14 Discontinued Fast Food Items That Need to Come Back

Fast food chains constantly update their menus, adding new items and removing old ones. But sometimes, they retire beloved favorites that leave customers craving more. I’ve gathered a list of 14 discontinued fast-food items that deserve a comeback. These treats were once popular choices that vanished from menus, leaving fans wondering why they disappeared.

McDonald’s Arch Deluxe

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The Arch Deluxe was McDonald’s attempt at a more grown-up burger. It featured a quarter-pound beef patty, bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheese, onions, and a special sauce on a bakery-style bun. Despite a huge marketing push, the burger didn’t catch on with customers. Its unique flavor combination and high-quality ingredients make it worthy of a comeback. Many fans still remember this burger fondly and would love to taste it again.

Taco Bell’s Beefy Crunch Burrito

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This popular burrito combined seasoned ground beef, rice, nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, and spicy Flamin’ Hot Fritos corn chips. The mix of textures and flavors made it a hit with Taco Bell fans. Although it has returned for limited runs, many customers want it back on the regular menu. The crunchy Fritos added an extra kick that set this burrito apart from others.

Burger King’s Crown-Shaped Chicken Tenders

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Burger King’s crown-shaped chicken tenders were a fun twist on regular chicken nuggets. These crispy, breaded chicken pieces were shaped like tiny crowns, fitting the restaurant’s royal theme. Kids especially loved the playful shape, while adults enjoyed the tasty, tender chicken inside. The unique shape made them perfect for dipping in various sauces. Bringing back these crown jewels would surely make many Burger King fans happy.

Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Nuggets

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Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Nuggets were a fan favorite for those who liked a little heat with their meal. These bite-sized pieces of chicken were coated in a spicy breading and fried until crispy. Although they’ve returned to some locations, many Wendy’s restaurants still don’t offer them. Their bold flavor set them apart from regular chicken nuggets. Fans continue to ask for their return, proving their lasting popularity.

McDonald’s Fried Apple Pie

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McDonald’s original apple pie was a crispy, fried treat filled with hot apple filling. The current baked version, while healthier, lacks the satisfying crunch of the original. Customers still remember the fried version’s perfectly crisp crust and gooey center. There’s ongoing nostalgia for this classic dessert. Reintroducing the fried apple pie, even as a limited-time offer, would surely attract long-time McDonald’s fans.

Pizza Hut’s Priazzo

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The Priazzo was Pizza Hut’s take on a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. It featured two layers of crust filled with cheese, meat, and vegetables, topped with a third layer of crust and sauce. This hearty pizza was a meal in itself and offered a different experience from regular pizza. Its unique construction made it stand out from other menu items. Bringing back the Priazzo could attract customers looking for something beyond the usual pizza options.

KFC’s Double Down

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KFC’s Double Down was a bold sandwich that replaced bread with two fried chicken fillets. Between the chicken were bacon, cheese, and special sauce. This unconventional sandwich sparked curiosity and became a viral sensation. While it was too intense for some, others loved its over-the-top approach. The Double Down became a topic of conversation and daring food challenges. Reintroducing this memorable sandwich could create buzz and attract adventurous eaters.

Taco Bell’s Waffle Taco

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The Waffle Taco was part of Taco Bell’s breakfast menu launch. It consisted of a folded waffle filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and a sausage patty or bacon. This sweet and savory combo offered a unique breakfast option for fast food lovers. It was replaced by other breakfast items, but many customers miss its creative approach to the morning meal. Bringing back the Waffle Taco could give Taco Bell’s breakfast menu a boost.

Burger King’s Cini-Minis

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Cini-Minis were Burger King’s answer to cinnamon rolls. These bite-sized pastries came in a pack of four, making them perfect for sharing or snacking. Warm, gooey, and covered in sweet icing, they were a popular breakfast and dessert item. They were discontinued, leaving many fans disappointed. Bringing back these miniature cinnamon rolls could satisfy customers’ cravings for a sweet treat with their meals.

Wendy’s Pretzel Bacon Cheeseburger

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This gourmet-style burger featured a beef patty, bacon, cheese, and special sauce on a pretzel bun. The unique bun gave the burger a distinctive taste and texture that set it apart from regular cheeseburgers. Although it was only available for a limited time, it quickly gained a following. Many customers have asked for its return. Reintroducing this burger could appeal to those looking for a more upscale fast food experience.

Taco Bell’s Volcano Taco

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The Volcano Taco lived up to its name with a spicy red shell and fiery lava sauce. This taco packed a serious punch for heat lovers, featuring seasoned beef, lettuce, and cheese along with the signature sauce. Its eye-catching appearance and bold flavor made it stand out on the menu. It became a favorite among spice enthusiasts. Bringing back the Volcano Taco could reignite the passion of Taco Bell’s heat-seeking customers.

McDonald’s McPizza

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In the 1980s, McDonald’s tried to enter the pizza market with McPizza. Despite being discontinued in most locations, it’s still remembered by many. The personal-sized pizzas came with various toppings and were cooked in special ovens. Although it didn’t work out initially, pizza remains a popular fast food item. Reintroducing McPizza with modern tweaks could attract customers looking for more variety in their McDonald’s meals.

KFC’s Potato Wedges

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KFC’s Potato Wedges were a beloved side dish for many years. These thick-cut, seasoned potato slices were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They offered a heartier alternative to regular fries. Recently, they were replaced by Secret Recipe Fries, disappointing many long-time fans. There have been numerous requests for their return. Reintroducing Potato Wedges could bring back customers who preferred this classic side.

Dairy Queen’s Breeze

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The Breeze was Dairy Queen’s answer to a lighter version of the Blizzard. It used frozen yogurt instead of ice cream, appealing to more health-conscious customers. Despite its lower calorie count, it still came with a variety of mix-ins like the regular Blizzard. It was discontinued due to low sales, but the idea of a lighter frozen treat remains appealing. Bringing back the Breeze, perhaps with updated ingredients, could attract customers looking for a guilt-free indulgence.

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Mary Apurong

Mary Apurong is an experienced writer and editor who enjoys researching topics related to lifestyle and creating content on gardening, food, travel, crafts, and DIY. She spends her free time doing digital art and watching documentaries. Check out some of her works on Mastermind Quotes.