12 Discontinued Fast Food Burgers We Never Want to See Again

The world of fast food burgers is a dynamic one, where culinary creations rise and fall like the tides. While some burgers earn a timeless place in our hearts, others swiftly fade into oblivion. Here, we explore 12 discontinued fast food burgers that we’re rather relieved we won’t encounter again.

McDonald’s McLean Deluxe: A Healthy Miss

In the diet-obsessed 1990s, the McLean Deluxe emerged as a low-fat hero—it was meant to be. Crafted from a whopping 91% lean beef, it promised a healthier alternative. But this burger came with a catch: high sodium levels were its saving grace, aimed at compensating for flavor deficits. When it was axed in 1996, it accounted for merely 2% of sales. The consensus? A lackluster flavor meant it was better left in the past.

Wendy’s Loaded Nacho Cheeseburger: A Gimmicky Mess

Wendy’s tried its hand at combining layers of nacho goodness with a burger, introducing the Loaded Nacho Cheeseburger. Featuring poblano queso, a spicy chipotle sauce, and corn tortilla chips, it intended to capture the thrill of nachos in burger form. But what resulted was a sloppy, mismatched creation that critics deemed more gimmick than gourmet. After only six months on the menu, it was quickly shelved, and for good reason.

McDonald’s Chopped Beefsteak Sandwich: The Non-Burger Burger

Launched in 1979, the Chopped Beefsteak Sandwich aimed to elevate fast food fare with reportedly higher-quality beef. Served on a long roll and drenched in steak sauce, it lacked the diverse flavors that make burgers appealing. The price tag of almost three times more than a standard burger didn’t help its case, leading to its disappearance from menus shortly after.

Burger King’s Burger Shots: The Definition of Boring

If you thought sliders could be elevated, think again. Burger King’s Burger Shots tried to innovate but ended up exemplifying culinary dullness. These pint-sized burgers offered nothing special—just ketchup, mustard, and pickles. The tiny size and lackluster toppings made them a weak contender in the fast food arena. No surprise here: they were soon banished from the menu.

McDonald’s Pico Guacamole Burger: An Identity Crisis

Ah, the Pico Guacamole Burger. It attempted to combine Mexican flair with traditional burgers, but the execution was painful. The guacamole tasted more synthetic than fresh, and this hybrid lacked the robust flavor to pull off its ambition. Disintroduced in 2020, to the delight of many, it reinforced the notion that sometimes less is more when it comes to innovation.

Taco Bell Bell Beefer: An Identity Confusion

The Bell Beefer was a puzzling entry from Taco Bell. This burger featured a sloppy joe-like concoction sandwiched in a bun, straying from Taco Bell’s core offering of tacos. The Bell Beefer lingered on menus for decades, yet its mediocre quality ultimately led to its discontinuation. Thank goodness we can now focus on better options at Taco Bell.

Burger King’s Hot Toppers: A Comedic Mix-Up

Burger King’s Hot Toppers were a collection of baffling combinations. One had bacon and BBQ sauce, while another sported mushrooms and Swiss cheese. A slice of ham topped yet another. These uninspired concoctions lacked any real substance or creativity, leading to their well-deserved demise.

McDonald’s DLT: An Environmental Faux Pas

The McDonald’s DLT tried to make waves with its unique packaging that separated ingredients—but at what cost? While it aimed to keep ingredients fresh, environmentalists decried the stylistic styrofoam, leading to its removal from menus. We can’t say we miss this one; eco-friendly choices should take priority.

Burger King Turkey Burger: A Lean Deception

When Burger King introduced the Turkey Burger in 2013, it aimed to offer a healthier selection. Reviews noted it was surprisingly juicy, yet it remained flavor-deficient, and thus it didn’t capture hearts. Fast food is often about indulgence, so it’s no wonder this option faded from memory.

McDonald’s Arch Deluxe: A Misguided Fancy

The Arch Deluxe attempted to elevate McDonald’s standing with its supposedly premium ingredients like stone-ground mustard and bakery-like buns. Unfortunately, it failed to resonate with the audience and was axed by 2000. McDonald’s is a realm of affordability, not extravagance, so we’re just fine leaving this burger behind.

Wendy’s Bacon and Blue Burger: A Messy Misfire

The Bacon and Blue Burger at Wendy’s showcased blue cheese and applewood smoked bacon—sounds sophisticated, right? Yet the flavors never meshed well enough to shine, and the inherent messiness led to its downfall. Creative but flawed, we won’t shed a tear for this one.

McDonald’s Cheddar Melt: A Boring Retro Choice

The Cheddar Melt introduced in the 1980s was about as uninspired as it gets. With cheddar sauce (not real cheese) and grilled onions on rye bread, it lacked any real flair. There’s no lingering desire for this simplistic burger, even for nostalgic reasons.

In summary, these fast food creations served as reminders that not every idea is a hit. While some may have briefly captured our attention, their time in the limelight has long since passed—and we’re perfectly okay with that.