"2026 is starting off with a bang in the fast food world. Some chains are bringing back twists on old favorites, some have decided to make secret menus not so secret, and others are just innovating like never before. Not everything can be a winner, but there are definitely a few items worth taking a second look at if you're near a drive-thru and feeling hungry."
"If January is any indication, spicy flavors will be a major trend for the rest of the year. Not that spicy options haven't been popular in the past. It seems like Nashville Hot, ghost peppers, and jalapeños are everywhere. It doesn't look like the heat is going away anytime soon, and you'll find some of those familiar flavors on the list. Not everything new is spicy, but there's enough out there to satisfy your cravings if you want your fast food to have a kick."
"Tasting Table has already reviewed Taco Bell's Hidden Valley Ranch Diablo sauce, so we can offer a confident recommendation along with a heads-up. The new sauce, released with Taco Bell's crispy chicken nuggets, is a creamy blend of their classic hot Diablo Sauce and Hidden Valley Ranch. The result is a balanced and tasty combination of smoky heat and tangy ranch that marries incredibly well. We think this one's a winner."
2026 opens with a wave of fast-food launches that include revived favorites, revealed secret-menu items, and new innovations across major chains. Spicy flavors dominate the lineup, with Nashville Hot, ghost peppers, and jalapeños appearing widely and expected to persist through the year. Several offerings provide twists on classics and adventurous flavor combinations, while burgers see few major changes and chicken receives notable new entries. Taco Bell released a Hidden Valley Ranch Diablo sauce paired with crispy chicken nuggets, combining Diablo sauce and ranch into a balanced, smoky-tangy condiment. Taco Bell also expanded value offerings after upgrading Luxe Cravings boxes into a Luxe Value Menu.
Read at Tasting Table
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]