15 Drive-Thru Foods That Were Gone Before You Noticed
These 15 drive-thru foods quietly vanished from fast-food menus before most people even realized they were gone.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Fast-food chains are always changing their menus, testing new items or bringing back old ones for a limited time. Some of these foods disappeared so quickly or quietly that only a few loyal fans even noticed. This list covers the drive-thru foods that came and went without much warning, leaving behind only memories.
1. McDonald’s McSalad Shakers
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Introduced in the early 2000s, these salads came in tall plastic cups. You added dressing, shook it up, and ate straight from the container. It was a smart grab-and-go option that didn’t quite catch on. They were quietly dropped as McDonald’s reworked its menu.
2. Taco Bell’s Bell Beefer
WhisperToMe on Wikimedia Commons
This was basically a sloppy joe with Taco Bell beef and seasoning. It came on a bun instead of a tortilla and was around for years before disappearing in the ’90s. Some longtime fans still bring it up on forums. The chain hasn’t brought it back despite requests.
3. Wendy’s Frescata Sandwiches
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These deli-style cold sandwiches were introduced in 2006 to compete with places like Subway. They needed longer prep time and didn’t match Wendy’s usual fast-food speed. Customers were confused by the shift in style, and they were gone within a year.
4. Burger King’s Chicken Fries Rings
Andrepoiy on Wikimedia Commons
Burger King already had Chicken Fries, but in 2016, they added a version shaped like onion rings. Same chicken, different form. They didn’t last long and were dropped without a big announcement. Most people never got to try them.
5. Arby’s Natural Chicken Tenders
Kenneth C. Zirkel on Wikimedia Commons
Arby’s tried offering chicken tenders made with “natural” whole muscle meat. They were marketed as higher quality than standard fast-food tenders. Sales were low, and they disappeared within months. Few people remember they even existed.
6. McDonald’s Mighty Wings
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McDonald’s launched these spicy bone-in chicken wings in 2013. They were more expensive than other items and didn’t sell well. Many customers found them too spicy or too costly for fast food. The leftover stock was so large that McDonald’s had to discount them heavily to clear inventory.
7. Sonic’s Lil’ Grillers
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These mini grilled cheese sandwiches on slider buns were launched briefly in 2016. They came in different versions, some with added meat or jalapeños. They were meant to be a snack-sized item but didn’t gain traction. They were quietly dropped within months.
8. Jack in the Box’s Frings
George on Wikimedia Commons
This was a mix of fries and onion rings in one order. Instead of choosing, you got both in a single combo. It was offered for a short time but didn’t become a permanent menu item. Most customers didn’t even know it existed.
9. Chick-fil-A’s Spicy Chicken Biscuit
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Served during breakfast hours, it was a spicy version of their regular chicken biscuit. It was removed from many locations around 2016 due to low demand. Some regions still offer it, but it’s largely gone. Fans still ask for it, especially in the South.
10. KFC’s Potato Wedges
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KFC’s seasoned potato wedges were a longtime favorite and unique to the chain. In 2020, they were replaced with Secret Recipe Fries. Many customers were surprised and disappointed. KFC did not officially explain why they made the switch.
11. McDonald’s Arch Deluxe
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Marketed in the 1990s as a “grown-up” burger with a signature sauce. It had lettuce, tomato, and a potato bun, and cost more than the usual items. It was one of McDonald’s most expensive failed products. It didn’t last long due to poor sales and a confusing brand identity.
12. Taco Bell’s Volcano Menu
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This was a group of items with spicy cheese sauce and extra heat. It had a small but loyal fanbase and included the Volcano Burrito and Volcano Taco. The menu was discontinued and brought back briefly, then gone again. Many fans still ask for the sauce.
13. Burger King’s Shake ‘Em Up Fries
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These came with a packet of cheese powder in a bag. You added the seasoning, shook the bag, and had flavored fries. It was a unique idea that didn’t last long. Most people forgot they were even a thing.
14. McDonald’s Fried Apple Pie (Original Recipe)
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The original version was deep-fried and had a crispy, flaky shell. In the early 1990s, it was replaced with a baked version to be healthier. Some international McDonald’s still serve the fried one. In the U.S., it quietly disappeared and was never officially announced as gone.
15. Carl’s Jr. Philly Cheesesteak Burger
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This was a burger topped with cheesesteak meat, grilled onions, and peppers. It was a calorie-heavy item that felt more like a stunt than a regular option. It was around for a limited time and never returned. Most customers forgot it was ever offered.