If you grew up in the 2000s, your weekends probably included a trip to the drive-thru, a crumpled $5 bill, and something smothered in frosting or cheese. Some of those menu items were so good they’re still in our memory. Here are the 10 fast food legends we’re still craving years later.
10. Popcorn Chicken (KFC)
KFC’s Popcorn Chicken was a delight—a bite-sized snack that became a go-to comfort food for many in the 2000s. These crispy, golden nuggets were introduced in the early ’90s, and were perfect for dipping and sharing. They were discontinued in 2011 but still remained a fan-favorite, with many fans longing for its return.
9. Chicken Selects (McDonald’s)
Let’s talk more chicken, shall we? In 2004, McDonald’s introduced Chicken Selects, which were praised for their thick, crunchy breading and juicy chicken breast. Despite their popularity, the chain discontinued them in 2013 to streamline their menu. While McDonald’s introduced similar items after that, none have captured the magic of the OG Chicken Selects.
8. Crown-Shaped Chicken Nuggets (Burger King)
Here’s a playful twist on the classic chicken nuggets in the early 2000s: BK’s Crown-Shaped Chicken Nuggets! These bite-sized pieces were shaped like, well, crowns, making them stand out from regular nuggs. The legacy of these little crowns lives on, with some fans still reminiscing about their fun design and taste.
7. Cini-Minis (Burger King)
Cinnamon roll fans, we heard you and we agree: Cini-Minis were the ultimate warm, cinnamon-sugar pastry bites of the 2000s. Offered by Burger King, these treats became a must-have for breakfast and after-school snacks. Their tiny size packed big flavor and sugar nostalgia, making them one of the iconic treats of the decade.
6. Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell)
If you ever hit Taco Bell in the 2000s, you probably remember the Mexican Pizza. It was a cheesy, crunchy masterpiece that stacked tortilla, beef, beans, and sauce into something that felt part pizza, part taco. As a whole? It was delicious! It had been around since 1985, but Taco Bell dropped it by 2020, saying the packaging created too much waste.
5. Mexi-Nuggets (Taco Bell)
For ’00 kids, Mexi-Nuggets were basically unspoken childhood comfort food. They were perfect with a soda after skating at the mall. These nuggs were like tater tots with a zing; they were crispy, salty, and snackable. They vanished in 2004, in favor of the Fiesta Potatoes.
4. Chicken Fries (Burger King)
In 2005, Chicken Fries were Burger King’s answer to nugget fatigue. These are long, skinny strips of seasoned chicken made just for dipping! They were marketed toward “super-fans” and twenty-somethings, but honesty, anyone who love BBQ sauce or ranch was hooked. Chicken Fries were discontinued in 2012 but triumphantly returned in 2015 as a permanent menu item.
3. Double Down (KFC)
Remember the sandwich that said “Who needs bread?” Yup, we’re talking about the iconic Double Down from KFC. It flipped the rules in 2010 by putting bacon and melty cheese between two fried chicken filets. It sounded over the top but that also the exact reason why it took off. By 2014, it was gone, but continued to live rent-free in our memories ever since.
2. Snack Wrap (McDonald’s)
The Snack Wrap was that handy chicken-and-cheese tortilla that you’d grab after school when your MP3 player was almost dead. Fans awaited its comeback, and it’s finally here! In 2025, Snack Wrap officially returned, and it sparked lettuce shortages locally because people couldn’t get enough.
1. Caramel Apple Empanada (Taco Bell)
This golden, crispy pastry loaded with warm apple chunks and sweet caramel sauce became a fan-favorite when it debuted in 2000. Despite its popularity, Taco Bell dropped the empanada in 2019, leaving fans heartbroken. In November 2024, it made a return as part of the chain’s Decades Menu, celebrating nostalgic items from previous decades.