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On the menu: Brands show their sweet side

This week's new items on the menu are on the sweet side.

February 6, 2015

QSR brands showed off their sweet side this week, with some menu roll-outs timed to capitalize on Valentine's Day. Here's a round-up:

Dunkin' Donuts unveiled a menu initiative for 2015, its new beverage platform following the installation of new blenders in stores around the country.

The new blended beverages line will feature fruit and yogurt smoothies, Coolatta, Lites and Frozen Dunkaccino. The items are scheduled for introduction at select Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in the Northeast beginning this month, with a nationwide rollout scheduled throughout the year.  

The beverages include:

• Fruit Smoothies: Dunkin' Donuts will offer two varieties of freshly prepared Fruit Smoothies, Strawberry Banana and Tropical Mango. At 260 calories or less for a 16 oz. serving, both Smoothies are made with real fruit and creamy low-fat yogurt.
• Coolatta Lite: A lighter version of Dunkin' Donuts' popular frozen Coolatta beverages, the new Coolatta Lite varieties will give guests the opportunity to enjoy lower calorie versions, ranging from 33-80 percent fewer calories for a Frozen Coffee Coolatta, Frozen Caramel Coffee Coolatta, Frozen French Vanilla Coffee Coolatta, Frozen Hazelnut Coffee Coolatta, Minute Maid Orange Coolatta, Strawberry Coolatta and Vanilla Bean Coolatta.
• Frozen Dunkaccino: A frozen version of Dunkin' Donuts' popular hot Dunkaccino, the new Frozen Dunkaccino is an indulgent beverage with a unique blend of mocha and coffee flavors.

Bojangles’brought back its Heart-Shaped Bo-Berry Biscuits available for $0.99 for two in celebration of Valentine’s Day. The offer is available beginning Sunday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 15 at participating locations throughout the Southeast.

The biscuits are baked with Bo-berries inside and topped with sweet icing.

Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop unveiled its new Salted Caramel beverage and baked goods collection.

The collection includes:

• Salted Caramel Latte Supreme –Signature Latte with whipped topping, a caramel flavor shot, caramel drizzle and a salted caramel topping
• Salted Caramel Iced Capp Supreme –Iced Capp enhanced with a caramel flavor shot, whipped topping and a salted caramel topping
• Salted Caramel Timbit – Salted caramel-flavor Glazed Timbit
• Salted Caramel Donut – Yeast donut topped with chocolate fondant and salted caramel crunch
• Salted Caramel Warm Sticky Bun – Ultimate Cinnamon Bun filled with deluxe caramel filling and topped with salted caramel crunch

Baskin-Robbins announced a Valentine's Day lineup of sweet frozen treats to celebrate the holiday, including its February Flavor of the Month, Love Potion #31.

This year marks the 20th birthday of the flavor, which features white chocolate-flavored and raspberry ice creams, a raspberry ribbon, chocolate chips and raspberry-filled chocolate-flavored hearts. Guests will receive a free red waffle cone with the purchase of any double scoop of ice cream at participating Baskin-Robbins shops nationwide, the company said.

Baskin Robbins is also bringing back its Conversation Heart Cakes featuring sprinkles and choice of one of three messages, including: "Love You," "Be Mine or "Kiss Me." Guests can customize cakes with their choice of ice cream and cake flavor as well as a personalized message.

El Pollo Loco, a Costa Mesa, California-based fire-grilled chicken chain, announced the addition of Baja Shrimp to its seasonal menu to be available through spring.

The company will also feature four new signature LTO Baja Shrimp items as an introduction to the new Baja Shrimp menu.

The items include:

• Shrimp Mango Tacos: Avocado, mango salsa, cabbage, creamy cilantro dressing, soft artisan tortillas
• Shrimp Verde Enchiladas: Corn, rice, jack cheese, pico, cilantro, soft artisan tortillas, verde cream sauce
• Shrimp & Chicken Avocado Bowl: Avocado, rice, pinto beans, cabbage, pico, cilantro
• Avocado Shrimp Salad: Avocado, lettuce, mango salsa, cotija, tortilla strips

Creamistry unveiled its Valentine’s Day promotion, which includes a new flavor and gifts for the holiday.

Through Feb. 14, customers can chose between White Chocolate ice cream, or purchase a Creamistry Valentine’s Gram and pre-order a specially packaged box of chocolate covered strawberries.

Gifts are available in limited quantities and feature:

• White Chocolate Truffle:
  • Ice Cream with raspberry drizzle and chocolate chips
  • Available in small, medium or family size
• Creamistry Valentine’s Grams:
  • For $5, pick from four different designed grams with space to write a special note
  • Attached to the front of the gram is a Valentine’s themed gift card good for a small ice cream and one topping
• Chocolate Covered Strawberries:
  • Specially packaged box of four large strawberries
  • Two milk chocolate dipped with white chocolate drizzle
  • Two white chocolate dipped with milk chocolate drizzle
• Available now for pre-order with pickup dates Feb. 13-14