Once upon a time, McDonald’s wasn’t afraid to get weird with its menu. From lobster rolls to spaghetti, the golden arches tried their hand at some pretty wild items that, unsurprisingly, didn’t quite make it to fan-favorite status. So let’s stroll down memory lane and revisit these discontinued delights—some hits, some misses, and others just plain questionable.
The Bubblegum McFlurry had a quirky appeal, with bubblegum flavor mixed into McDonald’s creamy soft-serve ice cream. It was a hit among candy fans.
Though popular in some locations, it was discontinued, leaving fans craving its unique sugary flavor. Sometimes, the sweetest items are the first to go.
Today, petitions circulate for the Bubblegum McFlurry’s comeback. For now, fans can only dream of its sweet, nostalgic taste returning to the McFlurry lineup. ‘s change, McDonald’s fans prefer flavor over low-fat experiments.
In the early days, McDonald’s used beef tallow in their fries, giving them a unique, savory taste. It’s what made the original fries unforgettable.
The switch to vegetable oil came after health concerns. While the flavor changed, fans adapted, but many still miss the taste of beef tallow fries.
Though today’s fries are still beloved, they’ll never quite match the beef tallow original. That rich, hearty flavor is a thing of the past.
The McLean Deluxe was a low-fat burger, introduced in the 1990s. Marketed as a healthier option, it featured a seaweed extract to cut fat, an unusual twist.
Fans found it dry and lacking in flavor, which didn’t align with McDonald’s juicy burger reputation. Its low-fat appeal wasn’t enough to win hearts.
After a few years, the McLean Deluxe was discontinued, proving that while health trend
Back in 1993, McDonald’s decided to jump into the lobster game with the McLobster sandwich. It sounds fancy, but it didn’t last long.
Supply issues and the lack of profitability sealed its fate. Though, rumor has it that it pops up in Canada and New England sometimes. Feeling adventurous?
Don’t forget the butter sauce! Though it’s not at the top of most McDonald’s bucket lists, it’s a testament to the brand’s creativity—or desperation.
In 2016, McDonald’s took a shot at brunch culture with the Eggs Benedict McMuffin. But, to everyone’s surprise, it lacked a poached egg.
Instead, it featured a round egg with hollandaise sauce. Without a poached egg, it was Benedict in name only and didn’t last very long.
As you’d expect, brunch lovers weren’t impressed. A true Benedict requires the egg poaching ritual, a detail McDonald’s just couldn’t pull off.
Basketball legend Michael Jordan had his own McDonald’s sandwich in the early ’90s called the McJordan, which was exclusively available in Chicagoland.
It was essentially a cheeseburger with raw onions, pickles, bacon, and a special BBQ sauce. Fans in Chicago loved it, but it was short-lived.
While it didn’t last long, the McJordan brought fans together and was one of the most notable celeb endorsements in McDonald’s history.
Attempting a healthy twist, McDonald’s introduced a Fruit and Walnut Salad in 2005. People liked it, but not enough to keep it on the menu.
This salad had apple slices, grapes, candied walnuts, and yogurt. It was a light alternative for those avoiding fries, but popularity dwindled by 2013.
It didn’t align with the classic McDonald’s vibe, and most customers simply didn’t come for fruit salads. They wanted burgers, plain and simple.
Every fall, McDonald’s brings out the Pumpkin Spice Latte—a crowd favorite seasonal drink, but not a permanent menu item.
With pumpkin flavor and creamy latte vibes, it’s a cozy choice for fall. People flock to McDonald’s for it each autumn, loving its warm taste.
Though technically seasonal, this latte is not discontinued—just elusive. Catch it when you can if pumpkin spice is your thing!
In 2013, McDonald’s launched Mighty Wings, chicken wings with a spicy coating. They were tasty but didn’t sell as planned, so prices were slashed.
Even with price cuts, the wings just didn’t resonate with McDonald’s regulars. Maybe they preferred nuggets to a full wing experience.
Despite their bold flavor, they were soon shelved. McDonald’s wings? It was a bold try, but not their finest hour.
The CBO sandwich, featuring chicken, bacon, and onions, has come and gone from various menus. It’s a gem that deserves another round.
Chicken and bacon, we all know, are a killer combo. Add some onions, and it’s practically gourmet—by fast-food standards, anyway.
The CBO isn’t entirely gone, so if you spot it, grab it! McDonald’s does well with this savory trio, and people love it.
The Fish McBites hit the menu in 2013, offering a new way to eat seafood at McDonald’s. Sadly, the concept didn’t catch on as hoped.
These were basically nuggets of battered whitefish with a side of tartar sauce. It was the Fish Filet in a portable form, just not popular.
Seafood and fast food don’t always mix well, and this was one of those cases. Fish McBites are history, though a brave experiment.
In the 1990s, McDonald’s tried out chicken fajitas, sparking a bit of confusion among customers. Fast food fajitas? Not the usual golden arches fare.
These didn’t last long, unsurprisingly, as customers just weren’t looking for fajitas from McDonald’s. They came for the burgers and fries.
Despite its uniqueness, the fajita experiment ended quickly. But hey, it’s always fun to see McDonald’s dabble in Tex-Mex cuisine.
The Big ‘N Tasty, launched in 1997, was McDonald’s answer to Burger King’s Whopper. It was, indeed, big and tasty but didn’t stand the test of time.
Featuring a quarter-pound patty with lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles, it aimed to offer a classic taste. Fans still campaign for its return.
After it was discontinued in 2011 in the U.S., Big ‘N Tasty remains a memory of the great burger wars of the late ’90s.
In 1996, McDonald’s unveiled the Arch Deluxe, meant to appeal to adults with “sophisticated” tastes. Spoiler: it didn’t last.
This “fancy” burger was discontinued quickly, as fans didn’t buy into the idea of gourmet McDonald’s. They wanted classics, not fancy dressings.
Though short-lived, the Arch Deluxe remains a testament to McDonald’s ambition to elevate their menu—a noble, if ultimately unsuccessful, effort.
In 1979, McDonald’s tried the Chopped Beefsteak Sandwich, which was a little pricier and meant to lure in steak lovers. Spoiler alert: it failed.
This was basically a long burger with onions and steak sauce, but it didn’t resonate with customers who preferred simpler (and cheaper) fare.
It quietly disappeared in the ’80s, though McDonald’s fans still reminisce about this attempt to introduce beefier flavors.
Yes, there was a McHotDog. Introduced in 1995, it was mostly limited to the Midwest but still gained a dedicated fan base.
McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc wasn’t thrilled about the idea of hotdogs, feeling they were off-brand. But it’s still loved in Japan to this day.
For a time, the McHotDog was a thing stateside, giving burger fans a break with a different kind of sandwich.
In honor of Batman Forever’s release, McDonald’s launched the Triple-Double Burger. This sandwich was as big as its name suggests.
Packed with three patties and two slices of cheese, it was a beast. But, it didn’t stay long, disappearing after the superhero craze faded.
That legacy proved hard to live up to, and it was removed from the menu. Despite its protein, the triple-double wasn’t considered a staple.
The McGratin Croquette was a beloved, unique creation from Japan. This croquette featured shrimp, macaroni, and creamy white sauce, all packed in a bun. Pure genius.
It was a fast-food twist on Japanese comfort food, and fans adored it. With cabbage and spicy sauce, this burger packed both flavor and fun.
While it’s sometimes available seasonally in Japan, it’s one of those rare items fans across the globe wish they could try. Bring it back, please!
Ah, Supersizing! It was McDonald’s way of saying, “Do you want to eat this burger, or do you want to eat it for days?”
Supersizing let customers enjoy mega-sized portions of fries and drinks, stretching the joy (and maybe your waistband) a little further. Perfect for the hungry.
Though it’s no longer an option due to health concerns, supersizing remains a nostalgic memory for many who loved McDonald’s in epic proportions.
Onion Nuggets, not rings, were McDonald’s answer to fried onion lovers everywhere. They were essentially chunks of fried onion, crispy and fun.
Served alongside the Chopped Beefsteak Sandwich, these nuggets didn’t quite make the long haul. Apparently, onion rings were still the fan favorite.
Onion Nuggets are long gone, but they’ve left a crispy mark on the menu’s history. Who wouldn’t want bite-sized onion goodness?
In 2013, McDonald’s tried the Angus Burger, a premium option aimed at fancying up the menu. The pricier patty brought upscale vibes, but not enough fans.
Using Angus beef, McDonald’s offered a juicier burger, but the high cost of beef made it unsustainable. Fancy food at fast-food prices didn’t quite click.
After a brief run, Angus Burgers left the menu. For a while, though, fans enjoyed the “gourmet” McDonald’s experience, served in convenient wrapping.
Believe it or not, McDonald’s tried to make pizza a thing in the ’80s. The McPizza, available in family and personal sizes, was truly unique.
The challenge? Preparation took 11 minutes. For a fast-food giant like McDonald’s, that was an eternity, especially for impatient customers at the drive-thru.
Despite its decent taste, the long wait time led to McPizza’s quick disappearance. The legacy lives on as a curious fast-food tale.
Hot Mustard Sauce was a staple sauce for years before being pulled in 2005. Its tangy, spicy flavor was a hit with nugget lovers everywhere.
McDonald’s claimed it was due to “slow-moving performance,” but fans were heartbroken. It was the perfect balance of heat and flavor for nuggets and fries.
The sauce occasionally returns in limited runs, keeping hope alive. Fans still dream of Hot Mustard’s permanent comeback to the sauce lineup.
The Cheddar Melt made its debut in 1988 and had all the makings of a winner. A burger with melty cheddar and grilled onions on rye—what’s not to love?
This burger returned for brief stints over the years, yet never achieved mainstay status. Maybe it was the rye bun that threw customers off.
Though the Cheddar Melt didn’t endure, it proved that McDonald’s could think outside the sesame seed bun and get cheesy.
Released as a tie-in with Disney’s Mulan in 1998, McDonald’s introduced Szechuan Sauce. Its limited run was brief, but fans still remember the taste.
Though it was a one-time promotional sauce, fans became obsessed, leading to occasional re-releases. Still, it’s never been a permanent menu item.
Szechuan Sauce has a cult following, thanks in part to a certain cartoon. It’s a sweet and spicy dip that left a lasting impact.
In the early 2000s, McDonald’s introduced the Spanish Omelette Bagel. This breakfast sandwich combined egg, ham, cheese, and spices on a bagel.
Unfortunately, customers found it bland, and it quickly disappeared. Despite its creative attempt, the Spanish Omelette Bagel just didn’t deliver in the flavor department.
Some Reddit users still miss it, but it seems unlikely to return. Not every breakfast idea can be an Egg McMuffin-level success.
McStuffins hit the menu in 1993, offering stuffed French bread pockets with options like pepperoni pizza and teriyaki chicken. Think Hot Pocket, McDonald’s style.
The idea was sound—warm, portable, cheesy goodness. But McStuffins didn’t stick around long enough to gain a following among fast-food fans.
While they sounded amazing, they simply didn’t sell. For now, stuffed bread items remain a McDonald’s experiment of the past.
Yes, McDonald’s tried spaghetti. During the 1980s, McSpaghetti brought pasta to the golden arches. It wasn’t just spaghetti; there was lasagna and Alfredo, too.
This Italian adventure didn’t succeed in the U.S., but McSpaghetti remains on some international menus where fans still enjoy it.
McDonald’s pasta? It’s a rare taste that only a select few around the world have been able to experience firsthand.
In the 1960s, McDonald’s introduced the Hula Burger, aimed at Catholics abstaining from meat on Fridays. The burger was just a pineapple slice and cheese.
Needless to say, it didn’t take off. The idea of a pineapple sandwich wasn’t appealing enough to keep it on the menu.
The Filet-O-Fish, released shortly after, was a massive success, leaving the Hula Burger behind in a sea of unfortunate menu experiments.
McDonald’s released the Strawberry Shortcake McFlurry, featuring strawberry bits swirled with vanilla soft serve. Fans loved it, but it was only available for a short time.
In some locations, the Strawberry Shortcake Sundae fills this gap, but many fans still crave the McFlurry version for its nostalgic sweetness.
Bring this one back, McDonald’s! It’s a delicious reminder that sometimes the simplest flavors are the best.
Mozzarella sticks were available as a side item for a brief period, delighting cheese lovers everywhere. But like so many items, they didn’t last.
Mozzarella sticks are amazing fresh but lose appeal if they sit too long. This may have contributed to their limited shelf life at McDonald’s.
You might find similar items at McDonald’s internationally, but these fried delights remain a rare find in the U.S.
McSoup was McDonald’s attempt at introducing soup to its menu. Essentially, it was Campbell’s chicken noodle in a McDonald’s cup. Not quite a game-changer.
The concept didn’t resonate with customers looking for faster, portable items. Besides, soup doesn’t exactly scream “drive-thru,” does it?
McSoup didn’t last, but it showed McDonald’s willingness to experiment with unusual items. Maybe they’ll try another soup someday?
Sweet Chili Sauce was introduced as a spicy-sweet dipping option, loved by nugget fans. It had a balanced kick that worked well with fried foods.
Despite its popularity, it was discontinued in some regions, disappointing fans who enjoyed its blend of heat and sweetness.
Though it’s occasionally available, Sweet Chili remains one of McDonald’s most-missed sauces. The dipping game just isn’t the same without it.
The Son of Mac, released in 2007, was a single-patty version of the Big Mac, with all the same classic toppings and signature Mac sauce.
Though it didn’t achieve the fame of its bigger sibling, it remains a nostalgic item that fans can sometimes still order by asking for modifications.
The Son of Mac proved that sometimes, smaller really is just as satisfying, especially for Big Mac fans on a lighter meal kick.
McDonald’s introduced the McFeast with high hopes. Despite its name, it was essentially a regular burger with some extra toppings and a “deluxe” sauce.
Though it sounds impressive, the McFeast never gained much traction in the U.S. In Australia, however, it made a strong comeback in 2014.
Today, it’s still a hit down under. The McFeast is a basic burger with a little flair, proof that regional tastes vary widely.
The Hot ‘N Spicy McChicken added some zing to McDonald’s chicken sandwich lineup. It wasn’t quite spicy enough for most fans, though.
This spicy option appeared on some regional menus but didn’t become a nationwide staple. Spicy chicken fans had mixed feelings on this one.
Though it didn’t endure, the Hot ‘N Spicy McChicken gave McDonald’s a taste of the spicy chicken market, paving the way for later experiments.
Introduced in 2015, the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich aimed to elevate McDonald’s chicken offerings. It featured a juicy grilled chicken breast and artisan bun, with simple toppings.
Despite its fan base, it was discontinued in 2020. The pandemic likely influenced its exit, but it also didn’t rival the popularity of classic burgers.
Though loved by some, the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich never achieved iconic status. It was a healthier option, but McDonald’s is about indulgence, after all.
In the year 2000, McDonald’s wanted us to eat salads… out of cups. Thus, the McSalad Shakers were born, bringing greens to the drive-thru.
This salad-in-a-cup came in flavors like Garden, Chef, and Grilled Chicken Caesar. People liked it, but apparently not enough to keep it around.
After three years, McSalad Shakers were taken off the menu, marking the end of McDonald’s brief dalliance with portable salads.
McDLT, introduced in 1984, separated hot and cold burger components in a special container. It was as innovative as it was environmentally unsound.
The divided packaging aimed to keep the tomato and lettuce crispy and fresh. It worked, but at what cost? The plastic waste was a big no-no.
By 1991, McDonald’s phased out this packaging experiment. While it didn’t last, the McDLT showed how far McDonald’s would go to keep lettuce crunchy.
In 2004, McDonald’s offered up Chicken Selects—essentially gourmet chicken tenders. These were loved by many, especially for the sauce selection.
The tenders came with sauces like honey mustard, sweet and sour, and buffalo, each adding a delicious kick. But their love story was short-lived.
They reappeared a few times, only to vanish again. The world’s loss, as Chicken Selects were tender, crispy, and ideal for dipping aficionados.
Though technically not gone for good, the McGriddle experienced a brief hiatus during the pandemic. This breakfast sandwich famously combines syrup-flavored pancakes with sausage or bacon.
It’s loved for the sweet and savory combo, and fans were thrilled when it returned. A quick absence made hearts grow fonder for this item.
The McGriddle is a classic now, and hopefully here to stay. It’s proof that unique flavors can truly make a breakfast icon.
McAfrika was introduced in Norway in 2002, aiming to celebrate African-inspired flavors. Unfortunately, its timing sparked backlash as many African countries faced food shortages.
The burger itself was unique, featuring spicy toppings and a flatbread base. But its launch was poorly received due to the unfortunate circumstances surrounding it.
McDonald’s removed it quickly, making McAfrika a rare part of its history. Sometimes, even good ideas are a bit too ahead—or out of sync—with the times.
McPasta was another venture into Italian cuisine, testing out various pasta dishes like spaghetti and lasagna. It was a big leap from burgers and fries.
Though it was available in certain regions, McPasta didn’t make the widespread splash McDonald’s hoped for. People were confused about pasta at a burger joint.
After a short-lived experiment, McPasta was shelved. Sometimes, it seems McDonald’s is meant to stick to its core menu rather than continental cuisine.
The Rolo McFlurry mixed creamy vanilla soft serve with chocolate-covered caramel Rolos. Fans adored the combination, but, as with many limited McFlurries, it didn’t last.
This treat was sweet, indulgent, and offered that perfect chocolate-caramel balance. But it eventually disappeared, leaving Rolo fans yearning for another bite.
Today, it’s one of those McFlurry flavors fans would love to see return, proving that chocolate and caramel are always a winning combo.
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