10 Of The Best New Fast Food Items Of September 2026

Though 2026 is winding down, the year continues to provide new and exciting releases for fast food fans. This past September has ushered in fun fall-themed items from America's favorite chains, as well as other tempting goodies that have customers talking. We looked at plenty of consumer feedback and reviews (including Tasting Table's own) and picked the top ten highest-rated fast food items of the month that you won't want to miss.

There are two leading themes for September's fast food drops: Spicy-hot flavors and autumnal sweets, such as new fall coffee chain drinks to try. Though we of course had to include an item from Starbucks, the reigning monarch of fall beverages and pastries, it's no longer the only major player on the field. Chains like 7 Brew, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Krispy Kreme are churning out delicious releases that will get you in the mood to curl up in a sweater and watch the leaves fall.

If you prefer invigorating heat to a cozy warmth, this month has also lengthened the list of the best fast food items for spice fans, including fiery fries, sandwiches, and burritos. Hot flavors (including "swicy" foods) have been a huge trend throughout 2026, and restaurants clearly want to keep riding the wave until it passes. Fall will be over before we know it, so don't miss your chance to try the hottest items of the moment before they disappear.

Krispy Kreme's new Apple Cider Original Glazed donut simply adds apple cider and cinnamon to the chain's most iconic treat — two small changes that made a huge impact. When we tried Krispy Kreme's apple cider donut, we fell in love with the fruity, spiced flavor, and other customers also raved about the soft, moist crumb with crisp apple notes that scream fall. While this treat has unfortunately left menus as of this writing, Krispy Kreme's cinnamon apple filled donut will satisfy apple fans until the cider donut returns.

Out of all of 2026's new twists on Taco Bell's Nacho Fries, the Diablo Ranch Steak version may be the best for heat-seekers. These crispy fries are topped with grilled steak, nacho cheese, mozzarella, pepper jack, cheddar, pico de gallo, and a Hidden Valley Diablo Ranch Sauce. Our review of the Diablo Ranch Nacho Fries raved about the spicy, creamy, sweet-tangy sauce, and other fans agree that the cheesy, spicy toppings combine with the meaty steak for a delectable party of flavors.

We think Panera's new soup and sweets are a mix of hits and misses, but the PB&J Cookie is a definite hit. This rich, nutty, and moist peanut butter cookie is stuffed with an ample serving of fruity grape jelly, creating a balanced sweet treat that's a new favorite Panera item for many customers. PB&J fans report that this cookie does the classic combo justice — it's like a nostalgic, back-to-school snack in dessert form.

Hardee's Bacon Beast line debuted in 2022, and it's now back with a bacon-loaded breakfast biscuit, burger, chicken sandwich, and burrito. The massive Bacon Beast burger has gotten an upgrade with a 4-ounce patty (originally 3.5 ounces) and a new brioche bun, combined with four slices of cherrywood-smoked bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, ketchup, and mayo. Reviewers report that it's a downright delicious meat lover's dream, chock-full of smoky flavor that definitely won't disappoint bacon fanatics.

A standout among fast food apple items from this fall, Nothing Bundt Cakes' new Apple Pie Cake starred a spiced cake with cinnamon apples, a deliciously crunchy brown sugar streusel, and icing. One fan on Facebook rated this treat at "1000/10," calling it, "my new fave," while other reviewers found it so good, they were stunned into silence upon the first bite. While this cake ended its limited-time run on September 27, it just might return next fall thanks to its glowing reception.

On September 19, Del Taco released a Flamin' Hot Queso line inspired by Flamin' Hot Cheetos. Out of all the offerings, the Flamin' Hot Queso Beef Roller emerged as a surprising standout. With seasoned beef, Flamin' Hot Queso, and cheddar cheese stuffed into a warm flour tortilla, customers have called it a fantastic 10-out-of-10 experience. At an average price of $2.49, fans also find it to be the best value in the new line. Try this package of hot, cheesy goodness before it vanishes.

We tried all of 7 Brew's fall drinks when they dropped at the start of September, and the best all-new beverage proved to be the Apple Butter Chai Latte. A combination of chai, green apple, and white chocolate flavors, whipped cream, and an apple butter drizzle, this sipper displays a cozy blend of spicy, fruity, apple-pie notes. The creamy texture seals the deal and makes this a must-try for apple and chai fans, according to 7 Brew customers.

Hot honey has been, well, hot for a while now, but Subway isn't finished with the trendy condiment. The chain released Hot Honey Italian and Hot Honey Turkey Italian subs on September 9, and the turkey version is turning out to be the fan favorite. It packs spicy pepperoni, salami, turkey, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, jalapeños and hot honey onto Jalapeño Cheddar bread. Customers find the sweet, spicy, savory flavors to be top notch, making for a sub you'll want to order again and again.

The return of McDonald's Spicy McNuggets on September 1 caused pandemonium among Golden Arches fans on social media, and the fan favorite now comes with Mighty Hot Sauce. People report that the nuggets are just as good as they always were, with a tingly, flavorful, and super crispy coating around moist chicken, while the Mighty sauce is much like a vinegar-based hot sauce with a kick that's stronger than you'd expect from fast food. Make sure to try them while they're still on the menu.

Starbucks' most popular fall beverages are bathing in the spotlight, but its new, app-exclusive "Peanuts" collaboration drinks are not to be missed, either. The Charlie Brown Mocha Frappuccino and Snoopy Cookie Frappuccino launched on September 15, and while both are tasty, Charlie Brown seems to be everyone's favorite (for once). A pumpkin spice and mocha Frappuccino with pumpkin spice cold foam and a mocha drizzle, it's rich and chocolatey and reminds fans of chocolate chip pumpkin baked goods. Don't miss out on this limited-time treat that's available now.