Weather isn’t the only thing that changes with the seasons.
Just peep the menus at your go-to drive-through or coffee chain, which are as ever-changing as the forecast.
That’s assuming, of course, that “finest” equates to guilty pleasures and unabashed indulgence.
Photos: Dairy Queen, McDonald’s, Taco Bell. Design: Eat This, Not That!
Some are downright healthy, while others come slathered in nacho cheese or shaped like ribs.
They’re straightforward, in that spiced fries are served with hot nacho cheese sauce.
Simplicityin this caseis golden.
Taco Bell
Yes, it’s technically still as cold as the chain’s ice cream.
And yes, it’s arecurring summer special.
Thefan-favorite steakhas been a fleeting menu option.
Dairy Queen
Elote Bowl at Sweetgreen
Few ingredients conjure summer sensations quite like fresh corn.
But it’s not all PSLs that have earned the chain that reputation.
No matter where you fall on the PSL debate, it’s hard to argue with its inescapable influence.
Courtesy of Panera Bread
Take theSmokehouse BBQ Bacon Sandwichat Chick-fil-A, for instance.
The sandwich combines summer cookout flavors on a bun.
No matter where you land on the love-it-or hate-it debate, its influenceand annual omnipresenceis undeniable.
Chipotle
And just like that, a new seasonal tradition was born.
The warm-weather sipper has remained an annual fixture ever since.
The chain is so kind as to offer insights about its return on itscustomer support page.
Sweetgreen / Facebook
Like Starbucks, Dunkin' also apparently thinks thatfall begins in August.
Keep your eyes peeled come late August for their return.
It turns out that pizza isn’t the only thing that this chain does over-the-top.
Starbucks
Released in 2022 to much fanfare, the dessert is far thicker and more indulgent than its latte counterparts.
It’s made by blending real pieces of pumpkin pie (!)
with vanilla soft-serve, fall spices, and whipped cream.
Photo: Courtesy of Starbucks
It’s a pumpkin pie that melts in your mouth, and the audacity commands respect.
Curderburger at Culver’s
Sometimes, the greatest successes start with unexpected origins.
It’s a deluxe ButterBurger topped with a whole patty of fried cheese.
Courtesy of Chick-fil-A
There’s the holiday turkey and stuffing sandwich.
It’s come to be a requisite onStarbucks' holiday menus, and rightfully so.
Its origins are murky, its seasonal availability isunpredictable, and its ingredients are baffling.
McDonald’s
Never change, McRib.
Because nothing says “spring” like ranch dressing.
Holiday Pie at McDonald’s
Never underestimate the power of a rainbow sprinkle.
Photo: Popeyes, Design: Eat This, Not That!
In theory, it’sas straightforward as desserts comea flaky hand pie with custard filling and rainbow sprinkles.
This story has been updated to include new information, fact-checking, and copyedits.
White Castle
Chick-fil-A
Shake Shack / Facebook
Photo: Samantha Boesch, Eat This, Not That!
McDonald’s
Culver’s/Facebook
Cicis
Hungry Howie’s/Facebook
Wendy’s
Dairy Queen
Courtesy of Culver’s
Starbucks
Shutterstock
Courtesy of Wendy’s
Photo: Kaley Roberts, Eat This, Not That!
