Shamrock Shakes And Super Bowl Snacks: The Week In Food News

The year 2024 is already barreling toward Super Bowl LVIII, but recipes for buffalo wings and cheesy dips are somehow not even the biggest food news stories this week. Starbucks is thinking about catering to coffee drinkers all night long, and Boston Market has been ordered to pay millions of dollars in a high-profile lawsuit. Read on for more of the top stories from February 4-9, 2024.

Taylor Swift is a multi-lane cultural phenomenon with the power to impact everything from NFL jersey sales to flight schedules. And while stimulating the global economy one city at a time seems like a lot of weight to have on one's sequined shoulders, the megastar seems to know how to "Shake it Off": with a refreshing, citrus-forward cocktail known as the French Blonde. — Andrea McHugh Read More

This year's Super Bowl is for everyone: Chiefs fans, 49ers fans, Taylor Swift fans. And that kind of all-inclusive crowd means you'd better have a well-stocked snack spread. Super Bowl Sunday is about more than just football; it provides precious hours in which to snack on cheesy, salty, saucy, crispy bites—and The Takeout has an abundance of recipes that can be thrown together in advance of kickoff. Read on for a list of our best snacks, appetizers, and desserts to serve at your Super Bowl LVIII party. — The Takeout Read More

If there's any part of the home people love to spend time in, it's their kitchen—so it makes sense that seemingly everyone is keeping track of trends in kitchen design and adding certain features to their wish list, no matter their budget. Axios reports that the National Kitchen and Bath Association has released its report on the emerging trends in 2024, and one kitchen design element tops the list: the beverage station. — Dennis Lee Read More

Since it first became America's morning ritual decades ago, Starbucks has broadened its reach into categories beyond coffee, from Refreshers to potato chips to fancy casserole bites. Now, as company leadership announced in its most recent earnings call, Starbucks will try to reach customers later into the evening, too, thanks to a pilot program with Gopuff. — Angela L. Pagán Read More

Boston Market has been in crisis for multiple years running, and last week, one of its biggest legal challenges finally came to a head. A judge has ordered the rotisserie chicken chain to pay US Foods $11.9 million after the distributor filed a lawsuit against Boston Market last July over unpaid bills. — Angela L. Pagán Read More

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are projected to spend more on Valentine's Day candy in 2024 than Valentine's cards, bouquets, dinner, or jewelry. And that makes perfect sense, since single people can enjoy seasonal chocolates and conversation hearts just as much as coupled-up folks. Which treats are we buying the most this year? CandyStore.com has just released its annual map of America's favorite Valentine's Day candies by state, and it seems as though old (spending) habits die hard. — Marnie Shure Read More

In a sure sign spring is on its way (we refuse to rely on Punxsutawney Phil), McDonald's has announced a surprise drop of some seasonal treats extra early this year. Starting today, February 5, the Shamrock Shake and the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry have returned to the McDonald's menu to satiate your cravings for mildly minty and artificially green frozen dairy desserts. — Dennis Lee Read More

Hot sauce is already versatile, but unlike most hot sauces, sriracha adds some enticing garlicky flavor instead of just pure heat, and its thicker consistency makes it ideal for dipping. While there are numerous brands available, the undisputed king is Huy Fong. The rooster bottle is to sriracha what Heinz is to ketchup. So why has it been so elusive in recent years? — Luke Gralia Read More

For people who love Polish doughnuts, pączki (pronounced poonch-key) season starts earlier and earlier each year. Though traditionally a treat for Fat Tuesday, bakeries across the Detroit area and places with Eastern European populations begin selling pączki weeks in advance, while others are taking orders to be picked up on the day before Ash Wednesday. And this year's pączki are fancier than ever. — Micheline Maynard Read More

French cuisine still rules the world. Its influence on just about every aspect of modern dining is indelible, but one thing French culture could stand to improve upon is its potato chips. — Danny Palumbo Read More

So-called functional food and beverage products are all the rage these days, and the category has seen one area of major growth: THC-infused consumer packaged goods. Yep, we're talking about food that'll get you stoned. Marijuana is currently legal for recreational use in 24 states, including a couple of the most populous ones. Combine that weed availability with the upcoming Super Bowl, and you can then understand the timing behind one company's new THC-infused Buffalo wing sauce. — Dennis Lee Read More

The month of February is a time for candied love and food to fuel your team during the big game. The holiday season has passed, but there is no shortage of sweets this month. Here's what's headed your way in February 2024. — Angela L. Pagán Read More