McDonald’s is known for its iconic Big Mac, McNuggets, and golden fries, but not every menu item has stood the test of time. Over the years, McDonald’s has introduced bold, unique, and sometimes downright strange offerings that captured hearts (and taste buds) but eventually disappeared.
Let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and explore some of the most beloved discontinued McDonald’s menu items.
Related: 35 Discontinued Fast Food Items Fans Want Back
1. McPizza
McDonald’s attempt to break into the pizza market was ambitious but ultimately short-lived. Introduced in the late 1980s, the McPizza aimed to compete with established pizza chains. However, the preparation time didn’t align with McDonald’s fast-paced service model, and the ovens took up too much space. Despite its failure, the McPizza remains a cult favorite, with fans calling for its return.
2. McDLT
The McDLT (“McDonald’s Lettuce and Tomato”) was a creative take on the classic burger. Marketed with the slogan “Hot Side Hot, Cool Side Cool,” the burger came in a specially designed Styrofoam container to keep the lettuce and tomato separate from the patty until assembled. While innovative, the packaging was criticized for being environmentally unfriendly, leading to its demise in the early 90s. As far as discontinued McDonald’s menu items go, this might be the most beloved.
3. Arch Deluxe
Dubbed “the burger with the grown-up taste,” the Arch Deluxe was McDonald’s attempt to target an adult audience. Featuring a quarter-pound patty, mustard-mayo sauce, and premium toppings, it was positioned as a more sophisticated option. Unfortunately, its high price and heavy marketing costs contributed to one of McDonald’s biggest flops.
4. Mighty Wings
McDonald’s foray into the chicken wing market started strong in the early 1990s but fizzled out due to their price and seasoning. While flavorful, they were deemed too spicy for McDonald’s core audience. The company brought them back briefly in 2013, but they didn’t stick around long.
5. Hula Burger
The Hula Burger was a meatless alternative created in the 1960s to cater to Catholic customers abstaining from meat on Fridays. Featuring a slice of grilled pineapple and cheese on a bun, it couldn’t compete with the Filet-O-Fish, which remains a menu staple to this day.
6. McSpaghetti
Yes, McDonald’s once served spaghetti! McSpaghetti was part of an experiment in the early 1970s to expand into Italian cuisine. While it failed in the U.S., it’s still available in select international markets like the Philippines.
7. McSalad Shakers
Long before fast-casual chains popularized customizable salads, McDonald’s introduced McSalad Shakers in the early 2000s. Packaged in a tall cup, you could add dressing, shake it up, and enjoy. Despite their convenience, they were discontinued in favor of more traditional salad offerings.
8. Onion Nuggets
Before Chicken McNuggets became a global sensation, McDonald’s tested Onion Nuggets in the 1970s. These bite-sized fried onion chunks were tasty but didn’t generate enough interest to stay on the menu.
9. Big N’ Tasty
This quarter-pound burger with lettuce, tomato, and a tangy sauce was McDonald’s answer to Burger King’s Whopper. It lasted from 1997 to 2011 but was eventually overshadowed by other premium burger options.
10. Chicken Selects
McDonald’s Chicken Selects were premium chicken tenders introduced in the mid-2000s. With a crispy, seasoned breading and juicy chicken inside, they were a favorite for those wanting a higher-quality alternative to McNuggets. Despite their popularity, they were discontinued in 2013 due to supply chain issues, though similar products occasionally return.
11. McHotDog
Believe it or not, McDonald’s once tried to sell hot dogs. The McHotDog was introduced in the 1990s and tested in various regions. However, the company’s association with burgers made it difficult for the hot dog to catch on, and it eventually disappeared.
12. Cheddar Melt
The Cheddar Melt was a limited-time offering that consisted of a beef patty smothered in melted cheddar cheese and sautéed onions on a rye bun. It first appeared in the late 1980s and made a few brief returns over the years but never became a permanent fixture.
13. McLobster
The McLobster, a lobster roll filled with shredded lobster meat and mayonnaise, debuted in the 1990s as a summer special. While it generated curiosity, its high price and limited appeal made it a short-lived experiment in most markets. However, it occasionally resurfaces in coastal areas like New England.
14. Shamrock Sundae
A companion to the Shamrock Shake, the Shamrock Sundae was a short-lived dessert topped with green mint syrup. Despite its festive appearance, it didn’t gain the same cult following as the shake, and McDonald’s quietly retired it.
15. McAfrika
One of McDonald’s more controversial menu items, the McAfrika, was introduced in select European markets in 2002. It featured a pita filled with beef and vegetables, inspired by African flavors. The timing was heavily criticized as it coincided with a famine in Africa, leading to its swift discontinuation.
16. McStuffins
McStuffins were essentially McDonald’s take on Hot Pockets, featuring stuffed bread with fillings like chicken teriyaki or pepperoni pizza. Launched in the early 1990s, they didn’t resonate with customers and were quickly phased out.
17. McLean Deluxe
In the early 1990s, McDonald’s attempted to cater to health-conscious customers with the McLean Deluxe. This burger was made with 91% lean beef and seaweed extract as a fat substitute. While it seemed like a good idea, the taste didn’t live up to expectations.
18. Fish McBites
A bite-sized version of the Filet-O-Fish, Fish McBites debuted in 2013 as a limited-time option. Despite its portability and unique concept, it didn’t generate enough buzz to secure a permanent spot on the menu.
19. Chopped Beefsteak Sandwich
The Chopped Beefsteak Sandwich was introduced in the late 1970s as part of McDonald’s attempt to offer upscale menu items. Served on a hoagie-style bun with onions and steak sauce, it was considered pricey and failed to resonate with customers.
20. Triple-Double Burger
Before the rise of specialty burgers, McDonald’s offered the Triple-Double Burger—a sandwich with two patties and three slices of cheese. Despite its indulgent appeal, it couldn’t compete with other menu innovations and disappeared.
Final List Highlights
With these additions, we now have a diverse list of 20 discontinued McDonald’s items. This expanded coverage captures both cult classics and odd experiments, offering a comprehensive look at the fast food giant’s adventurous past.
The Legacy of Discontinued Items
Discontinued McDonald’s menu items hold a special place in the hearts of fast-food fans. Some, like the McRib and Szechuan Sauce, have made triumphant comebacks thanks to consumer demand. Others remain locked in the past, with their legend growing over time.
Final Thoughts
While McDonald’s continues to innovate, it’s hard not to miss these quirky, creative menu items. They represent a time when the fast-food giant wasn’t afraid to experiment. Did your favorite discontinued McDonald’s item make the list? Share your memories in the comments below!
