Dunkin' debuts bacon-egg-doughnut sandwich

Even as fast-food chains tout their healthy offerings, they're also coming up with fatty new treats to keep customers interested. Case in point: Dunkin' Donuts is adding a doughnut breakfast sandwich to its national menu this week.

The sandwich, which comes with fried eggs and bacon between a split glazed doughnut, will become a part of the permanent menu starting Friday, which the chain claims is "National Donut Day."

Dunkin' Donuts says the "Glazed Donut Breakfast Sandwich" clocks in at 360 calories.

The latest concoction may seem to conflict with the push by companies to court customers with better-for-you offerings. Earlier this year, a report by the Hudson Institute found that lower-calorie options, like egg whites and whole grain bread, were a key indicator of growth at restaurant chains between 2006 and 2011.

But at the same time, companies know that indulgent new creations can generate excitement and a big sales spike.

Dunkin' Donuts has been growing sales of its breakfast sandwiches in recent years. The profit margins on breakfast sandwiches are second only to beverages, the company has told investors. -- AP