Arby’s has just introduced its newest limited-time offering: Steak Nuggets, made with tender, hand-cut steak pieces seasoned with garlic and pepper, then seared and smoked for a bold, smoky flavor. The new item, available starting October 6 at Arby’s locations nationwide for a limited time, marks the first time the brand has served steak in a nugget format.

While chicken nuggets have long dominated the quick-service space, Arby’s is carving out a new lane with what it calls “a whole new way to nugget.” Served three ways — on their own, in a sandwich, or atop white cheddar mac and cheese — these nuggets deliver a premium protein option without the usual mess of steak knives or grill sessions.

“Who doesn’t love tender and savory steak? But, until now, it’s been inconvenient to eat, particularly on the go,” said Arby’s Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Baker in a statement. “That’s why we created this new innovative product. Two of America’s favorite foods — nuggets and steak — combined.”

Guests can try the new Steak Nuggets three ways. The entrée option includes five or nine steak bites served with a side of Hickory BBQ sauce and a fork, though they’re just as easy to eat with your fingers. The Steak Nugget Sandwich stacks the seared beef with Havarti cheese, crispy onions, pickles, and mayo on a toasted bun. For a heartier option, the Steak Nugget Bowl sets the nuggets on top of white cheddar mac and cheese, finished with a sprinkling of crispy onions.

The move comes as fast-food chains look for ways to upgrade their menus with more premium proteins. While wagyu and ribeye have made occasional appearances in burgers across quick-service restaurant brands like Arby’s and Carl’s Jr., steak has mostly stayed in the realm of cheesesteaks or full entrées — rarely something you’d pick up with your fingers or eat on the go.

Snack influencers were among the first to check out the new drop, with an early post from @markie_devo helping stir anticipation ahead of the official launch. The comment section was filled with jokes comparing them to “Moose Knuckles” and “squirrel elbows,” but the overall reception was largely positive. Some asked if the nuggets were a return of Arby’s smoked burnt ends or a completely new take. Others were just happy to see steak back on the menu in any form. As one commenter put it, “Arby’s making a comeback wit this one.”

Protein is showing up in everything right now – from snacks and drinks to desserts, as brands compete to meet the demand for convenient, high-flavor fuel. Arby’s latest launch fits squarely into that momentum, offering a red meat option in a format typically reserved for chicken or plant-based alternatives.

Steak Nuggets tap into a broader shift toward flexible, protein-forward fast food — snackable enough for busy weekdays, but rich and indulgent enough to feel like an upgrade. According to research from Mintel, diners are increasingly seeking “elevated basics” in familiar formats, such as bowls or sandwiches, with higher-quality ingredients. Arby’s bet is that steak, smoked and seared, can do the job. The limited-time Steak Nuggets are now available nationwide.