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st patricksday foods
st patricksday foods
Photos by Krispy Kreme, Applebees, Jack in the Box
Lifestyle

The Best St. Patrick’s Day Food Deals & Freebies You Won’t Want To Miss

Every St. Patrick’s Day, I become just a little more Irish — my emerald eyes shine a bit brighter, my craving for potatoes reaches new heights, and suddenly, I have firm opinions about the perfect pour of a Guinness. The only thing greener than my envy for inward-facing Claddagh rings? The sea of shamrock-colored shakes, festive desserts, and themed cocktails popping up on menus everywhere. Whether you’re in it for the food, the fun, or some lucky discounts, here are the St. Patrick’s Day food deals I’d watch this week. 

Insomnia Cookies

If there’s one thing better than a late-night cookie, it’s a free late-night cookie. Last year, Insomnia Cookies rewarded anyone wearing green with a free treat on March 17. While they haven’t officially announced if the deal is returning, it’s worth watching. 

In the meantime, the brand has already teased the limited-edition St. Paddy’s Day cookie, which looks like a festive, green-hued creation packed with various chocolaty and airy mix-ins. While the full details are still under wraps, one thing’s for sure – it will be the perfect sweet treat for celebrating (or for devouring after too many green beers.) 

Applebee’s 

This month, Applebee’s is offering a St. Patrick’s Day deal that’s hard to pass up: a $6 Tipsy Leprechaun, made with Jameson Irish Whiskey, melon liqueur, blue curacao, premium lemon sour, and lemon-lime soda, all topped with a gold sugar rim. 

Since I’m turning 21, I’ll be heading to Applebee’s to enjoy this deal before it expires. Whether you’re legally indulging in St. Patrick’s Day or just in it for the half-apps (because same), this is a deal you don’t want to miss. 

Jack in the Box

Last year, Jack in the Box offered Jack Pack members a special St. Patrick’s Day treat: a free Oreo Cookie Mint Shake with an in-app purchase of only $1 or more. Yes, you heard that right. A free McDonald’s Shamrock Shake dupe. 

While there hasn’t been an official announcement yet for this year, the promotion is one to keep on your radar. If the deal returns, you can snag a tasty shake without breaking the bank – just create an account in advance, or you won’t have any luck with this offer. 

Krispy Kreme

This week, Krispy Kreme will offer a fun twist on its classic doughnuts with the Taste O’ Luck Collection. Unfortunately, no promotions are tied to this collection, but I’m still excited to participate in the festivities with friends to split the cost.

There’s the Pot of Gold and St. Patty’s Swirl doughnuts, which are original glazed doughnuts dipped in themed icing and sprinkled with decorations, and Over the Rainbow, which is filled with cake batter and topped with rainbow sprinkles. If you’re anything like me and more into chocolate, check out Choco-Shenanigans, a chocolate-dipped doughnut filled with their signature white cream. 

Raising Canes 

Through St. Patrick’s Day, Raising Cane’s is offering the limited-edition Leprechaun Lemonade, a bright green, tangy drink that’s my go-to for celebrating the season. The lemonade is available at participating locations, so you can get your hands on it whether you’re craving something sweet with your Texas toast or want a festive mixer for when you’re out and about. 

Last year, Caniac Club members got a free 22-ounce Leprechaun Lemonade with the membership. While the details for this year’s deal haven’t been confirmed yet, they’ve been active on social media – I’ll be stalking until my green lemonade is on Cane’s. 

Whether celebrating with a festive drink, sweet treats, or just taking advantage of the best deals around town, St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in a little extra mischief (and maybe a lot of food dye.) Keep an eye out for your favorite spots for last-minute deals, and don’t forget to wear your green – sláinte to good food, drinks, and luck this season!

Natalie Civadelic is a member of Spoon University's National Writers Program, where she writes and curates intersectional content related to food, dining, and culinary trends. Natalie focuses on delivering engaging informative articles that resonate with college students nationwide.

Beyond Her Campus, Natalie is an undergraduate student at Rutgers University-New Brunswick where she's studying journalism and media studies (concentration in global media) and minoring in creative writing. She independently facilitated "Exploring Journalism and Media Studies" a first-year interest group seminar to twenty-five undergraduates in the fall of 2024. Natalie is a sister of Alpha Chi Omega, writer for The Daily Targum, and a member of the Society of Professional Journalists.

In her free time, Natalie enjoys traveling, rewatching the same three shows over and over again, coffee, bookstores, jazz music, Peanuts holiday specials, and spending quality time with family.