15 Discontinued Condiments That Had a Cult Following
From neon-colored ketchup to legendary fast-food sauces, these discontinued condiments had such devoted followings that fans still crave their return years after they vanished.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
Certain condiments are not only toppings; they’re cultural touchstones that evoke rabid loyalty long after they’re gone. From McDonald’s ghostly Szechuan Sauce to Heinz EZ Squirt Ketchup’s crazy colors, these tastes made lasting impressions on taste and memory. Despite being discontinued, their dedicated fanbases still clamor for returns, indicating the power of the right sauce to make memories that last.
1. McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce (1998, resurrected for a moment in 2017 & 2018)
Image from Eater
First released as a tie-in with Disney’s Mulan, this spicy, soy-ginger-based dipping sauce was the stuff of legend among McDonald’s enthusiasts. It was even more famous after a stint on Rick and Morty, resulting in a short but frantic resurgence in 2017 that had fans going wild over dwindling supplies. Even after several re-releases, it’s never been added to the permanent menu, keeping its cult following very much alive.
2. Heinz EZ Squirt Ketchup (2000-2006)
Image from Reddit
This rainbow-hued ketchup, sold in colors such as Blastin’ Green, Funky Purple, and Stellar Blue, was a favorite among children but a parent’s worst nightmare to get them to believe it had the same taste as normal ketchup. The excitement of squishing out a spectrum of hues soon wore off, and sales collapsed. Although it vanished, nostalgic millennials fondly recall their colorful lunches as kids.
3. Taco Bell Verde Sauce (Removed from Shelves in 2016)
Image from Mashed
Taco Bell’s mild but zesty Verde Sauce was loved for its tangy tomatillo taste that complemented burritos and tacos perfectly. Consumers were devastated when it was dropped, as none of the other Taco Bell sauces quite matched the balance of its taste. Some devoted fans even began online petitions pleading for its reinstatement.
4. KFC Honey BBQ Wings Sauce (2000s Discontinued)
Image from Reddit
This smoky, sticky, sweet sauce covered KFC’s much-loved Honey BBQ Wings and formed a finger-licking treat. Fans were left reeling when KFC phased out the wings, and attempts were made at home to remake the sauce. To date, die-hard fans still long for its distinct flavor and clamor for it to return.
5. Doritos Sonic Sour Cream Dip (Discontinued in the UK, 2010s)
Image from Amazon UK
A British-only condiment, this creamy and tangy dip was the ideal complement to Doritos chips. It possessed a signature zing that enthusiasts claim no sour cream dip has ever equaled. Since its discontinuation, UK snack enthusiasts have often demanded its return, but nothing has come of it so far.
6. Burger King Zesty Sauce (Briefly Discontinued in 2019)
Image from YouTube
This horseradish-flavored dipping sauce perfectly complemented Burger King onion rings and fries. A supply shortage in 2019, precipitated by an international horseradish shortage, caused mania among fans. Although it eventually came back, its short disappearance only illustrated how devoted its fan base was.
7. Nabisco Bacon Cheez Whiz (2000s Discontinued)
Image from Hy-Vee
This spreadable bacon-and-cheese concoction was a guilty pleasure for many snack lovers. It combined the artificial, creamy goodness of Cheez Whiz with a smoky bacon kick. Though some saw it as a processed abomination, it had a devoted following that still craves its salty, cheesy nostalgia.
8. Jack in the Box Fring Sauce (Discontinued in the 2000s)
Image from Jack in the Box Wiki - Fandom
A specialty condiment created for Jack in the Box’s half-fry, half-onion-ring “Frings” meal, this sauce was a combination of barbecue, mayo, and a touch of mustard. It possessed an interesting combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy tastes. When Frings went away, so did the sauce, leaving enthusiasts to attempt to make it at home.
9. McDonald’s Hot Mustard Sauce (No longer available in most places in the mid-2010s)
Image from McDonald’s
McDonald’s Hot Mustard was a spicy, bold substitute for the standard dipping sauces, and enthusiasts adored its pungent kick. However, it was discontinued in most places, which created a social media frenzy. Although it is still sold in some areas, its rarity has only made it legendary.
10. Arby’s Bronco Berry Sauce (Discontinued in some areas, scarce in others)
Image from YouTube
This sweet-and-spicy, bright red jelly-like sauce was a cult hit, especially when served alongside Arby’s jalapeño poppers. Its combination of berry sweetness and peppery heat made it a quirky yet cherished condiment. Some stores still carry it, but its scarcity has rendered it a prized relic.
11. Kraft Garlic Cheese Spread (Taken off the market around the early 2010s)
Image from Deep South Dish
A garlicky, creamy spread that was ubiquitous in many Southern holiday foods, particularly cheese balls and casseroles. When Kraft phased it out, dedicated followers stockpiled the last jars. A few still hunt for a decent substitute but assert nothing is quite the same.
12. Whataburger Spicy Ketchup (Limited Edition, temporarily out of stock in 2021)
Image from Galleon.PH
This spicy twist on Whataburger’s original ketchup was a Texas staple, combining tomato sweetness with a touch of fire. Fans panicked when it vanished from shelves in 2021 because of supply chain problems. Although it has since returned, its temporary disappearance illustrated just how much people loved it.
13. Sweet Baby Ray’s Cracked Pepper Marinade (Discontinued in the 2010s)
Image from Lunds & Byerlys
This peppery, slightly sweet sauce was a favorite among fans for grilling meats. Its rich, deep flavor made it a favorite among Sweet Baby Ray’s options. Fans still speak fondly of it and attempt to replicate its magic in do-it-yourself versions.
14. Chick-fil-A Coleslaw Dressing (Removed from stores in 2016)
Image from Shockingly Delicious
Chick-fil-A’s coleslaw dressing was tangy, creamy, and an essential component of its favorite coleslaw, which was also cut from the menu. When the company revealed its removal, they made the official recipe public to make it easier, but it was not the same. Most still yearn for its return, citing that no substitute has been as good in terms of taste.
15. Cains All Natural Mayonnaise (Removed in 2022)
Image from Instacart
This tiny New England brand boasted a passionately devoted following due to its silky texture and creamy, eggy flavor. When it was taken off the market in 2022, fans rushed to buy up jars, mourning the demise of their beloved mayo. Some have gone to competitors, but most remain adamant that nothing else is the same.