15 Fast Food Items That Need to Make a Comeback ASAP
These discontinued fast food favorites were gone too soon, and it’s time for them to return to menus where they belong.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Fast food restaurants enjoy trying new things, but occasionally, they remove popular dishes from the menu far too quickly. These cherished morsels made a mark, whether they were a cult favorite burger, a temporary dessert, or an unusual side dish. Before they are permanently forgotten, it is time to revive these iconic fast food delicacies.
1. McDonald’s Snack Wraps
Paul Korecky on Wikimedia Commons
Light, tasty, and perfectly portable, Snack Wraps were the ideal on-the-go meal. The combination of crispy (or grilled) chicken, shredded cheese, lettuce, and ranch inside a soft tortilla was a game-changer.
2. Taco Bell’s Volcano Menu
Mudwater on Wikimedia Commons
The Volcano Taco and Volcano Burrito brought the heat with their fiery lava sauce. Spicy food lovers still dream of that creamy, mouth-burning goodness.
3. Burger King’s Chicken Fries Rings
theimpulsivebuy on Wikimedia Commons
Chicken Fries are still around, but their ring-shaped counterpart was next-level. These crispy, poppable bites were perfect for dipping, and their unique shape made them fun to eat.
4. Wendy’s Spicy Nuggets (Original Recipe)
Willis Lam on Wikimedia Commons
Yes, they made a comeback, but longtime fans say the formula changed. The original Spicy Nuggets had the perfect balance of heat and crunch.
5. McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce
N509FZ on Wikimedia Commons
What started as a 1998 Mulan promo item turned into a pop culture obsession. After a limited return in 2017, demand skyrocketed, and fans were left wanting more.
6. KFC’s Double Down
djjewelz on Flickr
No buns? No problem. The Double Down replaced bread with two crispy chicken fillets, sandwiching bacon, cheese, and sauce.
7. Taco Bell’s Meximelt
Chapendra on Flickr
This half-burrito, half-soft taco creation was a sleeper hit. The melted cheese, seasoned beef, and pico de gallo made for a simple yet perfect bite.
8. Burger King’s Angry Whopper
Mike Mozart on Flickr
This fiery burger was packed with serious spice. It featured jalapeños, spicy sauce, and a flame-grilled patty. It had a cult following, and when it disappeared, fans were left craving that extra kick.
9. McDonald’s Holiday Pie
r N509FZ on Wikimedia Commons
Every winter, McDonald’s sneaks out the Holiday Pie, a vanilla-custard-filled treat with a sugar-glazed crust and sprinkles. The problem? It’s not available everywhere, and its appearances are unpredictable.
10. Arby’s Potato Cakes
Clemens Pfeiffer on Wikimedia Commons
Thick, crispy, and packed with potato goodness, these were far superior to regular hash browns. Arby’s quietly pulled them from the menu, leaving fans outraged.
11. McDonald’s Arch Deluxe
PatrickRich on Flickr
The Arch Deluxe, a “grown-up” burger with a special mustard-mayo sauce, was ahead of its time. It was supposed to elevate McDonald’s menu, but marketing failed to connect with customers.
12. Taco Bell’s Beefy Crunch Burrito
Rusty Blazenhoff on Flickr
This fan-favorite burrito stood out because of one key ingredient—Flamin’ Hot Fritos. The crunch, spice, and cheesy goodness made it a cult classic. Every time Taco Bell brings it back, it sells like crazy.
13. Wendy’s Big Bacon Classic
Like_the_Grand_Canyon on Flickr
Before the Baconator, there was the Big Bacon Classic—a juicy quarter-pound burger loaded with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. It was the perfect balance of fresh and indulgent.
14. Dairy Queen’s Mister Misty
JJBers on Wikimedia Commons
Before the Misty Slush, there was Mister Misty, a classic frozen drink that people still reminisce about. It was icy, fruity, and the perfect summer refreshment.
15. Pizza Hut’s P’Zone
Ser Amantio di Nicolao on Wikimedia Commons
The P’Zone was Pizza Hut’s take on a calzone—crispy on the outside, stuffed with gooey cheese and toppings on the inside. It had a loyal fan base, but after brief reappearances, it vanished again.