The public outcry to return the McRib to McDonald’s permanent menu is loud and clear, and the fast-food giant has recently brought back this fan favorite at select locations. But is there as much love for McPizza and the McDLT?
Apparently so, according to analysis of monthly online search data for over 70 discontinued McDonald’s items.
The study, conducted by gaming research company Plejmo, ranked the items consumers most want to see returned to the menu. The McRib came in at No. 1, generating an average of 94,425 monthly searches. The sought-after boneless pork sandwich smothered in barbecue sauce has made several limited-time returns, both before and after its well-publicized “farewell tour” in 2022.
But the McDLT, ranking No. 4 with 8,748 searches, isn’t quite as well-known. This cheeseburger, which debuted in 1985, features a two-part container that separates the warm burger and bun from the cold cheese, lettuce and tomato. Although customers liked the do-it-yourself assembly, the McDLT was supposedly discontinued because the packaging was not eco-friendly.
What about the McPizza? Chicago-based McDonald’s seemed to venture far out of its wheelhouse in an effort to compete in the chain pizza category. Even though it got panned by those competitors when it was introduced in the mid-1980s, the public wants to see the McPizza’s return. The item racked up 4,033 searches, landing it in the No. 10 spot in the ranking. Operationally, the McPizza wasn’t a good fit for the menu, so it’s doubtful it will be back chainwide. But never say never—one McDonald’s location in Orlando still serves it.
What about Cinnamon Melts? Also known as Cinnamelts, these bite-size cinnamon rolls were introduced in 2007 as part of the breakfast menu. Searches for these sweet spiced-and-iced treats reached 5,533, earning them the No. 8 spot in the Top 10—probably not enough to get them back on the menu.
It’s a different story with Snack Wraps (No. 2) and Spicy Chicken Nuggets (No. 3), garnering 41,950 and 10,093 searches respectively. Due to popular demand from online petitions and social media posts, McDonald’s is bringing back Snack Wraps later this year. It’s a timely comeback for the item, which features chicken, lettuce and cheese wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Snacking is surging as a meal occasion, and customers are seeking snacks to grab-and-go throughout the day.
And Spicy Chicken Nuggets, launched in 2020 have periodically returned to the menu in select locations. With consumers’ craving for fiery flavors, there’s increased pressure to bring them back nationwide. The crispy breading is spiced with a mix of cayenne and chili pepper for heat-seeking chicken nugget cravers.
Wondering what else made the list of favorite discontinued McDonald’s items? The Fruit ‘n Yogurt Parfait (No. 5), Szechuan Sauce (No. 6), Grilled Chicken Sandwich (No. 7) and Hot Mustard (No. 9) are all in the running.
Ever try McSpaghetti and Onion Nuggets? Both were once on the McDonald’s menu, too, but aren’t getting a lot of support these days.
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