# Crispy Breaded Cheese Curds Popeyes Has New Cheese Bites at Participating Locations By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2026-07-18 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-cheese-bites References: [fastfoodpost](https://www.fastfoodpost.com/popeyes-adds-cheese-bites-to-the-menu/)  Popeyes is bringing the cheese this summer with the debut of new Cheese Bites at participating locations. Perfect for those looking for a quick snack or a dish that can easily be shared with friends, the new Cheese Bites can be ordered as a side or on their own. Each order consists of breaded cheese curds finished with a mild, garlicky coating and fried until crispy and golden brown. The cheesey dish is also served with the brand’s [signature Blackened Ranch](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blackened-ranch-wrap) on the side for dipping. While the Cheese Bites have officially been dubbed a "new" dish, the bites were available as part of [Popeyes'](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blueberry-lemon-cream-cheese) Five Nights at [Freddy’s](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popeyes-freddy-fazbear-crunch-menu) menu back in November of 2025, and were served in a cup. Image Credit: Popeyes ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 37% | Freshness: 83% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Shareable Cheese Snacks:** Crispy, bite-sized dairy sides create room for fast food brands to expand beyond fries with indulgent, group-friendly menu additions. - **Sauce-paired Sides:** Bundling signature dips with fried snacks elevates perceived value and supports flavor differentiation in crowded quick-service menus. - **Pop-culture Menu Revivals:** Limited-time items from entertainment tie-ins can return as standalone offerings, extending promotional value beyond the original campaign window. ### Who This Affects Most - **Quick-service Restaurants:** Portable snack formats broaden daypart appeal and help chains capture add-on purchases from customers seeking affordable indulgence. - **Dairy Foods:** Cheese curds and other regional dairy products gain mainstream visibility when adapted into crispy, fast-service formats. - **Frozen Appetizers:** Restaurant-tested fried cheese bites can influence retail innovation through heat-and-serve products designed for home snacking and entertaining. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Snackable Potato Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-mashed-potato-poppers.md) - [Honeyed BBQ Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honey-bbq-chicken-sandwiches.md) - [Hand-Breaded Chicken Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bo-bites.md) - [QSR-Branded Signature Dipping Sauces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/signature-dipping-sauce.md) - [Crispy QSR Pizza Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheesy-garlic-pepperoni-bites.md) - [Cajun-Themed QSR Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popeyes-cajun-crunch-menu.md) - [Spicy Cheese Curds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jalapeno-cheese-curds.md) - [Sauce-Free Chicken Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chesters-unsauced-chicken-bites.md) - [Snacking-Friendly Cheesesteak Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/philly-cheesesteak-bites.md)