Obviously, 2017 is only a few days old. But, in that short time, plenty of new foods and drinks have been bestowed upon the world. Some are great and others…not so much. From ice cream to donuts to chicken chips, here are the best and worst marks left on this fledgling year.
The Best of 2017 So Far
Ben and Jerry’s Urban Bourbon
The beloved ice cream makers from Vermont are well-known for creating unique and delicious flavors. In recent years, they’ve even collaborated with the New Belgium Brewing Company to create a pair of ice creams (Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ale and Salted Caramel Brown-ie Ale).
Sadly, this offering doesn’t actually contain any bourbon. But, it is made up of burnt caramel ice cream with almonds, fudge flakes and bourbon caramel swirls. They rarely make a dud so there is high hopes for this new flavor. It isn’t available yet, but all signs point to it being released soon.
Mcdonald’s Chicken McGriddle
There’s something magical about the combination of chicken and waffles. The sweet, doughy waffles, the crisp, savory chicken and it’s all covered in sugary maple syrup. It’s amazing Mcdonald’s never offered this version of its popular McGriddle before. It’s just as simple as it is delicious. A fried chicken patty is sandwiched between two McGriddles both chock full of maple syrup.
Sadly, it’s only available in Florida and Georgia so far (though the menu hack is easy). Fingers crossed that they start rolling out this saliva-inducing sandwich soon.
Krispy Kreme Nutty Cocoa Ring Donut
Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ Donuts seem to roll out a new doughnut variety ever other week. It’s hard to keep track of what’s currently available. This month, since there are no more holiday-flavors to worry about, Krispy Kreme is releasing its Nutty Cocoa Ring Donut that is the doughnut embodiment of Nutella. It’s dipped in the mouth-watering hazelnut spread before being coated with hazelnut pieces and chocolate icing.
Since you could dip a sandal in Nutella and it would be edible, I’m pretty sure this doughnut is a can’t miss.
The Not-Really-Necessary of 2017 So Far
Burt’s Bees Protein Shakes
Mark this under “products nobody asked for”. I’m fairly certain there are enough protein shakes on the market. But, that isn’t stopping Burt’s Bees from getting in on the action. Burt’s Bees, well-known for it’s natural lip balms, lotions and various other personal care items, has decided to get in the protein game with a line of plant-based shakes made from various fruits and vegetables. The market for protein powder is already pretty crowded, but kudos for putting it out there and giving it a try.
PangPang Brewery’s Shower Beer
There’s nothing wrong with making a beer specifically for drinking in the shower. The problem is that the world doesn’t really need it. Even though it isn’t necessary, this collaboration between Swedish brewery PangPang and creative firm Snask will probably sell like crazy. The 6-ounce, 10% ABV pale ale is meant to be imbibed in a few sips while you are showering.
The fact is, although seemingly unnecessary, people are going to want these suds.
Taco Bell’s Volcano Crispy Chicken Chips
Sometimes less is more. This is especially true in the food business. Taco Bell pretty much has no rivals in the Mexican food fast food game. They do that really well. If someone wants chicken strips they’ll just purchase them at one of their rivals. Just because these fried chicken pieces are dipped in a spicy lava sauce that doesn’t make them Mexican. At the end of 2016, Taco Bell unveiled loaded nacho fries. They should have stopped their and got back to doing what they do best.
There are still untapped Doritos flavors to make into tacos. How about Tapatio or Salsa Verde?
