[
 {
  "chain": "Chick-fil-A",
  "item_name": "Spicy Chick-fil-A Sauce",
  "item_type": "sauce (dipping sauce)",
  "source_url": "https://www.allrecipes.com/chick-fil-a-new-spicy-chick-fil-a-sauce-12173420",
  "launch_date": "2026-11-16",
  "availability": "permanent; announced Oct 15, 2026; on menus nationwide Nov 16, 2026; dipping cups and 8-oz bottles",
  "flavor_trend": "spicy peppers / spicy version of signature sauce",
  "source_title": "Chick-fil-A Is Releasing a New Version of Its Best-Selling Sauce",
  "key_ingredients": "Chick-fil-A Sauce's mustardy, smoky, subtly sweet base infused with an assortment of spicy peppers",
  "source": "allrecipes.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "Wingstop",
  "item_name": "Sour Patch Kids Wicked Punch Glaze",
  "item_type": "sauce (wing glaze)",
  "source_url": "https://www.allrecipes.com/new-wingstop-sour-patch-kids-wicked-punch-12172089",
  "launch_date": "2026-10-27",
  "availability": "limited time Oct 27-Nov 5 nationwide; Club Wingstop early access Oct 23",
  "flavor_trend": "sour-then-sweet candy glaze (candy collab)",
  "source_title": "Wingstop Has a New, First-Of-Its-Kind Chicken Wing Sauce - and We Tried It First",
  "key_ingredients": "bright-red glaze with sour-then-sweet Redberry flavor and real Sour Patch Kids Bitz pieces",
  "source": "allrecipes.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "Zaxby's",
  "item_name": "Honey Chipotle sauce",
  "item_type": "sauce (dipping sauce)",
  "source_url": "https://www.allrecipes.com/zaxbys-holiday-menu-2026-12190172",
  "launch_date": "2026-10-26",
  "availability": "limited time; Zax Rewardz early access Oct 26, nationwide Nov 2 through mid-January",
  "flavor_trend": "honey chipotle / swicy",
  "source_title": "Zaxbys Is Coming for Chick-fil-A With Its New Menu Item (Holiday Menu 2026)",
  "key_ingredients": "honey, brown sugar, red chili and chipotle peppers",
  "source": "allrecipes.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "Farmer Boys",
  "item_name": "BBQ Ranch Fried Chicken Sandwich",
  "item_type": "menu item built around sauces",
  "source_url": "https://farmerboys.com/news/press-release/2026/farmer-boys-leans-into-big-flavor-protein-generous-portions-with-new-menu-offerings",
  "launch_date": "2026-10-15",
  "availability": "limited time",
  "flavor_trend": "BBQ ranch",
  "source_title": "Farmer Boys Leans Into Big Flavor, Protein, Generous Portions With New Menu Offerings",
  "key_ingredients": "fried chicken, bacon, American Swiss, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, onion straws on brioche",
  "source": "farmerboys.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "Farmer Boys",
  "item_name": "Farmer's Fiery Fried Chicken Sandwich",
  "item_type": "menu item built around a sauce",
  "source_url": "https://farmerboys.com/news/press-release/2026/farmer-boys-leans-into-big-flavor-protein-generous-portions-with-new-menu-offerings",
  "launch_date": "2026-10-15",
  "availability": "limited time",
  "flavor_trend": "fiery signature sauce",
  "source_title": "Farmer Boys Leans Into Big Flavor, Protein, Generous Portions With New Menu Offerings",
  "key_ingredients": "fried chicken, bacon, avocado, American Swiss, Fiery Farmer's sauce on brioche",
  "source": "farmerboys.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "Farmer Boys",
  "item_name": "New Cracked Fried Chicken Sandwich",
  "item_type": "menu item built around a condiment (mayonnaise)",
  "source_url": "https://farmerboys.com/news/press-release/2026/farmer-boys-leans-into-big-flavor-protein-generous-portions-with-new-menu-offerings",
  "launch_date": "2026-10-15",
  "availability": "limited time",
  "flavor_trend": "protein breakfast-indulgence",
  "source_title": "Farmer Boys Leans Into Big Flavor, Protein, Generous Portions With New Menu Offerings",
  "key_ingredients": "fried chicken, over-easy egg, bacon, American Swiss, tomato, mayonnaise on brioche",
  "source": "farmerboys.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "CAVA",
  "item_name": "Greek Goddess dressing",
  "item_type": "dressing",
  "source_url": "https://cava.com/news/fall-release-2026-greek-goddess",
  "launch_date": "2026-10-14",
  "availability": "nationwide fall lineup",
  "flavor_trend": "green goddess / Mediterranean herby yogurt",
  "source_title": "CAVA Greek Goddess Fall Release",
  "key_ingredients": "Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, spices",
  "source": "cava.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "CAVA",
  "item_name": "Greek Goddess Salmon Bowl",
  "item_type": "menu item built around a dressing",
  "source_url": "https://cava.com/news/fall-release-2026-greek-goddess",
  "launch_date": "2026-10-14",
  "availability": "nationwide fall lineup",
  "flavor_trend": "green goddess / Mediterranean",
  "source_title": "CAVA Greek Goddess Fall Release",
  "key_ingredients": "glazed salmon, saffron rice, hummus, fiery broccoli, sumac cabbage slaw, Greek Goddess dressing",
  "source": "cava.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "CAVA",
  "item_name": "Greek Goddess Steak Salad",
  "item_type": "menu item built around a dressing",
  "source_url": "https://cava.com/news/fall-release-2026-greek-goddess",
  "launch_date": "2026-10-14",
  "availability": "nationwide fall lineup",
  "flavor_trend": "green goddess / Mediterranean",
  "source_title": "CAVA Greek Goddess Fall Release",
  "key_ingredients": "grilled steak, Power Greens, tzatziki, kalamata olives, feta, Greek Goddess dressing",
  "source": "cava.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "Panda Express",
  "item_name": "Crispy Sesame Shrimp & Beef",
  "item_type": "menu item built around a sauce",
  "source_url": "https://www.chilichili.net/425636/panda-express-launching-crispy-sesame-shrimp-beef-for-limited-time",
  "launch_date": "2026-10-08",
  "availability": "limited time, nationwide",
  "flavor_trend": "sesame / Sichuan umami sauce",
  "source_title": "Panda Express Launching Crispy Sesame Shrimp & Beef for Limited Time",
  "key_ingredients": "tempura shrimp and crispy beef in savory, subtly spicy umami sauce inspired by Sichuan Mouthwatering Chicken",
  "source": "chilichili.net"
 },
 {
  "chain": "Penn Station East Coast Subs",
  "item_name": "Spicy Ghost Pepper Cheese (return)",
  "item_type": "spread",
  "source_url": "https://www.nrn.com/food-trends/menu-tracker-new-items-from-cava-chili-s-and-taco-bell",
  "launch_date": "2026-10",
  "availability": "returning limited-time spread",
  "flavor_trend": "ghost pepper / extreme heat",
  "source_title": "Menu Tracker: New items from Cava, Chili's, and Taco Bell",
  "key_ingredients": "spicy ghost pepper cheese",
  "source": "nrn.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "Velvet Taco",
  "item_name": "Chicken Caesar-inspired Weekly Taco Feature",
  "item_type": "menu item built around a sauce",
  "source_url": "https://www.nrn.com/food-trends/menu-tracker-new-items-from-cava-chili-s-and-taco-bell",
  "launch_date": "2026-10",
  "availability": "weekly taco feature (rotating LTO)",
  "flavor_trend": "Caesar",
  "source_title": "Menu Tracker: New items from Cava, Chili's, and Taco Bell",
  "key_ingredients": "chicken Caesar salad-inspired taco",
  "source": "nrn.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "Panda Express",
  "item_name": "Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken (with Chili Crisp Aioli)",
  "item_type": "menu item built around a sauce (served with house-made Chili Crisp Aioli dip)",
  "source_url": "https://www.pandarg.com/panda-expressr-drops-taiwanese-popcorn-chicken-limited-edition-frankie-gaw-collectible-bucket",
  "launch_date": "2026-09-08",
  "availability": "limited-time regional test (LA, Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix, Reno)",
  "flavor_trend": "chili crisp aioli / Taiwanese street food",
  "source_title": "Panda Express Drops Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken with Limited-Edition Frankie Gaw Collectible Bucket",
  "key_ingredients": "dark-meat chicken in tamarind-tomato-garlic-onion spice blend, fried kale, house-made Chili Crisp Aioli",
  "source": "pandarg.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "McDonald's",
  "item_name": "Mighty Hot Sauce (return)",
  "item_type": "sauce (dipping sauce)",
  "source_url": "https://qz.com/mcdonalds-spicy-chicken-mcnuggets-return-fall-2026-082626",
  "launch_date": "2026-09-01",
  "availability": "limited time, nationwide, alongside Spicy Chicken McNuggets",
  "flavor_trend": "spicy chili-garlic heat with sweetness",
  "source_title": "McDonald's Spicy Chicken McNuggets returning September 2026",
  "key_ingredients": "red pepper, chilis, garlic, touch of sweetness",
  "source": "qz.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "Panda Express",
  "item_name": "Cantonese BBQ Brisket (return)",
  "item_type": "menu item built around a sauce",
  "source_url": "https://www.pandarg.com/bringing-brisket-back-panda-express-welcomes-back-its-summer-hit-cantonese-bbq-brisket",
  "launch_date": "2026-08-31",
  "availability": "limited-time return",
  "flavor_trend": "char siu BBQ sauce",
  "source_title": "Bringing Brisket Back: Panda Express Welcomes Back Its Summer Hit Cantonese BBQ Brisket",
  "key_ingredients": "slow-cooked brisket wok-seared and tossed in Char Siu-style BBQ sauce",
  "source": "pandarg.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "White Castle",
  "item_name": "Garage Beer Flavored Beer Cheese",
  "item_type": "sauce (dipping sauce)",
  "source_url": "https://www.brandeating.com/2026/08/white-castle-new-beer-cheese-sausage-slider-and-more.html",
  "launch_date": "2026-08-31",
  "availability": "limited time through November 1, 2026",
  "flavor_trend": "beer cheese (beer-infused cheese, brand collaboration)",
  "source_title": "New at White Castle: Beer Cheese Sausage Slider and More",
  "key_ingredients": "Wisconsin aged cheddar with real Garage Beer",
  "source": "brandeating.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "White Castle",
  "item_name": "Garage Beer Cheese Sausage Slider",
  "item_type": "menu item built around a sauce",
  "source_url": "https://www.brandeating.com/2026/08/white-castle-new-beer-cheese-sausage-slider-and-more.html",
  "launch_date": "2026-08-31",
  "availability": "limited time through November 1, 2026",
  "flavor_trend": "beer cheese",
  "source_title": "New at White Castle: Beer Cheese Sausage Slider and More",
  "key_ingredients": "mini smoked sausage link, Garage Beer Cheese, caramelized onions on slider bun",
  "source": "brandeating.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "White Castle",
  "item_name": "Garage Beer Cheese Fries",
  "item_type": "menu item built around a sauce",
  "source_url": "https://www.brandeating.com/2026/08/white-castle-new-beer-cheese-sausage-slider-and-more.html",
  "launch_date": "2026-08-31",
  "availability": "limited time through November 1, 2026",
  "flavor_trend": "beer cheese",
  "source_title": "New at White Castle: Beer Cheese Sausage Slider and More",
  "key_ingredients": "crinkle-cut fries topped with warm Garage Beer Cheese",
  "source": "brandeating.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "White Castle",
  "item_name": "Pretzel Nibblers with Garage Beer Cheese",
  "item_type": "dip accompaniment",
  "source_url": "https://www.brandeating.com/2026/08/white-castle-new-beer-cheese-sausage-slider-and-more.html",
  "launch_date": "2026-08-31",
  "availability": "limited time through November 1, 2026",
  "flavor_trend": "beer cheese",
  "source_title": "New at White Castle: Beer Cheese Sausage Slider and More",
  "key_ingredients": "deep-fried soft pretzel bites with warm Garage Beer Cheese dipping sauce",
  "source": "brandeating.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "Chipotle",
  "item_name": "Pollo Asado (new recipe)",
  "item_type": "menu item built around a sauce/marinade",
  "source_url": "https://www.brandeating.com/2026/09/chipotle-new-pollo-asado-recipe-and-new-chili-lime-chips.html",
  "launch_date": "2026-08-31",
  "availability": "limited time; Rewards early access Aug 31, US and Canada; national Sept 4",
  "flavor_trend": "adobo-citrus (garlic, Mexican spices, cilantro, lime)",
  "source_title": "Chipotle Brings Back Pollo Asado with New Recipe and New Chili Lime Chips",
  "key_ingredients": "garlic, Mexican spices, cilantro, citrus and lime finish",
  "source": "brandeating.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "KFC",
  "item_name": "Hot Ranch",
  "item_type": "sauce (dipping sauce)",
  "source_url": "https://www.brandeating.com/2026/08/kfc-new-hot-ranch.html",
  "launch_date": "2026-08-24",
  "availability": "limited time; sold in 4-oz Hot Ranch Big Dip cups",
  "flavor_trend": "hot ranch / spicy ranch",
  "source_title": "KFC Debuts New Hot Ranch and Brings Back Double Crispy Hot Wings",
  "key_ingredients": "creamy, tangy ranch with savory garlic-and-herb flavor and a kick of chili pepper",
  "source": "brandeating.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "KFC",
  "item_name": "Hot Ranch Loaded Wedges",
  "item_type": "menu item built around a sauce",
  "source_url": "https://www.brandeating.com/2026/08/kfc-new-hot-ranch.html",
  "launch_date": "2026-08-24",
  "availability": "limited time",
  "flavor_trend": "hot ranch",
  "source_title": "KFC Debuts New Hot Ranch and Brings Back Double Crispy Hot Wings",
  "key_ingredients": "crispy potato wedges topped with pickle slices and drizzled with Hot Ranch",
  "source": "brandeating.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "Subway",
  "item_name": "Doritos Hot Honey Nachos",
  "item_type": "menu item built around a sauce",
  "source_url": "https://newsroom.subway.com/2026-08-18-Subway-R-Turns-Up-the-Heat-with-New-Doritos-R-Hot-Honey-Nachos",
  "launch_date": "2026-08-20",
  "availability": "limited time, Aug 20-Oct 26, nationwide",
  "flavor_trend": "hot honey / swicy",
  "source_title": "Subway Turns Up the Heat with New Doritos Hot Honey Nachos",
  "key_ingredients": "Doritos Nacho Cheese chips, Monterey cheddar, veggies, Subway signature Hot Honey",
  "source": "newsroom.subway.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "Subway",
  "item_name": "Hot Honey Italian",
  "item_type": "menu item built around a sauce",
  "source_url": "https://newsroom.subway.com/2026-08-18-Subway-R-Turns-Up-the-Heat-with-New-Doritos-R-Hot-Honey-Nachos",
  "launch_date": "2026-08-20",
  "availability": "limited time, Aug 20-Oct 26",
  "flavor_trend": "hot honey / swicy",
  "source_title": "Subway Turns Up the Heat with New Doritos Hot Honey Nachos",
  "key_ingredients": "toasted sub with salami, pepperoni, Italian-style provolone, Hot Honey",
  "source": "newsroom.subway.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "Subway",
  "item_name": "Hot Honey Turkey Italiano",
  "item_type": "menu item built around a sauce",
  "source_url": "https://newsroom.subway.com/2026-08-18-Subway-R-Turns-Up-the-Heat-with-New-Doritos-R-Hot-Honey-Nachos",
  "launch_date": "2026-08-20",
  "availability": "limited time, Aug 20-Oct 26",
  "flavor_trend": "hot honey / swicy",
  "source_title": "Subway Turns Up the Heat with New Doritos Hot Honey Nachos",
  "key_ingredients": "salami, pepperoni, provolone, turkey, Hot Honey",
  "source": "newsroom.subway.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "Subway",
  "item_name": "Hot Honey Signature Sauce (return)",
  "item_type": "sauce",
  "source_url": "https://newsroom.subway.com/2026-08-18-Subway-R-Turns-Up-the-Heat-with-New-Doritos-R-Hot-Honey-Nachos",
  "launch_date": "2026-08-20",
  "availability": "returning sauce, limited time Aug 20-Oct 26",
  "flavor_trend": "hot honey / swicy",
  "source_title": "Subway Turns Up the Heat with New Doritos Hot Honey Nachos",
  "key_ingredients": "natural sweetness with fiery chili kick and touch of acidity",
  "source": "newsroom.subway.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "Wendy's",
  "item_name": "Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger",
  "item_type": "menu item built around sauces",
  "source_url": "https://irwendys.com/news/news-details/2026/Crisp-Days-Meet-Cozy-Bites-Wendys-Brings-Pub-Worthy-Fall-Flavor-with-New-and-Returning-Seasonal-Favorites/default.aspx",
  "launch_date": "2026-08-03",
  "availability": "limited time (fall menu, returning)",
  "flavor_trend": "beer cheese / pub flavors with smoky honey mustard",
  "source_title": "Crisp Days Meet Cozy Bites: Wendy's Brings Pub-Worthy Fall Flavor with New and Returning Seasonal Favorites",
  "key_ingredients": "beer cheese sauce, Applewood-smoked bacon, smoky honey mustard, crispy onions, pickles, Muenster, pretzel bun",
  "source": "irwendys.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "Wendy's",
  "item_name": "Pretzel Bacon Pub Chicken Sandwich",
  "item_type": "menu item built around sauces",
  "source_url": "https://irwendys.com/news/news-details/2026/Crisp-Days-Meet-Cozy-Bites-Wendys-Brings-Pub-Worthy-Fall-Flavor-with-New-and-Returning-Seasonal-Favorites/default.aspx",
  "launch_date": "2026-08-03",
  "availability": "limited time (fall menu)",
  "flavor_trend": "beer cheese / smoky honey mustard",
  "source_title": "Crisp Days Meet Cozy Bites: Wendy's Brings Pub-Worthy Fall Flavor with New and Returning Seasonal Favorites",
  "key_ingredients": "chicken filet, beer cheese, smoky honey mustard on pretzel bun",
  "source": "irwendys.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "Wendy's",
  "item_name": "Bacon Pub Fries",
  "item_type": "menu item built around a sauce",
  "source_url": "https://irwendys.com/news/news-details/2026/Crisp-Days-Meet-Cozy-Bites-Wendys-Brings-Pub-Worthy-Fall-Flavor-with-New-and-Returning-Seasonal-Favorites/default.aspx",
  "launch_date": "2026-08-03",
  "availability": "limited time (fall menu)",
  "flavor_trend": "beer cheese",
  "source_title": "Crisp Days Meet Cozy Bites: Wendy's Brings Pub-Worthy Fall Flavor with New and Returning Seasonal Favorites",
  "key_ingredients": "Hot & Crispy Fries with beer cheese, shredded cheddar, bacon crumbles",
  "source": "irwendys.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "Arby's",
  "item_name": "Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich",
  "item_type": "menu item built around sauces",
  "source_url": "https://qsrmagazine.com/news/arbys-adds-buffalo-ranch-chicken-sandwich-to-meat-3-value-box-lineup",
  "launch_date": "2026-08-03",
  "availability": "new entrée in Meat & 3 Value Box, nationwide",
  "flavor_trend": "buffalo ranch",
  "source_title": "Arby's Adds Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich to Meat & 3 Value Box Lineup",
  "key_ingredients": "spicy Buffalo sauce and cool creamy ranch on crispy chicken breast, shredded lettuce, brioche bun",
  "source": "qsrmagazine.com"
 },
 {
  "chain": "Bojangles",
  "item_name": "Cajun Bacon Ranch Biscuit",
  "item_type": "menu item built around a sauce",
  "source_url": "https://bojangles.com/news-and-community/bojangles-brings-more-crunch-and-more-flavor-to-two-fan-favorites-for-a-limited-time",
  "launch_date": "2026-08-03",
  "availability": "limited time, while supplies last",
  "flavor_trend": "Cajun ranch",
  "source_title": "Bojangles Brings More Crunch and More Flavor to Two Fan Favorites for a Limited Time",
  "key_ingredients": "Cajun-marinated chicken breast, American cheese, Applewood-smoked bacon, house-made ranch on buttermilk biscuit",
  "source": "bojangles.com"
 }
]