However, if you don't look beyond the main protein to read how certain dishes are prepared, these seemingly innocent seafood orders may sabotage your health-conscious efforts. Ehsani cautions, "Some seafood dishes found at restaurants may be breaded, deep-fried, and/or cooked in butter, lots of oil, or coated in cream-based sauces which makes a healthy source of protein into an unhealthy dish."

The juxtaposition of nutritional benefits and potential pitfalls underscores the importance of mindfulness when dining out at seafood restaurants when you're keeping your health in mind. For that reason, we worked with Ehsani to unveil the healthiest orders at some of the most popular seafood restaurants in America.

These are great go-to orders when dining out at these eight chains, but you can order healthy seafood at any restaurant with the help of Ehsani's tips:

• Load up with veggies: "Ask for a side of grilled, steamed, or roasted veggies on the side and grain for a well-balanced plate," says Ehsani.
• Order sauces on the side: "If it comes with a sauce or dressing, ask for it on the side.
• Ask about where the seafood is sourced from: "And you can also always ask your restaurant where they get their seafood from or look for it on the menu," adds Ehsani. "I always look or ask for seafood options from Alaska, as all seafood that comes from Alaska is wild, natural, and sustainable. It also has such low levels of mercury that it's also a safe option for any high-risk groups to choose as well, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women or young children."

Without further ado, read on for the healthiest orders at eight major seafood restaurants.

Grilled Alaska Salmon Rice Bowl at Long John Silver's

For fast food, the Grilled Alaska Salmon Rice Bowl at Long John Silver's is a healthy meal when you're on the go.

"While they have no shortage of classic fried fish and chips dishes, they also have plenty of healthier grilled options too including my go-to Rice Bowl with Grilled Alaska salmon. It's available in a variety of seasonings like southwest or sweet chili and has the perfect balance of protein and carbs to keep you full at either lunch or dinner," says Ehsani. "A lot of people may not know, but Long John Silver's boasts a commitment to sustainable seafood, meaning much of their seafood comes wild-caught from the icy cold waters of Alaska and supports the state's fishermen and their families."

RELATED: The #1 Healthiest Fish Order at 10 Major Restaurant Chains

Alaskan Black Cod at Chart House

Ordering the Alaskan Black Cod is super healthy because of how it's prepared and the sides it comes with.

"Alaska sablefish, also called black cod, is an omega-3 powerhouse and has the most amount of omega-3 fats of any seafood! Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats, we have to get from our diet and this dish makes for the perfect way to get your fill," says Ehsani. "This order also comes with plenty of veggies including bok choy and shiitake mushrooms and is served with rice, making it a well-balanced nutritious meal."

Fisherman's Choice at Joe's Crab Shack

This meal is all about variety—you get to choose between grilled or blackened tilapia, mahi mahi, or salmon.

"The Fisherman's Choice comes with your choice of blackened or grilled tilapia, mahi mahi, or salmon topped with lemon butter, served over rice and seasonal veggies. You can ask for the lemon butter on the side or just ask for lemon wedges as a substitute," says Ehsani. "It's great you have the option to choose how your fish is prepared (ask for grilled to limit sodium intake) and that it comes with a balanced plate of veggies and rice on the side too."

RELATED: 10 Seafood Chains That Serve the Highest Quality Fish

Mahi Mahi at Bonefish Grill

This meal has the lowest calorie count on the entire list, and includes fish with two healthy sides.

"Bonefish Grill has a 'wood-fired grill' option which allows you to choose your protein and two sides," says Ehsani. "The mahi mahi is a great lean protein option, pair it with seasonal veggies and the jasmine rice, and you've got yourself a nutritious balanced meal."

House Full Salad at Legal Sea Foods

If you want to get your greens in, opting for a salad with a side of seafood is a great option at Legal Sea Foods."The House Full Salad at Legal Sea Foods is a great entrée option that contains lettuce, apples, dried fruit, and walnuts, and you can ask for an extra topping of salmon or shrimp or any other grilled fish or fresh catch of the day to add a source of protein to this meal," says Ehsani.

RELATED: The #1 Healthiest Pasta Dish at 10 Major Restaurant Chains

Mediterranean Branzino at Eddie V's

This Branzino fish dish gets tons of added flavor from Mediterranean favorites like artichokes, tomatoes, and olives.

"The Mediterranean Branzino at Eddie V's is topped with roasted artichokes, oven-dried tomatoes, and olive tapenade, which you can pair with an additional side such as their mixed green salad for a balanced low-carb meal," says Ehsani. "Branzino is an excellent source of lean protein, contains brain-boosting omega-3s, and tastes delicious with the Mediterranean toppings."

Grilled Rainbow Trout at Red Lobster

Go with this freshwater fish at Red Lobster for a healthy fish order.

"Choose the Grilled Rainbow Trout at Red Lobster for a nutritious seafood option and pair it with a baked potato or orzo rice and seasoned broccoli for a well-balanced plate," says Ehsani. "The grilled trout provides a high amount of protein per fish and it's relevantly mild-tasting fish so can pair well with anything."

RELATED: Can Eating Salmon Help You Lose Weight?

Wild Alaskan Salmon Salad at Captain D's

Thankfully, you can still get a healthy seafood dish when dining out if you order this salad topped with grilled salmon.

"Although Captain D's does have many fried seafood options they do have salads and grilled selection on the menu where you can find wild Alaskan salmon salad," says Ehsani. "Choosing a salad is always a great option to get your fill of veggies in for the day and the fact that it's topped with a wild Alaskan salmon makes it all the more nutritious. It packs a great source of lean protein, and heart-healthy omega-3s and is quite low in sodium for a restaurant-style meal."

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The post The #1 Healthiest Order at 8 Major Seafood Restaurants appeared first on Eat This Not That.

Despite the seemingly endless list of shrimp recipes that are out there, venturing outside of your kitchen is sometimes the most enticing choice. If dining out is the decision you land on, you may be left with one important question: where should I go?

To help you answer this, we rounded up several eateries you'll want to consider for your next seafood lunch or dinner. Whether you're seeking a casual meal or something a bit fancier, these restaurant chains are sure to satisfy your shrimp craving the next time it strikes. Here are 11 spots serving up some of the best shrimp dishes. As always, menu items and availability can vary by location.

Bonefish Grill

If there's one menu item most commonly associated with Bonefish Grill, it's the Bang Bang Shrimp. This popular appetizer consists of crispy shrimp tossed in the chain's signature creamy, spicy sauce.

"The Bang Bang Shrimp is amazing. I could just eat that and be happy," one Yelp reviewer raved last year. Other fans on X, formerly known as Twitter, have described it as "top tier," "on another world," and a "must have appetizer."

Besides this signature dish, Bonefish Grill has another fried shrimp dish served with both tartar and cocktail sauce. This took the number one spot in a previous Eat This, Not That! taste test. Among the other shrimp options, the restaurant chain also has combo meals, which feature shrimp and a second protein, such as Mahi-Mahi, chicken, and sirloin steak.

RELATED: The 10 Best Seafood Chains in America

Red Lobster

It's the chain with the deal we all know and love: Ultimate Endless Shrimp. At Red Lobster, dine-in guests can mix and match their favorite shrimp dishes to their heart's content, now for $25. To customers' delight, the restaurant chain made this deal permanent back in June; however, this was previously offered for $20.

With this promotion, guests can choose from an array of shrimp dishes like Crispy Dragon Shrimp, Garlic Shrimp Scampi, Grilled Shrimp Skewer, Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp, and more. Along with their choice of shrimp, restaurant guests also get a choice of a side. There's also the "Shrimp Your Way" option, which lets customers choose between two and four shrimp dishes, as well as a side.

Eddie V's Prime Seafood

Recently named America's fastest-growing restaurant chain, Eddie V's Prime Seafood operates 31 locations across the country. In addition to its premium hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and cocktails, the seafood spot impresses customers with its elegant atmosphere and live jazz music.

Take a glance at the menu, and you'll come across multiple shrimp options like wild gulf shrimp with Atomic horseradish and spicy mustard and jumbo gulf shrimp stuffed with crab, herbs, and garlic.

"The crab stuffed jumbo gulf shrimp were a true indulgence, showcasing the freshness and quality of the seafood," one Yelp reviewer raved last month.

RELATED: 8 Fast-Food Chains That Serve the Best Shrimp

Chart House

This upscale restaurant chain operates 24 waterfront locations, with each one remaining "committed and specialized to its local community," according to the Chart House website. Beyond its scenic views, the restaurant chain is known for its seafood offerings, including shrimp.

"If you like shrimp and avocado, I totally recommend the shrimp stack!" one Yelp reviewer noted. This colorful, cylindrical dish features a base of sliced avocado topped with a layer of chopped mango and finished with shrimp in a creamy sauce.

Customers can also score classic dishes like shrimp cocktail or coconut crunchy shrimp or customize surf and turf orders by pairing their steak with shrimp, available in four varieties: grilled, coconut, crunchy, or scampi.

Ocean Prime

Like its eye-catching seafood tower, Ocean Prime's shrimp cocktail has been known to capture guests' attention with its striking, smoking display.

"The best atmosphere and the shrimp cocktail is served over dry ice. What else could you want?" one reviewer shared on Yelp.

Beyond this classic appetizer, Ocean Prime offers other shrimp dishes like the Shellfish "Cobb" Salad, which includes both shrimp and lobster, along with the usual suspects: bacon, egg, and blue cheese. There's also the Dynamite Roll, which is a sushi roll containing tempura shrimp, spicy mayo, and sesame seeds.

RELATED: 10 Restaurant Chains That Serve the Best Crab Cakes

McCormick & Schmick's

Another upscale surf and turf spot you can count on for some memorable shrimp is McCormick & Schmick's. For an appetizer, customers can start with the shrimp cocktail or opt for something a bit more creative like the Shrimp Kisses. These are wrapped in bacon and feature pepper jack cheese and a sweet chili glaze.

For something a bit more substantial, a few other dishes include the Grilled Shrimp Caesar Salad, Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon, and the Classic Shrimp Scampi.

One customer who recently ordered the shrimp scampi called it "top tier," adding, "The shrimp were so fresh and the lemon butter sauce it was on had me sopping it up with the bread!"

Legal Sea Foods

This regional chain currently has 26 locations across the East Coast, predominantly in Massachusetts, and offers all sorts of seafood options ranging from herb-crusted salmon and Mediterranean swordfish to seared scallops and New England clams.

At this chain, shrimp makes an appearance on the menu multiple times, both as the star of the show and as part of different combos and platters. For example, Legal's Signature Crab Cake Combo includes a lump crab cake, grilled shrimp, seared scallops, mustard sauce, herbed rice pilaf, greens, apples, dried cranberry, and an apple Dijon vinaigrette.

RELATED: 10 Seafood Chains That Serve the Highest Quality Fish

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Whether you like your shrimp sautéed or fried, Ruth's Chris can satisfy your shellfish fix (say that three times fast!). The chain's barbecued shrimp, for example, is lightly sautéed in white wine, garlic butter, and barbecue spices. Meanwhile, the spicy shrimp is lightly fried and tossed in a cream sauce. Guests can also order their entrées with shrimp, with one option being the Chef Featured Fish & Shrimp.

"I ordered the fish and shrimp as my main, which was very good, served hot and it was moist and delicious, " one Yelp reviewer recently wrote.

Luke's Lobster

Contrary to its name, this family-owned seafood business serves more than just lobster. The chain also offers crab and shrimp, which, like the lobster, is served in a toasted New England-style split-top bun.

As highlighted on the chain's website, Luke's Lobster only serves sustainably sourced seafood, which means it's "harvested from a healthy population that is not at risk of overfishing, under strict regulations that prevent overfishing or eco-system damage."

RELATED: 10 Steakhouse Chains That Serve the Best Appetizers

Outback Steakhouse

Shrimp on the barbie, anyone? Alongside its popular steaks, Outback serves various shrimp dishes. Arguably the most well-known one is the Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie. Available as both an appetizer and entrée, this dish consists of seasoned grilled shrimp with a classic rémoulade sauce.

If you're in the mood for something crispier, the Australian-themed steakhouse chain has a couple of choices for you. There's the Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp, which is paired with Creole marmalade. There's also the Bloomin' Fried Shrimp, which is hand-breaded in Outback's famous Bloomin' Onion spices, cooked until golden brown, and served with the chain's signature spicy bloom sauce.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

As a restaurant chain dedicated to shrimp, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. had to be included in this list. Paying homage to the 1994 classic film Forrest Gump, this seafood spot operates as the first and only casual restaurant based on a motion picture property. Today, there are 22 locations across the U.S., along with 12 international locations.

According to the chain's website, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. offers "scratch-made, southern-style comfort dishes plucked straight off the silver screen." This includes sautéed shrimp, fried shrimp, coconut shrimp, shrimp scampi, and so on.

Guests can also try multiple shrimp dishes at once by ordering the Shrimper's Heaven, a shrimp sampler of sorts. This includes fried shrimp, coconut shrimp, and tempura shrimp with a side of fries, cocktail sauce, Cajun marmalade, and tempura sauce.

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If there's any lesson that Texas Roadhouse has taught us, it's that complacency equals stagnancy, which in some cases can lead to restaurants fully falling out of favor. Change is key to sustained success, as Texas Roadhouse has so dexterously proven time and again, and this year's chain-wide updates have helped solidify its status atop the steakhouse totem pole.

From savvy tech enhancements and necessary price hikes to focus on expansion, these are six major changes that Texas Roadhouse introduced in 2023.

Higher Prices

One inevitability of being in the hospitality business is that prices will rise. It's a ripple-effect certainty that starts at the source, and reverberates down the supply chain and into kitchens and dining rooms. Perhaps more so than any other time in recent memory, restaurants—chains and independents alike—were rocked with supply chain issues and price hikes this year, leading businesses to react accordingly. For some, it was a death knell. For Texas Roadhouse, it was the theme of 2023.

The most visible change at Texas Roadhouse this year, as any regular can attest, was the higher price tag. Things started changing earlier this year, and they went up yet again in October. The reason? The costs of beef and labor skyrocketed, which led to a 2.2% increase on the menu in the spring, followed by another 2.7% uptick this fall. Considering the declining cattle production and the fact that Texas Roadhouse is first and foremost a steakhouse, this meant an unavoidable rise in prices on the most notable menu items. However, customers apparently aren't scoffing too much, because Texas Roadhouse is on track for a banner year—reporting $3.4 billion in revenues before the end of the year already.

RELATED: Texas Roadhouse vs. LongHorn Steakhouse: Which Has the Best Bone-In Ribeye?

A Burgeoning Burger Business

Diners come to Texas Roadhouse for beef, but not necessarily for burgers. If the brand's plans for its spin-off chain are any indication, though, that's all about to change. While  most of Texas Roadhouse's over 700 locations are steakhouses, the company's burger-centric spin-off, Bubba's 33, is now on the rise.

The sports-themed entity first emerged in 2013, but it's been flying under the radar ever since. Craft burgers take top billing on its comfort food menu of pizzas, sandwiches, and wings. Earlier this year, there were 40 locations across the country, but looking to the future, the company wants to grow that exponentially.

In an earnings call this past spring, Texas Roadhouse CEO Jerry Morgan emphasized expansion goals not just for the bread-and-butter brand, but for Bubba's 33 as well, which saw an 8.7% revenue increase for same-store sales in the first quarter of 2023. "We are all in on Bubba's," said Morgan, illustrating a commitment to the concept, and a goal going forward. "We have got great food there. We have got a great energy and environment and ambiance that really does fit with what we are trying to accomplish."

In July, head of investor relations, Michael Bailen, echoed sentiments for expansion: "In the next couple of years, we want to be in that five to seven Bubba's openings with a maybe next goal after that getting closer to 10 openings." One thing is for sure, both for Texas Roadhouse and its burger-loving sister concept: the future looks beefy and bright.

RELATED: I Tried All 6 Chicken Dishes at Texas Roadhouse & There Was One Clear Winner

Tech Upgrades

While restaurants have always had to adapt to advancements in technology, this is a facet of hospitality that really came into focus during the pandemic, as companies needed to pivot, implement, and evolve in order to retain customers and stay profitable. The lingering effects, even in a post-pandemic world, have led to continued upgrades in technology in the dining space, as evidenced by Texas Roadhouse's launch of Roadhouse Pay in 2022. The service was all about streamlining and convenience, allowing customers to pay their bill at their table using a tablet.

Considered a key to the chain's success, an earnings call earlier this year indicated that executives view Roadhouse Pay—and likeminded tech strategies—as a driving force of the company's expansion. After starting out smaller, testing it as a payment option to streamline service and help turn over tables more quickly, Roadhouse Pay became available company-wide in 2023. It expedited the payment process, while also allowing Texas Roadhouse to more seamlessly promote its loyalty program.

On the call, CEO Jerry Morgan cited positive customer feedback as part of its focus on technology. "On Roadhouse Pay…we have gotten great feedback not only from the guests but from our operators, so we absolutely believe that guests that want to get in and out have the ability to execute that on their own," he said. "Roadhouse Pay is definitely another enhancement to the service level and maybe even a little bit of the speeding of a table turn."

RELATED: Texas Roadhouse vs. Outback Steakhouse: Which Has the Best Fried Onion Appetizer?

Major Expansion

The most visible change for Texas Roadhouse this year was just how many more of them there are now. In January, the company opened its 700th location in El Paso, Texas. And the fast-growing brand showed no signs of slowing, setting ambitious expansion goals—and then easily exceeding them. Although the chain has typically been anchored in suburban communities, a goal for this year was to widen its presence in more urban areas. The company expected to open at least 27 new locations by year's end, according to its most recent update, with an eventual goal of 900 across the globe.

This includes the company's largest location yet, fittingly in the Texas city of Lubbock. During the chain's 2022 Annual Report, CEO Jerry Morgan also noted plans to open several new locations in international markets, building off the 38 outposts the company already has in countries like Mexico and South Korea.

RELATED: 5 Best Secret Menu Items at Texas Roadhouse

More Merchandise

If you're a die-hard fan of the chain, you can now show-off your brand loyalty in many different ways, like putting a Texas Roadhouse collar on your pet. That's thanks to the company's ever-growing line of merchandise, which became a huge focus this year, and saw the launch of an online store. As is the case with many brands, from Disney movies to Taylor Swift concert swag, Texas Roadhouse recognized the profitability of turning its own intellectual property into a new revenue stream. So, the chains's famous dinner rolls are now Christmas ornaments, and the accompanying honey-cinnamon butter is now a wax melt. Candles come scented with saddles and Texas sky, while socks, bandanas, and hats allow loyal fans to dress themselves up as walking billboards.

RELATED: I Tried All the Appetizers at Texas Roadhouse & This Is the Absolute Best One

Frozen Foods

Those famous rolls, which give steak a run for its money on the menu, underwent another big leap this year. Parade reports that Texas Roadhouse nearly broke the internet when loyalists discovered a frozen roll hack. For the first time, diners were able to pick up boxes of frozen rolls from restaurants and bring them home—just in time to show off for Thanksgiving.

Although the chain doesn't normally offer frozen rolls to-go, and this appears to be a one-time thing that savvy social media users were able to finagle, it's a marked change that sparked excitement, signaled new experimentation for an increasingly beloved brand, and got fans dreaming of more frozen to-go orders in the future. It's not yet known if Texas Roadhouse will offer a similar offer in the future, but if there's one thing this wildly successful company has proven, it's an impressive capacity for change.

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The post 6 Major Changes We Saw at Texas Roadhouse In 2023 appeared first on Eat This Not That.

In celebration of National Bacon Day, which falls on Dec. 30, the fast-food chain is "selling" (but basically giving away) 1-cent Jr. Bacon Cheeseburgers. The deal starts today and will be available through Jan. 2. The Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, or JBC, as some call it, features a beef patty topped with applewood-smoked bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on a toasted bun.

RELATED: 10 Discontinued Wendy's Items Customers Are Still Massively Missing

The 1-cent Jr. Bacon Cheeseburgers can only be redeemed digitally, and to score one, you'll need to be a Wendy's rewards member. Once you create your account, visit the "Reward Store" on the Wendy's app or website and add the deal to your digital order. No additional purchase is required.

Earlier this month, Wendy's announced a new limited-time promotion for its soft drinks, playfully named "Penny Pops". As part of this deal, customers can order any small Coca-Cola Freestyle drink for just one cent, no additional purchase necessary. To unlock this deal, simply visit the "offers" section on the Wendy's website or mobile app. Customers can choose from over 100 drink options, ranging from classic sodas like Coke and Sprite to seasonal favorites like Dave's Cherry Cream Soda and Sprite Vanilla.

Besides the 1-cent cheeseburgers and soft drinks, Wendy's fans can also snag free chicken nuggets with any purchase today as part of the chain's Wendy's Wednesday deal. To redeem this menu item, visit the Wendy's app or website, or scan the digital rewards offer code in-restaurant. Today is the last day to redeem this offer, so you'll want to swing by the chain soon.

RELATED: 10 Best & Worst Wendy's Burgers, According to Dietitians

The 1-cent Jr. Bacon Cheeseburgers aren't the only Wendy's burgers that have recently made headlines. Last month, the chain introduced its brand-new Pretzel Baconator. Available for a limited time, this burger is stacked with two burger patties, six pieces of Applewood smoked bacon, ketchup, and mayo sandwiched between two pretzel buns.

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These days, we top bruschetta with almost any ingredient under the sun. Tomatoes are probably the most common, but vegetables, beans, cured meat, and cheeses are also tasty toppers. While this is a simple dish you can easily make at home, and one of the best ways to use up tomatoes, most of us don't have a fantastic slice of hardy Italian bread on hand. Fortunately, there are Italian restaurants (and a few surprising spots) creating excellent variations on this dish as starters and sometimes even lunch items.

We found the best restaurants across the United States making this dish, so you can crunch a bit of bread when you want it.

Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano

Founded in Illinois in 1999, this popular chain spans the Midwest with 17 locations and growing. They have an extensive toppings selection for their bruschetta appetizers, including a Classico with tomatoes, a Seafood Scampi with crab and shrimp, and a Fig and Apple with Goat Cheese. Diners can order and mix and match the flavors—which we highly recommend.

RELATED: 10 Restaurant Chains That Serve the Best Spaghetti & Meatballs

Brio Italian Grille

With nearly 60 locations around the country, this restaurant, founded in 1992 in Columbus, Ohio, serves up hearty portions of Italian-American cuisine. The upscale chain offers a bruschetta sampler with three tantalizing options. You'll snack on Roasted Red Pepper Bruschetta with Fresh Mozzarella, Roasted Tomato and Ricotta with Balsamic Drizzle, and Sliced Steak Bruschetta with Gorgonzola and Arugula.

Buca di Beppo

With locations strewn from California to Pennsylvania, almost everyone has access to this cozy, fun Italian spot. Before diving into a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, try their bruschetta, which sees parmesan crostini topped with Roma tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil-infused olive oil and balsamic vinegar. You can get a gluten-friendly option by having the meal without the parmesan crostini.

Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse

This small steakhouse chain, with six locations in New York and Florida, serves a crowd-pleasing menu of Italian American classics like chicken Sinatra, shrimp scampi, and a menu of Midwestern grain-fed aged steaks with an Italian flair. To start the meal, their bruschetta starts off with grilled Italian bread which is then brushed with olive oil and garlic and topped with provolone, tomato, and basil.

Il Fornaio

This fine-dining restaurant has about 20 locations across California and Nevada, and was first established as a restaurant and bakery. Available for dinner, lunch, and as part of happy hour, the restaurant switches things up a little by making the dish with ciabatta bread that's been grilled with garlic. An order comes with an assortment of toppings: caponata, roasted cherry tomatoes, salsa tartufata, and stracciatella cheese.

RELATED: 12 Best Italian Chain Restaurants In America

Johnny's Italian Steakhouse

With 14 locations across the country, this upscale steakhouse has a crowd-pleasing menu of steak and Italian specialties. Before you dive into the steak risotto, try the Betta Bruschetta, made with grilled focaccia bread, Roma tomatoes, goat cheese, onions, olive oil, and basil.

Maggiano's Little Italy

One of the most popular Italian restaurants in the country, with over 50 locations, Maggiano's offers bruschetta on their lunch and dinner menus. Before you get your chicken and spinach manicotti, enjoy a little antipasto. The chain offers a fairly traditional bruschetta, topped with tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze, roasted garlic, and pesto.

McCormick & Schmick's

The upscale steak and seafood restaurant, with locations in every part of the country, has an excellent happy hour that's a great deal for anyone looking to sample their menu for a little less. They offer calamari, Baja fish tacos, pork belly bao buns, and a simple, satisfying bruschetta. Grilled bread is topped with vine-ripened tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, and balsamic. This is only available during happy hour, so check the times before visiting.

RELATED: 10 Steakhouse Chains That Serve the Best Appetizers

Postino Wine Cafe

Nothing pairs better with antipasto than a full-bodied Italian wine, and this wine cafe with locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, and Texas delivers both. Their bruschetta is offered board-style, and diners can pick four toppings from a list of 12 options, including traditional types like fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil, and more unique toppers like smoked salmon and Mexican street corn.

Romano's Macaroni Grill

Founded back in 1998 in Texas, Romano's has over 30 locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and more. With big portions and a menu packed with Italian-American classics, this is a crowd-pleasing spot. Bruschetta is on the menu as an antipasti option. Diners pick two from a selection of bites like Brussels sprouts, mac and cheese bites, and an indulgent bruschetta with grilled rosemary bread, whipped ricotta, Roma tomatoes, garlic, and basil.

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This year was also proof that Taco Bell is coming to eat competitors' lunch. With forays into plant-based food items and even chicken nuggets, the popular taco chain shows no sign of slowing down.

Business is booming. Company leaders said in November that sales are "on a roll" as customers embrace value deals, like the limited edition $5 Cravings Box meal deal. Taco Bell has also embarked on a couple of firsts this year, like a new plant-based sauce and more breakfast items.

Here are nine big changes Taco Bell ushered in this year.

Hasta la vista, Quesarito

Much to the chagrin of die-hard fans, the taco chain said goodbye to the Quesarito in April. The popular beef-and-bean burrito came wrapped in a nacho-cheese filled quesadilla with chipotle sauce and sour cream. The cheesy burrito-quesadilla hybrid has been a mainstay on permanent menus since 2014, an admirable nine-year run, so fans were understandably upset at the news.

Perhaps to fill the hole in fans' hearts, however, Taco Bell launched a new over-the-top burrito in in October after a successful test run. The Steak and Bacon Grilled Cheese Burrito is a meat lovers' dream: stuffed with marinated grilled steak, potatoes, then topped with chipotle sauce, nacho cheese, reduced-fat sour cream, and three-cheese blend. It's all wrapped up inside a flour tortilla, with more three-cheese blend and bacon grilled on top.

RELATED: 8 Best & Worst Tacos at Taco Bell, According to a Dietitian

First fully vegan item launched

Taco Bell came out swinging in June with the launch of its first fully plant-based menu item ever: the Vegan Crunchwrap. The signature six-sided wrap is stuffed with Taco Bell's proprietary seasoned vegan "beef" and topped with two new sauces—a vegan blanco sauce, similar to sour cream, and warm vegan nacho sauce—both of which have been in development for a while. After years of testing, the Vegan Crunchwrap debuted in American cities with "notable vegan populations," including Los Angeles and New York City.

Of course, in true Taco Bell fashion, it didn't last forever—the meatless wrap was a limited edition release. However, Taco Bell noted in a statement upon its debut that the chain is committed to vegan and vegetarian diners, so ventures into more plant-based items would be no surprise. In fact, the chain hit another major milestone in October when it launched a new vegan nacho sauce nationwide, marking the widest release for a vegan item.

Tech drives more sales

In 2023, Taco Bell's digital sales increased a whopping 45% in the third quarter compared to 2022, as the chain continued to expand its online capabilities. A majority of restaurants are installing self-serve kiosks and digital ordering screens for customers to click and order at their own discretion, and, in late 2022, Taco Bell partnered with DoorDash to provide delivery through the taco chain's mobile app.

Taco Bell has been ramping up its app in many ways, thanks to exclusive offers, rewards, and even games. Earlier this year, Taco Bell invited fans to visit the app and cast a vote to choose a discontinued item to return: Beefy Crunch Burrito or the Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Tacos. (The burrito won, by the way.)

Then, in July, Taco Bell added a game to the app, Coin Drop, a throwback to the early 2000s when customers would drop a coin into an in-store container. A few months later, the in-app game returned again, with winners snagging a free Build Your Own Cravings Box or Cinnamon Twists, a Crunchy Taco, or a Bean Burrito.

The chain also brought back the popular Taco Lovers Pass in October, a subscription service that debuted in 2022, which is only available through the Taco Bell app. Rewards members could purchase a 30-day subscription for $10 and get a free taco each day.

RELATED: 10 Best Secret Menu Options at Taco Bell

More international locations

Yum! Brands, the parent company of KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, opened a new restaurant roughly every two hours in 2021, setting new company and restaurant industry records, according to Forbes. That momentum continued into 2023, as Taco Bell actively expanded its store count.

Currently, that number hovers around 8,200, but company executives hinted in August that Taco Bell aims to become as big as McDonald's, to the tune of operating 10,000 restaurants in the coming years. This massive expansion is part of an overall growth strategy domestically and abroad. (To date, there are about 1,000 international Taco Bell locations, according to Statista.) Canada is a new target for Taco Bell domination: in 2023, the largest Taco Bell franchisee in Canada, Redberry Restaurants, announced plans to open 200 new locations in the country, which would more than double the existing Canadian Taco Bell location count.

Focus on sustainability

Taco Bell aims to be 100% sustainable one day, an ambitious plan to be sure. First stop: headquarters. This year, Taco Bell CEO Mark King said the company's headquarters is already working on reducing waste by swapping out plastic silverware and cups, for example, and ushering in more eco-friendly practices.

King also said the quick-service restaurant is focusing on expanding its recycling program with TerraCycle. To date, more than 135,000 sauce packets have been properly recycled through the program, an effort that will continue to grow and become more widely available for customers in-store. King noted in an interview with RetailBrew that the chain is looking to build restaurants that are more recycle-friendly, like swapping out one big waste bin with one that has divided compartments for recycling, compost, and waste.

RELATED: 8 Worst Taco Bell Orders, According to Dietitians

Higher prices

The taco chain was once a no-brainer destination for cheap eats, but $1 tacos are getting harder to find in some locations, due to inflation pricing that's hitting fast-food chains all over. Like many competitors this year, Taco Bell hiked menu prices another 10%, following similar price bumps in 2021 and 2022.

Unfortunately, taco fans are taking note of the increased prices and are even changing their habits. One Redditor posted about the prices in June, "As a hardcore TB fan I may have to call it quits. Just can't warrant paying these prices anymore…my regular order has jumped $6 in the past year in my area." Commenters agreed, saying they are visiting Taco Bell less due to the upped prices.

Given the increased price-points, fans were understandably excited to see the $5 Cravings Box meal deal reappear on menus over the summer, which included a Chalupa Supreme, a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, a Crunchy Taco, Cinnamon Twists, and a medium fountain drink.

New interest in breakfast items

After a successful 2022 campaign run with comedian Pete Davidson as its frontman, Taco Bell again partnered with Davidson to launch a new breakfast item in April, the California Breakfast Crunchwrap, which was available for a limited time at participating U.S. locations. This limited release was part of a larger strategy to refresh its breakfast menu, competing with other fast-food chains better known for their morning options, like McDonald's and Wendy's.

In October, the taco chain launched new Toasted Breakfast Tacos nationwide, featuring fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and a choice of bacon, sausage, or potatoes inside a grilled tortilla. The chain ran a mobile-app promo for rewards members who could snag free orders of the new breakfast taco on certain dates in October. Breakfast? Check. App promo? Check.

RELATED: How To Lose Weight—and Still Eat at Taco Bell!

Throwback features and collaborations

This summer, Taco Bell brought back its epic Volcano Menu, including the Volcano Burrito and Volcano Taco with optional Lava Sauce on the side. Die-hard fans were stoked to try out the red-hot items, which last graced the menu from 2008 to 2013. "The return of the Volcano Menu is the best news of the decade," one fan tweeted in March.

Ostensibly to tap into the nostalgic vibes of that time, Taco Bell partnered with reality TV star Paris Hilton for the menu release. The return of the Volcano Menu welcomed a Hilton Hot Line for fans to call and listen to pre-recorded messages featuring the celebrity. The Volcano Menu was available on the Taco Bell mobile app and DoorDash through July 5. This promo was peak Taco Bell: online exclusive deals plus celebrity endorsements—what's not to love?

Incoming: More pizza and nuggets

While Taco Bell is arguably the most-loved Mexican chain in the country, the quick-service spot is not afraid to launch food items that have almost nothing to do with Mexican cuisine. Exhibit A: Taco Bell debuted its "premium" Crispy Chicken Nuggets at select restaurants in Minneapolis in October, a shot fired at rival nugget-slinging chains like McDonald's and Chick-fil-A.

Exhibit B: the Mexican Pizza, which was actually on the menu for 35 years before it was yanked off in 2020. After a short time missing from menus, the fan-favorite pizza returned in September 2022, and this year, Taco Bell debuted a new take on its classic nationwide: the Cheesy Jalapeño Mexican Pizza. Seasoned beef, refried beans, pizza sauce, three-cheese blend, nacho cheese sauce and tomatoes are then sandwiched between two pizza shells and topped with jalapeños. Proof that Taco Bell continues to think outside the shell.

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The number of affordable meals available is dwindling, with many fast-food chains raising prices in 2023. McDonald's, for example, even cited seeing a reduction in the number of low-income customers, per CBS News. Price increases on popular menu items are likely to continue in 2024, especially in states like California, where a mandated wage increase to $20 per hour will go into effect next spring.

Simply put, the cost of a Big Mac from McDonald's, a footlong sub from Subway, and a burrito bowl from Chipotle, is now higher than ever before, with several major price hikes happening in the last year alone. The next time you head to any of the following fast-food chains, be prepared to shell out an extra few dollars for your order.

McDonald's

Customers have been watching McDonald's prices like a hawk ever since one Connecticut customer observed the wildly overpriced Big Mac combo coming in at $16.89. That was in April of 2023, and prices have only gone up from there, about 10% to be exact, according to Business Insider. That's on top of a 10% hike that took place in 2022.

Those price increases have boded well for the fast-food giant, with the latest quarterly report showing a 14% jump in earnings, per The New York Post. While McDonald's did not disclose the precise menu price increases that yielded such strong returns, the impact is felt among customers. One of them shared on Reddit in the last few months, "Me and my mom went to McDonald's for breakfast today and got 2 Sausage McGriddles and 2 iced coffees. It ended up being $25. WHAT!"

RELATED: Here's How Much the 'Home Alone' Grocery Trip Would Cost In 2023

Chipotle

Fast-casual Mexican food chain Chipotle used to reign supreme among customers for its fresh ingredients and affordable prices. That reputation has gone south, with the chain raising its prices five times since June 2021, according to Business Insider. That increase includes a 3.5% to 4% jump in 2023, in addition to a 13% jump in 2022, according to CNN.

Customers are very vocal about their disappointment with the price increases, with one taking to Reddit to highlight how expensive their typical order from Chipotle has become: "My favorite actual sit-down restaurant is cheaper now. Same amount of food (well, often more now), 10x the flavor, 20x the options, and most of them are the same price (within a couple of dollars) as my go-to bowl. The only downside is their to-go is slower."

Another Redditor shared a record of price increases at their local Austin, Texas, restaurant, noting that a standard bowl from Chipotle that cost $6.44 in 2010 now costs $10.01 in 2023.

Starbucks

A trip to Starbucks has historically cost more than other coffee shops and certainly more than brewing coffee at home. But the popular chain is more costly than ever, especially when it comes to customizations people can make to their drinks. Per Business Insider, Starbucks noted that it would not rule out price increases as "strategic" opportunities.

So, while Starbucks CFO Rachel Ruggeri shared that the prices of drinks, including favorites like the Pumpkin Spice Latte, would be pretty close to what they were in 2022, it would now cost customers more if any modifications were made to those drinks. For example, extra pumps of syrup or adding cold foam can raise the price of a drink by $1 to $2, per Yahoo Finance.

Hip2Save also noticed new charges being implemented to Starbucks, such as paying an extra dollar for requesting a Refresher without any water.

Subway

Gone are the days of a $5 Footlong at Subway. What used to be a reliably inexpensive sandwich chain is now considered by many to be out of reach when looking for a cheap lunch. A customer from Canada shared on Reddit in 2023 how the cost of a footlong sub with tax just exceeded $20 (Canadian dollars). Another chimed in, noting they are "shocked that so few people are talking about this. I'm also in Toronto, and the recent price increases are SHOCKING."

Their observations are not unique in that customers across the United States have also seen recent price increases at Subway. Another customer shared a recent eye-popping experience at Subway on Reddit, saying, "I ended up spending almost 29 dollars for two footlongs at Subway today. No drinks or sides. Felt like whiplash when they said the total."  It is worth noting that, according to Subway, it is the franchisees that set prices, with the company providing guidelines along the way (per Business Insider).

Pizza Hut

Pizza has often been an affordable means of feeding a crowd, but those budgets are being stretched thinner and thinner, especially when it comes to Pizza Hut. The fast-food pizza chain revamped its $5 Deal Lover's Menu to what is now a $7 version, including 17 menu items that cost $7 each when you buy two or more (per Business Insider). That adds at least $4 to your order now, or an increase of 40%, which can add up quickly if you are planning on buying multiple menu items using that deal.

RELATED: Top 10 Trending Food Searches Of 2023: From Lasagna Soup to Pumptini

Wendy's

A Frosty and Baconator cost a little more these days. The fast-food chain raised the price of several menu items by roughly 7% in the last year, according to The Messenger. Much of this is a result of the rising cost of goods, like beef, that serves as a staple ingredient for the company.

Customers are not too thrilled with the price hikes in 2023, which they cite as the latest in a string of increases. One Redditor confessed, "After a 15-20% recent price hike, I am done with Wendy's." Another Redditor thought the original post was being too lenient on Wendy's, adding, "I don't know what you mean 15-20%; Crispy Chicken Sandwiches have gone from 99 cents to $2.50 each. That's a 150% increase in less than 2 years."

Chick-fil-A

It may no longer be a "great day" at Chick-fil-A when customers do the math on recent price increases. According to Food Truck Empire, the fast-food chain increased menu prices by 15% from 2021 to 2022. On top of that, in early 2023, Chick-fil-A announced that prices would go up by another 6%. The result is stunned reactions from customers, like one who paid $14 for Chick-n-Minis and a lemonade. She shared the experience on TikTok and commented, "For $14, I should have gone to Starbucks. I thought Starbucks was a treat."

Employees at Chick-fil-A are sympathizing with customers, as one Redditor shares, "At my store we were instructed to tell people that it is due to rising supply chain costs and overall inflation of running the store. I usually try to empathize with people and tell them that I eat here too, and I'm not happy about it either."

Taco Bell

Taco Bell was once a top choice among customers for its menu of low-priced items. Those days seem to be in the past now, as prices continued to climb in 2023. According to Yahoo! Finance, prices at Taco Bell are now around 15% higher than two years ago.

Not only that, but customers have noticed a trend of shrinkflation taking place at Taco Bell. It has all been too much for one customer, who shared on Reddit, "I gave up religiously eating Taco Bell around the same time COVID hit. Prices were already starting to get a bit high then, especially in my area. But then they removed my go-to items. And then they implemented a shrinkflation policy on other items I enjoyed (like the Crunchwrap). It's barely more expensive to go to a local Mexican restaurant."

Burger King

Customers are feeling the sting of rising costs at Burger King, too. Price increases are becoming more common, with people taking to the internet to air their grievances. One Redditor shared in September of 2023 that "At the local Burger Kings, prices jumped on many items by more than 10% (more like 15% in many cases) at the end of last week. That's on top of all the price increases over the past year+ and the decimation of the value menu."

Another customer shared their experience on Reddit about a recent visit to Burger King in the fall of 2023, sharing how they are "Done with their ridiculous price increases and declining food quality. I just wanted a small double cheeseburger meal and was informed it was seven bucks with no drink." Adding a drink would only bring more shock, as another customer shared on Reddit, "I rarely go to BK but was around one and decided to get a drink. A medium soda cost $3.93 with tax. This is sick!"

RELATED: Red Lobster Raises Price Of Endless Shrimp Deal Because Too Many People Are Ordering It

Panda Express

Panda Express has strived over the years to offer healthy menu options by serving meals made with fresh ingredients. Those higher-quality food items come at a cost, however, and customers have noticed that their local Panda Express has only gotten more expensive in 2023.

One Redditor shared, "Our local Panda Express just raised their prices today. I saw their manager putting new price stickers after peeling the old ones. A bowl with no premium entrée is almost $10 now; it was $8.97 after tax." Another Redditor pointed out that, "Due to rising prices in food, most restaurants are having to raise prices. Panda has been able to hold it off for a while, but it eventually had to be done."

Those customers are on to something, as Daily Dot reported that a worker at Panda Express observed how their hourly rate was not enough to afford the cheapest menu items.

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The post 10 Fast-Food Chains That Got Way More Expensive In 2023 appeared first on Eat This Not That.

Ranging from brothy chicken noodles to cheesy broccoli-cheddar, Panera's seven nationally available soup options span the gamut from low-calorie to fully loaded. If you've ever wondered whether these menu choices are actually good for you, we've got the lowdown.

With registered dietitian input, we're ranking them in order from healthiest to unhealthiest. You might be surprised at where each of your favorites falls on the list!

The Healthiest Panera Soup: Turkey Chili

Panera's Turkey Chili isn't just a spicy, hit-the-spot meal on a chilly evening—it's also quite healthy. "At under 300 calories, this wholesome option packs an impressive amount of dietary fiber and protein, making it a delicious and health-conscious choice for mindful eaters," says Atlanta-based registered dietitian Jessie Hulsey, RD, LD. And since this soup has the lowest sodium of all Panera's soup choices, it's the one to pick if you're watching your salt intake.

RELATED: The 8 Healthiest Orders at Panera, According to a Dietitian

Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

"The Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup delivers a classic combination that's a perfect choice for a light yet satisfying meal," says Bonnie Newlin, MS, RD, CLT, The Lipedema RD. Though it's rather high in sodium, this soup offers plenty of fiber at 4 grams per cup, plus a decent bump of protein.

Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

At first glance, the Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is a fairly good choice for its extremely low calorie count and real vegetables like carrots and celery. But this one doesn't make the very top of our list because it contains no fiber and high sodium. Plus, it's too low in calories to be a filling meal.

RELATED: I Tried 6 Canned Chicken Noodle Soups & the Best Was Loaded with Meat & Veggies

Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup

This bright yellow, pumpkin seed-topped seasonal soup is a middle-of-the-pack choice at Panera. "For a vegetarian option, the Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup boasts protein and fiber, while satisfying your taste buds with its warm, autumnal flavors," says Newlin. Though it's higher in calories and saturated fat than some other soups, it has less sodium than several of Panera's soups.

Bistro French Onion

Panera's take on a French classic falls near the bottom of our list for one primary disadvantage: its sodium content (drat that sodium again!). "I do not recommend ordering the Bistro French Onion Soup. Soups in general tend to be high in sodium, but this one is higher compared to Panera's other soup offerings," says Lindsay Ducharme, RD, CSR, LDN, renal nutrition specialist at Vital Kidney Nutrition.

RELATED: I Tried 6 Salads At Panera Bread & The Best Was Crisp & Tangy

Creamy Tomato Soup

No one can argue that a steaming bowl of creamy tomato soup isn't the perfect accompaniment to grilled cheese (a sandwich Panera does particularly well). But when you order this iconic menu item, you won't be getting the greatest nutrition.

The Creamy Tomato Soup provides 8 grams of saturated fat—62% of the American Heart Association's daily recommendation. And since just 1 gram of fiber and 4 grams of protein are all this soup has to offer, it's not a very balanced choice.

RELATED: 10 Restaurant Chains That Serve the Best Breakfast Sandwiches

The Unhealthiest Panera Soup: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli is rarely a bad idea, since this veggie contains fiber, vitamins, and compounds that can lower your risk of cancer. But things head in a surprisingly poor nutritional direction with the Broccoli Cheddar Soup at Panera.

Besides its 11 grams of saturated fat, this soup is suffused with sodium. In a 1-cup serving, expect 46% of the daily recommended limit of 2,300 milligrams. "Diets high in sodium can lead to high blood pressure," says Michelle Rauch, MS, RDN. "Hypertension is a major risk factor associated with heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease."

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Looking back, the chain underwent plenty of changes this year, and some of them were more popular than others. Whether you stopped in for a healthier-than-usual lunch, a mid-day caffeinated beverage and a cookie, or just to indulge in one of Panera's famous bread bowls, here are the switches we saw this past year.

Streamlined operations

Although there weren't as many widespread cuts to the menu as fans feared (whew!), some Panera locations streamlined their menus to make things simpler for associates and to improve the overall guest experience. Thankfully, fan favorites are still available at most locations.

RELATED: McDonald's Is Making More Than 50 Changes To Its Burgers Next Year

Expanded Value Duets

When it comes to Panera, two items are better than one! The company added more offerings to its Value Duets, which are set pairings that are priced between $6.99 and $8.99 when ordered from the Value Duet menu. The Value Duet pairings combine a half-portion sandwich or salad along with a cup of soup. This year we saw the deli ham sandwich and homestyle chicken noodle soup as a stellar combo. Another top-notch pairing is the Napa almond chicken sandwich with chicken and wild rice soup. Fans appreciated the classic grilled cheese and creamy tomato soup combo.

Crunch Time

True fans of Panera know it's smart to use the app for ordering. This year the company introduced Crunch Time, which enables users to preset favorite meals and preprogram them to be ordered at a specific date and time. If you love ordering your favorites quickly and easily, then this update is a game-changer.

RELATED: What a Professional Chef Orders at Panera

Ham is back!

Fans had been lamenting the absence of ham from the menu, but all that changed with the introduction of a brand-new Black Forest ham and Gouda melt as part of its popular Toasted Baguette sandwich line. The chain also added a new deli ham sandwich. Ham FTW!

A new line of toasted sandwiches

This fall, Panera knew we wanted something hot and gave us a brand-new line of Stacked Toasted Baguette sandwiches loaded with meat, cheese, toppings, and sauces. The new lineup is made up of three sammies—a chicken and pepperoni mozzarella melt, a chicken green goddess caprese melt, and a chicken cordon bleu melt.

RELATED: I Tried 6 Salads At Panera Bread & the Best Was Crisp & Tangy

The Roman Empire Menu

Panera had fun with its Roman Empire Menu. Jumping on the TikTok trend fed by men admitting they think a lot about the Roman Empire, Panera introduced a menu of eight foods that customers can't stop thinking about, either. The iconic fan favorites included broccoli cheddar soup, as well as the Cinnamon Crunch bagel, toasted Frontega chicken sandwich, and two types of Caesar salad.

Expansion into more cities

Panera is a favorite in the 'burbs, but that doesn't mean city folk want to go without their soups and salads. The chain expanded into more cities with smaller storefronts with a test run in NYC. It also experimented with elevated urban design to go along with the leaner locations.

RELATED: 10 Unhealthiest Panera Menu Items, According to Dietitians

A spicy new salad

The southwest Caesar salad with chicken popped up on April 5 this year and brought some spice to fans of the most popular salad on the menu, the Caesar. Fans loved the addition of avocado, crumbled blue corn tortilla strips, chipotle aioli, and cilantro to the mix.

AI drive-thru tests

Joining several fast-food restaurants, Panera experimented with exciting technologies by trying out AI-powered drive-thrus and even Amazon's palm-scanning technology (in case you forget your wallet but still need that cookie!).

RELATED: Coca-Cola Just Launched A New Mystery Flavor Created By AI

Pushed out its biggest rival

Corner Bakery, once a formidable rival to Panera, saw a big drop in sales and declared bankruptcy this past year. While its competitors have underperformed, Panera continues to see success with its innovative menu items, great prices, and friendly service.

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Mike Haracz, a former McDonald's corporate chef and TikToker (@chefmikeharacz), recently embarked on a mission to find the closest match for the famous McDonald's menu item at the grocery store. In a viral video that has racked up more than 352,000 views, Haracz explained that he initially tried to find a dupe by comparing the ingredients and nutrition info for a variety of grocery store nuggets to McDonald's nuggets.

RELATED: 10 Major Changes McDonald's Made in 2023

That method turned out to be a little difficult because McDonald's lists all of its nugget ingredients together, while many grocery store versions will specify which ingredients are used in different parts of the nuggets (i.e. the breading versus the filling). So, rather than just relying on the ingredients to find the closest match, he suggested buying a frozen grocery store brand that uses the same tempura-style batter as McDonald's: Pilgrim's Chicken Breast Nuggets.

Kroger, Walmart, and H-E-B all list the nuggets on their websites, so customers should be able to score a package at those retailers. Availability could vary, so customers should check directly with their local stores to confirm that they're in stock before heading over.

Haracz warned customers against cooking the store-bought nuggets in the microwave, and instead air fry them or deep fry them for the best results. He also noted that these frozen nuggets are sold raw, so customers will have to make sure they cook them completely through when preparing them at home.

RELATED: McDonald's Just Revealed the Fate of Its Popular Snack Wraps

In the comments section on his video, McDonald's were ecstatic to finally know how to find a Chicken McNugget dupe at grocery stores.

"We finally have McDonald's at home," one TikToker commented.

"Game changer," another said.

Throughout 2023, Haracz has given McDonald's fans plenty of insider knowledge and ordering tips for the fast-food chain on TikTok. Earlier this week, he provided viewers with detailed instructions on how to make a McDonald's McMuffin sandwich that's "much better" than the original at home. Haracz has also been working to find grocery store dupes for a range of other McDonald's menu items, including the popular breakfast sausage, French fries, Big Mac sauce, and hash browns.

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The post Ex-McDonald's Chef Claims You Can Buy the Chicken McNuggets at the Grocery Store appeared first on Eat This Not That.