Fast-food chains have become staples in the hearts and minds of many Americans nationwide due to their convenience, efficiency, affordability, and addicting food.
Good fast-food chains excel at developing seasonal menu items and marketing them in a way that creates insane buzz through their festive appearance in accordance with the season. This incentivizes customers to try the new releases, increasing consumer traffic, expanding brand awareness, and boosting sales while, ultimately, generating more revenue.
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Many companies have used this tactic for decades, creating cult-like fanbases that loyally follow these fast-food chains by keeping tabs on their limited-time releases so they don’t miss the opportunity to try the newest products.
Related: McDonald’s announces return of fan favorite item after nearly a decade
This season, fast-food chains centered their new releases around Valentine’s Day, arguably the biggest holiday of the month. They developed creative and festively themed limited-edition items that are too enticing not to try.
Donuts are displayed for sale inside a Dunkin’ location.
Fast-food chain releases
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Nothing screams Valentine’s Day like chocolate-covered strawberries, so in honor of Valentine’s Day, Nothing Bundt Cakes released a Ghirardelli Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bundt Cake, available now until supplies last.
McDonald’s
Although Saint Patrick’s Day isn’t until March, McDonald’s (MCD) wants to start the celebration early by returning its iconic Shamrock Shake.
Additionally, McDonald’s released another celebrity order collaboration, this time featuring WNBA player Angel Reese. The special is available now and includes the new BBQ Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese, available as a single or double paired with medium fries and a Hi-C beverage.
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Little Caesars Pizza
Ever since Little Caesars Pizza released its Crazy Puffs last year in Pepperoni and Four-Cheese versions, they have been a huge success among its customers.
Because the pizza chain knows that variety is key and everyone loves bite-sized versions of food, it released its new Bacon & Cheese Crazy Puffs, available now for all bacon lovers to enjoy.
KFC
KFC (YUM) joined forces with the fan-favorite Mike’s Hot Money to release its KFC x Mike’s Hot Money Tenders collaboration. The best part is that Mike’s Hot Money is also available in all its other chicken offerings, including its original fried chicken, nuggets, and sandwiches, allowing customers to enjoy this limited-time offering on their favorite items.
Wendy’s
The highly-awaited Girl Scout season is finally here, and Wendy’s (WEN) wanted to join in on the fun by releasing a limited-time Wendy’s x Girl Scouts Thin Mints Frosty. This seasonal menu item mixes its popular Frosty with Thin Mints, the Girl Scouts’ most-sold cookie. It will be available at all U.S. locations starting Feb. 21.
Subway
Subway is known for its beloved footlong sandwiches and soft cookies. To combine the two, this sandwich chain has ventured into footlong desserts and snacks over the last few years, creating a massive buzz all over social media.
However, it might have created the best footlong dessert combination yet. Subway announced the release of its new Oreo Footlong Cookie for a limited time, which mixes its delicious soft cookie recipe with the iconic Oreo cookie to develop a delicious fusion in a footlong version.
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut has released its iconic Heart-Shaped Pizza, which has become a years-long Valentine’s Day tradition for the company. The seasonal one-topping medium pizza is available now through Feb. 17.
Fast-food Coffee shop chain releases
Starbucks
In honor of Valentine’s Day, Starbucks (SBUX) brought back its Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie Cold Brew and Chocolate Strawberry Créme Frappuccino, available in the coffee-based version.
If that wasn’t enough, Starbucks also released a new Blackberry Sage Refresher, which you can order with either coconut milk or lemonade. Additionally, it unveiled a new Cortado drink for those who prefer a coffee drink, and it also comes in a Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado version to spice things up.
A Starbucks employee holding a tray of frozen beverages. Lead.
Shutterstock
Dutch Bros Coffee
Dutch Bros likes to stay in theme with the seasons by releasing new limited-time menu items every month. To celebrate the beginning of February and the upcoming Valentine’s Day, the coffee shop chain announced the release of its new Valentine’s Day-themed beverages.
These new beverages include the Strawberries & Cream Rebel for energy drink enthusiasts and the Chocolate Strawberry Mocha for coffee lovers. Both are finished with a Soft Top and heart-shaped sprinkles.
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Dunkin’ Donuts
Dunkin’ Donuts dropped the second part of its Winter 2025 menu this month, announcing the return of two seasonal items. The new Valentine’s Day-themed items include the Cupid’s Choice Specialty Donut, which is filled with Bavarian Kreme and topped with strawberry-flavored icing, and the Brownie Batter Specialty Donut, which is filled with brownie batter-flavored butter creme and topped with chocolate icing.
To get in the festive mood, all filled donuts will come in a heart shape and be topped off with Valentine’s Day sprinkles for a limited time, starting now until Feb. 18.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme (DNUT) is known for its highly anticipated festive donuts. For this year’s Valentine’s Day, it is introducing its Hearts-In-Bloom Collection, which includes four new heart-shaped doughnuts.
The newly released seasonal flavors include the You Make My Daisy Doughnut filled with white Kreme, the Blooming Heart Doughnut filled with Cookies & Kreme, the Love You Bunches Doughnut filled with Chocolate Kreme, and the You Are My Sunshine Doughnut filled with caramel-flavored Kreme. Customers may enjoy these new doughnuts now through Valentine’s Day.
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