Arby’s, McDonald’s, and Taco Bell All Have New Menu Items Worth Treating Yourself To

Competition between the fast food chains is heating up, with Arby's, McDonald's, and Taco Bell all vying for customers' attention with new items and returning favorites. 

In recent years, fast food patronage has declined both for health and financial reasons, but the major brands have been changing their pricing and menus to try to meet consumer demands. 

There has been a return to value menu options for these three major players in the fast food market, but they are also bringing back old favorites and adding new options to see what will bring folks back to the drive-thru. 

See the new menu items so you can treat yourself the next time you need a swift meal on the go.

The McRib is the "will they, won't they" fast food equivalent of a rom-com trope. McDonald's keeps discontinuing it and then bringing it back—like a perpetual, never-ending break-up. 

Those who enjoy the boneless pork pressed into vaguely rib-shaped meat patties slathered in tangy BBQ sauce will be delighted to know it is returning to the menu this year. There is no release date yet, so you'll have to keep an eye on your local McD's for the classic to return. 

McDonald's will release a new special sauce on July 9 in partnership with the anime series Jujutsu Kaisen. The sauce itself is inspired by a Japanese black garlic sauce, which features notes of garlic and soy sauce balanced with a tangy sweetness. 

The peel-off lids will feature eight characters from the popular series, which the fast food giant hopes will make the sauce a collectible item. They might consider adding a toy instead, but for those who want to try the sauce, be aware it is an app exclusive — meaning you have to order from the official McDonald's app to get it. 

Taco Bell is rolling out a new twist on their nacho fries on July 18. 

The details are mouthwatering: It's a tangy and creamy jalapeño ranch sauce made from buttermilk, sour cream, garlic, red jalapeño, pasilla peppers, parsley, and a special blend of secret spices over the crispy fries.

You can also add pico de gallo, beef, or black beans for an even heartier meal.  

Arby's says its Potato Cakes have been mentioned more than 10,000 times in the past year alone, which prompted their decision to return the beloved classic to their menu starting July 1. 

That's right, you don't have to wait — you can go get some right now! They are essentially hash brown patties fried to be crispy, but Arby's didn't stop there. They've also rolled out limited-edition merch, including Potato Cake candles, necklaces, pins, and shirts.  

Limiting how much fast food we eat can be important for a healthy and well-balanced diet, but it's also okay to treat ourselves occasionally. When craving quick, cheap food that can be scarfed down in your car be sure to check out these new menu items for a change of flavor. 

Limited edition options can be a good way to test a new product without permanently committing it to the menu. Still, if there is a large public demand for these new menu items, they could be added permanently — so let your favorite spot know which ones you love!