Sometimes, items leave the menu before we even have a chance to know they’re there. Let’s pay homage to the fast food menu items that you may have never even heard of before.
Burger King Satisfries
There’s an ongoing fry war between the fast food chains. Burger King saw the “Satisfry” menu item as their ultimate trump card. Or so they thought.
Burger King used these fries’ lower calorie count as their main marketing tool. The thinking was that customers would flock to these supposed “guilt-free” fries.
The menu item came out in 2013, but after a resounding failure, was discontinued in 2014. Sometimes, people just want some regular, delicious French fries.
McDonald’s Mighty Wings
These only lasted a year between 2013 and 2014. While this might seem like a great idea on the surface, McDonald’s Might Wings were never that special.
Between a too-high price point and competition from other, more beloved menu items, they were doomed. They were clearly just never able to catch much popularity.
That’s why it’s much better to stick with the classics when you go to fast food places. They’ll never fail you like these wings did.
Sicilian Lasagna Pizza
If you couldn’t decide between lasagna or pizza for dinner, this was all you. Pizza Hut unleashed this hybrid onto the world back in 2006.
For all you pizza and lasagna lovers out there, its cancellation was probably devastating. Well…maybe not so devastating for the lasagna lovers, who might have been disappointed.
“[This] is not merely a big dish of lasagna dumped on a crust,” Ken Hoffman told the Houston Chronicle. “There are no wide noodles…on this pizza,” he continued.
The McJordan
This was a Chicagoland-only special. Michael Jordan pandemonium hit a fever pitch in the early ’90s, and this special definitely proves it. Just look at the name.
Dubbed the McJordan, the sandwich was a cheeseburger on a sesame seed bun, complete with raw onions, pickles, bacon, and barbecue sauce. It was created by Michael.
Technically, you can still custom order a cheeseburger like this. But since the bacon was circular in the ’90s, it will never truly be the same.
Taco Bell Firecracker Burrito
We go to Taco Bell all the time. Still, even we had no clue the chain released a Firecracker Burrito in 2017. Why was its existence erased?
This burrito wasn’t heavily advertised and was only available in four special locations. If it’d been successful, then it could’ve become part of the regular menu.
For the record, yes — it was filled with Pop Rocks. I know, right? When we want a burrito, we want to eat it in peace.
Wendy’s Fresh Stuffed Pitas
Very few people realized Wendy’s actually offered pitas back in 1997, which seems pretty farfetched now. You’ve got to applaud them for trying, even though they flopped.
These stuffed pitas were created as a healthier alternative to Wendy’s burgers. Four flavors were offered: Chicken Caesar-stuffed, classic Greek-stuffed, Garden Veggie, and Ranch Chicken.
Unfortunately, they only lasted for three years. They did recently introduce a Grilled Chicken Wrap, but they still don’t serve pitas. They just weren’t popular enough.
Taco Bellburger
Before the chain got incredibly popular nationwide, Taco Bell sold a sloppy joe called the “Bell Beefer Burger” for anyone who didn’t want tacos or nachos.
The “Bell Beefer” (as it was known back then) was around since Taco Bell’s inception in the 1960s. And it stayed all the way through the ’90s.
The item returned in the early 2010s for a limited time, in select locations. Since then, it’s stayed permanently off the menu. Honestly, we don’t miss it.
Popeye’s Cookie Dough Tenders
It turns out that in 2017, Popeye’s released Sweet & Crunchy Tenders, which were coated in cookie dough. It makes sense the item only lasted a month.
In a market where every fast food chain is trying to put new spins on the same tried-and-true foods, Popeye’s went all in. Apparently, they weren’t bad.
Honestly, we’d give it a try. Even though they don’t sell these anymore, they sound like you can make them at home easily enough. Why not?
The McPizza
Now here’s a slice of McDonald’s lore worth talking about. It was the late ’80s, and McDonald’s decided to throw its hat into the pizza game.
Yep, you heard that right—McDonald’s, the home of the Big Mac, rolling out family-sized and personal pizzas. They even had special ovens to bake them to perfection.
Unfortunately, those pizzas took ages to make — way longer than your typical fast food. Despite an enthusiastic welcome, the McPizza couldn’t cut it and was removed.
Subway’s Chicken Pizzaiola
Subway has tried a lot of interesting things, but chicken pizzaiola? That’s right, they went there. They have a chicken parmesan, but pizzaiola is pretty out there.
This one did not stick for long. Pizzaiola is meant for a fancy meal! Subway is for quick cold cuts and an occasional hot sub.
What’s your favorite sub at Subway? There are so many to choose from. Then you have the chips, the beverages, and don’t forget the cookies!
Wendy’s Ghost Pepper Fries
Wendy’s has had many disappearing menu items. Ghost pepper fries were meant to be for spice lovers. But for many people, it was just a bit too spicy.
Wendy’s is known for having fantastic fries — it’s something that many people will go there specifically to get. They use plenty of salt, which everyone loves.
Some people think Wendy’s is best for nuggets, while others prefer the Baconator. But those who loved this particularly spice-tastic item are out of luck.
Pizza Hut’s Big New Yorker
The Big New Yorker at Pizza Hut was meant to feed the masses. Pizza Hut has big pizzas, but nothing comes close to this monster.
New York pizza slices are widely cherished because of their sheer size (and superior taste). Grab a slice, load it up with toppings, and fold it up.
Pizza Hut does not have this pizza at the moment, but at times they come out with very similar versions. We say just bring it back.
McDonald’s The Big ‘N Tasty
Introduced in 1997, the Big ‘N Tasty was supposed to be McDonald’s way of competing with Burger King’s Whopper burger. It was a seasoned quarter-pound beef patty.
The item had a solid 14-year run and gained many fans. It was unfortunately discontinued in 2011, but it is still sold in some stores outside the U.S.
And if you live in Chicago, you just might be in luck. The Big ‘N Tasty returned to the States at the McDonald’s Global Menu Restaurant.
Pizza Hut’s Priazzo
As kids who grew up with Pizza Hut, we remember personal pan pizzas, stuffed crust, and The Land Before Time rubber puppets. We’ll never forget the Priazzo.
It was a pizza with two crusts, and it resembled a deep dish. There were four different types: the Napoli, the Florentine, the Roma, and the Milano.
The item disappeared because it took too long to make. It also suffered from poor timing, being released on the coattails of Pizza Hut’s personal pan pizza.
KFC’s Pickle Fried Chicken
Most KFC locations didn’t advertise this item heavily. The pickle-fried chicken was good, but it was only a small blip on the KFC product timeline.
It was released in 2018, topped with pickle slices and completely smothered with a delicious pickle sauce. Unfortunately, it was only around for a few weeks.
This wasn’t because they were terrible! They were actually released as a limited time only item, and KFC has no intentions of ever bringing them back.
Burger King’s Crown-Shaped Nuggets
They’re like regular nuggets, but they’re crown-shaped. Maybe the BK chain stopped making them because they knew McDonald’s was already ahead in the chicken game.
It’s a crying shame, too, because who doesn’t love chicken nuggets that come in cute and fun shapes? These were specific to Burger King’s brand, too.
People in Miami got lucky in 2021 when they returned to select locations for a limited time, but that’s been about it. We have to wonder why.
The Big Italy
Speaking of giant pizzas, we have to talk about the Big Italy. It was nearly two feet of pizza. That’s bigger than some toddlers.
When was the last time you had to measure your pizza consumption by foot? The crust was hand-stretched, with lots of room for various toppings.
This gigantic pizza was first released at Pizza Hut in 2010, and you could opt for up to three toppings. The kicker? It was only twelve bucks.
Burger King Cini-Minis
Everyone loves cinnamon anything — at least everyone with taste. It’s so tasty and delicious when you can get a fried treat covered in cinnamon sugar dust.
But these sticky and delicious treats just couldn’t stick around on the menu. People were apparently not giant fans of the Cini-Mini’s when they were originally released.
Burger King has tried out many different desserts over the years, and this was one that didn’t work. The Oreo pie is quite popular and delicious.
Sonic’s Pickle-O’s
Sonic is a pretty creative restaurant in the fast food arena. They like to be almost childlike with some of their dishes. Pickle-O’s were no different.
These fried pickles were loved and, guess what, are back — right now! Yep, they were gone for a while bur are back now better then ever.
There is nothing more delicious than a plate of fried pickles with some ranch dressing. The mixture is just absolutely outstanding, and for many of us, nostalgic.
Taco Bell’s XXL Chalupa
Chalupas are a staple of the Taco Bell menu, their bread and butter. So it’s only right they played around with this menu item a bit.
The XXL was stuffed to the brim, as if chalupas aren’t stuffed enough as it is! It’s pretty crazy they thought they could go this big.
Going forward as you travel to fast food joints, make sure whenever you reach a Taco Bell to try a chalupa. It truly is delicious.
Subway’s Seafood Sensation
Seafood Sensation at Subway? We are sorry to say yes, it’s true. This dish came piled high with a variety of seafood and veggies.
You wouldn’t think this would be popular, and you would be right. It didn’t last long. It’s hard to believe they thought this would actually work.
The mixture of cheese, veggies, and sauce that came with it was not super tasty, and this sandwich was not meant to be. Good riddance.
McDonald’s Onion Nuggets
The bite-sized snacks came out in the 1970s to appeal to vegetarians. They lasted for a few years before finally being removed from the menu.
Breaded onion in nugget form just doesn’t feel right. And many customers agreed, much preferring the traditional rings over the unconventional nuggets. These didn’t sell well.
The Chicken McNugget was actually added to the McDonald’s menu right after onion nuggets were removed, leaving the franchise no worse for wear. Worth it!
Taco Bell’s Chocadillas
These Kit Kat quesadillas debuted in 2017. They sound like a child’s creation, but Taco Bell sold them for a short time in limited locations.
They were only $1 but were sadly only sold in Wisconsin, which is a total bummer. We’d try it, just to say we did.
Luckily for Portuguese Taco Bell lovers, the Kit Kat chocadilla is still sold over there. We’re not really sure why. We’re happy for you guys.
Taco Bell’s Waffle Taco
Let’s talk about that glorious time back in 2014 when Taco Bell announced its breakfast items. Waffle tacos seemed great in theory, but just didn’t land.
This food was a waffle, used as a taco shell, and filled with eggs, sausage, and syrup. The mess factor sounds intense. It only lasted a year.
But that’s okay! Seriously, the AM Crunchwrap is all you need for breakfast. No offense to the Waffle Taco, but it doesn’t have the same appeal.
Air Heads White Mystery Freeze
In 2016, Taco Bell collaborated with the chewy candy brand Air Heads to create the Air Heads White Mystery Freeze. We still don’t know what the flavor was.
It added to the flavor debate that’s been surrounding the white Air Head since 1986. There’s no one White Mystery flavor. We don’t know which recipe the Freeze used.
According to Taco Bell executives, the decision had been “one of the most delicious debates of our generation.” The real mystery is how it was ever discontinued.
Burger King’s Whopperito
We love a good fast-food crossover. While this glorious burger/burrito hybrid was short-lived, we’ll always remember it for its creativity, if nothing else. That’s something.
The Whopperito debuted in 2016, but it was a limited-time menu item. It looked good, but most people probably preferred their Whoppers in the original form.
Customers claimed that they liked the taste, but that they were mostly baffled by it. The takeaway: stick to what you know when it’s working for you.
Cheetos Burrito
It ain’t easy being cheesy. Taco Bell collaborations may seem out there at first, but they tend to lead to the best items on the menu.
Sadly, the Cheetos Burrito fell a bit flat. The 2016 item was literally just their standard burrito stuffed with Cheetos, which was a crying shame.
Call us crazy, but we still have hope. People love Cheetos; if they added a little bit more to their next collab, it might go places.
Spanish Omelette Bagel
In the early 2000s, McDonald’s started selling a Spanish Omelette Bagel that was made of a bagel, ham, cheese, egg, and spices. Doesn’t sound bad, right?
The recipe called for onions, peppers, and pepperjack cheese, which only elevated the taste. Even though it sounded good, it was discontinued. We don’t know why.
People prefer to stick to what they’re already familiar with. Still, that leaves a ton of other customers in the dust. Luckily, this is easy to replicate.
KFC’s Snacker
The Snacker reportedly arrived in 2009, and the chicken-tender-shaped sandwich sold for 99 cents. As time went on, the recipe changed until the Snacker was no more.
Rumor has it that the Snacker got too popular for its own good. KFC wanted to promote its chicken bucket, but people preferred the Snacker.
KFC removed the item around 2014. We think it’s a bummer that these sandwiches are gone. You can still order chicken sandwiches, but they’re not the same.
McDonald’s Hula Burger
To appeal to American Catholics in the 60s, McDonald’s introduced the “Hula Burger,” which swapped out burger meat for a thick slice of grilled pineapple.
This was marketed during Lent, when Catholics can’t eat meat on Fridays. Unluckily for the Hula Burger, the Filet-O-Fish was released around the same time.
The chain tried to put fruit on the menu again in 1984, by topping their burgers with pineapple, but that experiment didn’t go so well, either.
Taco Bell’s Seafood Salad
Taco Bell gave seafood a shot back in the ’80s. Best Old Commercials explained, “Back in the…1980s, fast food became privy to the concept of nutritional value…”
“Until in 1986 they reached the pinnacle,” they continued, “with their first true shameless attempt at being perceived as a healthy choice…the Taco Bell Seafood Salad.”
The only way they made this relevant was by serving the salad in the taco shell bowl. Which is…cool, we guess? People still preferred nacho fries.
Wendy’s Frescata Sandwiches
Wendy’s loves to do takes on famous sandwiches. The idea behind the frescata was almost to be a gourmet sandwich. It did include a ciabatta bun.
This was essentially a cold-cut sandwich, which you never really expect at a fast-food joint. Except for Arby’s, you just don’t see this on fast food menus much.
And this one did not last. Some people were a big fan of it because Wendy’s used high-quality products. But there was serious inconsistency with this one.
Carl’s Jr.’s Pop-Tarts Ice Cream Sandwich
Carl’s Jr. has had some interesting ideas. This one sounds incredible. However, it just did not last. People were not into the Pop-Tart substitution for the typical cookie.
The Pop-Tart is a classic breakfast. It made our childhoods in many ways. Those days when we were rushing to get to school, they saved the day!
Unfortunately, this one just couldn’t last because no one was really buying it. It wasn’t as popular as people were expecting something with Pop-Tarts would be.
Sonic’s Philly Cheesesteak Toaster
Here’s another genius creation of Sonic’s that just could not stick, sadly. Everyone loves a Philly cheesesteak. Just not necessarily from a fast food chain.
Some of the best cheesesteaks come from hole-in-the-wall restaurants and mom-and-pop sandwich stops. That doesn’t mean everywhere should start making them. It’s an art!
The cheese, steak, onions and peppers, and the hoagie that puts it all together. It’s an unbeatable mix truly that you cannot go without trying at least once.
McDonald’s Fish McBites
You might be surprised to learn that McDonald’s once offered fish bites. They were almost like a poppable version of Filet-O-Fish. Or tiny little fish sticks.
The bites were discontinued in 2013, though. Aside from the famous Filet-O-Fish, McDonald’s isn’t good with seafood. They were taken off the menu after three months.
The Fish McBites were offered in various different sizes and in Happy Meals. Unfortunately, nobody really paid much attention to them. Fish is hard to get right.
Wendy’s Coffee Toffee Twisted Frosty
The Coffee Toffee Twisted Frosty (say that five times fast) debuted in 2009 and was marketed towards adults. Unfortunately, though, Wendy’s canceled the treat after two years.
Coffee Toffee sounds like a Frosty flavor made in heaven. We have no idea why it was taken off the menu. Maybe there were marketing issues?
If you’re still craving that coffee-toffee taste, you can still order a Frosty-ccino, a vanilla Frosty mixed with cold brew coffee. That’s one way to get your caffeine.
Bell Beefer
From the ’70s to the ’90s, Taco Bell created a successor to their Bellburger. It was called the Bell Beefer; according to fans, it was glorious.
It includes all of the ingredients used in a crunch taco (beef, lettuce, cheese) except on a bun. They also added tomatoes, diced onion, and mild sauce.
They discontinued the item in the mid-’90s, but a lot of fans are still asking for it to be brought back. (Seriously, there’s an ongoing petition.)
McLobster
McDonald’s introduced their lobster roll in 1993. If the McBites were any indication, McDonald’s is not (and probably never will be) famous for their seafood.
After some supply issues and the fact that it wasn’t profitable, they discontinued it. Still, the lobster roll is available in select locations.
Apparently, the McDonald’s of the Atlantic Canada and the New England regions sell these during the summer, if you really want to look into it.
Enchirito
A genius collaboration, or way too confusing to eat? The jury’s still out on the Enchirito. This unique menu item was half burrito, half enchilada.
It was made with a tortilla filled with beef, beans, cheese, and onions — then smothered in red enchilada sauce and topped with melted cheese.
The item was finally discontinued in 1993. After returning in 2000, it stayed on the menu for another 13 years before being discontinued again.
Pizza Hut’s Triple Decker Pizza
Are you telling us Pizza Hut used to sell a menu item that basically included a sublayer of only cheese? We’ll never get why they discontinued this.
It was released in the 1990s. Since Pizza Hut has previously struggled with its more heavy-duty dishes, it may have been discontinued because of production issues.
People loved the multi-layered pizza so much that they even created a Facebook fan page to advocate for its return. Now that’s devotion.
Volcano Taco
The Volcano Taco is remembered more for its color than its flavor. While it was marketed as their hottest taco, most agreed that the taste wasn’t special.
The taco came with the classic ground beef, lettuce, and shredded cheese combo the chain has become known for. They were sadly discontinued in 2013.
While this sounds delicious, keeping it in limbo ensures that people stay hyped for it whenever it does return for limited time periods. It’s genius!
McDonald’s McHot Dog
In 1995, Midwestern American locations started selling the hot dog as a limited edition item, hoping it would take off. Surprise, surprise — it didn’t.
British and Canadian McDonald’s locations also embraced the dog, although that was in the late 1990s. McDonald’s served hot dogs in Chile in the early 2000s.
Interestingly enough, the man who helped make McDonald’s famous, Ray Kroc, hated the idea of the chain ever selling hot dogs. He definitely wasn’t wrong.
P’Zone
The Pizza Hut P’Zone is a beloved menu item that is essentially just a calzone. It offered a generous, cheesy filling wrapped in a folded pizza crust.
Introduced in the early 2000s, it’s been brought back several times due to popular demand. Each P’Zone is served with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Over the years, different variations, including Pepperoni and Meaty options, have catered to different tastes. It’s a fan favorite, and people celebrate at each return.
Salad Shakers
The McDonald’s Salad Shakers, introduced in the late 1990s, shook up the fast-food industry’s approach to healthy salads. They were uniquely served in a transparent, cup-like container.
These salads allowed you to add your dressing and then shake the container to evenly distribute it. This packaging made eating salads convenient and even fun.
Despite their popularity, McDonald’s discontinued Salad Shakers in the early 2000s when they revamped their salad menu. Eventually, McDonald’s did away with salads entirely. We miss them.
KFC’s Double Down
KFC’s Double Down, introduced in 2010, was a daring departure from traditional sandwich construction. It featured two juicy, fried chicken fillets instead of a bun. Sounds messy.
Inside was crispy bacon, two melted slices of Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack cheese, and the Colonel’s secret sauce. This innovative creation sparked curiosity — and controversy.
But the Double Down became an instant sensation. And its limited availability has only fueled its legendary status among fast food aficionados. Still, we’ll stick with buns.
McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce
McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce was a tangy and slightly spicy dipping sauce introduced as a promotion for Disney’s “Mulan.” But you’ve probably heard of it for another reason.
“Rick and Morty” featured the sauce in an episode, sparking a massive fan demand for its return. McDonald’s responded with limited re-releases, with mixed results.
The high demand from the show’s super-fans led to frenzied queues and chaos at some locations. The sauce’s mythical status just goes to show the power of nostalgia.
Fritos Chicken Enchilada Melt
Have you ever wanted Fritos in your enchilada and your enchilada in a sandwich? This innovative if slightly weird menu option had you covered.
It was available at Subway for a limited time, pairing crunchy Fritos chips with shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese. All on Subway’s fresh-baked bread.
It might not have been built to last, but Subway’s Fritos Chicken Enchilada Melt was made to make memories. Its legacy will live on in our hearts.
Pretzel Bacon Cheeseburger
Imagine a juicy beef patty topped with smoky bacon, melty cheese, and fresh fixings, all nestled between a soft, warm pretzel bun. This wasn’t just a burger.
It was a delightful twist on comfort food classics, blending salty, savory, and sweet flavors. It had folks buzzing from the first bite (whether good or bad).
This unique burger proved that sometimes, a little twist can turn a simple meal into something extraordinary. Too bad it just wasn’t popular enough to last.
Jack in the Box Frings
Jack in the Box expected to hit the snack jackpot with their Frings. They were a genius combo of crispy fries and golden onion rings in one.
It was the perfect solution for those of us who stand at the counter, agonizing over which to get. Why choose when you can have both, right?
Frings were the ultimate side dish, making snack decisions a whole lot easier and way more delicious. Popular in the ’70s and ’80s, they were eventually phased out.
Mexican Pizza
Ah, the Mexican Pizza from Taco Bell: a true fan favorite with a cult following! This delightful creation first graced the menu in the late 1980s.
It had crispy tortillas, beans, and seasoned beef, all topped with pizza sauce, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese. This wasn’t just food; it was a fiesta.
It gathered a loyal fanbase, who mourned its disappearance in 2020 only to celebrate its triumphant return in 2022. It’s a testament to the power of fans.
Chick-fil-A Carrot and Raisin Salad
Sure, you might expect a side of coleslaw with a classic chicken sandwich. But what about a side of carrot and raisin salad? Never heard of it?
Chick-fil-A’s Carrot and Raisin Salad was an oddball in the fast-food arena. It was a quirky mix of shredded carrots, raisins, and pineapple in a creamy dressing.
Chick-fil-A decided to retire the Carrot and Raisin Salad in 2016. It left many fans missing this truly unique — if odd — taste of their childhood.
Burger King Yumbo
The Yumbo is a real blast from the past. It made its debut back in the 1970s as a simple yet satisfying hot ham and cheese sandwich.
Nestled on a hoagie bun, the Yumbo was straightforward comfort food. It offered warm, melty cheese over slices of ham. Why was it called a Yumbo? Beats us.
It was inexplicably pulled from the menu, leaving fans puzzled. Fast forward to 2014, and Burger King brought the Yumbo back for a nostalgic but temporary comeback.
Saying Goodbye to Once-Great Menu Items
It’s always a little bittersweet to bid farewell to our fast food favorites: those quirky, delicious, and sometimes downright bizarre menu items that have come and gone.
From the simplicity of a hot ham and cheese Yumbo, to the sweet nostalgia of a Carrot and Raisin Salad, these dishes were more than just meals.
They were unique, edible pieces of history. So, here’s to those once-great menu items—gone but never forgotten. May their legacy live on in our memories.
