McDonald’s has a rich history of offering innovative and sometimes quirky menu items. Over the years, several fan favorites have come and gone, leaving many customers nostalgic for their return. Here’s a look at some of the most missed McDonald’s items that deserve a comeback.
Snack Wraps
First introduced in 2006, Snack Wraps quickly became a popular choice for a light, convenient meal. These wraps featured a piece of crispy or grilled chicken, lettuce, cheese, and a variety of sauces, all rolled up in a soft tortilla. Despite their popularity, they were discontinued in 2016 due to declining sales and the complexity of preparation.
All-Day Breakfast
Launched in 2015, McDonald’s all-day breakfast was a game-changer for those who craved Egg McMuffins and hash browns beyond the morning hours. Unfortunately, this offering was cut in 2020 to streamline operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fans who miss the flexibility of enjoying breakfast items at any time of day have felt the absence of all-day breakfast.
McSalad Shakers
Ahead of its time, the McSalad Shaker was introduced in the early 2000s and offered a unique way to enjoy salads on the go. These salads came in a cup that made it easy to shake and mix the ingredients with dressing. They were available in varieties such as garden, chef, and grilled chicken Caesar, but were discontinued in 2003 in favor of more traditional salads. However, all salads were removed from the menu in 2020 as part of the pandemic-related menu simplification.
Chicken Selects
Known for their seasoned breading and crisp texture, Chicken Selects were a higher-quality chicken option than regular McNuggets. They were introduced in 2004 and had a dedicated fan base before being discontinued in 2013. They made a brief return as Buttermilk Crispy Tenders in 2017, only to be removed again in 2020.
Arch Deluxe
Marketed as a premium burger for adults, the Arch Deluxe featured a quarter-pound beef patty, bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheese, onions, and a unique mustard-mayo sauce on a sesame seed bun. Despite a massive marketing campaign, it failed to gain long-term popularity and was discontinued in 2000. Fans remember it fondly as an upscale alternative to the traditional burger offerings.
Big N’ Tasty
Created to compete with Burger King’s Whopper, the Big N’ Tasty was introduced nationwide in 2000. This burger included a quarter-pound beef patty, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mayonnaise on a sesame seed bun. It was a staple of the dollar menu for years before being discontinued in 2010 due to rising costs.
Fried Apple Pie
Once a hallmark of McDonald’s desserts, the fried apple pie was beloved for its crispy exterior and gooey filling. In 1992, the recipe was changed to a baked version to appeal to health-conscious customers, much to the dismay of many fans who preferred the original. While the fried version is still available in some international locations, there is a strong demand for its return in the U.S.
McDLT
The McDLT was introduced in the 1980s and was unique for its packaging, which kept the hot and cold components of the burger separate until ready to eat. It featured a beef patty, lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, onions, and mayonnaise on a sesame seed bun. Environmental concerns about the packaging led to its discontinuation, but the innovative concept still has fans reminiscing.
McHotDog
Though not as well-known as some other items, the McHotDog was available in various markets at different times, including Japan and the U.S. during the 1990s. While it never achieved the same level of fame as the Big Mac, there are nostalgic calls for its return among those who enjoyed its unique place on the menu.
McPizza
In an ambitious move to compete with pizza chains, McDonald’s introduced McPizza in the 1980s. It came in various sizes and toppings but was eventually discontinued due to long cooking times that conflicted with McDonald’s fast service model. Nevertheless, the novelty of McPizza still holds a special place in the memories of those who tried it.
Cheddar Melt
This sandwich featured a quarter-pound beef patty topped with caramelized onions and cheddar cheese sauce on a rye bun. Introduced in the late 1980s and brought back periodically in the 1990s and 2000s, it developed a cult following. Its unique flavor profile differentiated it from other menu items, making it a memorable favorite.
McLobster
A seasonal item in the New England area, the McLobster roll featured lobster meat, lettuce, and a light dressing in a hot dog bun. While not widely available, it had a dedicated fan base and offered a taste of luxury within the fast-food setting. The high cost and limited appeal led to its sporadic appearances.
Szechuan Sauce
Originally released as a promotional item for the Disney movie “Mulan” in 1998, the Szechuan Sauce gained a cult following and was brought back briefly in 2017 and 2018 due to popular demand. Its tangy, slightly sweet flavor made it a unique dipping option that fans are still clamoring for.
Mighty Wings
Introduced in the early 1990s, Mighty Wings were spicy, breaded chicken wings that offered a different take on McDonald’s chicken offerings. Despite their popularity, they were discontinued due to high costs and operational challenges. Nonetheless, they have a loyal following that misses their distinctive flavor.
