1. KFC’s Popcorn Chicken
Popcorn Chicken was a game-changer when it debuted, but it’s struggled to maintain its spot amid KFC’s ever-expanding chicken offerings. With wings, tenders, and sandwiches dominating the market, the bite-sized nuggets might get quietly phased out to focus on more popular items.
2. The McRib
Ah, the McRib—McDonald’s elusive barbecue sandwich. It’s no stranger to farewells, having “retired” multiple times before popping back up. This time, though, McDonald’s has hinted that the McRib might be gone for good. With changing consumer preferences for healthier options and rising pork prices, its future looks bleak.
3. Burger King’s Original Chicken Sandwich
This oblong fried chicken sandwich has been a staple since the 1970s, but it’s falling behind its newer counterparts, like the Ch’King or other chicken wars contenders. Burger King’s menu streamlining efforts mean the Original Chicken Sandwich might lose its spot in favor of flashier items.
4. Subway’s Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki Sub
Subway’s Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki has long been a fan favorite, but the chain’s major menu overhaul emphasizes fresher, more natural options. As demand for sugary sauces dwindles, this sweet-and-savory sub could get left behind.
5. Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza
Yes, it came back after fan outcry, but the Mexican Pizza’s ingredients—tortillas, beans, and a lot of cheese—are expensive and harder to justify as food costs rise. Plus, Taco Bell constantly revamps its menu to make room for trendy items, so this nostalgic favorite could be on the chopping block again soon.
6. Wendy’s Vanilla Frosty
The Frosty is iconic, but Wendy’s recently replaced the vanilla version with seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice and strawberry. With a focus on keeping the menu fresh and exciting, it wouldn’t be shocking if the Vanilla Frosty disappeared permanently in favor of rotating specialties.
7. Arby’s Potato Cakes
Arby’s fans were already heartbroken when potato cakes vanished once before, only to be replaced by crinkle fries. While some locations still serve them, these crispy, nostalgic potato patties are on borrowed time as Arby’s prioritizes more popular sides.
8. Chick-fil-A’s Side Salad
Chick-fil-A has quietly phased out some menu items in recent years, like its chicken salad sandwich, to simplify operations. The humble Side Salad is often overlooked in favor of fries or mac and cheese, making it a prime candidate for elimination as the chain continues streamlining.
9. Dunkin’s Plain Bagel Twists
Bagel Twists were a fun, portable breakfast option, but Dunkin’ has shifted its focus to coffee drinks and sweet treats. With declining demand for plain bagels and an emphasis on fancier baked goods, these simple twists might not last.
10. Sonic’s Grilled Cheese Double Burger
Sonic’s limited-time Grilled Cheese Double Burger captured hearts for its cheesy goodness, but its novelty might also be its downfall. As a special menu item, it’s prone to disappearing once its hype fades or the chain opts to introduce something new.
11. Pizza Hut’s Stuffed Garlic Knots
These cheesy, garlicky bites are a fan-favorite appetizer, but Pizza Hut has been slimming down its menu to prioritize core pizzas and wings. Garlic knots take extra time and ingredients to prepare, making them a less practical option for busy kitchens.
12. Dairy Queen’s Cherry Dipped Cone
The Cherry Dipped Cone is a nostalgic treat, but it’s harder to find as more DQ locations favor chocolate-dipped cones instead. With supply chain challenges and fewer fans choosing the cherry option, this bright red classic might soon fade away.
