Location
San Diego, California
School
San Diego State University
Expertise
Fast food, Mexican cuisine, Grocery store deals
- Despite traveling far and wide, Fred still thinks that torta de tamal from an Oaxaca street vendor is the best thing he's ever eaten.
- He has a habit of scanning Grocery Outlet Bargain Market shelves for sleeper hits.
- He regularly tests new meals on the toughest food critic in the house: his toddler.
Experience
Fred Hernandez is a freelance food writer based in San Diego, California. His work has appeared in Tasting Table, Men's Journal, Parade, and Luxe Beat Magazine, where he covers restaurant trends, grocery finds, and the best fast food and chain restaurant items to order. As a seasoned journalist with a specialization in food culture and consumption, he regularly researches and reports on fast food hacks, fan-favorite menu items, and underrated menu picks.
Education
Fred holds a bachelor's degree in English from San Diego State University.
Tasting Table’s editorial coverage hails from a veteran group of writers and editors with expertise in their respective fields in the food and drink, hospitality, and agriculture industries. Outside experts are also consulted to help deliver factual, up-to-date information and original recipes.
We strive to publish knowledgeable, engaging articles to give readers the information they're looking for, whether that is the news of the day; cooking tips, tricks, and trends; or reviews and recommendations. In an effort to provide the most comprehensive, current, and accurate content, our team is constantly reviewing and updating articles as necessary. Click here for more information on our editorial process.
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Restaurants
By Fred Hernandez 3 days ago
In the fast food realm, there is no shortage of chicken sandwiches -- but if you're looking for one beyond KFC and Popeyes, consider this overlooked sandwich.
By Fred Hernandez 3 days ago
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Fast Food
By Fred Hernandez 9 days ago
Go beyond the traditional American McChicken order for a taste of Italian-style fast food with this McDonald's order upgrade.
By Fred Hernandez 9 days ago
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Fast Food
By Fred Hernandez 13 days ago
You can basically craft your own order of In-N-Out's Animal Fries using any of the chain's ingredients and even request specific preparation methods.
By Fred Hernandez 13 days ago
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Fast Food
By Fred Hernandez 18 days ago
Burger King menus vary from country to country, and if you want to experience some German-inspired French fries that taste like a Whopper, order this.
By Fred Hernandez 18 days ago
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Fast Food
By Fred Hernandez 22 days ago
As Popeyes' Classic Chicken Sandwich is quite a simple menu item, tasty as it is, you can try any of these tips to maximize the flavor of your sandwich.
By Fred Hernandez 22 days ago
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Grocery
By Fred Hernandez 24 days ago
This Pillsbury cookie dough flavor is by far our favorite. It's simple, bakes well, and tastes better than any pre-baked cookie you can buy in stores.
By Fred Hernandez 24 days ago
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Cocktails and Spirits
By Fred Hernandez 27 days ago
As the seasons change, warming cocktails are becoming popular again, and if you're looking to add Dr Pepper into the mix, mix it with these two ingredients.
By Fred Hernandez 27 days ago
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Smoothies and Shakes
By Fred Hernandez 1 month ago
As fast food menus have evolved over time, one underrated item at a nationwide chain continues to be a favorite. Here's where to try it.
By Fred Hernandez 1 month ago
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Trader Joe's
By Fred Hernandez 1 month ago
Trader Joe's is introducing new products all the time, and throughout 2026 they have already debuted some seriously tasty snacks that are already fan favorites.
By Fred Hernandez 1 month ago
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Fast Food
By Fred Hernandez 1 month ago
There's quite a good reason why some In-N-Out employees don't like this particular request from customers, as it can make their job difficult.
By Fred Hernandez 1 month ago
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Cooking Tips
By Fred Hernandez 1 month ago
This simple swap turns a common pantry staple into a chicken breading that adds an extra layer of salty, toasty crunch to every bite.
By Fred Hernandez 1 month ago
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Fast Food
By Fred Hernandez 1 month ago
While it's possible to upgrade your Filet-O-Fish, one chef wishes you could make it more flavorful with a few ingredients. Here's how to do it.
By Fred Hernandez 1 month ago
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Shopping Tips
By Fred Hernandez 1 month ago
Forget Pace, this is the salsa brand that even the folks at Consumer Reports consider the best-tasting jar on the shelf.
By Fred Hernandez 1 month ago
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Fast Food
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
McDonald's McCrispy and McChicken sandwiches are the most famous of the chain's poultry selections, and there are some differences between them to be aware of.
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
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Appliances and Gadgets
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
If you want to understand the hype about air fryers while staying within your budget, this highly rated, customer-approved compact air fryer is a good option.
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
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Fast Food
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
Fast food menus may revolve around burgers and fries, but 2026 has shown that drinks are equally as important — and here are five of the best new ones so far.
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
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Costco
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
Those in the mood for something different (and healthier) at lunchtime should consider some of these quick (and affordable) Costco meals.
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
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News
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
New offerings hit the high-climbing shelves every month at Costco, and here are some of the best products to prepare you for fall.
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
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Costco
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
If you still miss the legendary Combo Pizza from Costco food court, here's how to recreate it at home, with tips on variations and heating methods.
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
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Grocery
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
We've had a flurry of new snacks hitting shelves in 2026, from protein bars and yogurts to crackers and dips — and there are plenty of standout picks.
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
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Fast Food
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
There's a way to combine two orders at Burger King to get yourself the ultimate upgraded flavor-filled breakfast burger. Here's how to do it.
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
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Fast Food
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
Is it a burger? Or is it a taco? Whatever it is, it's delicious — and this newly released fast food mash-up is definitely well worth a try.
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
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Fast Food
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
Even though Culver's is known as the Midwest fast food giant, there's another spot that's serving up a similar side but doing it way better.
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
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Reviews
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
Unlike some of its more widespread top competitors, this fast food restaurant's potatoes didn't seem like they were made from instant mashed potato flakes.
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
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Trader Joe's
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
Pack up the gingham blanket and grab your wicker basket, because we're going picnicking! Stop at Trader Joe's for these sweet essentials on the way.
By Fred Hernandez 2 months ago
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Grocery
By Fred Hernandez 3 months ago
Sardines have been riding the trend wave for a while now, so Consumer Reports decided to embark on a taste test. This gourmet brand came out on top.
By Fred Hernandez 3 months ago
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Fast Food
By Fred Hernandez 3 months ago
It's no secret that international McDonald's locations can offer exciting menu items. Here's how to simulate this Mexican offering stateside.
By Fred Hernandez 3 months ago
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