chains

Nationwide restaurants are finally starting to notice that more and more people are paying attention to gluten in products. Case in point: Subway, which is currently testing out gluten-free options, including a sandwich bun and a dessert brownie, in about 700 of its Texas locations.

The bun, which arrives to stores premade, is a combination of corn starch, tapioca, and egg whites. Employees are even instructed to use disposable knives to prevent cross-contamination with products that contain wheat. With the change, Subway is hoping to increase its draw with the one in 133 people who have celiac disease.

The chain is also testing a diabetes-friendly menu in the Midwest, kosher menus in select US locations, and a halal foods menu in Europe. Is it a good move for large restaurant chains like Subway to be more sensitive to medical, cultural, and religious food restrictions?

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McDonald's has kicked off 2011 with a truly timely launch: the nationwide rollout of its Fruit & Maple Oatmeal, just in time to capitalize not only on New Year's resolutions but also a tidal wave of an oatmeal craze.

It was nearly a year ago when we first got wind that the world's largest fast-food chain was toying with oatmeal, testing it in select markets like Baltimore and Washington DC. Apparently, it was well-received, because last Monday the company began offering it countrywide, and oatmeal became the chain's first new permanent breakfast item in two years.

But how did it stack up to the likes of oats from Starbucks and Jamba Juice? To see whether we were bowled over, keep reading.

Will probiotics still be big in 2011? Smoothie chain Jamba Juice is counting on it. Today it launched a new line of smoothies called Probiotic Fruit & Yogurt Blends.

The drinks, which are made with nonfat yogurt, soy milk, whole fruit, and a "specially formulated" probiotic boost, are high fructose corn syrup- and artificial flavor-free and geared toward strengthening immune and digestive health.

Three flavors are being rolled out in the nationwide launch: Vibrant Blueberry, with blueberries and strawberries; Thrivin Mango, with mango, peach, and passionfruit; and a probiotic version of the popular Strawberries Alive, which is blended strawberries and bananas.

This is just the latest in a slew of Jamba product releases that run the gamut from hot blended drinks to frozen yogurt. The smoothies don't come cheap — they range from $3.39 for 12 ounces to nearly $5 for 22 ounces — but they'd be worth checking out if probiotic's your thing. Do you think they'll catch on?

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We asked you which fast food chain was your go-to spot for food on the run, and it was a close race between two major players. But we have a champ! A round of applause for Subway, whose footlongs pushed the franchise past drive-through bigwigs like runner-up McDonald's.

Maybe it was the sandwich shop's breakfast menu you couldn't get enough of, or maybe you were burning with desire for its new spicy offerings. Whatever the case, FitSugar would be proud of your fresh-over-fried pick for top fast food chain of 2010! Don't forget to check out our other Best of 2010 winners.

Source: Flickr User Vincent Desjardins

What's better than a warm biscuit topped with spicy breaded chicken? Getting it totally gratis. In the New Year, drive-thru poultry king Chick-fil-A hopes to join in on the fast food breakfast wars with a biscuit sandwich filled with amped-up breaded chicken.

Starting today, you can make a reservation to try one for free by signing up on the event website. The $2.25 item won't be added to the Atlanta-based chain's menu until Monday, Jan. 10, 2011, but choose your preferred location and time, and you'll be given a chance to take an early look at the sandwich from Jan. 3 to Jan. 8.

It'll be interesting to how well this product fares against a rather similar one at Wendy's, and whether it helps Chick-fil-A gain a piece of the ever-competitive breakfast market. If you have a chance to preview the item, let us know what you think!

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To make sure you stay as warm and fuzzy as you're feeling on the inside this Christmas Eve, Peet's Coffee & Tea is serving complimentary coffee and tea all day today.

The promotion is part of the coffee chain's efforts to support local nonprofit organizations over the holidays, and to thank customers for supporting their communities. Drop in, grab a cup of joe or steeped tea, and make a donation; Peet's will match up to $1,000 of customer contributions in each store!

Source: Flickr User kana76

Between flatbreads and wraps, hot blended drinks, and oatmeal, what trend hasn't smoothie chain Jamba Juice tried to ride? Frozen yogurt — at least, until now.

Yesterday, it began piloting a new line, Whirl'ns. The fro-yo — which includes eight custom-blendable flavors with various toppings such as fresh fruit — is currently being offered in 22 Northern California stores but may go nationwide if successful.

Could following closely in the footsteps of Yogen Früz, Red Mango, and Pinkberry be the answer for a company that's struggled to branch out beyond smoothies? Your thoughts are welcomed below.

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