16 Fast Food Items That Were Gone Too Soon
Many fast food chains have released limited-time items that became popular but were quickly removed from menus.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Fast food restaurants often test new items that gain strong followings, but some are discontinued despite high demand. These items sometimes return for short periods but never become permanent. Customers often remember them and still ask for their return.
1. McDonald’s Arch Deluxe
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Marketed in the 1990s as a more “grown-up” burger, the Arch Deluxe included a special mustard-mayo sauce. It was one of McDonald’s most expensive product launches but didn’t meet sales expectations. Despite its failure, many people liked the unique flavor. It was removed from menus completely by the early 2000s.
2. Taco Bell Volcano Menu
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The Volcano Menu featured spicy items with lava sauce, including the Volcano Taco and Volcano Burrito. It developed a loyal fan base due to its extra heat and unique taste. It was discontinued and briefly returned years later through limited promotions. As of now, it has not made a full comeback.
3. Burger King Chicken Fries Rings
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These were a circular twist on Burger King’s regular Chicken Fries. They were made to be dipped easily and were marketed for snacking. Despite decent feedback, they were taken off the menu quickly. Fans continue to ask Burger King to bring them back.
4. Wendy’s Superbar
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Wendy’s offered a self-serve buffet in the 1980s and 1990s called the Superbar, which included salad, pasta, and Mexican food. It was affordable and very popular with families. However, the cost and effort to maintain cleanliness led to its removal. It has never returned to any locations.
5. McDonald’s Snack Wraps
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Snack Wraps included grilled or crispy chicken in a tortilla with lettuce, cheese, and sauce. They became a popular low-cost item, especially among younger customers. They were discontinued in the U.S. due to operational complexity and prep time. Many people continue to request their return.
6. Pizza Hut The Big New Yorker
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This pizza was larger and had a thinner, foldable crust inspired by New York-style pizza. It was meant to appeal to customers who wanted something different from the traditional pan pizza. It was discontinued, but its distinct style left an impression. In early 2023, it returned for a limited time.
7. Taco Bell Bell Beefer
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The Bell Beefer was Taco Bell’s take on a sloppy joe, using their seasoned beef on a hamburger bun. It was available during the 1970s and 1980s. It didn’t fit with their current taco-centered menu and was removed. It remains one of the chain’s most requested discontinued items.
8. McDonald’s McSalad Shakers
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These were salads sold in clear plastic cups, allowing customers to shake them and mix the dressing evenly. They were easy to carry and convenient for people on the go. Despite positive feedback, they were discontinued in the mid-2000s. McDonald’s switched to bowl-based salads instead.
9. Burger King Ribs
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Burger King offered real pork ribs for a short time in 2010. They sold out in many locations due to high demand. The success was surprising, but the item was expensive to produce. It was not kept on the menu beyond the initial promotion.
10. Wendy’s Frescata Sandwiches
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Launched in the mid-2000s, these deli-style sandwiches were designed to compete with Subway. They were served on artisan bread and made fresh to order. The process slowed down service, which conflicted with fast food operations. Wendy’s removed them after less than two years.
11. KFC Double Down
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This sandwich replaced bread with two fried chicken filets and had bacon and cheese in the middle. It attracted attention for its high calorie count and unusual design. It was pulled from the menu but has returned occasionally for limited runs. It remains a well-known item even among those who never tried it.
12. Taco Bell Nacho Fries
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Nacho Fries were seasoned fries served with warm nacho cheese sauce. They became one of Taco Bell’s most successful new items. However, they have only been available in limited-time promotions. Fans still wait for them to become a regular menu item.
13. McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce
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Originally released in 1998 for a movie promotion, it became widely known again after being mentioned on a TV show. McDonald’s brought it back briefly in response to customer demand. It sold out quickly and has only returned a few times since. It remains a hard-to-find item.
14. Burger King Yumbo Sandwich
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This was a hot ham and cheese sandwich originally released in the 1970s. It was brought back briefly in 2014 as part of a nostalgia campaign. The sandwich was simple but had a dedicated following. After the promotion ended, it was removed again.
15. McDonald’s Onion Nuggets
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Before chicken nuggets became popular, McDonald’s sold deep-fried onion nuggets in the 1970s. They were similar to onion rings but in nugget form. They didn’t sell well and were replaced by more familiar items. Few people today remember they even existed.
16. Jack in the Box Cheesy Macaroni Bites
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These were fried bites filled with macaroni and cheese. They were introduced as a snack item and gained popularity quickly. They were removed after a short run and have not been part of the permanent menu since. Customers still mention them as one of the brand’s better side options.