8 McDonald’s Items That Missed the Mark—And 7 Failed Launches We Secretly Miss

Here’s a look at 8 McDonald’s menu items that fell short of expectations—and 7 discontinued launches that, despite their flop status, still hold a nostalgic place in our hearts.

1. Arch Deluxe

The Arch Deluxe was McDonald’s ambitious attempt to cater to adult tastes in the 1990s. Marketed as a sophisticated burger, it featured a quarter-pound beef patty, lettuce, tomato, and a unique mustard-mayo sauce on a sesame seed bun.

Despite its premium positioning, the Arch Deluxe flopped due to its high price and lackluster taste. The effort to present a ‘grown-up’ burger was muddled by a confusing marketing message, leading to its downfall. While the concept was innovative, it failed to resonate with the fast-food crowd.

Today, it’s a curious footnote in McDonald’s history.

2. McPizza

The McPizza was McDonald’s bold foray into the world of pizza in the 1980s and 1990s. Aimed to diversify the menu, the McPizza offered a traditional fast-food twist on a classic dish.

However, this venture into Italian cuisine was short-lived. The primary issue was the long preparation time, which clashed with McDonald’s fast-food identity. Customers found the wait inconvenient, and the product couldn’t compete with established pizzerias.

Despite its failure, the McPizza remains a nostalgic memory for those who tried it during its brief existence.

3. McSpaghetti

McSpaghetti was McDonald’s attempt to add pasta to its fast-food lineup. Launched in select markets, the dish consisted of sweet spaghetti sauce over pre-cooked noodles, topped with cheese.

Despite its nostalgic appeal, McSpaghetti failed to gain traction outside a few regions, primarily because it clashed with McDonald’s fast-food philosophy of quick and convenient meals.

While it still exists in the Philippines, most countries saw it as an oddity that didn’t suit local tastes. The McSpaghetti remains a quirky part of McDonald’s diverse menu history.

4. Mighty Wings

Mighty Wings were McDonald’s spicy offering to the world of fried chicken in the early 2010s. These bone-in wings promised a hot and crispy experience, aiming to capture the chicken wing market.

However, despite their flavorful potential, Mighty Wings were considered too spicy and too expensive for many customers. The pricing was particularly a sticking point, making it difficult for these wings to compete with established chicken chains.

While they packed a punch, they ultimately couldn’t keep up with consumer expectations, fading away as a spicy memory.

5. McSalad Shakers

McSalad Shakers were McDonald’s creative attempt to offer salads in a novel, portable form. Available in the early 2000s, these salads came in clear plastic cups, encouraging customers to ‘shake’ the dressing throughout.

Unfortunately, the concept was more innovative than practical. While the idea of a salad on-the-go was appealing, the execution left much to be desired. The salads were hard to eat from the cups, and competition from fresher salad options overshadowed them.

Despite their disappearance, McSalad Shakers are fondly remembered by some for their quirky presentation.

6. Hula Burger

The Hula Burger was an unusual creation from McDonald’s in the 1960s. Designed for Catholics abstaining from meat on Fridays, it featured a slice of grilled pineapple topped with cheese, sandwiched in a bun.

The Hula Burger was McDonald’s attempt to offer a meatless option, but it was quickly overshadowed by the successful Filet-O-Fish, which offered a more satisfying taste experience.

While the Hula Burger may have missed the mark, its daring innovation stands out, marking McDonald’s willingness to experiment with non-traditional flavors.

7. Fish McBites

Fish McBites were introduced by McDonald’s in 2013 as a bite-sized seafood snack. With the idea of bringing fish to the fast-food scene in a new way, these breaded nuggets were meant to capture the essence of fish and chips.

However, customers found them too salty and questioned their seafood authenticity. The lack of a strong, appealing flavor led to their short-lived presence on the menu.

Despite their failure, Fish McBites hold a place in McDonald’s exploration of expanding their seafood offerings beyond the Filet-O-Fish.

8. McLean Deluxe

The McLean Deluxe was McDonald’s answer to the health-conscious trends of the early 1990s. This burger used a beef patty with seaweed extract to reduce fat content, aimed at offering a healthier alternative.

While the idea was progressive, the execution fell flat. The McLean Deluxe suffered from a bland taste and dry texture, failing to satisfy customers craving flavor.

Although it promised a healthier option, it couldn’t deliver the taste experience people expected from McDonald’s, leading to its quiet disappearance from the menu.

9. Snack Wraps

Snack Wraps became a beloved part of McDonald’s menu in the 2000s, offering a lighter, portable option for those on the go. With crispy or grilled chicken, lettuce, cheese, and a tangy sauce, they wrapped familiar flavors in a convenient tortilla.

Despite their popularity, Snack Wraps were quietly phased out, leaving fans yearning for their return. Their simplicity and portability made them a lunch favorite, particularly for those seeking something different from the usual burger.

The disappearance of Snack Wraps remains a sore spot for devotees who cherished their tasty convenience.

10. Cheddar Melt

The Cheddar Melt was McDonald’s gooey, cheesy indulgence of the late 1980s. Featuring a quarter-pound beef patty, sautéed onions, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce, it came nestled in a soft rye bun.

This delicious concoction offered a unique twist on the traditional burger, appealing to those craving something a bit heartier and flavorful. Despite its initial popularity, the Cheddar Melt was eventually discontinued, leaving a void for those who remember its rich, comforting taste.

It’s fondly recalled by fans who wish for its cheesy warmth to make a comeback.

11. Cinnamon Melts

McDonald’s Cinnamon Melts were a sweet, sticky treat that delighted customers in the 2000s. These buttery pull-apart cinnamon pastries, drizzled with icing, were an easier-to-eat cousin of the traditional cinnamon roll.

The convenience of enjoying a freshly baked cinnamon delight on the go made them a popular choice for breakfast or a sweet snack. Despite their success, Cinnamon Melts were eventually removed from the menu, leaving a sugary gap in the hearts of many.

Their nostalgic aroma and taste continue to be missed by fans who crave their gooey goodness.

12. Szechuan Sauce

Szechuan Sauce became a cult favorite following its limited release in 1998 to promote Disney’s Mulan. The spicy, tangy dipping sauce captured the imagination of fans and became a sought-after collectible.

Despite its brief initial appearance, demand surged after it was referenced in pop culture, leading to a revived release in 2017. Its scarcity and unique flavor profile turned it into a legendary item among McDonald’s enthusiasts.

Today, the Szechuan Sauce is not just a condiment but a piece of fast-food folklore that fans still hope will return permanently.

13. Onion Nuggets

In the 1970s, McDonald’s introduced Onion Nuggets as a precursor to the famous Chicken McNuggets. These chopped, battered, and deep-fried onion pieces were an intriguing alternative to fries.

While they never reached the iconic status of their chicken counterpart, Onion Nuggets left a bizarre yet endearing mark on McDonald’s menu history. Their earthy, savory taste appealed to a niche audience.

Despite their disappearance, Onion Nuggets are remembered by those who appreciate the unconventional, and they sometimes spark curiosity among those who never got to try them.

14. McStuffins

McStuffins were McDonald’s venture into stuffed sandwich pockets during the 1990s, aimed at offering a unique fast-food experience. With fillings like pepperoni pizza and teriyaki chicken, they resembled popular ready-to-eat snacks.

Despite their potential, McStuffins struggled to attract a wide audience. The concept, while novel, didn’t align with McDonald’s traditional offerings, and the product was soon discontinued.

Today, McStuffins are remembered as a creative yet challenging endeavor that showcased McDonald’s willingness to experiment beyond burgers and fries.

15. Fried Apple Pie (Original Recipe)

McDonald’s Fried Apple Pie, with its crispy, golden crust and warm apple filling, became a beloved treat after its debut in the 1960s. Unlike today’s baked version, the original pie was deep-fried, offering a crunchy texture that delighted taste buds.

Its sweet, nostalgic flavor became a fixture in McDonald’s classic dessert lineup. However, due to health concerns, the fried version was replaced by a baked one, disappointing those who cherished its original form.

Many fans still long for its return, remembering the comforting crunch and sweetness fondly.