9 McDonald’s Flops to Forget—And 7 Missed Items We Secretly Want Back

Throughout the years, McDonald’s has introduced a variety of menu items, some that soared to success and others that quietly faded into obscurity. In this post, we explore 9 McDonald’s flops that failed to impress—and for good reason. We also revisit 7 discontinued items that fans still crave and wish would return to the golden arches.

1. McDLT

The McDLT, an ambitious creation from the 1980s, aimed to revolutionize the way we think about burgers. With its unusual two-compartment styrofoam packaging, this burger promised to keep the ‘hot side hot and cold side cold.’ However, the bulky container was environmentally unfriendly and cumbersome. Customers found the concept innovative yet impractical, leading to its downfall. Nostalgia might paint it positively, but its failure to catch on is undeniable. This over-engineered attempt was one of McDonald’s more memorable flops.

2. Arch Deluxe

The Arch Deluxe, introduced in the 1990s, was McDonald’s attempt to tap into the adult market with a ‘grown-up’ burger. Marketed with sophistication, it featured a quarter-pound beef patty with special sauce, lettuce, and tomatoes. Unfortunately, its high price and complex marketing didn’t resonate with customers. Despite the premium ingredients, it couldn’t justify the cost, leading to its quick disappearance. The Arch Deluxe remains a lesson in marketing missteps, remembered for its lofty ambitions but lackluster performance.

3. McPizza

In a bold move to diversify, McDonald’s introduced McPizza in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This attempt to enter the pizza market was met with initial curiosity but quickly faltered. The preparation time was too long for fast food, which frustrated customers accustomed to quick service. Additionally, the taste didn’t meet expectations, and the item slowly vanished from menus. Though it was a novel idea at the time, McPizza serves as a reminder of the challenges of straying too far from a brand’s core offerings.

4. Hula Burger

The Hula Burger, conceived in the 1960s, was McDonald’s initial venture into meatless options. Aimed at Catholic customers abstaining from meat on Fridays, it featured a slice of grilled pineapple topped with cheese. However, it paled in comparison to the successful Filet-O-Fish, which was introduced around the same time. Customers found the flavor combination unappealing, leading to its quick demise in the fast-food market. Today, it stands as a quirky footnote in McDonald’s history, remembered more for its oddity than its taste.

5. Mighty Wings

Mighty Wings, introduced in the 1990s, aimed to bring a new level of zest to McDonald’s menu. These bone-in wings were coated with a spicy breading that intrigued adventurous eaters. However, the heat was too much for many, and the price point was higher than customers expected. Coupled with inconsistent quality, these wings floundered in sales. Despite a loyal following, their complexity and cost failed to justify a permanent spot. Mighty Wings are a spicy chapter in McDonald’s culinary experiments.

6. McLean Deluxe

The McLean Deluxe entered the market in the early 1990s as a response to the growing health-conscious trend. It featured a lean beef patty with seaweed extract to reduce fat content. Despite promising a healthier alternative, its taste left much to be desired. Customers weren’t wowed by its bland flavor and the burger struggled to compete with more indulgent options. The McLean Deluxe serves as a testament to the challenges of balancing health with taste satisfaction in the fast-food industry.

7. Onion Nuggets

Before the famous Chicken McNuggets, there were Onion Nuggets. Launched in the 1970s, these breaded onion chunks aimed to diversify McDonald’s menu. While intended as a vegetarian-friendly side, the execution was awkward. The nuggets lacked the appeal and excitement of their chicken counterparts and failed to create a lasting impression. Despite their short-lived presence, Onion Nuggets paved the way for more successful innovations. Today, they are remembered as a curious precursor to a fast-food staple.

8. McHotDog

McDonald’s McHotDog tried multiple comebacks over the years, but never quite fit in. Aiming to expand beyond burgers, it offered a traditional hot dog in select markets. The concept struggled, as it clashed with McDonald’s established identity as a burger and fries destination. Many customers found it uninspired compared to local hot dog vendors. Despite several attempts, the McHotDog couldn’t establish a foothold, illustrating the importance of brand coherence. It’s a reminder of the challenges of straying too far from core products.

9. Fish McBites

Fish McBites, launched in 2013, aimed to offer a new twist on the beloved Filet-O-Fish. These bite-sized pieces of fish were designed for easy snacking, complete with tartar sauce. Despite their innovative approach, customers weren’t impressed by the flavor or texture. The product didn’t resonate, leading to its swift disappearance from menus. Fish McBites highlight the difficulty of reinventing popular items without losing their original charm. This short-lived snack is a blip in McDonald’s extensive seafood offerings.

10. Snack Wraps

Snack Wraps were a beloved McDonald’s item offering convenience and flavor in a neat package. Introduced in the 2000s, these wraps paired crispy or grilled chicken with fresh lettuce, cheese, and a choice of sauces, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. They quickly became a popular choice for those seeking a lighter meal, but their discontinuation left many fans disappointed. Snack Wraps remain fondly remembered for their perfect blend of taste and portability, and they continue to be a missed option on the menu.

11. Szechuan Sauce

Originally introduced in 1998 as a promotional item for Disney’s “Mulan,” Szechuan Sauce became a cultural phenomenon years later. This tangy, savory sauce captivated fans with its unique flavor profile. Though discontinued shortly after its debut, it resurfaced due to overwhelming demand spurred by popular culture references. The sauce’s limited comeback was met with fervent excitement, showcasing its status as a cult favorite. Szechuan Sauce remains a testament to the power of nostalgia and pop culture in driving food trends.

12. Fried Apple Pie (Original Recipe)

The original Fried Apple Pie, a staple of McDonald’s dessert menu, was beloved for its crispy, golden crust. This deep-fried treat offered a satisfying crunch, filled with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples. In pursuit of healthier options, McDonald’s switched to a baked version, leaving fans yearning for the original’s texture and flavor. The fried version’s disappearance has only intensified its nostalgic allure. For many, this pie evokes fond memories of simpler times, and its return is a frequent topic of customer requests.

13. McSalad Shakers

Introduced in the early 2000s, McSalad Shakers revolutionized fast-food salads by offering them in portable cups. These vibrant salads could be shaken to mix, providing a fun and convenient dining experience. Despite initial popularity, they were eventually phased out, leaving a gap in McDonald’s salad offerings. McSalad Shakers are fondly remembered for their innovative presentation and ease of consumption. Their absence continues to be felt by those who appreciated their uniqueness in fast-food dining.

14. McDonald’s Breakfast Bagels

McDonald’s Breakfast Bagels were a cherished morning offering, combining toasted bagels with eggs, cheese, and a choice of meats. These hearty sandwiches provided a fulfilling start to the day and were dearly missed when discontinued in many locations. Fans appreciated the combination of textures and flavors in a convenient package. The bagels’ absence from the breakfast lineup is still lamented by many who favored this robust option. As breakfast menus evolve, this item remains a nostalgic favorite for those who enjoyed its hearty comfort.

15. McStuffins

McStuffins, introduced in the early 1990s, were McDonald’s take on hot pocket-style sandwiches. Filled with various hearty ingredients like pepperoni pizza or teriyaki chicken, they offered a unique twist to traditional fast-food fare. Despite their creativity, McStuffins didn’t secure a permanent spot on the menu. Their quirky name and diverse fillings remain a point of nostalgia for those who remember them. Though short-lived, McStuffins highlighted McDonald’s willingness to experiment with different food formats and flavors.

16. Cheddar Melt

The Cheddar Melt, featuring a quarter-pound beef patty topped with grilled onions and melted cheddar cheese sauce, was a savory delight. Served on a rye bun, it offered a distinct taste compared to typical menu items. Despite its flavorful combination, the Cheddar Melt was a limited-time offering, leaving a lasting impression on those who enjoyed its rich, cheesy goodness. The sandwich’s brief appearance is still celebrated by fans who wish for its return. It’s a testament to the power of a successful limited-run item.