16 Fast Food Promotions from the ’90s That Are History
This listicle looks back at 16 unforgettable fast food promotions from the 1990s that made eating out even more exciting.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
Fast food in the 1990s was full of fun and surprises. Big chains gave out toys, special cups, and limited-time meals that everyone looked forward to. These 16 promotions were exciting, memorable, and made eating out feel special. Many people still remember them today.
1. McDonald’s Pokémon Toys (1999)
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
In 1999, McDonald’s partnered with Pokémon to release a set of toys that came with Happy Meals. Each toy featured a popular character from the game and show, turning every meal into a collectible moment. Kids raced to collect them all, and some adults still have them tucked away today.
2. Jurassic Park Burger Tie-In (1993)
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When Jurassic Park hit theaters, McDonald’s joined the hype with themed packaging, collectible cups, and special edition meals. Dinosaurs showed up on wrappers, tray liners, and even Happy Meal boxes. It felt like you were part of the movie every time you ordered.
3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Toys (1990–1994)
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McDonald’s released a wave of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys across the early 90s, riding the popularity of the cartoon. The mini action figures were a hit with kids who watched the show and loved pizza just as much as the turtles. Mealtime quickly turned into playtime thanks to these toys.
4. Burger King RC Racer Promotion (1995)
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Burger King offered remote-controlled race cars in kids’ meals, making it one of their most exciting toy giveaways. These tiny racers actually worked and came in different colors and designs. They brought energy and noise to dinner tables everywhere.
5. McDonald’s “Hot ‘n Juicy” Burger (1997)
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
McDonald’s briefly introduced a thicker and juicier burger that stood out from their usual lineup. It came with extra toppings and a fresh take on the classic fast food bite. Though it disappeared quickly, many people still remember how different it tasted.
6. Beavis and Butt‑Head Cups (1994)
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Burger King leaned into 90s pop culture by offering Beavis and Butt-Head cups based on the hit MTV cartoon. The bold designs featured the characters in all their oddball glory. It was the kind of promotion that felt more rebellious than kid-friendly, which made it even cooler.
7. NFL Playmakers Toys (1996)
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McDonald’s teamed up with the NFL to offer tiny football player figures in Happy Meals. Each one came with team colors, a helmet, and a mini display stand. Sports fans of all ages loved adding their favorite teams to their growing toy collections.
8. Space Jam Shakes (1996)
Warner Bros. Pictures on Wikimedia Commons
In celebration of Space Jam, McDonald’s released themed cups and special shakes to match the movie buzz. The cups featured Looney Tunes characters in their basketball gear. It made watching the movie and grabbing food feel like part of the same big event.
9. Tamagotchi Toys in Burger King Meals (1998)
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During the virtual pet craze, Burger King included Tamagotchi-style toys in their kids’ meals. These pocket-sized toys beeped and flashed, simulating the digital pets kids loved. It turned a meal into a full-time responsibility for young fans.
10. Power Rangers Cup Campaign (1994)
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McDonald’s released colorful cups with Power Rangers designs during the height of the show’s popularity. Each Ranger had a matching cup, and fans wanted to collect every one. These cups added extra excitement to any soda.
11. “Beverly Hills Cop” Axel Foley Toy (1994)
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Burger King released an Axel Foley action figure to promote the movie sequel. It was one of the few fast food tie-ins linked to a movie meant for older audiences. That mix of grown-up cool and fast food fun made it a unique item.
12. Flintstones Vitamins Tie-In (1995)
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McDonald’s gave away Flintstones-themed cups and added a health twist by promoting vitamins alongside them. Kids got to take home something fun and useful at the same time. It was a rare mix of nutrition and cartoons in one package.
13. Rugrats Cups at Burger King (1999)
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Burger King created a set of Rugrats cups as a tie-in with the popular Nickelodeon show. The cups featured characters like Tommy, Chuckie, and Angelica in bold, colorful prints. It was one last burst of cartoon fun before the decade ended.
14. XL Crispy Chicken Sandwich (1998 Test)
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Burger King tested an extra-large crispy chicken sandwich in select locations. It came with more crunch, extra mayo, and a bigger bun than usual. Though it never went nationwide, it left a strong impression on those who tried it.
15. Hey Arnold! Sipper Cups (1997)
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Burger King released sipper cups shaped like characters from Hey Arnold!, one of the biggest cartoons of the decade. The cups came with colorful straws and lids that made them fun to use. Kids loved sipping juice or soda out of their favorite animated faces.
16. SpongeBob SquarePants Whopper Wrappers (1999)
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As SpongeBob started becoming a household name, Burger King added his face and his friends to their Whopper wrappers. It turned an ordinary burger into a cartoon surprise. This small touch made meals more playful and memorable.