Let’s face it, some fast food items were simply ahead of their time. Whether it’s a cult-favorite sandwich or a snack that disappeared too soon, there are plenty of past menu items we’re still craving today. While fast food chains continue to roll out new bites, there’s something undeniably special about those classics that once ruled the drive-thru. So we’re taking a walk down memory lane to revisit the 10 fast food favorites that deserve a comeback. Warning: intense cravings ahead.
10. Jack in the Box’s Cheesy Macaroni Bites
Mac & Cheese always hits the spot, and Jack in the Box has these Macaroni Bites advertised as a “great on the go” menu item. If you remember, there used to be a commercial about the dangers of eating messy food while driving or operating a machine, which can be disastrous, so opt for their Cheesy Macaroni Bites. Yup, it’s the same commercial with Ivan Allen at the end.
9. McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce
You might have stumbled upon a social media post about McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce being one of the most popular fast food sauces. The flavor features soy, garlic, ginger, and mild vinegar. It debuted in 1998 to promote the release of Disney’s Mulan and was brought back in 2017 due to a large demand from Rick and Morty fans. Its last appearance was in 2022 through the McDonald’s app. Hopefully, McDonald’s will surprise us again as it makes a good Snack Wrap component.
8. Subway’s Orchard Chicken Sandwich
In 2010, Subway released the Orchard Chicken Sandwich, a sweet and savory sandwich that makes you feel like you’re eating a chicken salad. The sandwich is a part of the chain’s Subway Fresh Fit selection with 8 grams of fat. It features diced chicken breast with chunks of apple, raisins, and cranberries. They’re tossed in light mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and stored in any bread.
7. Burger King’s Cini Minis
You may remember that Burger King returned their Cini Minis after a 12-year hiatus last year. They were first introduced in 1998 as bite-sized cinnamon rolls that feature cinnamon sugar with a sweet icing dip. They were pulled out from the menus over a decade ago before they appeared last year, but only for a limited time. They were so requested that some fans garnered 6,000 signatures for a petition for their comeback.
6. KFC’s Double Down
Imagine a burger with chicken buns? Yep, actual chicken, that’s the idea for KFC’s Double Down, which debuted in 2010. It features a filling of bacon, cheese, mayo, and two strips of bacon packed with two chicken filets. It’s just one of the chain’s menu items that they keep releasing when you least expect it. You’ll be lucky to have a bite if ever KFC brings them back this year.
5. Wendy’s Coffee Toffee Twisted Frosty
While new Frosty treats like Frosty Swirls and Fusions are everything Wendy’s has, some fans still miss the Coffee Toffee Twisted Frosty. It was released in 2009, which is comparable to a mocha-flavored milkshake. The chain also offers mix-ins with your Coffee Toffee, like Oreo cookie pieces and M&M’s. Wouldn’t this be a good summer cooler?
4. Taco Bell’s Dr. Pepper Vanilla Float Freeze
A good freeze would be the perfect comeback menu item this summer. You might probably miss Taco Bell’s Dr. Pepper Vanilla Float Freeze, which hit menus in 2014. Well, there’s no ice cream in this treat (which is weird for its ‘float’ name) since it’s just a slushy with a dash of vanilla. Still, many fans would love it if they brought this back on Taco Bell menus.
3. Chipotle’s Carne Asada
Who misses Chipotle’s Carne Asada? One of the popular limited-time menu items of the chain, the Carne Asada, consists of a blend of signature spices like cumin, coriander, and oregano that’s finished off with freshly squeezed lime. The Carne Asada debuted in 2019, and it was estimated that there were more than 10 million orders for the menu item during its first run.
2. McDonald’s McRib
Probably one of the known McDonald’s limited-time menu items, fans would agree to make them a permanent part of the menu. Why? It’s filled with seasoned boneless pork with tangy BBQ sauce. It’s also topped with onions and pickles on a toasted homestyle bun. Yup, it’s a rib sandwich that you can get at an affordable price.
1. Taco Bell’s Meximelt
A cross between Fresco Soft Taco and soft quesadilla, the Meximelt debuted back in 1988. It features seasoned ground beef and the fiesta salsa from the Fresco Soft Taco with its melted three-cheese blend. Last year, the Meximelt returned briefly as part of the Decade Menu. Fans of the chain would surely love it if they made it a permanent part of the Taco Bell menu!