1. Burger King’s Shake ’Em Up Fries
In the early 2000s, Burger King decided fries could use a little excitement and gave us Shake ’Em Up Fries. They handed you a bag of hot fries and a packet of flavored cheese powder, and you got to shake them together yourself. It was fun, messy, and made your car smell like snack food for days. It felt like you were getting something special every time you ordered them shares Business Insider.
The idea was clever, but it didn’t last long. Some people thought the cheese powder tasted a little artificial, and others just didn’t like doing the work themselves. Still, those who grew up with them remember the experience more than the taste. It turned a side of fries into something interactive, which was rare for fast food adds Cracked.com.
2. McDonald’s McDLT
The McDLT was a strange but fascinating invention. McDonald’s packaged the hot beef on one side and the cold lettuce and tomato on the other so your burger wouldn’t get soggy. It came in a large Styrofoam container that felt more like a science experiment than lunch. The separation idea was creative for the time and made you feel like you were assembling something custom says Chowhound.
It came with a unique sense of freshness that people appreciated. But the packaging drew criticism for being wasteful, especially as environmental concerns grew. McDonald’s pulled it quietly, and just like that, the build-it-yourself burger was gone. It’s one of those quirky food experiments that fans still bring up decades later adds MSN.
3. Taco Bell’s Bell Beefer
The Bell Beefer was Taco Bell’s take on a sloppy joe, stuffed with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, and sauce on a hamburger bun. It was basically Taco Bell in sandwich form. Introduced in the 1970s, it stuck around for years but never quite matched the popularity of tacos or burritos. It was messy but satisfying, and definitely not your average drive-thru item.
Eventually, it disappeared from menus, and a new generation of Taco Bell fans never knew it existed. But longtime customers still mourn its loss and beg for its return online. It had a loyal fan base who miss the messy goodness. There’s even a Facebook group dedicated to reviving it.
4. Wendy’s Superbar
Wendy’s used to offer something totally unexpected—a salad, pasta, and Mexican food buffet called the Superbar. It was like getting fast food and a mini buffet all in one stop. It was popular in the late ’80s and early ’90s, especially for families and anyone looking for variety. It felt like a little restaurant inside a fast food joint.
But the upkeep was intense, and employees struggled to maintain it during rush hours. Eventually, it was phased out, and Wendy’s shifted focus back to burgers and fries. Still, people look back on the Superbar with nostalgia. It’s one of those features that made eating out feel like an event.
5. McDonald’s Onion Nuggets
Before chicken nuggets took over, McDonald’s tried something a little different—Onion Nuggets. These were chunks of onion, battered and deep-fried to crispy perfection. They were a precursor to the more familiar onion rings, but not quite the same. It was a bold move at a time when people were still getting used to fast food sides beyond fries.
People either loved them or didn’t get the appeal. They didn’t last long, but some fans still reminisce about their unique flavor and satisfying crunch. You’ll occasionally see copycat recipes pop up online. They may not have been a smash hit, but for some, they were unforgettable.
6. KFC’s Potato Wedges
For years, KFC served up thick, seasoned potato wedges instead of traditional fries. They were crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and paired perfectly with fried chicken. The seasoning had a little kick, and the size made them feel hearty and satisfying. They were the go-to side for fans who wanted something more than just plain fries.
Then, in 2020, they suddenly vanished, replaced by Secret Recipe Fries. Many fans were outraged and felt the new fries couldn’t compare. The wedges had character—hearty, flavorful, and just a little different. Fans still grumble about the switch, hoping they’ll return someday.
7. Pizza Hut’s Priazzo
In the mid-’80s, Pizza Hut gave us the Priazzo, a deep-dish, double-layered pizza that was more like a casserole. It was rich, heavy, and packed with ingredients like sausage, pepperoni, and extra cheese. It was the kind of pizza that needed a knife and fork. People loved how indulgent it felt—more like a home-cooked meal than takeout.
It felt indulgent in the best way, and it was a hit for a while. But it took a long time to cook, which slowed down service in a world that wanted everything fast. Eventually, Pizza Hut dropped it, and it faded into obscurity. It’s the kind of thing that would probably thrive on today’s nostalgia-driven menus.
8. McDonald’s Fried Apple Pie
McDonald’s once served their apple pies deep-fried, not baked. They were golden, crispy, and had that perfect mix of gooey filling and flaky crust. There was always a risk of burning your mouth on the first bite. But for many, that crispy shell made it totally worth it.
In the early ’90s, they switched to baking them to make them seem healthier. The baked version just didn’t have the same magic. Fans still mourn the loss of that original crunch and rich flavor. Some even go out of their way to find locations overseas that still serve it the old way.
9. Taco Bell’s Volcano Menu
Taco Bell’s Volcano Menu brought serious heat in the late 2000s. With items like the Volcano Taco and the famous Lava Sauce, it was perfect for spice lovers. It had a loyal following, and the bright red shells made it visually memorable too. For a time, it felt like Taco Bell was really catering to heat seekers.
It developed a cult following, but for reasons unknown, Taco Bell removed it in the 2010s. Fans have begged for its return ever since, and the sauce in particular has achieved near-legendary status. Every so often, the chain teases its comeback, which only fuels the obsession. People still talk about it as the peak of Taco Bell innovation.
10. Arby’s Natural Chicken Tenders
For a brief moment, Arby’s offered Natural Chicken Tenders that were hand-breaded and felt more like something from a sit-down restaurant. They had real chunks of chicken, crispy coating, and a homemade feel. Compared to the usual pre-formed tenders, these felt like a serious upgrade. They were juicy, flavorful, and a surprise hit among regulars.
They were a hit with customers looking for better quality in their fast food. But they didn’t fit Arby’s broader meat-sandwich brand, and they disappeared quietly. Some people still compare every fast food chicken tender to those. They were the kind of fast food you actually wanted to brag about.
11. McDonald’s Hula Burger
In the 1960s, McDonald’s tested the Hula Burger, a meatless option made with a slice of grilled pineapple and cheese on a bun. It was meant to appeal to Catholic customers avoiding meat on Fridays. The sweet-savory combo was definitely ahead of its time. It stood out as one of McDonald’s most unique creations.
But customers overwhelmingly chose the Filet-O-Fish instead, and the Hula Burger flopped. It was gone almost as quickly as it arrived. Still, it has a strange place in McDonald’s lore, and some people are intrigued by its oddball charm. It’s remembered more as a curiosity than a craving.
12. Jack in the Box’s Cheesy Macaroni Bites
Jack in the Box once sold Cheesy Macaroni Bites—fried nuggets filled with creamy mac and cheese. They were crispy, cheesy, and dangerously addictive. They were a hit during late-night hours and made a great comfort snack. It was like childhood comfort food in a portable, bite-sized form.
Perfect for late-night cravings or snacking on the go, they had a moment in the spotlight. But they weren’t exactly health food, and eventually, they were phased out. Still, fans remember them fondly and keep asking for their return. They’re one of those snack items that still has people drooling on memory alone.
13. Wendy’s Frescata Sandwiches
In the mid-2000s, Wendy’s tried to compete with places like Subway by introducing Frescata Sandwiches. These deli-style subs were made to order and felt fresher than typical fast food. They came on artisan-style bread and were loaded with meats and veggies. It felt like Wendy’s was trying to enter a new era of healthier options.
But they took longer to prepare, which caused problems during busy hours. They also didn’t quite fit Wendy’s image, so they were eventually dropped. Still, some people really loved them and miss having a fresher, lighter option. It’s one of those what-could-have-been menu ideas that just didn’t take off.
14. McDonald’s Mighty Wings
McDonald’s jumped into the fried chicken game with Mighty Wings in 2013. They were bone-in, spicy, and surprisingly good. The breading had a bold flavor, and they felt more premium than expected. For a fast food chain known for nuggets, they were a bold move.
The problem? They were too pricey for most customers, and the heat level was a bit too much for some. Sales didn’t match expectations, so they were pulled within a year. But fans who tried them say they were one of McDonald’s best limited-time offerings. Many still hope they’ll wing their way back onto the menu.
15. Sonic’s French Toaster Sandwich
Sonic’s French Toaster Sandwich took breakfast up a notch by using two slices of French toast instead of regular bread. It was stuffed with eggs, cheese, and sausage or bacon, creating a sweet and savory combo. It was the kind of over-the-top breakfast you only treated yourself to once in a while. The mix of syrupy toast and salty filling hit all the right notes.
It was indulgent and perfect for a road trip morning. But it quietly disappeared from menus, possibly due to how tricky it was to prepare fast. Fans still bring it up when talking about great breakfast items that are gone too soon. It was a messy delight that always felt worth the splurge.