision to close four Cracker Barrel locations, including two in California, one in Oregon, and one in the greater Columbia, S.C. area. The decision to close a store is never one we take lightly, and our focus right now is on assisting our impacted employees during this transition." RELATED: The 12 Absolute Worst Dishes to Order at Cracker Barrel, According to Dietitians "We extend our sincere thanks to our employees who worked so hard to keep our fireplace glowing and to the guests who have dined with us, celebrated with us, and made us part of their community," the statement continued. "We look forward to reconnecting with them at other times at nearby Cracker Barrels in the future." The chain had 662 company-owned restaurants in operation as of Jan. 26, when its latest quarter ended. The company expects to open two new Cracker Barrel locations during the 2024 fiscal year and nine to 11 new outposts for Maple Street Biscuit Company, a chain it acquired in 2019. RELATED: The 12 Absolute Worst Dishes to Order at Cracker Barrel, According to Dietitians The news of the closures comes at a time when Cracker Barrel is struggling to bring customers into its restaurants. The company has been reporting declines in guest traffic for over a year, including a 4% decline in its most recent quarter. Cracker Barrel executives have attributed the drops to factors like insufficient marketing, room for improvement in the guest experience, and budget-conscious consumers cutting back on eating out. But during a February earnings call, they detailed several efforts that are underway to reverse the trend. These initiatives include testing changes to the interior design of its restaurants, the rollout of its new loyalty program last year, and the debut of a new early dinner menu with smaller versions of seven entrees that Cracker Barrel hopes will draw in more "price-conscious" guests, according to Masino.
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Dining out is a beloved practice across the globe, but in recent years, it's become far more of a luxury in America. The reason? Well, inflation certainly has a lot to do with it. Food prices have shot up due to a variety of factors such as supply chain snags, wage increases, droughts, and insufficient cattle numbers. While this trend has put a strain on many Americans' grocery budgets, the impact has been especially severe at restaurants. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for food away from home were 4.2% higher in March 2024 than they were a year prior. The rise in restaurant prices across the board has been so significant that many Americans are taking notice, calling out the chains over the hikes, and even swearing off certain eateries altogether in some instances. Though it's just a few months into the year, some of the country's biggest players in the restaurant industry have already raised their prices even more or announced plans to do so in the near future. Read on for all the restaurant chains that are getting more expensive this year—and how much more you should expect to pay. McDonald's
Perhaps no restaurant chain has faced as much price scrutiny in the past year as McDonald's. Scores of consumers have been taking to social media to sound off against the burger giant over its prices for Egg McMuffins, Hash Browns, Big Mac meals, and McChicken sandwiches. And behind all of this viral discourse, there's actual data to back it up. McDonald's CFO Ian Borden announced during a February earnings call that menu prices were up about 10% in 2023 alone. Data indicates that the rise is especially high when you consider specific menu items. The food service industry publication Restaurant Business Magazine looked at prices for McDonald's Big Macs and classic cheeseburgers in all 50 U.S. states in 2021 and then did the same in 2024. It found that McDonald's average cheeseburger prices jumped from $1.55 in 2021 to $2.40 in 2024, a 55% increase in just three years. Big Macs were also more expensive overall, though the jump wasn't quite as high. The signature burger costs 16.4% more on average in 2024 compared to 2021, the magazine reported. Now, it should be noted that McDonald's franchisees have the power to set their own prices, so what customers pay for these items can vary widely at different locations. However, the findings still offer valuable insight on how much more expensive certain McDonald's offerings have become on average at a time when the chain's value is under fierce scrutiny. RELATED: 7 Restaurant Chains That Are Struggling in 2024 Chipotle
Chipotle has rolled out several price increases in recent years, a trend that has become a major frustration point among customers. And in 2024, Chipotle fans should expect to pay even more for their burritos and burrito bowls. Chipotle executives revealed during a February earnings call that they planned to raise prices between 2.5% and 3% in the first quarter of 2024. Chipotle CFO Jack Hartung also previewed plans during the call to raise prices even more in California specifically once the state's new $20 minimum wage increase took effect on April 1. These price hikes already appear to be rolling out. Data compiled by analysts from the financial services company Keybanc indicates that most California Chipotle locations have gotten 7% to 8% more expensive, Nation's Restaurant News reported on April 4. Texas Roadhouse
Prices at Texas Roadhouse, like Chipotle, have been steadily ticking up in the past year. The popular steakhouse chain rolled out a 2.2% price hike in April 2023, followed by another 2.7% increase in October 2023. And during a February 2024 earnings call, Texas Roadhouse CFO Chris Monroe announced that the company planned to implement a 2.2% price hike around late March to "help offset the impact of inflationary pressures." With beef expected to get more expensive this year and the persistent uptick in food prices overall, Texas Roadhouse customers shouldn't count out the possibility of another price hike further down the line. However, the fact that the steakhouse chain is getting more expensive doesn't seem to be deterring customers. Texas Roadhouse reported a 9.9% increase in same-store sales in the fourth quarter of 2023 and a 5.1% increase in customer traffic. RELATED: 7 Major Changes You'll See at Texas Roadhouse in 2024 Cracker Barrel
If you've suspected that your Cracker Barrel bills are getting pricier in 2024, that's not just a figment of your imagination. Earlier this year, Cracker Barrel announced that prices were up 4.8% in the quarter that ended on Jan. 26. The country-themed restaurant chain expects its prices to rise even higher by the end of 2024. "We now anticipate pricing of approximately 5% for the full year," CFO Craig Pommells said during a February earnings call. Pommells added that the company has been making pricing decisions in a "thoughtful and careful manner" to "preserve our value." However, data shows that the chain has been struggling to bring customers into its restaurants. Cracker Barrel reported a 4% drop in traffic during the most recent quarter, following a series of earlier traffic declines in previous quarters. RELATED: The 12 Absolute Worst Dishes to Order at Cracker Barrel, According to Dietitians Shake Shack
This year is already shaping up to be an exciting one for Shake Shack fans thanks to the rollout of limited-time menu items and an April Chicken Shack giveaway. However, Shake Shack customers may be far less enthused about another change they'll see at the burger chain this year: price increases. CFO Katie Fogerty announced during a February earnings call that the chain plans to raise in-store menu prices at the majority of its locations by about 2.5% in 2024. Fogerty noted that the chain had also recently increased digital prices as well, though she didn't say by how much. Additionally, Fogerty previewed Shake Shack's plans to hike prices even more this year in areas of the country with "outsized labor inflation," such as in California due to the minimum wage increase. RELATED: I Tried 11 Fast-Food Cheeseburgers & One Can't Be Beat Domino's
New York-style pizza isn't the only thing coming to Domino's menus nationwide in 2024. Customers should also expect to see a small yet notable uptick in prices at the pizza chain. During a February earnings call, Domino's executive vice president and CFO Sandeep Reddy announced plans to roll out a "modest price increase in the low-single digits" this year in the United States. Domino's customers in California will see larger price increases than the rest of the country, due to the state's new wage law. However, Reddy didn't say exactly how much its California prices will rise.
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Food recalls have become an inevitable part of being a consumer in today's world. Even companies that tout the best food safety practices may sometimes produce foods that present a safety risk to consumers, whether it's because they contain an undeclared allergen or are contaminated with infectious bacteria. So when producers discover or suspect that one of their products is unsafe, they pull it from shelves and warn customers against consuming the item by issuing a recall. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) both have dedicated pages on their websites where they frequently publish new recall notices. But unless you make a point of checking both government-run sites daily, it's very possible that you could entirely miss a food safety warning that pertains to something in your own pantry—especially if it doesn't make major news headlines. So, to keep consumers up to date on which food products they should avoid, we've rounded up all the major food recalls that every American consumer should know about right now. We will be continuously updating this story with the latest recalls as they are announced throughout 2024, so be sure to bookmark this page and check back for the latest. Trader Joe's Infinite Herbs Organic Basil
If you purchased basil from Trader Joe's within the past couple of months, you should check your fridge as soon as possible. The retailer is recalling its Infinite Herbs Organic Basil because the product may be contaminated with salmonella, a common cause of foodborne illness. The herbs were sold in 2.5-ounce packages between Feb. 1 and April 6 in Washington D.C. and 29 states, all of which are listed on the Trader Joe's recall notice. Anyone who purchased the basil in those states during the recall period should discard it or return it to their local Trader Joe's for a full refund. RELATED: The Best New Grocery Products of 2024 Schweppes Zero Sugar Ginger Ale
Pepsico Inc. is recalling Schweppes Zero Sugar Ginger Ale because, well, it actually contains sugar. According to the FDA announcement, the recall applies to more than 230 cases that were found to contain a full sugar version of the soda through an internal investigation. The affected products were shipped to retailers in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Only cases with the code "May 20 24 MAY20240520VS02164 – MAY20240550VS02164" are subject to the recall. Though the recall announcement didn't include any instructions for those who still have the affected sodas at home, consumers are usually urged to discard recalled products. Feel Good Foods Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Bagels
Any consumer with gluten allergies or sensitivities should take caution before consuming Feel Good Foods-branded mini bagels. The brand just announced a recall for its gluten-free plain and everything-flavored Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Bagels because they may contain gluten due to cross-contamination. The bagels, which can be found in the frozen section, were distributed to retailers nationwide. Feel Good Foods initiated the recall after one consumer reported an adverse reaction to gluten from the product. Packages of the plain mini bagels with the universal product code (UPC) 89903900283 and packages of the everything mini bagels with the UPC 89903900286 are subject to the recall. Any consumers with gluten allergies or sensitivities who still have a box should dispose of them or visit the place of purchase for a full refund. RELATED: 10 Best & Worst Frozen Breakfast Bowls, According to Dietitians Garden Veggie Straw Variety Pack
Variety packs of Garden Veggie Straws are currently subject to a voluntary recall because they may contain an undeclared milk allergen. The recall only applies to certain variety packs of the snack sold at select Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale Club locations between March 18 and March 28 this year. The one-ounce bags of Garden Veggie Sea Salt straws that come in the pack specifically may have been exposed to a milk allergen, which can pose a risk to people with sensitivities who consume them unknowingly. Packages with the UPC Code 08-29515-32543 and the following best by or use by dates on the outer case are subject to the recall: 03SEP24MT, 26AUG24MT, 27AUG24MT, 25AUG24MT, 21AUG24MT. The individual one-ounce bags should also have a best by or use by date of 27AUG24MT. None of the brand's other snacks are included in the recall. Any consumers who have the recalled packages should discard them and contact the company for a full refund at https://gardenveggiesnacks.com/contact-us/. Tropicale Foods Helados Mexico Mini Cream Variety Pack
On March 29, Tropicale Foods announced a recall for more than 5,000 units of its Helados Mexico Mini Cream Variety Pack. The recall notice revealed that the mango bars in the variety packs may be contaminated with salmonella. The product was distributed in parts of Europe, Washington D.C., and 16 American states: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia. Only packages with a best by date of 10/11/2025 are subject to the recall. While no illnesses have been reported yet, consumers were urged to refrain from consuming the bars and dispose of them. RELATED: 32 Low-Calorie Snacks That Are Filling & Tasty Trader Joe's 50% Less Salt Roasted & Salted Whole Cashews
Trader Joe's issued a recall for its 50% Less Salt Roasted & Salted Whole Cashews on March 17 because they may be contaminated with salmonella, a common cause of foodborne illness. The recalled cashews were sold in 16 states, the full list of which is compiled on the Trader Joe's website. The recall only applies to packages of the snack with the following lot numbers and "Best Before" dates:
While no illnesses have been reported, Trader Joe's urged customers to return packages with the recalled lot numbers and best by dates to either discard them or return them for a full refund. Great Value Honey Roasted Cashews
If you have a container of Great Value Honey Roasted Cashews in your pantry, check the packaging before grabbing a handful. The supplier for the private label snack sold at Walmart just recalled the product because it may contain undeclared coconut and milk, two allergens that can pose a risk to consumers with sensitivities. The recall announcement posted on the FDA website explains that a limited number of cans containing coconut cashews were mislabeled as Great Value Honey Roasted Cashews. The recall applies to 8.25-ounce containers with a best by date of July 8, 2025, on the bottom of the can and the universal product code (UPC) 078742133348. The potentially impacted cans were sold at Walmart stores in 30 states and through the grocer's website. While no adverse reactions to the cashews have been reported to date, customers who still have the recalled snack at home should either discard it or return it to a Walmart store for a full refund. RELATED: The 8 Healthiest Nuts You Can Eat, According to Science Johnsonville Turkey Kielbasa
On March 7, a recall was issued for a whopping 35,430 pounds of Johnsonville brand turkey kielbasa sausage that was distributed to retailers nationwide. The reason? According to a recall announcement posted on the FSIS website, the sausage may be contaminated with pieces of rubber. While there have been no confirmed reports of injuries or adverse reactions caused by the potentially contaminated sausage, consumers did report finding pieces of rubber in the ready-to-eat product. The recall only applies to 12-ounce vacuum-packed packages of the sausage with best by dates of 05/17/24 and 05/18/24 and the establishment number "P-32009" printed on the outside. Anyone who has the recalled sausages at home should refrain from consuming them and either discard them or return them to the place of purchase. El Chilar Ground Cinnamon
The Florida-based spice producer El Chilar is recalling 1.25-ounce bags of its Ground Cinnamon (also labeled as "Canela Molida") that may contain traces of lead, which can cause detrimental health effects. While no illnesses have been reported to date, the Maryland Department of Health detected "elevated concentrations of lead" in the product after analyzing it, according to the recall announcement posted on the FDA website. The recall only applies to bags with the lot codes D300 EX1024 and F272 EX1026 stamped on the front side of the packaging. Any consumers who still have the product at home are being urged to stop using it immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. The FDA is also directing consumers to refrain from consuming several other ground cinnamon brands that were found to contain elevated levels of lead. The full list of brands and impacted lot codes and best by dates are all compiled on the FDA website. RELATED: 17 Essential Spices Every Home Cook Needs, According to Chefs Trader Joe's Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings
One of Trader Joe's most popular frozen items, the Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings, are being recalled because they may contain plastic. While no illnesses or injuries have been reported in connection to the product, customers have reported finding hard plastic inside the dumplings, according to the FSIS recall announcement. The recall applies to packages distributed nationwide with a best by date of March 7, 2025 and the lot codes of C1-1 or C1-2. Anyone who has one of the impacted boxes in their freezers should either discard it or return it to their local Trader Joe's for a full refund. Roland Tahini
New York-based distributor Roland Foods is recalling a specific batch of its Tahini that may contain salmonella. The Feb. 27 recall announcement says that the product was distributed in many states from September 2023 through January 2024. The recall only applies to 16-ounce containers with production code X0419, the batch number P024581, the UPC number 10041224701509, and a best by date of Oct. 19, 2024. While no illnesses have been reported to date, salmonella was detected in the product during sampling by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Customers who still have a container from the recalled batch at home should discard it. RELATED: 10 Best & Worst Vodka Sauces on Grocery Shelves, According to Dietitians Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce
While this item hasn't been officially recalled, it is at the center of an important food safety issue that consumers should know about. Chick-fil-A is urging consumers to discard any Polynesian Sauce dipping cups they may have taken home between Feb. 14 and Feb. 27. An alert posted on the chain's website explains that the cups may actually contain a different sauce that includes wheat and soy. Both can pose a major risk to consumers who are allergic to those ingredients. A Chick-fil-A spokesperson has confirmed that some Polynesian sauce cups were accidentally packed with Sriracha sauce, which contains both allergens. Customers with any additional questions can call Chick-fil-A CARES at 1 (866)-232-2040. Dozens of dairy products
The most widespread and attention-grabbing recall of 2024 so far centers around a California-based dairy producer, Rizo-Lopez Foods. Earlier this month, the company recalled dozens of its cheese, yogurt, and sour cream products that may have been contaminated with Listeria, which can cause foodborne illness. The products were sold under a variety of brands at many major grocery chains, including Walmart, Sam's Club, and Whole Foods. The recall was later expanded with additional products from other major retailers like Trader Joe's, Costco, H-E-B, and Alberston's. The FDA has compiled the names, photos, and all other relevant information about the recalled items on a dedicated page on its website. It urged any consumers who still have these items at home to refrain from consuming them and discard them immediately. It also suggested carefully cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces that the recalled products came in contact with to mitigate the risk of infection. RELATED: 6 Highest-Quality Sour Creams on Grocery Shelves—and 2 to Avoid Trader Joe's Chicken, Lentil & Caramelized Onion Pilaf
Just a couple of weeks after Trader Joe's debuted its new Chicken, Lentil & Caramelized Onion Pilaf, the retailer pulled it from shelves after discovering that it may contain "foreign material"—specifically, rocks. Trader Joe's instructed anyone who purchased the recalled frozen item to either discard it or return it to one of its stores for a full refund. Customers with additional questions can contact Trader Joe's by phone at (626) 599-3817 or submit a query through the company's website. Hormel Spiced Ham
On Feb. 3, Hormel Foods issued a recall for roughly 945 pounds of ready-to-eat spiced deli ham that may have been contaminated with milk, an undeclared allergen. The recalled meat was distributed to retailers in Pennsylvania, which sliced the ham in their deli sections for purchase by consumers. The recall applies to five-pound packages labeled "Hormel Spiced Ham With Natural Juices" with the lot code 051424. But while the product was originally packaged in this manner, consumers may have purchased the ham in a different type of packaging after it was sliced by the deli sections at their local stores. The FSIS urged delis against continuing to serve the ham and instructed any customers with milk allergies who purchased it to either return it or throw it away. No adverse reactions have been reported in connection to the product. RELATED: 25 Unhealthiest Deli Meats—Ranked by Sodium Banh Ba Xa and Banh Pia products
On Feb. 23, the California-based company LQNN Inc. recalled a dozen varieties of packaged pia cakes, a Vietnamese-Chinese treat featuring a pastry crust that can contain a variety of different soft fillings. The cakes (most of which were sold under the Saigon Gourmet brand) may contain undeclared egg, which poses a risk to people with allergies. The recalled items were distributed in more than 30 U.S. states and Canada. While no illnesses have been reported to date, consumers who purchased them are being urged to return them for a full refund. The recall only affects products with certain best-by dates and lot numbers, all of which are listed on the notice posted on the FDA's site. Don Novo & Son meat products
The Florida-based meat producer Don Novo & Son recalled more than 9,000 pounds of ready-to-eat meat products in mid-February. The reason? They may have been contaminated with Listeria. The FSIS recall announcement revealed that a sample of the company's products tested positive for Listeria, though no confirmed illnesses have been reported to date. The recall applies to the following five items, which were sold at retailers in Florida:
Only packages of specific sizes and with certain expiration dates are being recalled. Customers who purchased one of these ready-to-eat meats can find all of that information and label pictures on the recall notice. The recalled products should be discarded or returned for a refund. RELATED: I Tried 6 Frozen Breakfast Sausage Links & the Best One Was Juicy & Beefy Golden Owl Dried Mango
Though not technically a recall, a Pennsylvania-based supplier has issued an allergy alert for its Golden Owl Dried Mango, which was distributed nationwide in retail stores. While the alert was initially announced in late January, the company released an updated alert on Feb. 16 to correct the product packaging size. The dried mango may contain undeclared sulfites, which could pose a health risk to people with allergies or sensitivities to sulfites. It was sold in seven-ounce clear plastic containers with the UPC code of 816710-024461. While no illnesses have been reported to date, consumers are being urged to return the recalled item to the place of purchase for a full refund. Fratelli Beretta Antipasto charcuterie products
Proceed with caution if you get the urge to snack on any charcuterie. In mid-February, Fratelli Beretta recalled several charcuterie products that may have been under-processed, which means they could have been contaminated with foodborne pathogens. The recalled meats were sold under several brand names and distributed nationwide to major retailers like Costco, Aldi, and Sam's Club. All of the affected items have the establishment number "EST. M47967 or M7543B" printed on the front of the package or inside the USDA mark of inspection. Consumers can view the full list of recalled products and photos of their packaging here. Anyone who purchased the items should discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. This story has been updated to include new information, fact-checking, and copyedits.
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Just in time for summer, McDonald's is giving its customers a much-needed way to cool down from the imminent heat with the return of a popular frozen beverage last available in 2023. That's right: McDonald's just brought back its fan-favorite Oreo Frapp?! Though the fast-food chain itself hasn't officially announced the drink's relaunch, several customers and food bloggers have already reported on its return in the past few days. I also spotted it on the menu at my local McDonald's in central New Jersey. The Oreo Frapp? (650 calories per medium drink) is a sweet, blended treat made with chocolate flavor, a hint of coffee, and Oreo cookie pieces. It's topped with whipped cream and garnished with even more Oreo cookie pieces. RELATED: Every New Oreo Flavor Released in 2024—So Far McDonald's first introduced the offering in 2015—and it immediately began garnering rave reviews from customers. Following an eight-year hiatus, McDonald's finally relaunched the Oreo Frapp? for a limited time in 2023 before bringing the treat back again this month. A medium-sized Oreo Frapp? is currently selling for $4.19 at my local McDonald's, though prices may vary by location. It was not immediately clear if the Oreo Frapp?s are currently being offered nationwide or just in select markets, and a McDonald's representative did not immediately respond to our queries for more details on the item's availability.
While we can't say for sure how long the Oreo Frapp? will stick around this time without an official McDonald's announcement, it's safe to assume that it will be available for a limited time since the chain has only sold it on a temporary basis in the past. RELATED: 25 Best Limited-Time Fast-Food Items of All Time This isn't the only exciting menu launch that McDonald's customers have been treated to this year. Earlier this week, the chain announced two brand-new spins on its signature McCrispy chicken sandwich: a Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy (630 calories) and a Bacon Cajun Ranch Deluxe McCrispy (630 calories). The first features a southern-style fried chicken fillet topped with applewood smoked bacon, crinkle-cut pickles, and a creamy Cajun ranch sauce on a toasted potato roll. The deluxe version is exactly the same but replaces the pickles with shredded lettuce and Roma tomatoes. Though the sandwiches are supposed to hit menus nationwide for a limited starting on April 22, some McDonald's locations have already started offering them. RELATED: The Entire McDonald's Menu, Ranked by Nutrition McDonald's bagel breakfast sandwiches—which were discontinued in 2020 but began quietly returning to select markets in November 2022—have also been popping up in more parts of the country this year. New Orleans, southern California, central Pennsylvania, St. Louis, and Nashville are among the markets where the bagels have been spotted recently.
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No trip to a fast-food chain would be complete without an order of French fries. Now, Wendy's is dropping a sweet new fry deal that will give customers an incentive to swing by its restaurants. Starting tomorrow, April 19—which Wendy's has dubbed "the best FRYday yet"—the chain will dish out free Hot & Crispy Fries of any size with any purchase. And this isn't just for one day; the deal applies every single Friday through the rest of the year. That means there will be 37 chances, or "FRYdays," to score this freebie, which is only available in the Wendy's app. To claim your free fries, you can log in to the Wendy's mobile app or create an online account on the Wendy's website. You'll then see the offer, which you can apply to your mobile order. You can also load the promotion onto your card before scanning it at the restaurant. RELATED: Every Wendy's Dipping Sauce, Ranked
"Fans deserve a pick-me-up after a long week—Wendy's is answering the call with fries that deliver," the fast-food chain said in a press release. This FRYday promotion isn't the only deal Wendy's recently rolled out. This week, the fast-food chain is running Dave's $1 Deals. As part of this limited-time promotion, Wendy's is serving up a different menu item for just a dollar with any purchase. For instance, today's offer is an order of medium-sized Hot & Crispy Fries (350 calories). To claim your one-dollar menu item, simply visit the Wendy's app, and you'll see the item listed in the "offers" tab. RELATED: I Tried Wendy's Entire Breakfast Menu & the Best Item Was Sweet and Savory In addition to announcing new deals, Wendy's recently unveiled a new Frosty flavor: Orange Dreamsicle (210 calories for a junior size). Introduced last month, this new item blends "orange notes" with the classic Vanilla Frosty to create a "dreamy orange cream experience," according to Wendy's. This new frozen treat joins the Chocolate Frosty and is replacing the Vanilla Frosty for a limited time.
Also new to Wendy's is the Cinnabon Pull-Apart (550 calories), which the chain added to its breakfast menu in February. Created in partnership with Cinnabon, this breakfast treat features warm bites of dough with cinnamon, brown butter, and the dessert chain's signature cream cheese frosting.
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Taco Bell's Nacho Fries are undeniably one of the chain's most beloved limited-time menu offerings. Since they were first introduced in 2018, fierce customer demand has spurred Taco Bell to bring them back nearly a dozen times. The chain even temporarily introduced a subscription pass for those crispy, seasoned spuds in 2023. And now, the fast-food giant has announced that Nacho Fries will soon return to menus once again—and in great news for fans, they'll stick around for longer than they ever have before. On April 25, Taco Bell will introduce a spicy new spin on Nacho Fries in partnership with the Portland, Ore.-based hot sauce brand Secret Aardvark. Though the chain previously announced the Secret Aardvark collaboration during its Live Mas Live event in February, it hadn't confirmed an exact launch date until now. The new limited-edition Secret Aardvark Nacho Fries will come topped with slow-roasted chicken, a three-cheese blend, reduced-fat sour cream, nacho cheese sauce, pico de gallo, and a blend of ranch and Secret Aardvark's Serrabanero sauce. RELATED: Taco Bell Is Testing 3 Refreshing New Beverages
"We're thrilled to bring back fan-favorite Nacho Fries for their 11th return, in a whole new way, with an extra flavorful partnership with Secret Aardvark," Liz Matthews, Taco Bell's global food innovations officer, said in a statement. "Secret Aardvark's dedication to bold flavors and culinary innovation makes them the perfect partner for Taco Bell and our iconic Nacho Fries. Together, we're taking flavor exploration to new heights, ensuring our fans experience the ultimate taste sensation with every bite." RELATED: 14 Restaurant Chains Launching Exciting New Menu Items In April In even better news for Taco Bell devotees, the chain plans to keep Nacho Fries around for their "longest run ever" after they return next week, according to a press release. Exactly how long they'll remain on menus wasn't specified, but the release did state that "the Nacho Fries fun will continue nearly all summer long." Taco Bell's Chief Marketing Officer Taylor Montgomery also previously announced during Live Mas Live that they were working on making Nacho Fries a permanent offering. However, the press release didn't provide any updates on those efforts, so it's still unclear when Nacho Fries may become a year-round offering at Taco Bell. RELATED: I Tried Every Taco at Taco Bell & the Best Was a Crunchy Classic Customers will be able to score an order of Secret Aardvark Nacho Fries for a suggested price of $4.99. In celebration of the launch, Taco Bell and Secret Aardvark teamed up with the Portland-based artist Bryce Wong to curate a special Tuesday Drop (special offers made available to loyalty program participants every Tuesday) for 300 Fire Tier Rewards Members on April 23. Taco Bell is keeping the details of this secretive Tuesday Drop under wraps for now, so Fire Tier Rewards Members should visit the app on April 23 for more information. The Secret Aardvark Nacho Fries are only the latest new flavor variation on the popular limited-time menu item that Taco Bell has rolled out over the years. In April 2023, for example, the chain introduced Yellowbird Nacho Fries in partnership with the popular hot sauce brand. Taco Bell also debuted a limited-time buffalo chicken version in 2020.
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