Tiffany Welcome to our nostalgic journey through 21 McDonald’s foods that we wish we could still enjoy today! McDonald’s has been a staple of the fast food landscape for decades, offering a wide array of iconic menu items that have left a lasting impression on customers around the world. However, over the years, some beloved McDonald’s foods have been discontinued, leaving fans longing for their return to the menu. In this blog, we’ll revisit these classic McDonald’s foods that hold a special place in our hearts, evoking memories of childhood visits to the golden arches and the simple joy of indulging in our favorite fast food treats. Join us as we reminisce about the flavors, textures, and experiences that made these McDonald’s foods unforgettable.
1. McPizza
One of the most iconic discontinued McDonald’s items, the McPizza was introduced in the late 1980s as an attempt to compete with traditional pizza chains. Made with a thin crust and topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings, the McPizza offered a unique twist on the classic fast food menu. Despite initial enthusiasm, the McPizza ultimately failed to gain widespread popularity and was gradually phased out of McDonald’s locations, leaving behind a legacy of fond memories for those who had the chance to try it.
2. McDLT
The McDLT, short for “McDonald’s Lettuce and Tomato,” was a burger introduced in the 1980s that featured a unique packaging design aimed at keeping the hot ingredients separate from the cold ones until the customer was ready to assemble the burger. With its two-compartment styrofoam container, the McDLT allowed customers to enjoy a hot, freshly grilled beef patty alongside cool, crisp lettuce and tomato slices. Despite its innovative packaging and fresh ingredients, the McDLT was eventually discontinued, leaving fans longing for its unique flavor and presentation.
3. McRib
The McRib is a cult favorite among McDonald’s enthusiasts, known for its unique rib-shaped pork patty, tangy barbecue sauce, onions, and pickles, all served on a soft hoagie-style bun. Originally introduced as a limited-time menu item in the 1980s, the McRib has since made periodic comebacks, delighting fans with its savory-sweet flavor and distinctive texture. However, its availability remains sporadic, leading to fervent anticipation and longing among those craving its smoky goodness between bites.
4. McSalad Shakers
McSalad Shakers were a convenient and portable option for customers looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fast food fare. These salads came in a plastic cup with a lid, allowing customers to shake up the ingredients and evenly distribute the dressing before enjoying their meal on the go. With a variety of salad options available, including grilled chicken Caesar and garden salads, McSalad Shakers offered a refreshing and satisfying option for health-conscious diners. Despite their popularity, McSalad Shakers were eventually removed from the menu, leaving customers searching for a comparable alternative.
5. McHotDog
The McHotDog was a brief foray into the world of hot dogs for McDonald’s, offering a classic beef hot dog with ketchup, mustard, and chopped onions on a steamed bun. Despite being a popular menu item in other countries, including Japan and Germany, the McHotDog failed to gain traction in the United States and was discontinued after a short-lived run. While some customers enjoyed the novelty of a McDonald’s hot dog, others felt it didn’t quite fit with the brand’s image as a burger-centric fast food chain.
6. Arch Deluxe
The Arch Deluxe was a premium burger introduced by McDonald’s in the 1990s, featuring a quarter-pound beef patty, bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheese, onions, ketchup, and a secret “Arch Sauce” on a bakery-style sesame seed bun. Marketed as a sophisticated and upscale option, the Arch Deluxe aimed to appeal to adult consumers looking for a more gourmet fast food experience. Despite an extensive marketing campaign, the Arch Deluxe failed to resonate with customers and was eventually discontinued, becoming a symbol of McDonald’s missteps in trying to expand beyond its core offerings.
7. McLean Deluxe
The McLean Deluxe was McDonald’s attempt to cater to health-conscious consumers by offering a lower-fat burger option. Made with a beef patty that was blended with water, carrageenan, and seasonings to reduce the fat content, the McLean Deluxe promised a leaner alternative to traditional burgers. However, despite its healthier profile, the McLean Deluxe failed to impress customers with its taste and texture, leading to its eventual removal from the menu. While it may have been ahead of its time in terms of catering to dietary preferences, the McLean Deluxe ultimately couldn’t compete with McDonald’s classic offerings.
8. Onion Nuggets
Onion Nuggets were a savory snack offered by McDonald’s in the 1970s and 1980s, featuring bite-sized pieces of onion coated in a seasoned batter and deep-fried until golden brown. Similar in concept to chicken nuggets, Onion Nuggets offered a flavorful and satisfying option for customers looking for a crunchy snack or side dish. Despite their popularity during their heyday, Onion Nuggets were eventually discontinued, leaving fans of the crispy onion treat longing for their return to McDonald’s menus.
9. McSpaghetti
McSpaghetti was McDonald’s attempt to offer a pasta dish alongside its traditional burger and fries fare. Made with spaghetti noodles, tomato sauce, and a sprinkle of grated cheese, McSpaghetti aimed to provide a convenient and familiar option for customers craving Italian-inspired cuisine. However, the dish failed to gain widespread popularity and was eventually phased out of McDonald’s menus, leaving behind memories of a curious culinary experiment that didn’t quite hit the mark.
10. McPizza Deluxe
McPizza Deluxe was an expanded version of McDonald’s original McPizza, featuring additional toppings and customization options to appeal to a wider range of tastes. Available in both personal and family sizes, McPizza Deluxe allowed customers to choose from a variety of toppings, including pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. Despite efforts to revitalize interest in McDonald’s pizza offerings, McPizza Deluxe failed to gain traction and was eventually discontinued, leaving pizza lovers mourning the loss of a beloved menu item.
11. McDonaldland Cookies
McDonaldland Cookies were a beloved treat for children and adults alike, featuring colorful sugar cookies shaped like characters from McDonald’s advertising campaigns, such as Ronald McDonald, Grimace, and the Hamburglar. These whimsical cookies were a fun and nostalgic addition to McDonald’s dessert menu, often served in Happy Meals or as standalone treats. Despite their popularity, McDonaldland Cookies were eventually discontinued, leaving fans reminiscing about the joy they brought during childhood visits to McDonald’s.
12. McJordan Special
The McJordan Special was a limited-time burger offered by McDonald’s in the early 1990s as a tribute to basketball legend Michael Jordan. Featuring a quarter-pound beef patty, bacon, cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, and barbecue sauce, the McJordan Special was a hearty and flavorful option that captured the spirit of the iconic athlete. Served in a special packaging featuring Michael Jordan’s jersey number and signature, the McJordan Special became a collector’s item for fans of both McDonald’s and basketball. Despite its popularity, the McJordan Special was only available for a limited time, adding to its mystique and allure.
13. McStuffins
McStuffins were a series of stuffed baked potatoes offered by McDonald’s in the 1980s and 1990s, featuring a baked potato filled with toppings like cheese, bacon, broccoli, and sour cream. These hearty and satisfying potato dishes offered a convenient and customizable option for customers looking for a filling meal or snack. Despite their popularity, McStuffins were eventually removed from the menu, leaving fans of the stuffed potato lamenting their disappearance from McDonald’s restaurants.
14. McDonald’s Fried Apple Pie
McDonald’s Fried Apple Pie was a beloved dessert option for decades, featuring a flaky pastry crust filled with cinnamon-spiced apple filling and deep-fried to golden perfection. The Fried Apple Pie was a nostalgic favorite for many McDonald’s customers, offering a warm and comforting treat that paired perfectly with a meal or enjoyed on its own. However, in recent years, McDonald’s transitioned to baked apple pies as part of its efforts to offer healthier menu options, leading to the discontinuation of the beloved Fried Apple Pie.
15. McDonald’s Orange Drink
McDonald’s Orange Drink was a popular beverage option offered at McDonald’s restaurants in the 1990s and early 2000s. A refreshing blend of orange-flavored syrup and water, McDonald’s Orange Drink offered a sweet and tangy alternative to traditional soft drinks. Despite its popularity, McDonald’s Orange Drink was eventually phased out of the menu, leaving fans of the citrusy beverage searching for a comparable substitute.
16. McDonald’s Super Size Option
The Super Size option at McDonald’s allowed customers to upgrade their meal to a larger portion of fries and drink for an additional charge. Introduced in the 1990s, the Super Size option appealed to hungry customers looking for extra value and satisfaction from their meal. However, amid growing concerns about obesity and unhealthy eating habits, McDonald’s discontinued the Super Size option in the early 2000s as part of its efforts to promote healthier choices and portion control.
17. McDonald’s McAfrika Burger
The McAfrika Burger was a limited-time offering by McDonald’s in Norway during the 2002 Winter Olympics. The burger featured beef, cheese, lettuce, and tomato in a pita-style bun, inspired by African cuisine. However, the launch of the McAfrika Burger was met with controversy due to its insensitive timing, coinciding with a severe famine in southern Africa. Critics accused McDonald’s of cultural insensitivity and poor taste, leading to the burger’s swift removal from the menu.
18. McDonald’s McSpicy Chicken
McSpicy Chicken was a spicy chicken sandwich offered by McDonald’s in various international markets, including Asia and the Middle East. Made with a crispy chicken fillet seasoned with spicy marinade, lettuce, and mayonnaise, the McSpicy Chicken offered a flavorful and satisfying option for customers craving a spicy kick. Despite its popularity overseas, McDonald’s has not introduced the McSpicy Chicken to its menu in the United States, leaving American fans of spicy fast food yearning for its fiery flavor.
19. McDonald’s McSalad Shaker
The McSalad Shaker was a convenient and portable salad option offered by McDonald’s in the early 2000s. Served in a plastic cup with a domed lid, the McSalad Shaker allowed customers to shake up their salad ingredients and dressing for a fresh and satisfying meal on the go. Despite its innovative packaging and customizable options, the McSalad Shaker was eventually discontinued, making it a distant memory for fans of McDonald’s healthier menu offerings.
20. McDonald’s McWrap
The McDonald’s McWrap was a customizable wrap sandwich introduced in the early 2010s as part of McDonald’s efforts to offer healthier and more diverse menu options. Available in various flavors, including grilled chicken, crispy chicken, and veggie, the McWrap featured a tortilla filled with chicken or vegetables, lettuce, cheese, and sauce. Despite initial enthusiasm for its fresh and customizable ingredients, the McWrap failed to gain widespread popularity and was eventually removed from the menu.
21. McDonald’s McToast
The McToast was a breakfast sandwich offered by McDonald’s in Europe, featuring a toasted bun filled with ham, cheese, and optional toppings like tomato and lettuce. Despite its popularity overseas, the McToast was never introduced to McDonald’s menus in the United States, leaving American fans of breakfast sandwiches curious about its savory and satisfying combination of flavors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 21 McDonald’s foods we’ve explored in this blog represent more than just menu items—they’re cherished memories of moments shared with friends and family over a delicious meal. While these discontinued foods may no longer be available at McDonald’s restaurants, they live on in the hearts and taste buds of loyal fans who fondly recall their unique flavors and experiences. Whether it’s the iconic McPizza, the nostalgic McDonaldland Cookies, or the innovative McSalad Shakers, these McDonald’s foods continue to hold a special place in our collective nostalgia, reminding us of the joy and comfort that fast food can bring.
FAQ 1: Why were these McDonald’s foods discontinued?
Short Answer: McDonald’s discontinues menu items for various reasons, including changes in consumer preferences, limited-time promotions, menu simplification efforts, and the introduction of healthier options. While some discontinued items may return as limited-time offerings, others are retired permanently due to low demand or operational challenges.
FAQ 2: Is there any way to bring back these discontinued McDonald’s foods?
Short Answer: While McDonald’s regularly introduces new menu items and promotions, bringing back discontinued foods depends on factors like consumer demand, market trends, and operational feasibility. However, fans can voice their nostalgia and desire for their favorite discontinued items through social media campaigns, petitions, and customer feedback channels, which may influence McDonald’s decisions regarding menu offerings.