It's no secret that more healthful foods are trending in 2025 (and have been for quite some time). Consumers are demanding more functional options that go beyond just basic nutrition. They're seeking out plant-based foods, protein-packed snacks, and less processed meals overall. Unfortunately, many fast-food chains are behind the times. These establishments have been known to prioritize convenience and quickness (it's called "fast" food for a reason) over quality and true nourishment. Many of the top players out there are still operating under this agenda. A few even scaled back on more wholesome offerings to simplify their menus during COVID-19, leaving behind a collection of non-diet-friendly picks that could have adverse effects on your health when eaten in excess. "Fast food is often high in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, which, when consumed regularly long-term, can contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure, and increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes," explains Amy Goodson MS, RD, LD, CSSD. "Many fast-food meals also lack fiber, essential vitamins, and lean protein, making them less balanced and less satisfying in the long run." But this doesn't necessarily mean you need to ward off fast food altogether. Goodson shares a few tips on how to be more mindful at the drive-thru. She says opting for grilled over fried can help you cut down on unhealthy fats. Adding vegetables where possible and turning down sugary drinks are always good ideas, along with watching your portions and checking nutrition information before you order. Her best and final tip also has to do with pairing lower nutrient options with what she calls "healthy friends". "For example, if you really want French fries, pair them with a grilled chicken wrap and unsweet tea," Goodson says. "If you want a burger with bacon, first get a small size, then pair it with a side salad and water. Simple swaps can make a big difference over time." Other dietitians share that fast-casual chains where customization and fresher foods are available can be great alternatives. This would include Chipotle, Panera Bread, Sweetgreen, or CAVA. It also may be wise to avoid or cut back on the following five chains where well-balanced, nutritious meals are hard to come by. McDonald's
The Golden Arches aren't necessarily a shining beacon of health and nutrition. This reputation has stuck with McDonald's for quite a while, fueled by former "supersize me" options and questionable ingredients. And, with the chain's more recent discontinuation of more diet-friendly items like salads and grilled chicken in 2020, it comes as no surprise that it still makes the list of restaurants dietitians tend to avoid. Owner of Pennsylvania Nutrition Services Alexandria Hardy RDN LDN says, "I would advise caution with McDonald's, as their primary menu offerings are high in calories, heavily processed, and lack fresh ingredients or customization." Just to take a closer look, the joint's Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese racks up 740 total calories along with 42 grams of fat and 43 carbs. A regular M&M McFlurry is set at 570 calories and 74 grams of sugar. The Big Breakfast with Hotcakes has the highest calorie count of all (among other things) at 1,340, and Hardy also singles out the chain's chicken nuggets–an item that has repeatedly been the subject of criticism. "McDonald's often relies on highly processed ingredients (ex: McNuggets, which are made from a mixture of mechanically separated chicken, fillers, and artificial additives, then breaded and deep-fried) that contain excessive sodium and unhealthy fats, which can negatively impact cardiovascular health and overall nutrition quality when consumed frequently," Hardy shares. Raising Cane's
Raising Cane's is one of the restaurants Jordan Hill, MCD, RD, CSSD calls out for its lack of healthy menu options. She says at places like Cane's, the chicken is fried, and "there aren't any fruit or vegetable options to speak of." She additionally notes that it would be difficult to eat at one of the chain's locations and "get a balanced meal that provides adequate amounts of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It would also likely end up being a meal excessive in calories, high saturated fat and high sodium." If you've ever been to a Raising Cane's location, then you already know its menu is quite limited. It mostly consists of chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, buttery Texas toast, and its famous secret recipe Cane's sauce. Veggies, including carrots and green and red cabbage, can be found in the form of coleslaw, but it's difficult to benefit from their presence when doused in a sweet, creamy dressing. Both the chicken fingers and fries are fried in an all-vegetable oil blend of soybean oil and canola oil. With this preparation process, even The Three Finger Combo meal–the smallest of the bunch with just three chicken tenders, fries, toast, sauce, and a drink–delivers a minimum of 1,050 calories, 59 grams of fat, 1,730 milligrams of sodium, and 83 carbs. RELATED: 7 Grocery Staples Shoppers Say Are Worse Than Ever This Year Five Guys
For similar reasons, Five Guys is also high on Hill's watchlist. And there is data out there that further backs up this pick. In October 2024, the virtual medical care platform Plushcare determined that out of 16 popular chains, Five Guys flips the absolute unhealthiest cheeseburger. Plushcare looked at total calories, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium levels and then used the Department of Health's nutrient profiling method to develop their rankings. Against other picks like Dave's Single at Wendy's, Culver's Butterburger, and the Jalapeno & Cheese Whataburger, the single cheeseburger from Five Guys came out on top with a total unhealthiness score of 50. It holds 73% more saturated fat than any other fast food cheeseburger at 26.5 grams, not to mention its 980 calories and 1,050 milligrams of sodium (and that's all before you add any toppings, condiments, or additional patties). But that's not all. Five Guys' signature fries also rank highest in Plushcare's report. Although they are cooked in 100% peanut oil, just a regular order contains 953 calories, 41 grams of fat, and 962 milligrams of sodium. And, for dessert, the burger chain's classic vanilla milkshake stands as the third unhealthiest out of 14 options, behind only Fatburger and Sonic. KFC
Mashed potatoes, biscuits, and fried chicken sprinkled with 11 signature herbs and spices–it makes for a delicious meal, but perhaps not a balanced, nutritious one. Lisa R. Young, PhD, RDN shares that Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is one of the fast-food chains she would be mindful about eating at, and there are a few key reasons why. For starters, she says that chains like KFC tend to use low-quality ingredients like processed meats, refined carbs, and artificial additives–ingredients that also carry high levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar. "Meals can exceed daily recommendations for these nutrients in a single sitting," Young says. The Colonel and his army now use low-linolenic soybean oil to fry their chicken, an oil which is processed to contain lower levels of the omega-3 fatty acid linolenic acid. But, a breakdown of the chain's ingredient list also suggests that MSG is thrown into the mix and high-fructose corn syrup can be seen elsewhere on the menu (mainly in the sandwich buns). With all this taken into account, just one fried chicken sandwich from the joint can reach upwards of 38 grams of fat and 1,500 milligrams of sodium. Part of the problem is also what Young calls "portion distortion". At KFC and similar restaurants, she says, "meals often tend to be oversized, leading people to eat excessive calories." Plus, they lack fiber and whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are needed for satiety and digestive health. At KFC, veggies are swapped for starchy sides and the only fruit on the menu comes in the form of cherry pie poppers. RELATED: I Tried the 7 Healthiest Fast-Food Meals—Here's What I'll Actually Order Again Burger King
Both Young and Hill agree that Burger King's red, yellow, and blue palace is one to watch out for. Hill points out that one of the chain's shortcomings is its scarcity of healthy options–the same problem seen at Raising Cane's and Five Guys. Like McDonald's, BK did away with choices like salads and grilled chicken over the past several years, leaving fried chicken, fried fish, French fries, fried onion rings—nearly everything on the menu is fried with the exception of its 28 burger options, of course, and handful of shakes and other sweets. To Young's point, grub options like these are likely to contain processed ingredients and elevated amounts of fat, sodium, and sugar. Burger King has made efforts since 2020 to cut many artificial additives from its menu, including colors, preservatives, MSG, and high-fructose corn syrup. The restaurant also claims its burgers are made with 100% real beef with no fillers, preservatives, or additives. But that doesn't mean they're in the clear. Just one single Whopper with Cheese boasts 770 calories, 51 grams of fat (15 grams saturated fat, 1.3 grams trans fat), 1610 milligrams of sodium, and 58 carbs. The Crispy Chicken Sandwiches aren't too far off, and with a Triple Whopper with Cheese, those calorie and fat numbers soar to 1,300 calories and 90 grams of fat (33 grams saturated fat, 2.5 grams trans fat). 
Sign up for our newsletter! The post 5 Fast-Food Chains Dietitians Avoid at All Costs appeared first on Eat This Not That. Медиа: | ↑ |
With increased prices and customers cutting back in recent months, fast food chains are facing a decrease in sales, with some companies able to weather the storm better than others. Those unable to bunker down and simply ride out the current economic climate could be in trouble, and many are facing the reality of locations shutting down. It's never a good feeling when your favorite restaurant closes, but for some fast-food chains, that feeling has been faced numerous times in recent years. Closing locations is not the only sign of a fast-food chain under duress. It's also worth mentioning that closing locations, just like opening them, are a normal part of operations, but anything beyond the typical scope of activity can raise concerns. Restaurants may also be forced to adjust other business practices to keep customers returning. Actions like major modifications to its menu or rebranding could be signs a fast-food chain is falling apart, or at least on a fast track to doing so. Early signs, like underperforming quarterly and annual reports, could signal such drastic actions further down the road. Considering those factors, the coming years could be a challenge for the following fast-food restaurant chains. Starbucks
Despite price hikes, Starbucks has struggled to show an increase in sales in recent quarters. This led the coffee chain to make drastic changes to its menu and business practices in early 2025. This includes reducing its menu by 30%, including beverage and food items. Starbucks made other adjustments to win over customers, like removing the extra charge for nondairy milk and offering free refills to those who choose to dine in-store with a mug or glass. KFC
While some restaurant closures are foregone conclusions that don't tend to catch customers off guard, others can be rather abrupt and be cause for some concern. That happened in summer 2024 when KFC suddenly closed multiple locations in Illinois. Rather than one or two restaurants closing, last summer saw nearly one dozen locations shutter in one region. Along with other fast food chains in this lineup, KFC could face rough waters if the pattern continues. RELATED: I Tried the 7 Healthiest Fast-Food Meals—Here's What I'll Actually Order Again BurgerFi
BurgerFi filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September of 2024 after its preceding quarterly earnings could not be reported due to "significant adverse developments that occurred with respect to the company's business and liquidity," per Nation's Restaurant News. There were other warning signs leading up to these headwinds, including the abrupt closure of several restaurant locations earlier in the year. Steak 'n Shake
Steak 'n Shake is no stranger to adversity, with the fast-food burger chain closing 200 locations from 2018 to 2025, according to QSR Magazine. Following a major overhaul of the senior management team, Steak 'n Shake is hopeful it can turn things around in 2025. Even if the tides turn, Steak 'n Shake owner Sardar Biglari shared with QSR Magazine, "it will take some time to spur traditional franchise growth after several years of decline." Hardee's
Hardee's has exhibited a pattern of regular closures over the past couple of years. The fast food chain closed multiple locations in 2023 in the Midwest and South, with more closing in 2024 across Central Illinois. At the time, Hardee's did not disclose the reasons behind the closures, but there were enough to raise concerns. Noodles & Company
Despite a reported improvement in customer satisfaction, Noodles & Company isn't without its challenges. The fast casual company with a menu focused on pasta and noodle dishes faced the closure of nearly 20 locations in summer 2024, many of which were suffering from low sales and contributed in total to a $2 million loss combined. The company hoped that these closures could stop the bleeding and re-focus on the performing locations. Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut's recent struggles seemingly came out of nowhere, with 19 locations abruptly closing in the summer of 2024. Those restaurants were located in Ohio and Indiana, with at least some of the closures tied to an ongoing legal battle between Pizza Hut and one of its franchisees. Struggles with franchised locations aren't new for Pizza Hut, with its largest U.S. franchisee filing for bankruptcy in 2020. Without drastic signs of improvement, Pizza Hut could be in survival mode. RELATED: 5 Limited-Time Fast-Food Items You'll Regret Not Trying Popeyes
Popeyes may be a consumer favorite for fried chicken, but the fast-food chain has struggled to be equally impressive financially. The chain's comparable sales in the U.S. decreased by nearly 4% during the third quarter, Restaurant Brands International CEO Josh Kobza revealed during an earnings call in November of 2024. That said, Popeyes' net restaurant sales were up 3.6%, and systemwide sales decreased 0.8% that same quarter. With a re-focus on value menu items, Popeyes is hopeful it can turn the ship around. Papa John's
Fast-casual pizza has been a tough market to compete in, and all signs point to Papa John's struggling more than most in 2024. The restaurant chain reported an overall 3% decline in revenue last year, with its third quarter of 2024 marking three straight quarterly declines and its worst since the second quarter of 2019. Urgency is the name of the game, as mentioned by CEO Todd Penegor. "We are laser-focused on strengthening our foundation in the near-term, while positioning the company to capitalize on opportunities to drive success and value creation over the long-term," Penegor shared in November.
Sign up for our newsletter! The post 9 Fast-Food Chains Quietly Closing Stores in the US appeared first on Eat This Not That. Медиа: | ↑ |
Fast and frozen foods are no longer the "cheap" option they used to be—these days, customers are paying premium prices for grocery and restaurant items that used to be more affordable, and in turn, they are looking to get their money's worth. When it comes to chicken sandwiches, not all are created equal—while many brands offer sandwiches made with actual cuts of meat you can recognize, others sell items that are tasty but not anything close to the real thing. Here are seven chicken sandwich brands that actually use real white meat. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A uses real white meat, whole chicken breasts for its iconic chicken sandwiches. "Chick-fil-A sources 100% real, whole, boneless breast of chicken that has never been ground or separated, and that contains no fillers or added steroids or hormones*. Our chicken is raised in barns (not cages), on farms in the United States, in accordance with our Animal Wellbeing Standards, and with No Antibiotics Important to Human Medicine (NAIHM)," the company says. KFC
Kentucky Fried Chicken uses real white meat chicken breast filets for every sandwich, like the new Mike's Hot Honey chicken sandwich. Each sandwich is made to order and "expected to delight the most discerning of chicken sandwich connoisseurs in every way – from the quarter-pound, all-white meat, double-breaded, Extra Crispy RELATED: I Tried 6 Fried Chicken Sandwiches and Only One Wins the Sandwich Wars Tyson Original Chicken Breast Sandwich
Tyson says its Original Chicken Breast Sandwich ( $8.68 at Walmart) is made with "All-Natural white meat chicken". The first items on the ingredients lists are "Fully Cooked, Breaded, Portioned Chicken Breast Fillets With Rib Meat: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast With Rib Meat." Shake Shack
Shake Shack is proud to offer all white-meat chicken breast for its sandwiches. "To make sure you remember why it's the best, it's because our sandwich is made with crispy, white-meat antibiotic- free chicken breast over lettuce, pickles, and buttermilk herb mayo on a toasted potato bun, this sandwich outshines its competition," the company says. Sandwich Bros. Spicy Chicken Melts
The Sandwich Bros. Spicy Chicken Melts Pita Snacks are made with real white meat chicken. "Each pita pocket sandwich is handcrafted with fresh-baked flatbread pockets and made with premium ingredients. With a tender white meat chicken patty topped with melty Pepper Jack cheese all wrapped in a soft pita bread pocket, these frozen pita pocket sandwiches are the perfect on-the-go meal," the company says. RELATED: I Tried the Grilled Chicken Sandwich at 6 Chains and the Winner Was a Surprise Raising Cane's
Each Raising Cane's chicken sandwich is made with fresh, never frozen whole chicken breast tenderloin meat. "We use premium chicken with a special marinade for a finger that's as tender as it is tasty. Cane's certified "Bird Specialists" hand-dip and bread chicken fresh for every order — that means no heat lamps. Every time. Because quality Chicken Finger meals are our ONE LOVE," the company says. McDonalds
McDonald's Crispy Chicken Sandwich is made with all-white meat, the company says. "First, there's the chicken fillet, made with all-white meat. It's the exact same kind of chicken fillet you'd buy from the grocery store to prepare at home. The fillet on our Crispy Chicken Sandwich is so thick and juicy, it earns its place as the star of the sandwich (we're talking a perfect bread-to-meat ratio). And we've spent over a year working with suppliers and Owner/Operators to make sure the chicken fillet on our sandwich is the perfect amount of juicy, every single time you take a bite."
Sign up for our newsletter! The post 7 Chicken Sandwich Brands That Actually Use Real White Meat appeared first on Eat This Not That. Медиа: | ↑ |
Churros are undeniably delicious, and Taco Bell fully understands this. Recently, the Mexican fast food chain joined with Milk Bar and created one of the most crave-worthy desserts on the planet, Milk Bar Birthday Cake Churros, which were a serious hit with fans. Now, the chain is testing out (well, resurrecting in new flavors) another drool-worthy churro-inspired item, and we can't wait to try it. A Few Influencers Have Shared About Churro Chillers
Snackolator, a popular food influencer, recently announced that Taco Bell "revamped their Churro Chillers" and is running another test "which could lead to a wider release in 2025!" they write in a post. "Last year they tested four Churro Chillers flavors and now they have definitely changed things up both with the flavors and how they're put together." Wild Strawberry Churro Chiller
The first flavor, Wild Strawberry Churro Chiller, feels a little like Starbucks' Pink Drink. "A sweet, creamy Chiller with strawberry, vanilla, and cinnamon flavors layered top and bottom with churro crumbles," Snackolator writes. Mexican Chocolate Churro Chiller
Next on the menu is, Mexican Chocolate Churro Chiller. "A sweet, creamy Chiller with dark chocolate and cinnamon flavors layered top and bottom with churro crumbles," they write. Cinnavanilla Coffee Churro Chiller
Need a little caffeine kick with a hint of Cinnabon? Cinnavanilla Coffee Churro Chiller is a "sweet, creamy Chiller with premium roast coffee, vanilla, and Cinnabon Delights® flavors layered top and bottom with churro crumbles," they write. Caramel Cafe Churro Chiller
Last on the list is a Caramel Cafe Churro Chiller. "A sweet, creamy Chiller with caramel, coffee, and cinnamon flavors layered top and bottom with churro crumbles," writes Snackolator. The Overall Drink Is a Little Different
This year's Churro Chillers are slightly different, per the influencer. "Last year the Churro Chillers had the flavor swirled on the inside of the cup, but that's been changed since December as they have a more 'milkshake' like look," they write. Here Is Where You Can Try Them
It is unclear where or when they will be available in the mainstream market. However, they are currently being sold at Taco Bell's Live Mas Cafe in Chula Vista, CA. However, there are commercials airing for them, so they could hit stores soon.
Sign up for our newsletter! The post Taco Bell's Churro Chillers Are Back With Wild New Flavors appeared first on Eat This Not That. Медиа: | ↑ |
Fast food restaurants bring both consistency and surprise. They love to sprinkle in some new items to keep us interested. With social media and articles (just like this one) it makes it a little easier to keep up on the trends and new item releases at restaurants like Arby's, KFC, Pizza Hut, and more. We tried 7 new items that have been added to fast food restaurants recently to see how they rank compared to each other. From Domino's and Pizza Hut, to Arby's and Taco Bell, some items were definitely better than others. Pizza Hut Chicago Tavern-Style Pizza
Nutrition Facts are based on a slice of the Ultimate Large Chicago Tavern-Style pizza:
Calories: 130
Fat: 7g Sodium: 330mg Carbs: 11g Protein: 6g I've been a long time fan of Pizza Hut. It might be that nostalgia factor of going in and getting a personal pan as a kid. That said, I really haven't ventured out much past the salad bar and pan pizzas. In my opinion, there's really no other option than that pan pizza. When they came up with a new Chicago Tavern Style Pizza, I thought it's time to try something new from the chain and see how it holds up. The Look: It's extremely thin. I can see how the name might be a little confusing to people at first glance that aren't familiar with the pizza scene in Chicago. When you hear Chicago, you think of a deep dish pizza. Although tavern style is in the name and that could be the fault of the buyer, I feel like it might be better to rephrase this as something that signifies how thin the pizza really is. The Taste: The overall taste just wasn't there for me. I grew up eating the pan pizzas from chains or Buffalo style pizza which has a thicker pillowy crust, and they're just so flavorful and delicious. This was just not there texture wise. It gave the flavor and feel of school pizza back in the day or a frozen pizza. However, I will say it might depend on preference. We shared some with my mother in law and she loved the thinness and the seasoning. It can just depend on what you generally go for! Price Point: Cost of item: $22.57 (with two toppings on half, a little extra cheese)
Domino's New York Style Pizza
Nutrition facts can vary based on customization and toppings, but Domino's has a calculator where you can put in your exact order. Below is based on a slice from a medium cheese New York style pizza (6 slices). Calories: 190
Fat: 8g Sodium: 330mg Carbs: 21g Protein: 8g The New New York Style Pizza at Domino's was created to replace the Brooklyn style pizza. I'm lucky enough to go to New York regularly for my job, so I was excited to see how close they came to the real deal. The Look: At first glance, it looked like they nailed it. We ordered a half cheese, half pepperoni and mushroom New York style pizza, and although the slices were definitely much smaller than you'd get in New York, they still had the thinness I look for. They were definitely not quite as firm as New York pizza, but it still looked delicious and fresh. The Taste: The crust was ever so slightly underdone, but I will say I think they nailed the thinness when it comes to New York style. The slices were definitely smaller, but I love the thinner crust that can still handle toppings. All in all, it was just ok. Maybe I would have felt differently if the crust was cooked slightly longer, but I wasn't really impressed. I would go with something else the next time I order. Price Point: Cost of item: $16.49 (with two toppings on half) Domino's Parmesan Stuffed Crust Pizza
Nutrition facts can vary based on customization and toppings, but Domino's has a calculator where you can put in your exact order. Below is based on a slice from a medium cheese parmesan stuffed crust pizza (8 slices). Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 320 Fat: 17g Sodium: 570mg Carbs: 29g Protein: 12g To be blunt, I generally go for Pizza Hut vs Domino's. Putting personable preference aside for a moment, Domino's certainly brings their fair share of new menu items to the table that deserve to be considered. The Look: Although admittedly, a little late to the game, they finally came out with a stuffed crust pizza. At first glance, it looks amazing. Fresh, piping hot, and the crust is absolutely bulging with tons of gooey cheese and Parmesan seasoning. The Taste: After sinking my teeth into it, I have a few points to make. I will say that the crust was slightly underdone, which could be our location. Truthfully, I had the same issue with the other Domino's Pizza on the list (New York style). I really wanted an epic cheese pull when I bit into that crust and I didn't get it. It felt like biting into a cheese stick that was kind of room temperature even though the rest of the pizza was hot. Admittedly, I'm not the biggest fan of stuffed crust to begin with, but this was just ok. . Price Point: Cost of item: $18.24 (with two toppings on half) RELATED: 5 Best Fast-Food Chains for Health-Conscious Eaters in 2025
KFC Cherry Pie Poppers
Nutrition Facts (4 piece): Calories: 280
Fat: 18g Sodium: 160mg Carbs: 28g Protein: 4g Sometimes you just need a little something to pair with all the savory. The new Cherry Pie Poppers at KFC are a good option for a sweet treat on the go. The fact that they are bite size is convenient. They're less messy to eat, kind of like a sweet version of a chicken nugget. The Look: They look like tiny danishes with a cherry filling. When I opened the box, they looked a little bit squished. I was hoping for a bit more of a crisp on the crust, but putting four hot cherry bites into a cramped box will make them heat each other up and take away any crunch that was there. The Taste: Overall, I did enjoy the flavor of these. They were kind of like a pop tart or a toaster strudel minus the frosting, with that still delicious, but ever so slightly artificial cherry filling taste. I could see how this would be delicious after having some salty, crispy fried chicken. Price Point: Cost of item: $2.49 KFC Saucy Chicken Sandwiches (Korean BBQ)
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 620 Fat: 27g Sodium: 1580mg Carbs: 61g Protein: 34g KFC really does nail the fried chicken, so it shouldn't be surprising that their chicken sandwiches are also something to highlight. If you're not in the mood for a bucket of fried chicken, or you want something that's easy to eat on the go, the new saucy chicken sandwiches are the way to go. I tasted the Korean barbecue, and it didn't disappoint. The Look: At first glance, the sandwich wasn't too saucy. For something with saucy in the name, I kind of thought the entire piece of chicken would be tossed in sauce, but it was really just a little slather on one of the buns. There was a tiny bit of mayo off to the one side and two pickle chips, leaving me wanting a little bit more. That said the piece of chicken that was on the sandwich was massive, putting other chicken sandwiches to shame. The Taste: The flavor was definitely there, I just kind of wanted a little bit more of an even distribution when it came to the sauce and pickles. That said, the chicken was very crispy and delicious. The barbecue sauce added a tanginess to the sandwich and the pickles, some acidity. I would definitely order this again. Price Point: Cost of item: $6.19 Taco Bell Steak & Queso Crunchwrap Sliders
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 410 Fat: 20g Sodium: 880mg Carbs: 41g Protein: 16g I grew up in Western New York near Buffalo where we are all big fans of Mighty Taco, so Taco Bell is newish for me. I've since tried Taco Bell quite a few times and one of my favorite things to order is the Crunchwrap. When they came out with tiny slider versions of the Crunchwrap, I knew I had to try it. The Look: They're just smaller versions of the original Crunchwrap, coming in a pair of two. The steak and queso Crunchwrap came with a green chili sauce for dipping. Now let's give these a try and see if they differ from the original Crunchwrap. The Taste: The only thing different is the size. These perfectly compact folded tortillas are great on the go and pack all the flavor that the original has, incorporating the steak, chipotle sauce, cheddar cheese, and pico de gallo, in addition to the green chili queso to dip them in if you choose. They're portable and easy to share if you're looking for something to split just as a little snack until your next meal. Price Point: Cost of item: $5.49 Arby's BBQ Bacon Burger
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 710 Fat: 41g Sodium: 1880mg Carbs: 45g Protein: 40g Arby's is easily one of the best fast food places in my opinion that is consistently underrated. People don't pay enough attention to Arby's, and I can argue that they not only have good roast beef, but good gyros, incredible chicken sandwiches that I think are better than Chick-fil-A and even restaurant quality burgers. When they came out with a new barbecue bacon burger, I already knew it would be great. The Look: No shock here, it looks incredible. The bun is shiny, the toppings are generous and layered like somebody designed this sandwich for a commercial, and I can't wait to bit into this! The Taste: Again, no surprise here, it's absolutely phenomenal. I'm not even the biggest fan of barbecue sauce on burgers usually, but I will say that the tangy mix of the toppings with a little bit of mayo and BBQ is just chef's kiss. Scoop up the sauce that falls onto the wrapper with some of those Arby's curly fries and you've got yourself a great meal. Price Point: Cost of item: $8.99 Although there are plenty of new fast food chain dishes coming out each day, the Arby's BBQ Bacon Burger came out on top on our list. If we didn't try your favorite, drop it in the comments!
Sign up for our newsletter! The post I Ate 7 New Fast-Food Items and This Is the One You Gotta Try Now appeared first on Eat This Not That. Медиа: | ↑ |
March Madness is upon us, which means college basketball fans will find themselves dealing with busted brackets—but P.F. Changs wants to help take the sting out of the situation. "With 60-100 million brackets created each year and the odds of a perfect bracket sitting at 1 in 9.2 quintillion, most fans will experience that crushing moment when their championship hopes come to an end. While nothing can undo the disappointment, P.F. Chang's is offering a small way to make things a little better," the company says. Here's what lucky guests can expect from the fast-casual Asian bistro. Free Lettuce Wraps
From March 20th through April 7th, P.F. Chang's is offering a free order of Chicken or Veggie Lettuce Wraps with any entree purchase for fans who bring in their busted brackets—this can be a piece of paper, or a screenshot, showing the premature demise of their hopeful predictions. "Tournament season brings a mix of emotions for fans, and we understand how tough it can be when your bracket gets busted," said Sonika Patel, Chief Marketing Officer at P.F. Chang's. Millions of Lettuce Wraps Sold
According to P.F. Chang's, the Lettuce Wraps have been a signature dish since 1993, with millions of orders served each year. "While we can't undo the losses, we can offer something to help soften the blow. Our Lettuce Wraps have been a fan favorite for decades, and we hope they bring a little comfort to those dealing with the highs and lows of tournament season," Patel says. RELATED: The Best & Worst P.F. Chang's Orders, According to a Dietitian Fried Chicken On the Menu
If you haven't been to a P.F. Changs for a while, now is the time to go—not only can you get free Lettuce Wraps, but the chain recently added Asian Fried Chicken to the menu for the first time in its history. Fans can choose from Korean Fried Chicken in bone-in and boneless options, and Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken (or both!) for a delicious crispy, savory, hot, and sweet treat. "As we unveil our new fried chicken menu, we're thrilled to honor this timeless South Korean tradition and share a sense of celebration with our guests," said Candice Barnett at P.F. Chang's. "By embracing these traditions, we're not only expanding our culinary offerings but also deepening the experience of global culture and flavors that P.F. Chang's is known for." Airport Locations
Lucky travelers will get to enjoy P.F. Chang's in Terminal A at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in 2025, as the chain continues to expand following openings in Washington D.C. (DCA), Salt Lake City (SLC) and Bengaluru (BLR) in 2023, Seattle (SEA) in June 2024, and the Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) in September 2024. "Our guests expect the high-quality food, Pan-Asian variety and high-end service at our airports just as they do at any of our other locations, and that's what we deliver at every airport, in any country, breakfast, lunch and dinner," said Rafik Farouk, Vice President of Global Brand Development and Retail. New Locations Nationwide
P.F. Chang's just opened a new location at the Christiana Mall in Delaware, and there's one slated to be opened in Laredo, Texas this August. There is also one slated to open in the Santa Rosa Plaza this fall/winter. "While we can't comment on behalf of P.F. Chang's, we are always supporting our tenants in their opening process," a rep for the plaza says. "We will keep the community informed on when they are ready to open their doors. Working with P.F. Chang's has been a delightful experience thus far, and we're excited about the opportunity for them to engage with our local community."
Sign up for our newsletter! The post P.F. Chang's Is Giving Out Free Lettuce Wraps for Busted Brackets appeared first on Eat This Not That. Медиа: | ↑ |
Texas Roadhouse has soared in popularity over the past few years. With an extensive menu offering, hand cut steaks, and lots of value compared to the competition, it has become one of the fastest-growing chains in the world. While there are lots of popular items on the menu, ranging from huge, juicy steaks and kabobs to mouth-watering sides and appetizers, there is one item in particular that you don't want to sleep on, according to fans. Filet Medallions
According to multiple Reddit feeds and bloggers, the Filet Medallions is the top menu item to order. Why? For starters, it's a great value. One order comes with three 3oz tenderloin medallions, "a total of 9 oz of Filet that costs $1 less than the 8oz Filet," one person writes on Reddit . Here Is What It Comes With
The order is served on a bed of rice and also comes with two additional sides. If you don't want the rice, you can also sub it for a third side. It also comes with 2 your choice of two in-house made sauces, Portobello mushroom sauce or brown peppercorn gravy. You Can Add an Extra Medallion
If you want more steak, add a medallion. "You can also pay a small upcharge to add 1x more 3oz medallion which price varies but is a great way to ensure leftovers or a very hearty meal for a great bang for the buck and is very easily slept on menu item," the Redditor says. RELATED: I Tried Every Steak at Texas Roadhouse & One Blew Me Away Add Sidekicks
Sidekick Add-Ons are another way to add more protein. The Redditor explains that you can add a variety of items, including 4 ribs, 2 chicken critters, and shrimp skewers, for a reasonable cost, and they "can be great if you're thinking of splitting a meal or want to have just the right amount of leftovers to make everyone at the office jealous the next day," the person writes "Sidekicks are a smaller add on of other things and pretty much encompass everything on the menu. These can vary and some servers that haven't been there that long might have to search for it to ring it up, but it exists I assure you." Chili Is a Side That Offers Lots of Bang for the Buck
Not sure what side to order? Chili offers the most bang for the buck. "I know it sounds dumb as a side, but if you're a meat lover, it's worth mentioning," the same Redditor states. What makes it special? The recipe includes all the leftover trimmings from the steaks, making it "one of the most expensive chili you could make at home because it is ground Filet, ribeye, strip, and sirloin meat," they write. "I'm a big fan."
Sign up for our newsletter! The post The #1 Texas Roadhouse Steak Customers Say Beats All the Rest appeared first on Eat This Not That. Медиа: | ↑ |
Just as it's possible to find low-calorie dinners at restaurant chains, it's also very likely to find menu items with soaring calorie and carbohydrate counts. Unhealthy restaurant chains are not establishments folks would want to frequent if focusing on a well-balanced diet. That said, with some planning and preparation, it's possible to enjoy a guilt-free restaurant dining experience. If you've ever wondered what the most unhealthy orders are at your favorite restaurant chains or if you're trying to avoid dinners with higher amounts of sodium or calories, this roundup is for you. The entries in this roundup are not strictly based on one metric, like which item simply has the highest calories. Nutrition is multi-faceted, so there are numerous factors to consider when reading the nutrition information on a given dish. Depending on your unique dietary needs, you may need to weigh calories, sodium, saturated fat, or sugars differently than the next person. That said, the entries in this roundup have higher figures in at least a couple of categories and, as a result, are flagged for not being the healthiest of choices when ordering. Applebee's: Bourbon Street Shrimp & Sausage Penne
Nutrition (Bourbon Street Shrimp & Sausage Penne):
Calories: 1,290 Fat: 81 g (Saturated Fat: 45 g) Sodium: 3,880 mg Carbs: 87 g (Fiber: 8 g, Sugar: 12 g) Protein: 58 g Applebee's Bourbon Street Shrimp & Sausage Penne doesn't take the top prize for most calories, though this Cajun-inspired dish comes close at 1,290 per dish. However, it surpasses all competition for the highest amount of sodium at 3,880 mg, well above the daily recommended amount of 2,300 mg per the American Heart Association. This dish gets the benefit of extra protein from the one-two punch of shrimp and sausage included. However, both of those proteins are known for being higher in sodium, which only adds to an already salty dish. Buffalo Wild Wings: Ultimate Nachos
Nutrition (Ultimate Nachos):
Calories: 1,760 Fat: 95 g (Saturated Fat: 46 g) Sodium: 4,370 mg Carbs: 184 g (Fiber: 18 g, Sugar: 15 g) Protein: 48 g Buffalo Wild Wings is best known for its traditional and boneless wings tossed in one of nearly two dozen sauces or dry rubs. Your go-to wing order is a far better option nutrition-wise than something on the appetizer menu: the Ultimate Nachos. Buffalo Wild Wing's take on the classic dish comes with house-made tortilla chips, hatch queso, cheddar-jack cheese, house-made pico de gallo, pickled hot peppers, crema, cilantro, and salsa. It's worth mentioning that this dish is meant to be shared, but it still ranks high as one of the unhealthiest items you can order off the menu at Buffalo Wild Wings. With enough toppings, however, nachos often qualify as an entree of choice for diners. The Cheesecake Factory: Spicy Rigatoni Vodka
Nutrition (Spicy Rigatoni Vodka):
Calories: 1,570 Fat: 100 g (Saturated Fat: 38 g) Sodium: 4,470 mg Carbs: 131 g (Fiber: 13 g, Sugar: 27 g) Protein: 34 g There are technically other pasta dishes that are more unhealthy than the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka at The Cheesecake Factory, a dish that comes with rigatoni pasta, Italian cherry tomatoes, parmesan, fresh basil, and pancetta tossed with a spicy vodka sauce. Still, there's more to measuring an unhealthy dish than one simple metric like calories. While other options might have a higher calorie count or more sodium, they usually come with chicken, adding a lean protein to your meal. If you're going to order a pasta dish at The Cheesecake Factory, at least go for one that comes with chicken. Without it, a pasta dish like the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, while tasty, lacks that boost of nutritional value, and you're left with primarily empty carbs. RELATED: The #1 Healthiest Menu Item at 30 Popular Restaurant Chains Chili's: Nashville Hot Crispy Crispers, 6 count
Nutrition (Nashville Hot Crispy Crispers 6 ct):
Calories: 1,770 Fat: 130 g (Saturated Fat: 22 g) Sodium: 6,520 mg Carbs: 78 g (Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 8 g) Protein: 73 g The takeaway from Chili's Nashville Hot Crispy Crispers is to be weary of dips and sauces. The restaurant chain's popular Crispy Crispers, their take on chicken tenders, is available sans sauce or with various added flavors. By themselves, a 6-count of Crispers comes in at 1,190 calories and 3,980 mg of sodium. Not spectacular numbers, but once you add the Nashville sauce, those numbers inflate by 48% and 63%, respectively, to 1,170 calories and an eye-popping 6,520 mg of sodium. That's almost three times the daily recommended amount of sodium. Cracker Barrel: Southern Fried Chicken
Nutrition (Southern Fried Chicken):
Calories: 1,640 Fat: 100 g (Saturated Fat: 23 g) Sodium: 4,730 mg Carbs: 78 g (Fiber: 9 g, Sugar: 2 g) Protein: 108 g Cracker Barrel's menu is filled with comfort food favorites, from their iconic Chicken n' Dumplins to a savory Pot Roast. If you want to avoid the unhealthiest menu items at Cracker Barrel, steer clear of the fried food. Specifically, Cracker Barrel's Southern Fried Chicken, which comes with four pieces of fried chicken pieces, clocks in at almost 5,000 mg of sodium and 1,640 calories. IHOP: New York Cheesecake Pancakes (Stack of Four)
Nutrition (New York Cheesecake Pancakes, Four):
Calories: 2 Fat: 44 g (Saturated Fat: 20 g) Sodium: 2,230 mg Carbs: 124 g (Fiber: 5 g, Sugar: 49 g) Protein: 23 g The International House of Pancakes, better known as IHOP, serves much more than pancakes. However, when in Rome, one orders a stack of pancakes. Technically, IHOP's New York Cheesecake Pancakes – buttermilk pancakes topped with cheesecake mousse and glazed strawberries – are not the most unhealthy dish you can order when looking at calories and sodium, though it does have one of the highest counts. What sets the New York Cheesecake Pancakes apart as the most unhealthy dish you can order is that they lack nutritional value that would offset those high calorie, sodium, and carbohydrate figures. Olive Garden: Tour of Italy
Nutrition (Tour of Italy):
Calories: 1,550 Fat: 97 g (Saturated Fat: 50 g) Sodium: 3,220 mg Carbs: 99 g (Fiber: 7 g, Sugar: 12 g) Protein: 72 g One of Olive Garden's most recognizable dishes is also its most unhealthy. The Tour of Italy got its notoriety by offering customers a sampling of three popular dishes: Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico, and Fettuccine Alfredo – because why decide when you can have all three? That triple whammy of pasta dishes contributes to its higher calories, saturated fat, sodium, and carbohydrates. And that's not even including the endless breadsticks served beforehand. Outback Steakhouse: Steak & Mate Combo 11 oz Sirloin & 1/2 Rack Ribs
Nutrition (Steak & Mate Combo 11 oz Sirloin & 1/2 Rack Ribs):
Calories: 1,230 Fat: 72 g (Saturated Fat: 25 g) Sodium: 3,240 mg Carbs: 32 g (Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 22 g) Protein: 113 g While Outback Steakhouse's Aussie Cheese Fries comes in at a staggering 7,490 mg of sodium, that will more than likely be split among a group of diners. When it's time to order dinner, you may wind up with too much of a good thing with the Steak & Mate Combo with an 11-ounce cut of Sirloin and a half Rack of Ribs. While loaded with protein, it's also loaded with every other nutritional component, including 3,240 mg of sodium. Those figures do not even include the two side dishes you can add to your meal. The Sirloin and Ribs combo comes in a variety of size options, so if you want to cut back on calories or sodium, opt for a smaller cut of sirloin or a 1/3 rack of ribs. Red Robin: Whiskey River BBQ Ribs
Nutrition (Whiskey River BBQ Ribs):
Calories: 2,040 Fat: 26 g (Saturated Fat: 45 g) Sodium: 4,050 mg Carbs: 98 g (Fiber: 10 g, Sugar: 34 g) Protein: 89 g The good news is that none of Red Robin's popular hamburgers took home the crown for the unhealthiest dish. The unfortunate news is that the title still has to go somewhere, and it ultimately goes to the Whiskey River BBQ Ribs. This half rack of St. Louis-style pork ribs is smothered and glazed with Whiskey River BBQ Sauce, the biggest culprit for its high calorie and sodium count. That sauce is also filled with hidden sugars, bringing the sugar figure to a similar level in many desserts. RELATED: 5 Best Fast-Food Chains for Health-Conscious Eaters in 2025 Texas Roadhouse: Country Fried Sirloin
Nutrition (Country Fried Sirloin):
Calories: 1,170 Fat: 75 g (Saturated Fat: 22 g) Sodium: 2,220 mg Carbs: 72 g (Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 9 g) Protein: 52 g Steak is the star at Texas Roadhouse, where you can have it cut and served exactly to your liking. From sirloin to filets, Texas Roadhouse is essentially a meat lover's paradise. That aforementioned sirloin can also come fried in the form of Texas Roadhouse's Country Fried Sirloin. Keep in mind that its higher calorie, sodium, and carbohydrate figures do not include the two side dishes that come included with your fried sirloin. If you want a leaner meal, opt for a sirloin that hasn't been deep-fried.
Sign up for our newsletter! The post 9 Chain Restaurant Dinners With Alarming Nutrition Numbers appeared first on Eat This Not That. Медиа: | ↑ |
When you're in the mood for a hearty, comforting meal, Italian cuisine is one of the first groupings of food that comes to mind. It's no surprise that Italian food has become a popular meal choice over the years, with slam dunk entrees ranging from pizza to pasta. While chicken parmesan is a clear frontrunner for the most popular Italian entrees, many diners prefer its vegetarian counterpart, Eggplant Parmesan. Eggplant Parmesan is not as widely available, but you can find it on many menus at restaurants nationwide. Chains large and small offer their take on Eggplant Parm, which is typically made with slices of eggplant that are breaded, fried, and topped with marinara and cheese, much like chicken parm. The next time you can go for a classic Eggplant Parmesan but want to leave the cooking up to the professionals, make sure to keep the following restaurant chains in mind. Patrizia's
Nutrition information is unavailable. Italian restaurant chain Patrizia's has locations mostly concentrated through New York and New Jersey, with several spots on Long Island. Head south, and you'll find a couple of additional restaurants in Florida. Its menu is filled with the classics, including its Eggplant Parmigiana. It takes pan-fried eggplant and piles it with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and aged parmesan cheese. It comes served with your choice of penne or spaghetti pasta. Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza
Nutrition information is unavailable. As the name implies, you'll find plenty of tasty pizzas on the menu at Florida-based Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza. Its menu also offers plenty of classic Italian fare like Eggplant Parmesan. There are no surprises here; Piesanos' Eggplant Parm includes breaded eggplant baked with a layer of ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella, served over spaghetti. Comella's
Nutrition information is unavailable. Bostonians and those in the surrounding area are familiar with the hearty Italian dishes found at Comella's. Among its many mouth-watering menu items, you'll find Eggplant Parmigiana served with ziti. Customers rave about the Eggplant Parm on Comella's website, with one customer leaving a review that states, "I am an old-school Italian and was happy to find a Comella's near my neighborhood that makes authentic eggplant parmesan." Gregg's Restaurant and Tavern
Nutrition information is unavailable. Gregg's Restaurant and Tavern is a small Rhode Island-based chain with a menu that includes all kinds of specialty dishes. Whether you're in the mood for chowder, tacos, or pasta, there's something on the menu for everybody. That includes their Eggplant Parmesan, which is made with eggplant breaded with Italian herbs and spices and topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. It comes served over your choice of spaghetti or penne and with a cup of soup or salad on the side. Buca di Beppo
Eggplant Parmigiana (1 order): 910 cal, 55 g fat (20 g saturated fat), 2930 mg sodium, 67 g carbs (12 g fiber, 24 g sugar), 40 g protein
The portion sizes at Buca di Beppo are gigantic. The popular Italian chain serves its food, from salads to pasta, family-style. Every dish is meant to be shared. That includes the eggplant parmigiana, which comes topped with homemade marinara sauce, Roma tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. Order a small to feed two or three people, or a large to feed five. "Our main dish, the eggplant parmigiana, was absolutely delicious!" raved one customer on Tripadvisor. "Some of the best. Would definitely come back for that!" RELATED: 10 Restaurant Chains That Serve the Best Spaghetti & Meatballs Olive Garden
Eggplant Parmigiana (1 order): 1070 cal, 58 g fat (14 g saturated fat), 2440 mg sodium, 108 g carbs (11 g fiber, 20 g sugar), 35 g protein
Whether it's the endless breadsticks, the bottomless salad, or the array of pasta dishes on the menu, you'll have a hard time leaving Olive Garden hungry. Its eggplant parmigiana checks all the boxes, starting with its hand-breaded eggplant, which is lightly fried before being topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It comes served with a side of spaghetti. "Hungry for their fresh salad and was glad to find they offer Eggplant Parmigiana," wrote one satisfied customer shared on Tripadvisor. "I ordered it with light cheese. It was cooked perfectly and was delicious." Carrabba's Italian Grill
Eggplant Parmesan (1 order): 1230 cal, 64 g fat (26 g saturated fat), 3490 mg sodium, 122 g carbs (16 g fiber, 20 g sugar), 46 g protein
Eggplant parmesan is a tricky dish to get right, and critics can be quite vocal if you miss the mark. That doesn't appear to be the case with Carrabba's Italian Grill. The restaurant describes its eggplant parmesan as made with "layers of sliced eggplant coated with seasoned breadcrumbs and topped with our pomodoro sauce, parmesan, romano, and mozzarella cheese." The dish had a brief hiatus from Carrabba's menu, only to reappear and seemingly improve on what it was before, according to one reviewer on Tripadvisor: "They finally brought back Eggplant, They made it years ago, but it wasn't very good; now it's perfect." RELATED: 10 Restaurant Chains That Serve the Best Lasagna Bravo! Italian Kitchen
Eggplant Parmesan (1 order): 690 cal, 51 g fat (14 g saturated fat), 1100 mg sodium, 37 g carbs (8 g fiber, 13 g sugar), 25 g protein
Bravo! Italian Kitchen has an entire section of its dinner menu devoted to parm dishes in many forms, including chicken, veal, and eggplant. The eggplant parmesan comes with crispy breaded eggplant, marinara, mozzarella, and an herb linguine. One happy customer left a Tripadvisor review titled "Baked-Eggplant Parmesan Wowzers!" The customer shared, "I thought I'd just try the eggplant. It was incredible. Crispy. Flavorful. Beautiful." Bertucci's
Eggplant Parmesan (1 order): 800 cal, (4 g saturated fat), 1590 mg sodium, 102 g carbs (6 g fiber, 22 g sugar), 23 g protein
There may be trouble ahead for the decades-old pizza chain Bertucci's, as it went bankrupt for the second time in late 2022. Perhaps it can rally customers to get once again excited for its array of Italian-inspired entrees, like its eggplant parmesan. It's made with "Thick cut crispy eggplant topped with house-made marinara sauce, marinated tomatoes, fresh basil, pecorino romano and mozzarella, served with spaghetti." RELATED: 10 Restaurant Chains That Serve the Best Fettuccine Alfredo Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano
Eggplant Parmesan (dinner portion): 1110 cal, 45 g fat (21 g saturated fat), 2740 mg sodium, 126 g carbs (9 g fiber, 21 g sugar), 46 g protein
If you happen to live near Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano, it may be worth making a trip soon to try its eggplant parm. On the menu, Biaggi's describes its eggplant parmesan as "breaded and lightly fried eggplant," topped with with marinara Sauce and Italian cheese blend and served with a three-cheese Alfredo rigatini on the side. One Tripadvisor reviewer declared, "Eggplant Parm is superb." Another customer on Yelp wrote, "I went with the eggplant parm, and it was fantastic. The side pasta came in a wonderful red cream sauce, and the eggplant was cooked perfectly." The Spaghetti Warehouse
Eggplant Parmigiana (1 order): 1370 cal, 74 g fat (21 g saturated fat), 1273 mg sodium, 130 g carbs, 44 g protein
The Spaghetti Warehouse is keen on ensuring there's enough eggplant parmesan to go around. You can order this dish from the specialties menu as a single entree for one person, or upgrade to the"ultimate feast," which provides a big enough portion for two hungry diners. RELATED: 10 Restaurant Chains That Serve the Best Baked Ziti Johnny Carino's
Eggplant Parmesan (Dinner Serving): 544 cal, 124 g fat (29 g saturated fat), 446 mg sodium, 70 g carbs (12 g fiber, 12 g sugar), 19 g protein
Johnny Carino's offers a handmade version of chicken, veal, and eggplant parmesan. The eggplant version comes topped with a spicy marinara sauce, along with parmesan and mozzarella cheese. If you're having a hard time deciding what to order for dinner, you can try the eggplant parmesan along with another entree as part of its Italian combinations. You might have a hard time choosing, however, when you hear what some customers have to say about the eggplant parm. One reviewer on Tripadvisor noted that it was "Some of the Best in Austin." Another customer who dined at the Pigeon Forge, Tenn., location also claimed on Tripadvisor it was the "best Eggplant Parm in town," adding, "Pleasantly surprised with the entrees and the taste and quality." Maggiano's Little Italy
Eggplant Parmesan (1 order): 2130 cal, 21 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 3920 mg sodium, 214 g carbs (17 g fiber, 23 g sugar), 42 g protein
Maggiano's Little Italy is a chef favorite, thanks in large part to its flavorful entrees. The eggplant parmesan is prepared a little differently here, topped with melted provolone cheese instead of mozzarella. It also comes topped with a tomato ragu and served with side of Spaghetti Aglio. You can also order the eggplant parm al forno style, along with any other entree at Maggiano's. Finishing the meal in the oven before serving will give it a nice crispy texture on top.
Sign up for our newsletter! The post 13 Restaurant Chains That Serve the Best Eggplant Parm appeared first on Eat This Not That. Медиа: | ↑ |
Texas Roadhouse has a loyal customer following for good reason—the fast-casual eatery offers good food at very reasonable prices, in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere where people feel they can relax. With over 700 locations nationwide, the chain is still expanding and enjoying a deserved level of success, even in this economic climate where people are not eating out as much. But what's the best thing to order at Texas Roadhouse? I analysed comments on social media to see which menu items guests rave about, observing factors such as popularity/mentions, enthusiasm, value for money, consistency, and how it stacks up against the competition. Regular customers have very strong opinions about their must-have orders, but there is a general consensus on what you absolutely have to get at the fast-casual chain. Here are the seven best Texas Roadhouse items ranked by how much diners love them. Country Fried Chicken
Texas Roadhouse is, of course, known for offering delicious steaks, but many customers rave about the incredible Country Fried Chicken (hand-battered white meat chicken breast, fried and topped with gravy and served with two sides). "I know this is a steak sub, but their country fried chicken is amazing. That steak looks great though!" one Redditor posted in r/steak. Sweet Potato with Marshmallows
The Sweet Potato with Marshmallows proved to be a controversial topic, with people arguing both for and against it. "Sweet potato with roasted marshmallows!" one Redditor shared about their Texas Roadhouse meal. It's important to note you don't have to add marshmallows—the restaurant also offers the following toppings: Honey Cinnamon Caramel Sauce, Honey-Cinnamon Caramel, Honey Cinnamon Butter, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, and Butter. RELATED: I Tried Every Steak at Texas Roadhouse & One Blew Me Away Sirloin & Ribeye Steaks
Texas Roadhouse is a steakhouse, and the guests really like the sirloin and ribeye steaks, which are not only delicious but affordable. "Something I love about Texas Roadhouse is the VALUE for each meal. My go to is the 12 oz ribeye steak, 2 sides and unlimited rolls. All that for like $25+tax and tip, and I always have leftovers to take home," one Redditor shared. Prime Rib
The prime rib steak is a must-have, fans say. "Go for the prime rib. Best thing on the menu…at least at the one close to me. They do have different owners, managers, and cooks," one fan said. "If you're gonna go I'd go on Saturday at around 5-6 when usually the best managers are on grill and best point guys are on point," another recommended. 8oz Filet Mignon
The filet mignon comes up frequently when guests are discussing their favorite steaks, so it's no surprise it comes in at number 5. "My husband got a gift card and we are total steak snobs and went into it like there's no way we're gonna like this… we both had a GREAT meal. I filet for me, a rib eye for him with the bread and cinnamon butter and a loaded baked. We're going this Wednesday for his sister's bday and I am PUMPED," one Redditor shared. Cactus Blossom (Fried Onion)
This popular appetizer is a big hit with guests who love to share the gigantic deep-fried onion and dip. "We went there last night for dinner and also had one. So good! I could go for another," one customer said. Another joked that they were tempted to have the Cactus Blossom as a main meal because it's so delicious. RELATED: The #1 Healthiest Order at Texas Roadhouse, According to a Dietitian Rolls with Cinnamon Butter
The rolls win! Texas Roadhouse guests just can't get enough of the bread rolls and cinnamon butter—they're mentioned so many times, they're more popular than the actual entrees. The rolls are made from scratch in-house and baked fresh every five minutes. "That's really what we all go for!" one guest raved. "Last time I think I ate more buns than my actual meal. They're ridiculously good," another agreed.
Sign up for our newsletter! The post 7 Best Texas Roadhouse Items Ranked by How Much Diners Love Them appeared first on Eat This Not That. Медиа: | ↑ |
