10 Fast Food Items That Were Way Better in the ’90s
Many fast food items from the 1990s had distinct tastes and recipes that made them better than their current versions.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Fast food in the 1990s featured a variety of menu items that are no longer available today. These items often had unique flavors, fresh ingredients, or creative presentations that stood out. Changes in recipes and portion sizes over time have made many people feel these foods were better in the past.
1. McDonald’s McDLT
McDonald’s on Wikimedia Commons
The McDLT was a burger designed with a special container to keep the hot and cold ingredients separate. This meant the beef patty stayed warm while the lettuce and tomato remained fresh and cool. The packaging helped maintain the ideal temperature until the customer was ready to eat. This thoughtful design is no longer used, and the sandwich was removed from the menu in the late 1990s.
2. Taco Bell’s Enchirito
Thomson200 on Wikimedia Commons
The Enchirito was a menu item that combined a burrito and an enchilada, filled with seasoned beef, beans, and cheese, and topped with red sauce. It was baked and served warm, giving it a rich and hearty flavor. Taco Bell removed this item in the early 2000s, but many customers remember it for its filling taste and texture. Its removal disappointed fans who wanted more variety.
3. Burger King’s Chicken Fries
Mike Mozart on Wikimedia Commons
Chicken Fries were breaded, shaped like fries, and made with white meat chicken. They were easy to eat with fingers and came with dipping sauces. They were first introduced in 2005 and quickly gained popularity for their convenience and taste. Burger King discontinued them for some time but brought them back due to customer demand.
4. Pizza Hut’s Stuffed Crust Pizza
Famartin on Wikimedia Commons
Stuffed Crust Pizza was introduced by Pizza Hut in 1995 and featured cheese stuffed inside the pizza crust. This addition gave the crust a richer, cheesier flavor compared to regular crusts. It became very popular and was one of the first pizzas to offer cheese-filled crust as a standard option. Other pizza chains later added similar crust options after its success.
5. Wendy’s Frescata Sandwiches
Sharon Hahn Darlin on Wikimedia Commons
The Frescata sandwiches were cold sandwiches made with fresh-baked bread and deli-style meats. They focused on freshness and quality, offering a different option from typical hot fast food sandwiches. Wendy’s introduced them in the early 2000s but removed them after a few years. Customers who liked fresh and lighter sandwich options often remember them.
6. KFC’s Chicken Littles
Willis Lam on Wikimedia Commons
Chicken Littles were small sandwiches featuring crispy chicken, pickles, and mayonnaise in a soft bun. They were designed as a snack or smaller meal option. They were available mainly in the late 1990s and early 2000s before KFC discontinued them. Many customers liked the balance of flavors and the sandwich’s size.
7. Subway’s Footlong Subs
Subway on Wikimedia Commons
In the 1990s, Subway’s footlong subs were known for large portions of meat and fresh vegetables. They offered an affordable, customizable meal that many customers enjoyed. The size and freshness made these subs a popular fast food choice for lunch or dinner. Some people feel the quality and size have changed slightly in recent years.
8. Dairy Queen’s Blizzard Treats
Chris Woodrich on Wikimedia Commons
Blizzards combined soft-serve ice cream with mix-ins like candies or cookies, creating thick, creamy desserts. The consistency was so thick that workers would sometimes flip the cups upside down to show how dense the treat was. This made Blizzards a fun and unique dessert option. Dairy Queen continues to sell Blizzards, though some original flavors are no longer available.
9. Arby’s Jamocha Shake
Kenneth C. Zirkel on Wikimedia Commons
The Jamocha Shake mixed coffee and chocolate flavors into a creamy milkshake. It was known for its smooth texture and balanced taste. The shake became a popular treat for many fast food customers. While it is still sold in some places, it is less common than it was in the 1990s.
10. Sonic’s Cherry Limeade
The Library of Congress on Wikimedia Commons
Sonic’s Cherry Limeade was a refreshing soft drink made with cherry and lime flavors. It offered a bright, sweet, and slightly tart taste that many people enjoyed during warm weather. The drink became one of Sonic’s signature beverages in the 1990s. It remains popular among Sonic customers today.