The ’80s were known for big hair, mixtapes, and everything neon. But let’s not forget that this era also brought us fast food items that became legends. The best part? They’re still with us today, and they stayed just the way we like them. Taste nostalgia from these 10 iconic fast food items—no time machine required.
10. Little Caesars’ Crazy Bread
Buttery, garlicky, cheesy, and warm, it’s so easy to fall in love with Crazy Bread. These breadsticks were introduced in 1982, a time when Little Caesars stood out for offering a comfort-driven side rather than the typical fries and chips. Crazy Bread has always been a great companion to the chain’s pizzas, and fans continue to love these breadsticks for their affordability, flavor, and convenience.
9. Cinnabon’s Classic Cinnamon Roll
There’s still an ongoing debate on when exactly cinnamon roll was invented, but one thing’s for sure: Cinnabon’s recipe was created back in 1985 in Seattle, Washington. A father and son duo created the perfect recipe for cinnamon roll and sold it at the first Cinnabon bakery in SeaTac Mall. Today, nothing much changed in Cinnabon’s classic roll, proving that they got it right the first time.
8. Wendy’s Baked Potato
Wendy’s Baked Potato was a star of the ’80s, a time when the health-conscious wave happened. The Baked Potato took off since it was perceived as a healthier option than fries. At that time, no other major fast food chain offered the same thing. Today, the Baked Potato remains a popular item, especially since you can balance nutrition with indulgence by adding toppings like sour cream & chives or chili!
7. Arby’s Classic Roast Beef Sandwich
While Arby’s roast beef sandwiches were born in the 1960s, they fully became a crowd-favorite in the ’80s. Competitors during that time were busy fighting over who had the best burger, but Arby’s stuck to the slow-roasted beef to stand out. To the fast food fans and health-conscious of the ’80s, the roast beef also felt “more real” and a “step up” of what’s typically offered at burger joints.
6. Burger King’s Whopper
The Whopper was introduced in 1957 but the praises for it became bolder and louder in 1980s. The slogan “Have It Your Way” also boomed in the ’80s, and people couldn’t get enough of Whoppers that they could customize. Through the years, the Whopper also saw different variations like the Angry Whopper and Impossible Whopper, and it just keeps on reinventing itself!
5. Wendy’s Frosty
Who isn’t familiar with this treat that’s thicker than a milkshake but softer than ice cream? Since the ’80s, Frosty has gotten an “easy yes” at the end of most meals. This treat offered something valuable during a decade of economic ups an downs, which was an affordable yet satisfying dessert. While the original Frosty flavors are still here, you can now try the buzzworthy Frosty Swirls and Fusions!
4. Panda Express’ Orange Chicken
Chef Andy Kao was the man behind the invention of Orange Chicken back in 1987. It’s a tangy, sticky dish made with deep-fried chicken pieces tossed in a glaze of orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sugar. The dish was a gentle introduction to Chinese-inspired cuisine, so it easily became a fast food favorite in the ’80s (and up until this day).
3. McDonald’s Big Mac
The Big Mac became McDonald’s flagship burger in mid-70s and it continued to thrive well into the ’80s. It’s hefty size made it more like a meal rather than a typical burger, so it was popular during road trips and lunch breaks. As the chain expanded in the ’80s, the Big Mac became more influential. The Economist (in 1986) even created a Big Mac Index to compare currency values using the cost of the burger in different countries.
2. Dairy Queen’s Blizzard
Dairy Queen’s Blizzard made its debut in 1985, and it became an instant hit! The frosty treat arrived at a time when people were craving customization and fun food mashups. The combination of soft-serve ice cream and mix-ins like OREO cookies, Butterfinger pieces, and M&M’s fit right in. Obviously, the impact didn’t melt away; Blizzard is still the best-selling dessert at DQ today!
1. McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets
The Chicken McNuggets helped Golden Arches lead the fast food game in the ’80s. As consumer tastes changed, red meat fell out of favor, and people saw an alternative in chicken nuggets. The customizable experience is also there since McDonald’s has launched multiple dipping sauces since then. As a staple in Happy Meals, these nuggs prove that they’re among the universally liked menu items from McDonald’s.