Star Wars Blue Milk by Dairy Farmers of America TruMoo will be hitting store shelves beginning on April 17, according to a news release. Details on which stores will carry the product weren’t disclosed.

Trumoo’s version of Blue Milk has been described as vanilla-flavored milk with blue food coloring, a different take on the Blue Milk sold at Milk Stands within Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Walt Disney World in Florida.

Disney’s version of the product is described as a “plant-based blend of Coconut and Rice Milk with alluring fruity characteristics,” according to the Disney dining website.

Blue Milk’s debut in stores comes as Lucasfilm celebrates “Imperial March,” a month-long Star Wars celebration.

Fans can expect to see new merchandise like an Imperial Stormtrooper watch by Citizen, new Star Wars figurines by Hasbro and apparel. The new products will be available at various retailers, like Target and Walmart, along with Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Star Wars fans can also enjoy the Season of the Force celebration at Disneyland beginning April 5.

The event, which runs until June 2, will include the return of Hyperspace Mountain, themed foods, merchandise and the debut of a new “fresh perspective” on Disneyland’s fireworks show from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on select nights.

The Orange Dreamsicle Frosty, available at participating Wendy’s restaurants nationwide beginning Tuesday, is the company's take on the classic childhood popsicle.

“The eye-catching orange color of this delectable treat was inspired by the spring season, and it tastes just as good as it looks. Orange Dreamsicle Frosty is Wendy's unique spin on a beloved and familiar flavor, with cool, creamy orange notes mixed with our smooth and perfectly sweet Vanilla Frosty,” a news release said.

The company announced that the seasonal treat will join the Chocolate Frosty on menus nationwide, replacing the Vanilla Frosty.

Wendy’s has previously released other seasonal flavors corresponding to the seasons. For example, the Strawberry Frosty corresponds with the summer season, the Pumpkin Spice Frosty is for the fall, and the Peppermint Frosty is for the winter.

The Mango Habanero Crispy Chicken Sandwich is the newest fried chicken entree from the national burger chain. It was released nationwide last week.

The fast food company says the chicken sandwich features a crispy breaded chicken breast hand-tossed in a "delicious sweet and spicy tropical-inspired sauce."

The sandwich pairs the cooling and decadent taste of mango with the burning heat of habanero, the company says, and is topped with lettuce and mayonnaise and served in a sweet roll.

"At Smashburger, we pride ourselves on keeping a consistent pulse on our guests' ever-evolving taste preferences," said Eric Marcoux, Smashburger's chief restaurant support officer. "We're so excited to merge these two distinct flavor profiles to create a swicy new [limited time offer] – bringing the tropical flavors of sweet heat to our guests nationwide."

Each sandwich is freshly made and ready to order, Smashburger says, and is available for pickup, dine-in or delivery through its website and app or through a third-party meal delivery service.

The Mango Habanero Crispy Chicken Sandwich is available at the more than 200 Smashburger restaurants operating in 34 states. It will bid bon voyage to menus on April 23.

Ingredients:

• 1 large thin chicken breast
• Garlic powder
• Oregano
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• ½ onion cut in half
• 2-3 garlic cloves
• 8  tablespoons of butter
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon basil chopped
• Spaghetti

Instructions:

• Place chicken breast in a Ziploc bag and pound it out with a rolling pin to make it extra thin.
• Season chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano.
• Add crushed tomatoes, onion, 6 tablespoons of butter, garlic cloves, pinch of salt, and pepper to saucepan and let sauce gently cook for 30-45 minutes.
• Add oil to a pan and cook chicken until browned on each side and cooked through. Remove the chicken and let it rest. Add the chicken juice from the pan to the tomato sauce.
• Cook spaghetti in a big pot of salted water according to the instructions on the box.
• In same pan that you cooked your chicken, add 1 tbsp butter and panko bread crumbs.  Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.  Cook until the bread crumbs are toasted.
• Take out the onions and garlic from tomato sauce.
• Add spaghetti directly into sauce and one more tablespoon of butter.   Remove from heat.
• Cut chicken into thin slices.
• Add chopped basil to breadcrumbs.
• Plate spaghetti in a bowl with sliced chicken on top. Sprinkle bread crumbs and parmesan cheese on top of the chicken.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1-2 cups of Oats
• Maple Syrup
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• Cinnamon
• 2 heaping tablespoons of Tahini
• 1/8 cup of melted coconut butter
• Handful of chopped pecans
• Handful of  pitted dates chopped up
• Handful of  apricots chopped up
• Handful Sliced almonds
• Handful Pumpkin Seeds
• Handful Shredded Coconut
• Sesame Seeds

Instructions:

Add oats to a parchment-lined cookie sheet to create a flat layer.

       2. Drizzle all over with maple syrup. vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt and tahini.

       3. Mix together with melted coconut butter.

       4. Bake in oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.

       5. Add pecans, dates, dried apricots, sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and shredded coconut.

 Mix together and bake in oven at 350 degrees for 10-15 more minutes.

       7. Let the granola cool to get crispy.

       8. Serve in a glass with granola, Greek yogurt, and berries, and drizzle with maple syrup.

       9.  Enjoy!

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, many restaurants will have limited-time deals guests won’t need luck to uncover.

Here are the restaurants Californians can visit to receive limited-time deals in honor of the holiday.

Krispy Kreme: Customers wearing green can receive a free green O’riginal Glazed doughnut at participating locations. The doughnut chain is also offering a St. Patrick’s Day Doughnut Collection that includes four doughnuts: Luck of the Rainbow, Shamrock Cookie N’ Kreme, Plaid Party, and Shooting Shamrock.

Applebee's: The restaurant chain will offer $5 Tipsy Leprechaun and the $7 Pot O’ Gold Daq-A-Rita at participating locations.

Jack in the Box: Customers can receive a free Oreo Cookie Mint Shake on St. Patrick’s Day. The company will also be “creating a technological miracle” when a real rainbow appears over its Tustin location at 14002 Newport Ave.

Dairy Queen: Customers can purchase the new Mint Brownie Blizzard Treat and Under The Rainbow Shake at their nearest DQ location.

Insomnia Cookies: Guests who visit a location wearing green can receive a free cookie on Sunday.

Bar Louie: On St. Patrick’s Day, guests can enjoy $3 green beers, $4 Jameson Sidecars, and $5 Guinness Draughts.

“Taco Bell, the brand synonymous with late night, is tackling misconceptions that cheesy, crunchy, spicy cravings can only be satisfied late-night,” a news release said.

The Cantina Chicken Menu was initially announced during the company’s 2024 “Live Mas Live” event in February. The new menu will include new entrees featuring “slow-roasted chicken with a savory seasoning of Mexican spices including garlic, onions and a variety of chilies,” a news release said.

These are the new menu items:

• Cantina Chicken Burrito
• Cantina Chicken Taco (which comes in a soft or crispy shell)
• Cantina Chicken Quesadilla
•  Cantina Chicken Bowl

The Cantina Chicken items are a departure from the traditional food guests expect from Taco Bell. The new items include premium ingredients like “shredded purple cabbage, white corn tortilla shells that are freshly fried daily, Pico de Gallo that’s prepared daily, and an all-new Avocado Verde Salsa.

“This Cantina Chicken menu has been a labor of love and we've worked tirelessly to ensure we landed on the best slow-roasted chicken recipe and selected the finest supporting ingredients to maximize craveability," Liz Matthews, global chief food innovation officer at Taco Bell, said in a statement.

“As we constantly listen to our audiences, we know that a winning equation is giving them what we know they want plus something next level. We knew our fans wanted more chicken, and we also knew that we could elevate chicken with unexpected ingredients like purple cabbage and Avocado Verde Salsa.”

Taco Bell rewards members gained early access to the menu on Thursday, and the general public will be able to try it beginning on March 21.

Here are the restaurants Californians can visit to receive limited-time deals in honor of the foodie holiday.

• 7-Eleven and Speedway: The popular convenience stores will offer their loyal members a large pizza with any flavor for $3.14. The deal can be redeemed at 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes stores nationwide.

In addition to the pizza deal, 7NOW users will have access to $14 off $30 and free delivery deal with the promo code PIDAYDEAL. The deal can only be used on purchases of $15 or more.

• BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: The restaurant chain will be offering one-topping mini pizzas for $3.14. The deal is only available to dine-in customers.

• Blaze Pizza: Customers can receive any 11-inch pizza for $3.14 on National Pi Day. The in-store offer can be redeemed once per person and is only available for original dough pizzas. Customers will have to pay an upcharge for specialty crusts like gluten-free or cauliflower. It’s important to note that Blaze locations at Crypto.com Arena, UCLA and Harbor Blouvard in Anaheim won’t participate in the deal.

• California Pizza Kitchen: Rewards members can get an Original BBQ Chicken, Pepperoni, or Traditional Cheese pizza for $3.14 with a minimum $25 purchase. The offer is only available to dine-in customers.

• Digiorno: Beginning on Pi Day, consumers who receive a damaged pizza via delivery or carry-out can turn that mishap into a Digiorno pizza coupon.

“Those who experience pizza delivery or carry-out fails can upload an image of their damaged ‘za to DIGIORNOPizzaRescue.com and receive a Digiorno pizza coupon. The coupon amount will be based on the extent of the damage,” a news release said.

• Pieology: Rewards members can get two free perks on National Pi Day when they order a Create Your Own Pizza or Calzone. Rewards include drinks, side salads and cookies.

• Pizza Hut: Customers can receive a free large one-topping pizza when they purchase a large pizza until Thursday. More information about the deal can be found on their website.

• Burger King: Royal Perks members can enjoy a free Hershey’s Sundae Pie with the purchase of $3.14 or more on Thursday, according to Food and Wine.

Hormel has designed new corn tortilla chips with a perforated line that splits the chip in half.

Why? So the eater can dip one half of the chip into the spread of their choice, eat it, and then go back in for a second dip without the risk of spreading their mouth germs into a communal bowl.

It's a practice called double-dipping, and as George Costanza was famously scolded for in an episode of "Seinfeld," it's on par with "putting your whole mouth in the dip!"

Now, more than 30 years after Costanza made a fool of himself at his girlfriend's aunt's funeral, a product exists specifically to avoid that now-famous faux pas.

The makers of Hormel Chili teamed up with a Minnesota-based specialty foods producer to create Double Dippable Chips. They break cleanly in halves that the company says are "perfect for indulgent dips."

Unfortunately, the chips aren't available for wide public consumption at this time — sorry, George.

Hormel says a limited number of the chip bags will be given out as part of a "Chili Double Dip Kit," complete with a can of Hormel chili. Double-dippers will need to enter for a chance to win the kits online.

The giveaway officially begins March 18, and Hormel said the kits will ship to winners prior to the tipoff of the NCAA March Madness Tournament.

"When it comes to the food on the party table, dips are a star attraction," said Jason Hron, brand manager for Hormel Chili. "Given the idea of double-dipping remains polarizing, we thought it would be fun to create something that could satisfy both sides and keep them both dipping into some delicious Hormel Chili Cheese Dip."

Those hoping to be among the first (and possibly only) Americans to get their hands on the Double Dippable Chips will need to sign up at ChiliDoubleDip.com.

While you're there, you can also chime in on whether or not you think double-dipping is an acceptable party practice. Dip to your heart's content or take one dip and end it?

Beginning on March 14, also known as Pi Day, consumers who receive a damaged pizza via delivery or carry-out can turn that mishap into a Digiorno pizza coupon.

“Those who experience pizza delivery or carry-out fails can upload an image of their damaged 'za to DIGIORNOPizzaRescue.com and receive a Digiorno pizza coupon. The coupon amount will be based on the extent of the damage,” a news release said.

The company will use “AI-enabled pizza technology” to determine how damaged the pizza is and how much the coupon will be worth.

A pizza that is:

• Zero-30% damaged equals a $1 off coupon
• 31% - 60% damaged equals a $1.50 off coupon
• 60% - 100% damaged equals a $2 off coupon

The limited-time promotion will be available until April 11.

“Many of us have experienced the frustration of getting a pizza delivered or picking one up for carry-out and transporting it home to only open it up to find it damaged. We want to relieve that disappointment by offering discounts to consumers in hopes we can make their pizza nights less stressful and more delicious,” Kimberly Holowiak, senior brand manager for Digiorno, said in a statement.

Consumers can use the coupons at their local grocery or convenience stores.

Fans visiting the restaurant will be immersed in a world of anime, entertainment and dining.

The restaurant will include “a series of 360 and tabletop light projections showing characters from the new world, and scenes inspired by the WcDonald’s anime series, all while enjoying a set meal of WcDonald’s menu items,” a news release said.

“This first-of-its-kind experience is a part of McDonald’s new global campaign that brings to life the fan inspired, anime world of WcDonald’s with a new sauce, anime series and original packaging – all made in collaboration with some of the biggest names in anime.”

In celebration of its new WcDonald’s venture, McDonald’s collaborated with Studio Pierrot to create the first official WcDonald’s anime series, titled “Welcome to WcDonald’s.”

Every Monday, from Feb. 26 to March 18, a new short episode will be released, along with new manga on WcDonalds.com or by scanning the code on the WcDonald’s bag. The shorts will celebrate four of anime’s biggest subgenres — action, romance, mecha (a large armored robot) and fantasy. They include:

• “The Race to WcDonald’s” (Feb. 26)
• “Love from Across the Booth” (March 4)
• “WcNuggets Space Frontier 3000” (March 11)
• “The Wisdom of the Sauce” (March 18)

More information about the limited-time experience can be found here.

Cheezy Ranch, a collaboration between Hidden Valley and Cheez-It, was announced Wednesday just in time for National Ranch Day on March 10.

Cheezy Ranch is made with 100% real cheese and the "zesty" flavor of ranch and delivers a “rich and savory flavor experience,” a news release said.

“Hidden Valley Ranch and Cheez-It fans share the same obsession with our delicious food, so bringing them together made perfect sense,” Cara Tragseiler, senior brand director for Cheez-It, said in a news release.

“For the first time ever, our fans can drizzle the cheezy deliciousness they know and love on just about anything! That's why we're so excited to partner with Hidden Valley Ranch to bring this craveable, cheezy combo to all kinds of snacks."

The new condiment will be available at Walmart and Kroger grocery stores nationwide for $5.99. The product will hit Walmart shelves in late March and Kroger stores in April.

In addition to Cheezy Ranch, Hidden Valley Ranch also announced that six new flavors will be available to consumers this spring. A spicy trio bundle will be available exclusively at Walmart.

These are the new flavors:

• Garlic Ranch – the ultimate condiment for pizza dipping
• Nashville Hot – the spicy sauce that's been missing on fried chicken sandwiches
• Creamy Jalapeno – perfect for drizzling or dipping nachos and tacos
• Spicy Hot Honey – a sweet and spicy sidekick for pizza and fried chicken
• Green Goddess – creamy, herb-y deliciousness for salads or grain bowls
• Parmesan Ranch – a tangy twist for a classic Caesar salad

The exact dates on when the new products will be available in stores weren’t announced.

For more information on Devlukia and the cookbook, visit www.joyfullbook.com. You can also follow Devlukia on Instagram.

This segment aired on the KTLA 5 News at Noon on March 5, 2024.

Tim Carman, the paper’s food reporter, tried 10 fish sandwiches from six national fast-food chains to determine which restaurants had the best sandwich.

One well-known fast-food fish sandwich, the Filet-O-Fish from McDonald’s, didn’t make the cut because Carman said the one he sampled was “greasy, bready and, oddly, chewy.”

These are the top 5 best fast-food chains to get a fish sandwich, according to the Washington Post.

1. Popeyes’ Classic Flounder Fish Sandwich
2. Burger King’s Fiery Big Fish
3. Wendy’s Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich
4. Bojangles’ Bojangler Fish Sandwich
5. Arby’s Crispy Fish Sandwich

Fish sandwiches have been seasonal or year-round staples at many fast-food chains as a way to appeal to Catholics who don’t eat meat on Fridays, some even outside of Lent.

Girl Scout Thin Mints pancakes are now available nationwide until March 31 as part of the company’s Pancake of the Month program.

“IHOP is the leader in breakfast, and this program demonstrates our continued efforts and commitment to innovation by providing guests with new ways to try classic favorites and menu trends,” Chef Arthur Carl II, vice president of culinary at IHOP, said in a news release announcing the Pancake of the Month program.

The Thin Mint pancakes include four green buttermilk pancakes topped with creamy cheesecake mousse, Girl Scout Thin Mints pieces and whipped cream. Customers can order the new menu item as a full stack, side, or as part of a pancake combo.

The company plans to debut a new pancake flavor each month.

During February, IHOP’s Pancake of the Month program kicked off with Chocolate Strawberry Pancakes in honor of Valentine’s Day.

“The only thing surging at Burger King is the flame,” the company posted on X, formerly Twitter. “We don’t believe in charging people more when they are hungry.”

Burger King customers can receive a free Whopper or Impossible Whopper with a $3 purchase until March 1 at participating U.S. locations. The offer is only available on the BK app or website.

The new deal comes after Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner announced that the company will invest about $20 million into digital menus at all U.S. company-operated restaurants and begin testing dynamic pricing by 2025.

Dynamic pricing is described as “product pricing based on various external factors, including current market demand, the season, supply changes and price bounding,” according to Business.com.

Companies like Target, Walmart, Amazon and Uber have implemented similar practices.

However, after consumers expressed their disapproval of the plans on social media, Wendy’s is now clarifying the company’s future plans.

“Wendy’s will not implement surge pricing, which is the practice of raising prices when demand is highest. We didn’t use that phrase, nor do we plan to implement that practice,” the company said in a statement to The Associated Press on Wednesday.

The company said that any features it decides to test in the future “would be designed to benefit our customers and restaurant crew members.”

Taco Bell has chosen one city in Orange County as the testing grounds for three new items.

In partnership with Tajín, the Mexican spice blend, Taco Bell will test the Tajin Crunchy Taco, Tajín Twists and the Tajín Strawberry Freeze at its Irvine location for a limited time until March 6 or while supplies last, the fast food chain said on X, formerly Twitter.

Here’s what customers should know about the new menu items:

• Tajín Crunchy Taco: A crunchy corn shell seasoned with Tajín, featuring seasoned beef, flavorful ranch sauce, crisp lettuce, real shredded cheddar cheese, and a mango salsa,
• Tajín Twists: Crispy puffed corn twists sprinkled with a bold Tajín seasoning.
• Tajín Strawberry Freeze: A Wild Strawberry Freeze with real mango pieces, Tajín fruity chamoy sauce, and a Tajín packed on the side for a customizable sprinkling.

The Tajín Crunchy Taco will be available for $2.89, the twists for $1.29 and the strawberry freeze for $3.59.

Customers can also purchase the Tajín Combo, which includes all three new menu items, for $6.99.

“We’re thrilled to embark on this culinary journey with Tajín, a brand whose unique seasoning
blends are revered for their versatility in the kitchen,” Liz Matthews, global chief food
innovations officer at Taco Bell, said in a statement.

“This collaboration is a celebration of bold flavors and innovative pairings that showcase how Tajín’s iconic chili lime seasoning perfectly complements classic Taco Bell menu items. Together we’re bringing new flavors to the taco experience and delivering an unforgettable taste adventure.”

Customers interested in trying the exclusive new menu items can visit the Taco Bell restaurant in Irvine, located at 2222 Barranca Parkway while supplies last.

During a February earnings call, Kirk Tanner, Wendy’s CEO and President, announced that the company will invest about $20 million into digital menus at all U.S. company-operated restaurants and begin testing dynamic pricing by 2025.

Dynamic pricing is described as “product pricing based on various external factors, including current market demand, the season, supply changes and price bounding,” according to Business.com.

“With dynamic pricing, product prices continuously adjust – sometimes in minutes – in response to real-time supply and demand.”

Simply put, prices for menu items like burgers, sides and drinks will often fluctuate with the new product pricing structure.

Companies like Target, Walmart, Amazon, and Uber have implemented similar practices.

“Wendy’s foray into dynamic pricing is a bold experiment that could help the chain be more efficient and ultimately profitable if it works, " Caleb Silver, editor-in-chief of Investopedia, told Food & Wine.

“But it does run the risk of angering and losing customers since they actually have many choices, unlike the rideshare industry.”

Tanner also stated that other features like “daypart offerings, AI-enabled menu changes and suggestive selling” will also be tested beginning next year. Another $10 million investment will also be allocated for digital menu enhancements.

Wendy’s new pricing structure comes after companies like Chipotle and Fatburger indicated that menu price hikes could be on the horizon, especially for California locations.

Beginning in April, fast-food employees in the Golden State could make $20 per hour thanks to a new minimum wage law.

Marcus Walberg, whose family operates four Fatburger restaurants in Los Angeles, told Business Insider that he sees no option but to raise prices and make other changes to adapt.

In November, Chipotle announced it would raise prices by a “mid-to-high single-digit” percentage in California.

As for Wendy’s, Tanner didn’t disclose an exact date for when the new dynamic pricing tests would begin.

The fast-food chain announced Monday that customers can get a free Cinnabon Pull-Apart, a new menu item, during breakfast hours at their local Wendy’s restaurant. No prior purchase is needed to redeem the freebie.

The deal comes as the chain celebrates four years of serving breakfast.

“As we celebrate our four-year breakfast anniversary with this new product, we're offering sweet deals starting on Leap Day - a day that only comes around every four years,” Lindsay Radkoski, U.S. chief marketing officer for The Wendy's Company, said in a statement.

Wendy’s isn't the only restaurant offering limited-time deals in honor of Leap Day.

Krispy Kreme announced Monday that customers can get a dozen original glazed doughnuts for $2.29 with the purchase of any regularly priced dozen.

Additionally, customers with a birthday on Feb. 29, can receive a free dozen original glazed doughnuts, no purchase necessary.

 However, customers will have to show proof that Feb. 29 is their actual birthday,