The 10 Most Exciting (& Bonkers) New Menu Items Of 2025—So Far
Last year may have been the year of the frosty, as showcased by the success of the launch of McDonald's Grandma McFlurry and Wendy's Triple Berry Frosty, but 2025 is primed for a bit more diversity in terms of food launches. Already we have a handful of new coffee flavors, pastry-inspired ice cream, and retro sandwiches that have debuted this month—each more enticing than the next.
Here, we bring you the *coolest* launches of the bunch, some only available for a limited time, others permanent menu additions. So run, don't walk, to get your hands on these coveted new releases.
Chocolate Whoopie Pie Specialty Donut
Bringing nostalgic flavors to the brand's specialty donuts, Dunkin' released the new Chocolate Whoopie Pie Specialty Donut on the last day of 2024 (along with a handful of other items)—and it looks like the ultimate sweet treat to pair with your java. The chain cuts its glazed chocolate cake donut in half and fills it with whipped vanilla-flavored icing for a scrumptious bite. Definitely the most decadent offering of 2025 so far!
Sabrina's Brown Sugar Shakin' Espresso
Dunkin' is hopping on that me espresso bandwagon with this new Sabrina Carpenter collab, and this limited-time offering has already been deemed one of the best menu releases of all time. The iced drink is made with espresso (duh), oat milk, and brown sugar flavoring and shaken up for a frothy sip.
Key Lime Frosted Lemonade
Originally launched in 2019, Chick-fil-A is bringing back key lime drinks for a limited time stint. Among the offerings is the chain's Key Lime Frosted Lemonade, which combines Chick-fil-A lemonade (or diet lemonade) along with its signature Icedream dessert and key lime flavoring.
Monterey Melt
To celebrate the chain's 75th anniversary, Whataburger is bringing back a handful of nostalgic menu items, including the brand's Monterey Melt. In this hefty sandwich you'll find two 100% beef patties topped with Monterey Jack and American cheese, grilled onions, grilled peppers, and signature Jalapeño Ranch sauce.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake
A newcomer to the Whataburger menu, the Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake combines chocolate and cinnamon ice cream for what sounds like an unparalleled flavor bomb. And if you want more of a pick-me-up than a dessert, you can also try the restaurant's Mexican Hot Chocolate Coffee, which is available both hot and iced.
Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado
Starbucks fans are practically foaming at the mouth to get their hands on the coffee chain's new Cortado offerings (and other new January releases). While you can now order up a simple cortado, the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado (and yes, we have strong opinions on this cortado) puts a sweet spin on the classic, and features three ristretto shots of Starbucks Blonde Espresso, brown sugar syrup, steamed oatmilk, and a dash of cinnamon.
Pistachio Cream Cold Brew
Starbucks is bringing back some of the chain's deliciously nutty pistachio beverages for a limited time this season. In addition to its pistachio latte, you can also say hello again to the Pistachio Cream Cold Brew. Made with a custom blend of beans, this brew contains the addition of vanilla syrup and is topped with a pistachio cream cold foam and salted brown buttery sprinkles.
Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream
Baskin-Robbins debuted its flavor of the month this January and dubbed it the "coziest flavor of the month yet." Cinnamon Roll ice cream is on the menu, evoking the flavors of the classic treat with cinnamon ice cream, dough pieces, and cinnamon cream cheese flavored swirls. Who needs 31 flavors to choose from when you've got this one?!
Lavender Matcha Tea Latte
Once just a limited-time offering, lavender is now a staple on Caribou Coffee's menu lineup. In addition to the coffee spot's Honey Lavender Latte, Honey Lavender Espresso Shaker, and Lavender Energy Drink, Caribou released the Lavender Matcha Tea Latte for those who typically opt for tea in the morning routine. The beverage is made with matcha powder, lavender syrup, and milk, and can be ordered hot or iced. Plus, there's a version with coconut coffee jellies.
Spicy Chicken Slinger
SONIC is bringing back the beloved Chicken Slingers through the end of January. In particular, the Spicy Chicken Slinger packs a punch, with an all white meat chicken fillet topped with Spicy Ranch, mayo, and pickles, sandwiched between a brioche bun.
Which one do you want to get your hands on first??
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