Fast-food chains often retire popular menu items to make way for new offerings, leaving customers nostalgic for their favorite meals. Online casino Spin Genie has compiled a list of the top 10 most missed fast foods based on Google search data from June 2023 to July 2024. Topping the list is McDonald’s McRib, a pressed pork sandwich slathered in BBQ sauce that has made periodic comebacks over the years. Chipotle’s Carne Asada, a hand-seasoned steak filling that wowed customers in 2019 but was dropped the next year, came in second. Domino’s Brooklyn Style Pizza, with its iconic blue and red box, was ranked third.
The list also includes Taco Bell’s Enchirito, a Tex-Mex favorite that was introduced in the 1970s and lasted until 2013, sparking petitions for its return. McDonald’s Fruit ‘n Yogurt Parfait, a healthier dessert option that was discontinued in 2022, also made the top five. Other popular items that customers miss include Burger King Salads, Arby’s Potato Cakes, Taco Bell Meximelt, Taco Bell Salad, and KFC Potato Wedges. These furloughed fast foods have left a significant impact on customers who continue to search for ways to bring them back to the menu.
The McRib, which first appeared on McDonald’s menu in 1981, has seen several iterations and comebacks over the years, though it remains a mainstay in Germany and Luxembourg. Chipotle’s Carne Asada, a fan favorite for its flavorful steak filling, periodically returns to select locations, but customers are eager for its permanent return. Domino’s decision to retire the Brooklyn Style Pizza after 18 years in favor of a thicker crust New York Style Pizza disappointed many fans who preferred the original thin-crust option.
The nostalgia for discontinued fast foods is evident in the high number of searches for these items, indicating a strong desire from customers to see their favorite meals back on the menu. While some items have made limited comebacks in response to fan demand, such as Taco Bell’s Enchirito in 2022, many customers are still hoping for a permanent return of these beloved dishes. As fast-food chains continue to innovate and introduce new items to their menus, it’s clear that there will always be a place for the classics that hold a special spot in customers’ hearts.
The ranking of the most missed fast foods highlights the emotional connection that customers have with these iconic dishes and the impact their discontinuation has had on loyal fans. Whether it’s the unique flavor of the McRib, the comforting familiarity of the Enchirito, or the nostalgia of the Brooklyn Style Pizza, these dishes have left a lasting impression that continues to resonate with customers. While it remains to be seen if these items will ever return to the menu permanently, the outpouring of support and nostalgia from fans is a testament to the enduring appeal of these classic fast-food favorites.
