Starting on October 12 at participating locations and while supplies last, you'll be able to order the super-spicy Whopper, which includes BK's signature flame-grilled beef patty along with bacon, crispy jalapeños, spicy queso, and ghost pepper cheese. The mighty burger comes on a toasted orange bun that's topped with black sesame, which helps distinguish it from the regular Whopper (and helps anyone avoid taking a bite of this scorching item by accident!). It's also a fun nod to the spooky Halloween season.

RELATED: I Tried Burger King's New Spicy Chicken Fries & They Definitely Bring the Fire

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While the Ghost Pepper Whopper first debuted as a limited-time menu offering last fall, the Ghost Pepper Chicken Fries are a brand-new offering. Burger King has offered Fiery Nuggets before, but the latest version of the spicy chicken fries takes it to the next level. Each 'fry' is made with white meat chicken that's lightly breaded and coated in a ghost pepper spice seasoning. You'll be able to order four, eight, or 12 pieces, along with your choice of dipping sauce.

RELATED: Shake Shack Debuting 3 Spicy New Items & a Returning Favorite

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The launch of both items comes after Burger King Royal Perk members voted on which Ghost Pepper menu item they wanted the brand to release.

In the press release, Pat O'Toole, Chief Marketing Officer, Burger King North America, said, "Earlier this year, we asked Guests if we should bring back the Ghost Pepper Whopper or introduce Ghost Pepper Chicken Fries. The results were split, so we're adding both products to our menus nationwide this Halloween season, giving Guests multiple ways to enjoy the perfect combination of flavor and heat."

"We're excited for fans to have a new way to enjoy our signature Chicken Fries and bring back the Ghost Pepper Whopper with an eye-catching orange bun achieved with the use of paprika, showing that spook-tacular innovations don't mean you have to sacrifice quality or flavor," O'Toole added.

@BurgerKing who won Ghost Pepper Whopper or Ghost Pepper Chicken Fries??? pic.twitter.com/4OPVxrnxph

— Deff (@Deffshot) August 29, 2023

If this has piqued your piquant-loving interest, then you'll also be pleased to learn that Burger King will be offering Digital Exclusive Trick or Heat Meal Bundles for Royal Perk members starting Friday, October 13. Simply head to the BK App or bk.com to claim a Ghost Pepper Whopper, 4-piece Ghost Pepper Chicken Fry, small French fries, a small beverage, and a Hershey Sundae Pie for $13. Or, you can swap out the spicey Whopper and Chicken Fries and opt for the original versions instead. As a bonus, you can also snag a limited-edition Burger King crown when you order the Ghost Pepper-fueled delights. Did someone say last-minute Halloween costume?

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The post Burger King Confirms Ghost Pepper Chicken Fries & Whopper Will Launch Next Week appeared first on Eat This Not That.

Costco has announced three separate recalls for a pork product, a protein powder, and a children's item all within the past couple of days, bringing its recall total since the start of September up to seven. The first of these recalls came to light on Sept. 9, when Costco customers were notified about an undeclared allergen in Kirkland Signature Chicken Tortilla Soup. Since then, Costco's suppliers have also announced recalls for pre-cut organic butternut squash, Novaform mattresses, and Culinary Treasures Organic Chicken Bone Broth for reasons ranging from mold growth to potential E. coli contamination.

RELATED: Costco Allegedly Stopped Selling a Popular Snack Over 'Quality Issue'

The pork product included in the three latest recalls is the Kirkland Signature Master Carve Half Ham. Supplier Sunnyvalley Smoked Meats Inc. wrote in a notice to Costco customers on Sept. 29 that the product may have been contaminated with listeria, a bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.

The recalled hams were only sold in California's Bay Area and western Nevada. They all have the "Use/Freeze By" date of Jan. 20, 2024, and a sticker with the lot number 264 – 4, according to the notice. Customers who purchased one of the affected products can return it to their local Costco for a full refund. Sunnyvalley also instructed customers with issues or concerns to contact them at (209) 647-3504.

The second of the new recalls applies to Orgain Organic Protein & Superfoods Powder, specifically, the Creamy Chocolate Fudge with Probiotics variety. In a notice issued to Costco members on Sept. 28, nutrition product company Orgain revealed that they discovered sesame in the powder even though the label doesn't list sesame as an ingredient. While no incidents have been reported, sesame is an allergen and can pose a risk to people with allergies and sensitivities.

Only bottles of the powder with certain lot codes and expiration dates are included in the recall. Customers who recently purchased the product should check the bottom of the bottle to see if it lists one of the few affected lot codes and expiration dates listed on the recall notice.

RELATED: Is Costco Increasing Membership Fees? Here's the Latest

Those who do have one of the recalled bottles can return it to their local Costco for a full refund. People with any questions or concerns can contact Orgain at (888) 881-4246 or email [email protected].

The third and final new recall applies to the Rainbow Road Book Box. The children's book company Make Believe Ideas issued a product safety recall notice to Costco members on Sept. 21 after receiving reports that plastic binding rings were coming detached from some of their books. The notice warned that these rings could present a serious choking hazard for children, though it hasn't received any injury or choking reports yet.

Customers who purchased the item can return it to their local Costco for a full refund. Alternatively, Make Believe Ideas will issue virtual prepaid cards to customers who visit www.recallrtr.com/rr, register for the recall, and confirm that they'll dispose of the books. People with any questions or concerns about the recall can contact the company at (877) 206-1091.

While Costco has been making plenty of headlines for its recent spate of recalls, it isn't the only retailer that has been facing issues with its products lately. Trader Joe's recalled six items over the span of about five weeks during the summer, including food items that may have contained rocks, metal, or insects.

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The post Costco Just Announced Recalls For 3 More Popular Items appeared first on Eat This Not That.

That's right! The McRib is slated to return to make its grand return next month, McDonald's confirmed to Eat This, Not That! However, it will only be available for a limited time at select restaurants rather than nationwide, so only some lucky customers will be able to get their hands on the sandwich.

Last year marked the fourth time that McDonald's conducted a farewell tour to give the McRib one last hurrah before retiring it from menus. However, the chain seems incapable of fully letting go of the iconic seasonal item.

RELATED: Ex-McDonald's Chef Reveals Why They Will Never Serve Onion Rings

"It turns out not everyone was ready to say goodbye to the McRib after last year's Farewell Tour," McDonald's USA said in a statement. "While it won't be available nationwide, some lucky fans may find their favorite elusive saucy sandwich at their local McDonald's restaurants on November 15."

For the uninitiated, the McRib features seasoned boneless pork dipped in a tangy barbecue sauce, slivered onions, and dill pickles all sandwiched inside a toasted bun. The sandwich first hit menus in 1981, per CNN, and came back sporadically on either a regional or national basis in the decades following the debut.

It has proven to be quite the polarizing menu item over the years. Some think it's "junk food in its finest essence." Others say it's "gross" or "overrated." But in light of the news that the McRib is coming back next month, fans of the divisive sandwich were elated.

"It's back. IT'S BACK," one fan wrote on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter, in reaction to the news.

RELATED: 4 Fast-Food Chains Dietitians Stay Away From

"I sold my soul for the McRib to come back again, you're welcome," another posted.

On the other hand, many weren't taken aback at all that McDonald's couldn't stick with its decision to discontinue the McRib.

"Not surprising that one of the best fast-food items wouldn't go away forever," a fan wrote on Reddit.

While the McRib is coming back on a limited basis next month, it could still be quite some time before McDonald's brings it back nationwide. When the chain announced last year's farewell tour, it confirmed that the McRib wouldn't be sold nationally for a while following the promotion.

RELATED: Culver's Weirdest Burger is Coming Back

This isn't the only exciting McDonald's news to come out in recent days. The chain's wildly popular Spicy Chicken McNuggets also recently returned to menus, but only for a limited time. Additionally, the fast-food giant announced last week that it was launching two brand-new dipping sauces.

One of the new additions is a Sweet & Spicy Jam designed to slather on McDonald's breakfast sandwiches, billed as the first-ever McDonald's dipping sauce to take inspiration from the morning meal. The other new dipping option is Mambo Sauce, McDonald's take on the sweet and tangy condiment popular in the Washington D.C. area.

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The post McDonald's McRib Is Officially Returning in November: Here's What We Know appeared first on Eat This Not That.

Merriam-Webster announced this week that it has expanded its dictionary with a whopping 690 new words and definitions. The publisher also released a select sample of the new additions, including several major food-related terms that didn't have the honor of being recognized by Merriam-Webster before now.

One of the most notable new terms is "smashburger," which Merriam-Webster defines as "a hamburger patty that is pressed thin onto a heated pan or griddle at the start of cooking." When done right, this cooking method creates a crispy brown crust encasing juicy, perfectly cooked beef. A range of different major fast-food chains serve these types of burgers, including Freddy's, Steak n' Shake, and, of course, Smashburger.

RELATED: 7 Restaurant Chains That Make the Best Smash Burgers

On a different note, some of the new words are heavily associated with food, but can also be applied in a wide range of different contexts. "Chef's kiss," for example, is another exciting addition to the standard English language. The publisher defines the term as "a gesture of satisfaction or approval made by kissing the fingertips of one hand and then spreading the fingers with an outward motion." People can use this gesture to show their appreciation for food, of course, as well as anything else that strikes their fancy.

Similarly, Merriam-Webster just added a new slang term, "bussin'," that can be used to describe anything that's "extremely good" or "excellent." However, the definition notes that the term is used especially to point out when something is "delicious" or "tasty."

"Those McDonald's fries do be bussin', though," was an example sentence that Merriam-Webster provided for the term.

Here are six other food-related terms and definitions just announced by Merriam-Webster:

• zhuzh (noun): a small improvement, adjustment, or addition that completes the overall look, taste, etc. of something; (verb): to improve in flavor or appearance by way of a small improvement, adjustment, or addition — often used with up
• stagiaire (noun): a usually unpaid intern working in a professional kitchen as part of their training to become a chef
• stage (noun): a usually unpaid internship in a professional kitchen that is part of a chef's training
• cheffy (adjective): characteristic of or befitting a professional chef (as in showiness, complexity, or exoticness)
• emping (noun): a slightly bitter cracker or chip popular in Indonesia that is made from the dried flattened seed of a melinjo tree (Gnetum gnemon)
• jollof rice (noun): a West African dish of rice cooked in a sauce of tomatoes and onions seasoned usually with garlic, thyme, hot pepper, and other spices and often accompanied by meat, fish, or vegetables

RELATED: 6 Hottest New Food Trends You'll Be Seeing Everywhere This Year

Because Merriam-Webster didn't list all of the 690 new words and definitions in the announcement, there may be even more newly added food terms that fans can discover in the publisher's catalog.

"We're very excited by this new batch of words," Peter Sokolowski, editor at large at Merriam-Webster, said in a statement. "We hope there is as much insight and satisfaction in reading them as we got from defining them."

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The post Merriam-Webster Adds 'Smashburger,' 'Chef's Kiss' & 7 More Food Terms to the Dictionary appeared first on Eat This Not That.

On Sept. 28, Mike Haracz, who previously served as the manager of culinary innovation at McDonald's, took to TikTok to explain why the fast-food chain doesn't serve the popular fried side dish.

"McDonald's is most profitable when it is the most efficient and that efficiency in scale," Haracz said in his video, which has since racked up more than 51,000 views and nearly 225 comments. The chef then went on to explain that if McDonald's started selling onion rings, it would "probably be a limited-time offer" due to "efficiencies." Haracz noted that selling onion rings would reduce the number of people ordering french fries—a menu item he highlighted as "over-the-top profitable" for McDonald's.

@chefmikeharacz

Replying to @mikeyday00 Former #McDonalds corporate chef explains why they won't have onion rings anytime soon. #mcdonaldssecrets #McDonaldssecret #mcdonaldslife #McDonaldsMenu #mcdonaldsfries #mcdonaldsfrenchfries #mcdonaldsfriesaresogood #mcdonaldsfriesmhmm #FastFood #FastFoodSecrets #FrenchFries #Fries #FYP

♬ original sound – Chef Mike Haracz

RELATED: Taco Bell's Nacho Fries Are Back—With a Few Upgrades

Haracz added that the chain currently overcharges for its fries compared to other menu items. A New Jersey location currently sells a small order of fries for $2.99, a medium for $3.89, and a large for $4.89.

Additionally, the chef said McDonald's would likely charge at least an extra dollar for onion rings because it isn't as efficient at making them as it is with french fries.

This strategy isn't limited to onion rings, though. Haracz told The New York Post that offering, say, too many chicken options, would have a similar effect: it would not attract new customers and reduce the volumes of available items, ultimately decreasing their profitability and efficiency.

The chef concluded that he doesn't see McDonald's rolling out onion rings anytime soon.

RELATED: McDonald's Worker Reveals That Eggs & Hotcakes Aren't Made Fresh

After Haracz posted his video on TikTok, many people flocked to the comments section to rave about McDonald's fries, while some expressed interest in the possibility of the fast-food chain selling onion rings.

"Their fries are the best on the planet. We love the fries," one TikToker wrote. "I would gladly pay an extra $1 for onion rings. $1.50 if panko breaded," another one commented.

Back in May, McDonald's released onion rings at its global headquarters location in Chicago, as first reported by the food Instagram account @snackolator.

This wasn't the first time a fried onion menu item hit McDonald's, though. The fast-food chain tested onion nuggets in select U.S. markets between 1978 and 1979 before replacing them with the iconic Chicken McNugget in 1983.

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The popular regional fast-food chain just announced that its famous CurderBurger is returning to menus on Oct. 2, mere days from now. For the uninitiated, the CurderBuger is an indulgent combination of two of the chain's most iconic menu items: Butterburgers and Wisconsin Cheese Curds. But rather than just piling curds onto a beef patty, Culver's fries up giant patty-sized pucks of the squeaky cheese and stacks them on its Deluxe Butterburgers

RELATED: 5 Fast-Food Chains That Serve the Most Over-the-Top Burgers

While the burger is very much a real thing now, Culver's actually first announced it as an April Fool's Joke back in 2021. The chain ended up receiving so many requests for the item that it released it for just one day that year.

To say that the burger was polarizing would be a grand understatement. Some guests swore it was one of the most delicious creations to ever hit Culver's menu.

"It was heavenly, probably the best thing Culver's has ever created," one fan raved on Reddit back in 2021.

Meanwhile, others thought it was just "decent" or said they didn't enjoy it at all.

Despite the divided reaction, there's no denying the success the burger has brought in for Culver's. The chain said that guests started lining up for the burger as early as 7 a.m. on launch day and they ended up selling 136,000 of the novelty sandwiches nationwide. Some locations, the majority of which were in Culver's home state of Wisconsin, even sold out of Curderburgers within a mere two hours.

RELATED: Fast-Food Burger Fans Just Crowned the #1 Best-Quality Patty—Do You Agree?

That success spurred Culver's to bring it back for an encore in 2022, but unlike the first time, the chain ramped up supplies and offered it for a couple of weeks. This time around, Culver's is selling the burger through Oct. 31 or while supplies last. Considering the frenzy that the burger has caused in the past, customers vying to get a taste of the legendary sandwich shouldn't wait too long before heading over to the nearest Culver's to grab one.

This isn't the only coveted limited-edition fast food item that customers can try next month. Taco Bell just brought back its super popular Nacho Fries yesterday and is debuting its first-ever vegan item that will be available nationwide—Vegan Nacho Sauce—on Oct. 12.

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The post Culver's Weirdest, Most Polarizing Burger In History Is Coming Back appeared first on Eat This Not That.

Costco executives held an earnings call this week, detailing the chain's performance from the latest quarter and some of its plans for the future. When Costco CFO Richard Galanti was asked if they plan to raise membership fees, he gave the same answer he's already given multiple times this year: "it's a question of when, not if."

RELATED: Costco Just Announced a Major U.S. Expansion With 10 New Warehouses In 2023

Costco has historically raised membership fees about every five years and seven months, with the most recent of these increases taking effect in June 2017. If the company wanted to stick to its schedule, the higher prices for memberships are technically overdue. Galanti acknowledged that Costco has waited longer than usual this time around to raise its rates, but said consumers will see an increase eventually. However, he refused to provide more details on the timing.

"We can't really tell you if it's in our plans or not. We'll let you know when we know…So, you know, stay tuned. We'll keep you posted. But there's not a whole lot I can tell you about that," he said.

Galanti explained that Costco does take the state of the economy into account when considering its rates. And as Costco got closer and closer to that five-and-a-half-year mark following its June 2017 fee increase, headlines about inflation and the economy were rampant. Galanti added that Costco is content to hold off on raising rates for the time being since the company is "doing great" and has "great loyalty."

RELATED: Everything We Know About Costco's Potential Membership Fee Increases

"If we wait a little longer, so be it. And that's kind of how we feel right now."

In the meantime, members have some exciting new shopping features to look forward to. During the call, Galanti detailed some ongoing upgrades to the Costco app and website that will make shopping at the warehouse club easier than ever. These include adding in-warehouse shopping tools to the app, like a digital membership card, a warehouse inventory search feature, prices for nearby gas stations, and the ability to manage shopping lists.

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In an exclusive interview with Eat This, Not That, the 49-year-old shares the inspiration behind her latest project and how her mindset about dieting has changed over the years. Read on.

There are several reasons Thiessen wanted to do a second cookbook, including inspiring others on how to better manage food waste. "A few reasons inspired me for this second cookbook, Here We Go Again," she tells us. "One, I wanted to teach my kids the importance of not wasting food. One of the biggest contributors to global warming is food waste." She adds, "Two, my husband always hated leftovers…so it was my way of showing him how leftovers can be amazing. Ha!"

RELATED: Taylor Swift Inspires Heinz "Seemingly Ranch" Sauce

"Oh wow, so many," she emphasized. "It's hard to choose just a few but I would say some of the easiest leftovers to use are rice, fruit, pizza (yes pizza!), and I would say anything left at the bottom of your cracker box or chip bag. Those broken pieces that everyone always throws away. Now you have a reason NOT to."

Thiessen has always enjoyed cooking, but it also helps her teach her kids about healthy food choices. "I think cooking at home shows the time, effort, and love you put into a meal," she says. "We grow lots of fresh fruits and veggies and showing my kids how something we grow can be made into a healthy delicious meal instills lots of great lessons."

RELATED: 20 Best Breakfasts to Stay Full & Energized

Thiessen makes a variety of great dishes and her family has a few favorites. "My daughter recently got into salads which has been fun," she shares. "So, she loves to make her own salads from the veggies we grow. That's always an easy one. But for a bigger family dinner… we love making risotto with whatever veggies are in season, healthy taco bowls, and veggie fried rice."

The actress felt the pressure as a young star to look a certain way but has since changed her mindset. "I think the pressure is always there but as I have gotten older I handle it much differently," she explains. "When you're younger, your appearance is what I think is most important which holds a much different pressure. Being older now, how I feel is of the most importance to me. My inner health."

After years of trying different things, Thiessen found what works for her. "It definitely is always about finding the balance. With everything in life right? Not just eating. But I try to have an 80/20 approach to food. 80% of the time healthy and 20% for fun. Seems to be working."

RELATED: 25 Delicious Apple Recipes Perfect for Fall

In addition to eating healthy and cooking at home, Thiessen stays active. "I train 4 days a week at the gym, and then two more days a week I try and do something outside whether it is walking, hiking, or even biking or paddleboarding (in the summer)," she says. "I also have incorporated cold plunging (ice baths) into my health routine. I do those at least three to four times a week as well."

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The post '90s Icon Tiffani Thiessen Shares Her Diet Habits & Genius Leftovers Tips: Exclusive appeared first on Eat This Not That.

This past Sunday, Sept. 24, Swift was spotted cheering on Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce amid rumors that the two have struck up a romance (neither have directly confirmed the rumblings, but Swift was seen celebrating with Kelce after the Chiefs' win on Sunday). During the game, a fan account (@tswifterastour) posted a photo of the singer with a plate of chicken and condiments inside Kelce's Arrowhead Stadium suite with the caption: "Taylor Swift was eating a piece of chicken with ketchup and seemingly ranch!"

| Taylor Swift was eating a piece of chicken with ketchup and seemingly ranch! pic.twitter.com/rpAOP2HFtT

— The Eras Tour (@tswifterastour) September 24, 2023

RELATED: 8 Amazing Sauces Available at Costco Right Now

The post quickly turned into a major meme and went viral, racking up tens of millions of views and more than 51,000 likes. Now, mere days after the momentous Chiefs game, Kraft Heinz announced on Instagram that it will start selling a new "Ketchup and Seemingly Ranch" sauce in honor of Swift's and Kelce's rumored budding relationship.

"We know Heinz fans have an irrational love for the brand, and Swifties will do anything for their Pop queen, so it only made sense to blend the two together!" Kraft Heinz said in a statement shared with Eat This, Not That!

The company  will release 100 limited-edition bottles of the condiment sometime in the near future. But exactly where and when customers will be able to get their hands on them has yet to be announced.  Kraft Heinz said it is "working diligently" to produce the sauce bottles so it can release them to fans as soon as possible. It also advised people to check out their Instagram page for future updates on how they can get their hands on the sauce.

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While Kraft Heinz has created a ketchup and ranch mashup in the past, fans were delighted by the new version of the sauce inspired by Swift and Kelce.

"You had the opportunity to do the funniest thing ever and you did!" one fan commented on the Instagram announcement.

"I seemingly want one," another said.

RELATED: The 7 Best Fast-Food Dipping Sauces, According to Chefs

People were also impressed at the sheer speed with which Kraft Heinz developed the new limited-edition product.

"Heinz is quick," one fan commented.

This isn't the only time that Swift has been honored in a food-related way this year. Back in May, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy officially named the "Taylor Swift Ham, Egg and Cheese" as the official state sandwich before the singer's Eras Tour came to East Rutherford's MetLife Stadium.

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The post Taylor Swift's KC Chiefs Appearance Is Inspiring Heinz to Create a "Seemingly Ranch" Sauce appeared first on Eat This Not That.

While Taco Bell has introduced new flavor variations of the fries in past launches, like the Yellowbird Nacho Fries that hit menus in April, the ones available right now are the classic golden spuds customers already know and love. They're crispy, coated in bold spices, and served with a side of hot nacho cheese dipping sauce.

RELATED: 10 Best Secret Menu Options at Taco Bell

However, Taco Bell is selling large sizes of the fries for the very first time. So customers can snag a bigger portion when cravings are especially strong or they want to share.

But wait, there's more! Come Oct. 12, Taco Bell will also launch a new Vegan Nacho Sauce to go with the spuds. This is a major milestone because the chain has never offered a vegan menu item on such a wide basis before.

To be clear, fans can customize certain items to be vegan. The chain has also tested vegan menu items on a limited-time basis in the past. For example, a Vegan Crunchwrap that included the new Vegan Nacho Sauce launched in just a couple of cities in June. However, this is the first time that Taco Bell has ever launched a vegan item at restaurants nationwide.

The fries themselves have been certified vegan for some time so pairing them with the new sauce will allow people with vegan diets to fully enjoy them. Taco Bell said that customers received the Vegan Nacho Sauce well when it tested the Vegan Crunchwrap a few months back.

"We're thrilled to reintroduce Nacho Fries, now with a larger-than-life flair, and our beloved Vegan Nacho Sauce," Liz Matthews, global chief food innovation officer at Taco Bell, said in a statement. "This sauce, born from the success of our Vegan Crunchwrap, represents Taco Bell's commitment to providing delicious, craveable food for a variety of lifestyles – whether you're vegan, flexitarian or want to try something new, there's a place for you at our table."

RELATED: 5 Best Taco Bell Items On the Menu Right Now, According to Customers

A regular Vegan Nacho Fries will sell for a suggested price of $2.19 and the large size will sell for a suggested price of $2.99, but prices may vary by location. As always, the fries will only be available for a limited time and while supplies last, so make sure to grab them while you can!

Customers should also stay tuned for more Nacho Fries announcements in the near future. Taco Bell teased that "more exciting Nacho Fries news" is on the horizon.

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The post Taco Bell's Nacho Fries Are Back—With a Few Upgrades appeared first on Eat This Not That.