Ocean Spray opens a free cranberry sauce diner in New York on Thursday. Plus, Arby’s is testing four stacked subs, and Pop-Tarts has a Kroger-only apple pie flavor.
There’s a lot going on in fast food and the snack aisle this week. A good chunk of it is free, cheap or only in a few cities.
Here are eight new things to know about, from charity plushies to test-market tacos. Availability varies by location, so check before you head out.
What are Firehouse Subs’ K-9 Crew plushies?
Three plush pups based on real working dogs, for $9.95 each, starting Wednesday, Oct. 28, Firehouse Subs announced. The launch is tied to National First Responders Day.
They’re Stone, a golden retriever search-and-rescue dog; Ember, a Dalmatian with a Tennessee fire department; and Echo, a German shepherd police K-9 from Minnesota. Stone helped search after the Surfside condo collapse, the chain said.
The plushies are in-store only at participating U.S. restaurants, while supplies last. They aren’t sold through the rewards app or delivery apps.
All net profits go to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, the chain said. On Oct. 28, 100% of every Hook and Ladder sub sale goes to the foundation, too.
What is Taco Bell testing in Sacramento?
A Baja Chicken menu with a new creamy Baja Sauce and a spicy Baja Slaw, Sporked reported. The slaw is made with purple cabbage, cilantro and a poblano-based dressing.
The test deals include a $9 Discovery Luxe Box and a $9.99 Baja Crispy Chicken Soft Taco Combo with two tacos, Nacho Fries and a large drink.
It’s only in the Sacramento area for now. If it does well, Taco Bell could expand it, Sporked said.
What are Arby’s Sub Stackers?
Four new sandwiches on a mozzarella-topped bread, Sporked reported. They’re being tested around St. Louis and in a few Michigan towns, starting at $7.99.
The lineup: the Loaded Italian Stacker ($7.99), Turkey Ranch and Bacon Stacker ($8.39), Three Cheese Beef and Bacon Stacker ($8.99) and Sweet ‘n Golden Triple Stacker ($8.99). Arby’s hasn’t said if they’ll go national.
Is there an apple pie Pop-Tart?
Yes. Pop-Tarts Frosted Apple Pie is out now, but only at Kroger and Kroger-family stores, Sporked reported, citing the Instagram account @candyhunting.
It has a thinner icing swirl than the old Walmart-only Frosted Apple Turnover. Heads up: it’s 29 grams of sugar per two pastries, according to Sporked.
What is Ocean Spray’s Saucy Spoon Diner?
A one-day, free pop-up diner in New York City built around cranberry sauce. It’s open Thursday, Oct. 22, from noon to 8 p.m. at 33 Leonard St., Ocean Spray announced.
The menu includes Cranberry-Stuffed Pancakes, Cranberry Sauce Grilled Cheese, cranberry mozzarella sticks and cranberry milkshakes. No tickets or reservations are needed; it’s first come, first served.
Can’t make it to New York? Ocean Spray said Foodbeast is posting recipes inspired by the diner so you can make them at home.
What’s new in Target’s holiday whipped toppings?
Two new flavors, Sporked reported. There’s a Creme Brulee Whipped Dairy Topping and a Holiday Nog Cold Foam, under Target’s Favorite Day brand.
Seasonal favorites like Peppermint and Gingerbread are coming back, too. They’re expected in stores this week.
Are Dr Pepper gummy bottles real?
They are. Dr Pepper teamed up with Frankford Candy on Gummy Soda Bottles, and they’re turning up at Dollar Tree, Sporked reported.
Early fans like them. One commenter on @candyhunting’s post gave them a “9/10,” according to Sporked.
What is Smoothie King’s Dot Cake smoothie?
A protein-packed spin on the viral Dot Cake, with rainbow sprinkles. The Dot Cake Protein Smoothie and Dot Cake Protein Toast arrive Tuesday, Oct. 27, Smoothie King announced.
The smoothie has bananas and 13 grams of protein, and the toast has 11-plus grams. Both come in limited quantities at participating stores.
So if you’re in New York on Thursday, start with the free pancakes. Everybody else can hold out for the plush pups next week.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
Firehouse Subs via PR Newswire (Oct. 21, 2026), the K-9 Crew plushies and fundraiser
Sporked, Heather Adams (Oct. 21, 2026), Taco Bell’s Baja test
Sporked, Mikaela Hardiman (Oct. 20, 2026), Arby’s Sub Stackers
Sporked, Jay Wilson (Oct. 20, 2026), Pop-Tarts Frosted Apple Pie, Target’s toppings and Dr Pepper gummies
Ocean Spray via PR Newswire (Oct. 19, 2026), the Saucy Spoon Diner
Smoothie King via PR Newswire (Oct. 21, 2026), the Dot Cake smoothie and toast
AI Disclosure: All articles are assigned, edited and reviewed by an experienced human editor before posting. Like most modern newsrooms, WebReef Media uses a variety of AI tools to help with accuracy and efficiency. Ways AI may be used in article creation include research, grammar, fact-checking and ideation, as well as occasional AI generated or enhanced thumbnails or graphics. No articles are generated or posted without human oversight or involvement.