35 Discontinued Fast Food Items Fans Want Back

Food & DrinkDiscontinued flavorsNostalgia
Discontinued fast food items - On the left, a McDonald's box filled with discontinued fast food item Onion Nuggets surrounded by whole onions. On the right, a Pizza Hut ad showcases the Triple Deckeroni Pizza, priced at $10.99 and $13.99 with a first topping free offer.

Published:

Reading time: 7 min.

Fast food menus are constantly evolving, with chains introducing new creations to keep up with changing tastes. But every now and then, a menu item comes along that leaves such a lasting impression it earns a devoted fanbase—even after it’s gone. From McDonald’s to Taco Bell, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Wendy’s, and KFC, some of the most beloved fast food items have disappeared from menus, leaving fans nostalgic for their return.

Who could forget the McDLT, McDonald’s innovative burger that kept the hot and cool ingredients separate, or Taco Bell’s Volcano Taco with its fiery red shell and spicy lava sauce? Then there’s Pizza Hut’s Bigfoot Pizza, a two-foot-long masterpiece, and KFC’s iconic Potato Wedges, which were heartbreakingly replaced by fries. Wendy’s fans still pine for the Frescata sandwiches, and Burger King’s Crown-Shaped Nuggets remain a nostalgic favorite for kids of the 2000s.

These discontinued fast food items represent a golden age of bold flavors and creative ideas, proving that sometimes, the best things really don’t last forever. Dive into this list of 36 discontinued fast food menu items fans still crave today!

1. McDonald’s Arch Deluxe

Discontinued fast food items - Arch Deluxe. A close-up of a burger featuring a sesame seed bun, lettuce, tomato, onion, a beef patty, and cheese. The Arch Deluxe logo is at the top right with "The burger with the grown-up taste" slogan below. A nostalgic nod to discontinued fast food items that left an indelible mark.
  • Introduced: 1996
  • Discontinued: 2000
  • What it was: A “grown-up” burger with a fancy mustard-mayo sauce, lettuce, tomato, and peppered bacon.
  • Fun fact: Despite a massive $300 million marketing campaign, it flopped due to its high price point.

Related: 20 Discontinued McDonald’s Menu Items You’ll Never See Again

2. Taco Bell’s Volcano Taco

Discontinued fast food item - Taco Bell Volcano Taco. The vibrant red-shelled taco, reminiscent of beloved discontinued fast food items, is packed with seasoned ground beef and topped with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sauce. It stands out against a purple background.
  • Introduced: 2008
  • Discontinued: 2012
  • What it was: A fiery red taco shell filled with beef, lettuce, cheese, and spicy lava sauce.
  • Fun fact: Fans still recreate the iconic lava sauce with DIY recipes online.

Related: 25 Discontinued Taco Bell Menu Items That Fans Still Taco ‘Bout

3. Burger King’s Crown-Shaped Nuggets

Discontinued Burger King item - Crown Shaped Nuggets. A chicken nugget shaped like a crown, reminiscent of discontinued fast food items, rests on a white paper towel.
  • Introduced: 2000
  • Discontinued: 2011
  • What it was: Chicken nuggets shaped like crowns, marketed as a fun twist for kids.
  • Fun fact: Fans have started petitions for their return, claiming they tasted better than standard nuggets.

Related: 20 Discontinued Burger King Items That Only The King Himself Could Bring Back

4. Wendy’s Frescata Sandwiches

Four sandwiches rest on a wooden surface, each with ciabatta bread. Visible ingredients include slices of tomato, red onion, lettuce, and various deli meats. The word Frescata—evoking memories of beloved discontinued fast food items—graces the bottom left corner.
  • Introduced: 2006
  • Discontinued: 2007
  • What it was: Premium deli sandwiches with freshly baked bread and high-quality meats.
  • Fun fact: Wendy’s ditched these sandwiches because they slowed down service times.

5. Pizza Hut’s P’Zone

Two calzones filled with melted cheese and pepperoni are placed on a dark surface, reminiscent of beloved but discontinued fast food items. A small bowl of marinara sauce is on the side, set on a wooden table.
  • Introduced: 2002
  • Discontinued: 2010
  • What it was: A calzone-style pizza packed with cheese and toppings, folded into a portable package.
  • Fun fact: It made a brief return during the March Madness promotion in 2019.

6. McDonald’s McPizza

A vintage advertisement for McDonald's Pizza highlights a pepperoni pizza with cheese strings as a slice is lifted. Text details its fresh ingredients and low price after 4 pm, capturing the nostalgia of discontinued fast food items.
  • Introduced: 1989
  • Discontinued: Early 1990s
  • What it was: A personal-sized pizza offered in select locations to compete with traditional pizza chains.
  • Fun fact: It took 11 minutes to prepare, which clashed with McDonald’s fast-food model.

7. KFC’s Double Down

A sandwich featuring crispy fried chicken fillets as buns, filled with bacon, melted cheese, and sauce. This innovative creation, reminiscent of discontinued fast food items, is served on a dark, reflective surface.
  • Introduced: 2010
  • Discontinued: 2014
  • What it was: A bun-less sandwich made of two fried chicken fillets, bacon, and cheese.
  • Fun fact: The Double Down was brought back several times due to fan demand.

8. Arby’s Potato Cakes

  • Introduced: 1970s
  • Discontinued: 2021
  • What it was: Crispy, triangular hash brown patties that were a classic side dish.
  • Fun fact: Arby’s replaced them with crinkle fries, sparking outrage among long-time customers.

9. Taco Bell’s Bell Beefer

A nod to discontinued fast food items, this sandwich features a soft bun filled with cooked ground meat, shredded lettuce, and a tangy sauce.
  • Introduced: 1970s
  • Discontinued: 1980s
  • What it was: A Sloppy Joe-style sandwich featuring seasoned taco meat, lettuce, and sauce on a hamburger bun.
  • Fun fact: It was Taco Bell’s attempt to appeal to burger lovers.

10. Burger King’s Yumbo

A hand holding a sub sandwich with a sesame seed bun, filled with layers of deli meat, cheese slices, lettuce, and a hint of mayonnaise—a delicious reminder of classic flavors reminiscent of discontinued fast food items.
  • Introduced: 1968
  • Discontinued: 1974 (brief return in 2014)
  • What it was: A hot ham and cheese sandwich served on a sesame seed bun.
  • Fun fact: Its 2014 comeback was short-lived, lasting only a few months.

11. McDonald’s Snack Wrap

A wrap with chicken and lettuce is partially unwrapped on a table next to a packet of fries and ketchup sachets, reminiscent of some discontinued fast food items. McDonald's branding is visible on the packaging.
  • Introduced: 2006
  • Discontinued: 2016
  • What it was: A soft tortilla wrap filled with crispy chicken, lettuce, cheese, and ranch or honey mustard sauce.
  • Fun fact: The wrap’s popularity among health-conscious diners wasn’t enough to overcome the complicated assembly process.

12. Pizza Hut’s Bigfoot Pizza

Discontinued fast food item - Pizza Hut's Big Foot Pizza. A rectangular pepperoni and green pepper pizza in a box, with text advertising Up to 3 Toppings $10.99. Small print notes exclusions for discontinued fast food items like BIGFOOT Pizza, and price variations in Alaska and Hawaii. Delivery is mentioned.
  • Introduced: 1993
  • Discontinued: 1994
  • What it was: A two-foot-long rectangular pizza designed for parties.
  • Fun fact: It was advertised as the largest pizza ever offered by a national chain.

13. Jack in the Box’s Monster Taco

Close-up of a food advertisement showcasing the discontinued fast food item, a taco with cheese, lettuce, and sauce. Next to the tasty taco, bold text reads: $1 PLUS TAX MONSTER TACO.
  • Introduced: 2009
  • Discontinued: 2019
  • What it was: An oversized taco filled with beef, lettuce, and cheese.
  • Fun fact: It was brought back for a limited time around Halloween.

14. Dairy Queen’s Breeze

A close-up of a cup filled with soft-serve ice cream evokes nostalgia for discontinued fast food items. The cup is purple with white dots and features the word Breeze in light blue letters, reminiscent of past indulgent delights.
  • Introduced: Early 1990s
  • Discontinued: Early 2000s
  • What it was: A Blizzard made with frozen yogurt instead of ice cream.
  • Fun fact: It was marketed as a healthier alternative but failed to maintain popularity.

15. McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce

A McDonald's Szechuan sauce packet is displayed, featuring bold red text on a black background, reminiscent of discontinued fast food items that fans still crave. The ingredients and nutritional information are printed below the iconic sauce name.
  • Introduced: 1998
  • Discontinued: 1998
  • What it was: A tangy dipping sauce created to promote Disney’s Mulan.
  • Fun fact: A 2017 episode of Rick and Morty sparked such a frenzy for its return that McDonald’s released it in limited quantities.

16. Taco Bell’s Meximelt

A flour tortilla wrap, reminiscent of beloved discontinued fast food items, is filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and diced tomatoes with herbs. It sits on a brown paper wrapper, partially folded to reveal its colorful fillings.
  • Introduced: 1980s
  • Discontinued: 2019
  • What it was: A soft taco with seasoned beef, pico de gallo, and melted cheese.
  • Fun fact: Many fans now recreate the Meximelt at home with Taco Bell ingredients.

17. Wendy’s Spicy Nuggets (Original Recipe)

A red container filled with crispy, breaded chicken nuggets sits invitingly against a red background, reminiscent of beloved yet discontinued fast food items.
  • Introduced: 2009
  • Discontinued: 2017
  • What it was: Crispy chicken nuggets with a spicy kick.
  • Fun fact: Fans petitioned on social media to bring them back, and Wendy’s eventually caved.

18. McDonald’s Mighty Wings

A fast food tray with a McDonald's meal: a box of chicken nuggets, a hamburger, fries in a red container, and apple juice. Among the sauces, reminiscent of discontinued fast food items, are two dipping packets—one red and one light blue.
  • Introduced: 1990
  • Discontinued: 2013
  • What it was: Spicy fried chicken wings.
  • Fun fact: They failed due to their high price compared to other menu items.

19. Subway’s Seafood Sensation

A Subway sandwich with seafood, lettuce, tomato, and onion on a green background highlights the Friday Seafood Sensation. The Subway logo and "eat fresh" slogan sit below, surrounded by illustrations of food and fitness items—a nod to once-loved discontinued fast food items.
  • Introduced: 1980s
  • Discontinued: Early 2000s
  • What it was: A sub made with a blend of crab and seafood salad.
  • Fun fact: It was a polarizing menu item but maintained a loyal fanbase.

20. KFC’s Popcorn Chicken

A red and white box labeled Popcorn Chicken, filled with crispy, golden-brown pieces—a nostalgic treat reminiscent of discontinued fast food items. The box rests on a red tray with the edge of another food box peeking from the background.
  • Introduced: 1992
  • Discontinued: Early 2000s
  • What it was: Bite-sized, crispy chicken pieces.
  • Fun fact: KFC occasionally brings this item back as part of limited-time promotions.

21. Sonic’s French Toaster

Image of two French Toaster breakfast sandwiches featuring layers of toast, egg, cheese, and sausage or bacon. Text reads, New French Toaster Breakfast Sandwiches - Sweet Meets Savory. Rediscover the charm of discontinued fast food items with this delightful creation.
  • Introduced: 2000s
  • Discontinued: 2015
  • What it was: A breakfast sandwich made with French toast, eggs, and sausage or bacon.
  • Fun fact: Fans loved its sweet-and-savory combination.

22. McDonald’s McDLT

Discover McDonald's Lettuce & Tomato Special sandwich, where crisp lettuce and juicy tomato stay cool atop a sizzling beef patty. Taste the nostalgia reminiscent of our beloved discontinued fast food items, with every bite layered with flavor, crowned by a dollop of savory sauce.
  • Introduced: 1984
  • Discontinued: 1991
  • What it was: A burger served in a divided container to keep the hot ingredients hot and the cool ingredients cool.
  • Fun fact: Its styrofoam packaging faced heavy criticism, leading to its demise.

23. Taco Bell’s Grilled Stuft Nacho

A triangular grilled stuffed nacho filled with seasoned meat, cheese, and red strips sits on a wooden surface. Red strips and text reading New Grilled Stuft Nacho appear in the background—a delicious throwback to beloved discontinued fast food items.
  • Introduced: 2013
  • Discontinued: 2015
  • What it was: A nacho-shaped tortilla stuffed with seasoned beef, cheesy jalapeño sauce, and crunchy red tortilla strips.
  • Fun fact: Fans loved its portable design and have been asking for its return ever since.

24. Burger King’s Chicken Whopper

Close-up of a Burger King veggie burger with a sesame seed bun, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and sauce. The patty is grilled to perfection with distinct grill marks. The Burger King logo is visible in the top left corner—a nod to discontinued fast food items that fans still crave.
  • Introduced: Early 2000s
  • Discontinued: Mid-2000s
  • What it was: A grilled chicken version of the iconic Whopper burger.
  • Fun fact: It was replaced by other chicken sandwich variations as Burger King experimented with their menu.

25. McDonald’s Cheddar Melt

Advertisement poster for McDonald's Cheddar Melt. Featuring a savory burger with melted cheddar cheese and grilled onions on a rye bun, paired with crispy fries. Text highlights this bold and flavorful creation, reminiscent of beloved discontinued fast food items, available for a limited time only.
  • Introduced: 1988
  • Discontinued: 1990 (with occasional returns)
  • What it was: A burger topped with grilled onions and cheddar cheese sauce on a rye bun.
  • Fun fact: It was brought back briefly in the early 2000s but hasn’t been seen since.

26. Pizza Hut’s Triple Decker Pizza

Savor the nostalgia with Pizza Hut's Triple Deckeroni Pizza, reminiscent of beloved discontinued fast food items! Enjoy layers of pepperoni and cheese—just $10.99 for the first topping free or $13.99 for any specialty. Grab a slice before it’s history!
  • Introduced: 1990s
  • Discontinued: Late 1990s
  • What it was: A layered pizza with three tiers of cheese and toppings.
  • Fun fact: Its over-the-top indulgence made it a hit for pizza lovers, but it proved too costly to keep on the menu.

27. Arby’s Loaded Curly Fries

Three dishes of Arby's curly fries take the spotlight. One, adorned with gravy and cheese, another with cheese and bacon, and a third loaded with additional toppings reminiscent of discontinued fast food items. The text reads "Load Up Your Curly Fries" with the Arby's logo at the bottom.
  • Introduced: 2010s
  • Discontinued: Late 2010s
  • What it was: Arby’s classic curly fries topped with cheddar cheese sauce, bacon bits, and ranch dressing.
  • Fun fact: It was a fast-food alternative to loaded baked potatoes, but it couldn’t compete with simpler sides.

28. McDonald’s Hula Burger

A sandwich featuring a pineapple slice and cheese nestled in a bun is set against a background of pineapple pieces and pink flowers, reminiscent of beloved discontinued fast food items.
  • Introduced: 1963
  • Discontinued: 1963
  • What it was: A meatless burger featuring a slice of grilled pineapple and cheese on a bun.
  • Fun fact: It was designed to appeal to Catholic customers avoiding meat on Fridays but was quickly replaced by the Filet-O-Fish.

29. Dunkin’ Donuts’ Dunkin’ Donuts

A close-up of a golden-brown doughnut shaped like a light bulb, reminiscent of discontinued fast food items, with a traditional hole in the center, placed on a light surface.
  • Introduced: 1950s
  • Discontinued: 2000s
  • What it was: A plain donut designed with a handle for dunking into coffee.
  • Fun fact: This donut inspired the brand’s name, but it eventually fell out of favor for more elaborate offerings.

30. Wendy’s SuperBar

A split image reveals a vintage advertisement for Wendy's SuperBar, one of the beloved discontinued fast food items. The left side features the logo with the tagline "The All You Can Eat Buffet," while the right side presents a menu with Italian, Mexican, salad, and dessert options.
  • Introduced: 1988
  • Discontinued: 1998
  • What it was: A buffet featuring a salad bar, pasta, and dessert options.
  • Fun fact: Fans still reminisce about its all-you-can-eat offerings, which were rare for a fast-food chain.

31. Taco Bell’s Blackjack Taco

Introducing the new Black Jack Taco for just 89¢! Dive into a flavor fiesta with juicy beef, crisp lettuce, onions, and melty cheese. A trend-setting twist reminiscent of beloved but discontinued fast food items. Taco Bell logo and Think Outside the Bun slogan feature prominently in the top right corner.
  • Introduced: 2009
  • Discontinued: 2009
  • What it was: A Halloween-themed taco with a black shell filled with beef, lettuce, and pepper jack sauce.
  • Fun fact: Its unique black shell made it a hit on social media during its short run.

32. McDonald’s Onion Nuggets

A vintage McDonald's advertisement showcases the now-discontinued fast food item, Onion Nuggets, elegantly served in a branded container and surrounded by whole onions. The text reads, "Try Onion Nuggets" in bold white letters against a dark backdrop to emphasize the product.
  • Introduced: 1970s
  • Discontinued: Early 1980s
  • What it was: Fried chunks of onion, similar to onion rings but in nugget form.
  • Fun fact: Onion Nuggets were an early precursor to the famous Chicken McNuggets.

33. Sonic’s Pickle-O’s

A group of breaded, fried pickles reminiscent of discontinued fast food items is arranged around a small glass bowl of creamy dipping sauce on a white background.
  • Introduced: 1960s
  • Discontinued: 1970s (with brief returns)
  • What it was: Fried pickle slices, served as a side dish or snack.
  • Fun fact: They’ve made occasional comebacks, delighting fried pickle fans.

34. KFC’s Potato Wedges

A red and white KFC container brims with golden-brown potato wedges, a delightful nod to discontinued fast food items. The iconic Colonel beams from the logo, while "Potato Wedges" stands out on the left against a blurred backdrop.
  • Introduced: 1990s
  • Discontinued: 2020
  • What it was: Crispy, seasoned potato wedges that served as a hearty alternative to fries.
  • Fun fact: Their removal sparked outrage, with many fans claiming they were superior to KFC’s new fries.

35. Pizza Hut’s Priazzo

A close-up of a cheesy, thick-crust pizza with a slice being lifted, revealing meat and green peppers inside. Text reads: New! Create your own Priazzo Italian pie—reminiscent of beloved discontinued fast food items. See details on back! with the Pizza Hut logo.
  • Introduced: 1985
  • Discontinued: Late 1980s
  • What it was: A deep-dish, Italian-style pie layered with cheese, meats, and sauce.
  • Fun fact: The Priazzo was ahead of its time but proved too complex and time-consuming to prepare.

Conclusion

These discontinued fast food items remind us of the ever-changing nature of fast food menus and the nostalgia that comes with unique creations.

If you enjoyed this, consider following us on Facebook, Twitter, or Threads.

Colby Droscher
Colby Droscher
Colby has been in digital publishing for 15+ years. In a past life he was the Editor in Chief of Literally Media Entertainment brands (cracked.com, ebaumsworld.com, cheezburger.com).

Related articles

© 2024 Bring Back Dialup