Whether we're discussing strange new burgers or new ways to dress up our chips, fast food fans always feel thrilled to discover new items hitting the menu. This can be a source of genuine heartbreak when your new favorite disappears as quickly as it arrived. With a little social media clout, some dishes make a comeback, but often all you’re left with is the memory of a truly amazing meal. Here, we rank the best fast-food dishes to have ever been withdrawn.
Angus Third Pounder, McDonald's, USA
The American McDonald’s menu introduced it in 2009 following a franchisee request to add a larger beef burger to the selection. The first version laden with thick bacon, Swiss cheese, and mushrooms created a delicious burger, but sources claimed the toppings alone drove up the cost and by 2013 the United States axed the Angus Third Pounder. However, Angus burgers are still available in certain markets like Australia.
Ribs, Burger King, USA
Burger King started serving ribs at stores in the U.S in 2010 and they were extremely popular. Diners found that they were smoky and full of meat, and people just couldn't get enough of them. When the restaurant first advertised the ribs as coming for a 10-week run, they ran out way before the promotion came to an end. Unfortunately, the restaurant never returned the ribs, even with customers being willing to pay $7.52 (£5.20) a rack of them.
McNoodles, McDonald's, Austria
Back in 2012, McDonalds made the bold, and rather peculiar move of introducing Asian inspired noodle dishes… in Austria! In Austria at that time noodle boxes were incredibly in fashion and McDonald's took notice with two brand new menu items. McNoodles featured chicken and vegetables tossed with noodles and offered a choice of either curry or sweet and sour sauce. McDonald's released these nationwide and pulled them from the menus not long after.
4-inch Round Sandwiches, Subway, USA
Subway 4 Inch Round Sandwiches marketed themselves as being made for kids and the peckish, and the 4-inch Round Sandwiches became a surprise success in the US when they rolled out in 1992. Small and round, these came filled with a single choice of meat and fixings such as pickles, lettuce, tomato and seasoning. But the most convincing element was its price – 79 cents (58p) a sandwich. Unfortunately, they didn't make it out of their 1992 debut.
Great Canadian Cheddar Ringer, Harvey's, Canada
It may have been in business since 1959 to the Canadians, but Harvey's continues to be a success. Sure the burger chain allows for personalized toppings on your burgers but before Five Guys brought the notion to light, they have yet to serve a topping greater than that which graced the limited edition, Ringer Burger. Other than their typical 100% Canadian patties, you can enjoy melted Cheddar and an abundance of crispy onion rings between your buns.
Grilled Chicken Flatbread, McDonald’s, USA
There might be reasons McDonald’s is known and loved for their Big Mac and Chicken McNuggets, but there is one fan favorite they’re hoping to bring back. Back when their Big Macs cost $3.39 (a bargain, we know!), Americans fell for their Grilled Chicken Flatbread-which has since disappeared from the U.S. Menu more than 20 years ago. Their humble flatbread arrived in restaurants in 2002, and a year later, it was gone. This one featured grilled chicken, pepper Jack cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, and tomato-all slathered with an unforgettable, incredibly creamy herb sauce that McDonald’s has never replicated.
Waffle Taco, Taco Bell, USA
In 2014, Taco Bell sought to gain a bigger bite of the fast-food breakfast market with the introduction of its Waffle Taco, essentially a waffle folded around sausage, bacon, eggs and cheese, with a syrup packet on the side. After the chain pulled it from menus in 2015, this early taco generated a strong fan base, even prompting a petition to bring back the product.
Poutine Dip Sandwich, Arby's, Canada
This is a Canadian classic and one that Arby’s actually introduced to its menus in 2021. The once limited-edition Poutine Dip Sandwich featured a toasted sub roll overflowing with roast beef, curly fries and Quebec cheese curds soaked in gravy, along with a side of gravy. Arby’s felt compelled to bring the Poutine Dip Sandwich back the year after, though we haven’t heard from it since.
BK Burger Shots, Burger King, USA
Sure, plenty of people like their burgers stacked sky-high, but others really can’t get enough of teeny-tiny burgers. Burger King clearly fell into the latter camp, judging by the short-lived life of its BK Burger Shots (which they launched in the late 2000s). These tiny two-pack or six-pack versions consisted of a mini beef pattie, ketchup, mustard, and pickles sandwiched inside an equally micro bun. Thankfully, you don’t need to go to Burger King these days – you can visit fast food joint White Castle instead to sate your mini-burger craving.
FAQ's
1. What is the single most requested discontinued fast-food item?
The McDonald’s Snack Wrap (discontinued in the U.S. around 2016) consistently ranks as the most demanded menu item, though McDonald's has teased its potential return.
2. Has Taco Bell brought back popular discontinued items due to fan demand?
Yes. Taco Bell regularly revives crowd favorites like the Mexican Pizza and Enchirito, often using fan votes on their mobile app to decide which item to bring back temporarily.
3. Why do fast-food chains discontinue items if fans love them?
Items are usually removed to streamline kitchen operations, reduce prep times, cut supply chain costs, or make room for seasonal LTOs (Limited Time Offers) that drive short-term spikes in sales.
4. What discontinued dessert do fans miss the most?
McDonald’s Fried Apple Pie (replaced in 1992 by the baked version in the U.S.) and the ChocoTaco (discontinued by Klondike/Taco Bell in 2022) are the top fan-favorite desserts fans constantly petition for.
5. Which discontinued breakfast items have the biggest cult following?
The Taco Bell Country AM Crunchwrap and the McDonald’s Steak, Egg & Cheese Bagel (which was brought back in select regional markets after heavy outcry) lead the list of most missed breakfast items.
