Fast food chains are always experimenting with new menu items, hoping to find the next big success that keeps customers coming back for more. While some products become iconic staples (like the Big Mac, introduced years after McDonald’s first opened), others fail to gain traction and disappear just as quickly as they arrived. Here’s a look at 20 fast food items that were once loved but didn’t stand the test of time.
#1: McDonald’s Onion Nuggets (1970s)
Before Chicken McNuggets stole the spotlight in the 1980s, McDonald’s introduced Onion Nuggets. These bite-sized, battered, and fried onion pieces were served as a snack or side dish. Despite their unique appeal, they failed to attract a large enough audience. However, they paved the way for future nugget-shaped innovations.
#2: Burger King’s Dinner Baskets (1970s)
In an attempt to rival casual dining restaurants, Burger King launched Dinner Baskets featuring options like fried shrimp, baked potatoes, and coleslaw. Meant to be eaten in-store, these offerings didn’t align with the on-the-go culture of Burger King’s customers and eventually disappeared.
#3: Pizza Hut Priazzo (1970s)
Pizza Hut aimed for an authentic Italian experience with the Priazzo, a pie filled with layers of cheese, meat, and sauce. While it gained some fans, the preparation time was too long for a brand built on quick delivery, leading to its downfall.
#4: Taco Bell’s Bell Beefer (1970s)
The Bell Beefer was Taco Bell’s take on a taco-inspired sandwich, featuring seasoned meat, lettuce, and tomato between hamburger buns. While initially popular, it was eventually discontinued as Taco Bell refocused on more traditional menu items.
#5: KFC’s Roast Beef Sandwich (1970s)
KFC ventured beyond chicken with its Roast Beef Sandwich, but customers didn’t embrace the new direction. Competing with brands like Arby’s, KFC decided to stick to its roots and retired the sandwich.
#6: McDonald’s McDLT (1980s)
The McDLT aimed to elevate the burger experience with packaging that kept the hot and cold ingredients separate. Although innovative, concerns over its styrofoam packaging led to its removal.
#7: Wendy’s SuperBar (1980s)
Wendy’s introduced the SuperBar, a self-serve buffet offering salads, tacos, and pasta. While popular, the labor-intensive maintenance and shifting customer preferences led to its closure by the late 1990s.
#8: Arby’s Onion Petals (1980s)
A twist on onion rings, Arby’s Onion Petals were served with a signature dipping sauce. Despite their popularity, they were discontinued as the company streamlined its menu.
#9: Burger King Yumbo (1980s)
This warm ham and cheese sandwich had a loyal following in the 1970s and ’80s but was phased out as Burger King focused on other items. A brief return in the 2010s failed to recapture its former glory.
#10: Hardee’s Fried Chicken (1980s)
Hardee’s ventured into fried chicken, and while customers loved its crispy flavor, the brand eventually shifted focus back to its burger offerings.
#11: McDonald’s Arch Deluxe (1990s)
Marketed as a “grown-up” burger, the Arch Deluxe featured premium ingredients and a mustard-mayo sauce. Despite a massive advertising campaign, it failed to resonate with customers.
#12: Taco Bell’s Meximelt (1990s)
The Meximelt, a blend of beef, melted cheese, and pico de gallo, was a gooey delight for fans. Its quiet removal left many disappointed, likely due to cost-cutting measures.
#13: Subway’s Seafood Sensation (1990s)
This sandwich, made with imitation crab and mayo, attracted a niche audience but struggled with broader appeal. Concerns over taste and freshness ultimately sealed its fate.
#14: Pizza Hut’s Bigfoot Pizza (1990s)
This giant rectangular pizza was designed to feed a crowd but posed operational challenges. It was eventually removed from the menu after a short run.
#15: Dairy Queen’s Breeze (1990s)
As a healthier alternative to the Blizzard, the Breeze used frozen yogurt instead of ice cream. Despite its forward-thinking concept, Dairy Queen’s customers weren’t interested in lighter options.
These discontinued items remind us that even big brands can’t always predict what will succeed. Sometimes, a product just doesn’t fit the moment, while other times, it’s ahead of its time.
