Every discontinued sandwich has its own story, showing just how far McDonald’s will go to try something new. Some ideas didn’t quite land, but others helped shape the menu we know today. By playing around with different flavors and concepts, McDonald’s keeps things fresh, proving it’s always ready to evolve with changing tastes.
These 15 sandwiches made their debut with high hopes but couldn’t stay on the menu forever.
McDLT (1984–1991)
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The McDLT separated hot and cold ingredients with innovative two-sided packaging. This design kept the lettuce and tomato crisp while the beef patty stayed warm. Though the concept stood out, the excessive use of Styrofoam containers caused environmental concerns, leading McDonald’s to discontinue the sandwich.
Arch Deluxe (1996–2000)
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McDonald’s marketed the Arch Deluxe as a sophisticated burger for adults. It featured a mustard-mayo sauce, lettuce, tomato, and bacon. Despite its premium advertising, customers didn’t really like it, and it was discontinued within a few years due to poor sales and high production costs.
Hula Burger (1963)
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The Hula Burger replaced meat with a grilled pineapple slice to cater to Catholics abstaining from meat on Fridays. However, the Filet-O-Fish, launched around the same time, quickly outshined it. While the Hula Burger faded into obscurity, the Filet-O-Fish became a staple on the menu.
Big N’ Tasty (1997–2011)
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Big N’ Tasty was created to compete with Burger King’s Whopper, and included a quarter-pound beef patty with fresh vegetables and mayonnaise. It initially got popular, but was eventually removed from the menu as McDonald’s shifted focus to newer items and value-priced meals.
McLean Deluxe (1991–1996)
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The McLean Deluxe used lean beef mixed with a seaweed derivative to appeal to health-conscious diners. This concept was ahead of its time, but, unfortunately, it couldn’t work its charm. The flavors didn’t impress customers, and the burger failed to gain traction, leading to its discontinuation after five years.
Angus Third Pounder (2009–2013)
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This premium burger, featuring larger patties and upscale toppings, aimed to attract a more refined audience. Its main attraction was its quality ingredients, but the higher price alienated budget-conscious customers. McDonald’s discontinued it after four years to focus on value-driven options.
McAfrika (2002)
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Another sandwich that couldn’t make a permanent place on the menu was the McAfrika. It was launched in Norway and included beef, cheese, and vegetables in pita bread. Its release sparked controversy, as it coincided with a famine in parts of Africa. The public backlash overshadowed the sandwich itself, and McDonald’s quickly pulled it from the menu.
Cheddar Melt (1988–1991)
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The Cheddar Melt featured a beef patty topped with sauteed onions and melted cheddar on a rye bun. Though it gained a small following, it struggled to maintain popularity. It occasionally returned in select markets but never earned a permanent spot on the menu.
McHotDog (1995–2002)
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McDonald’s attempted to expand its offerings with the McHotDog, serving it at select locations. It seemed like a natural addition, but customer reception was lukewarm. The product didn’t align with McDonald’s core menu strategy and quietly disappeared after a few years.
Son of Mac (2000s)
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As a smaller version of the Big Mac, the Son of Mac included one beef patty instead of two. Despite offering a lighter option, customers preferred the original Big Mac, and this scaled-down version failed to gain lasting appeal on the menu.
MegaMac (2006)
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McDonald's also created an oversized version of the Big Mac. This one featured four beef patties and mainly attracted customers looking for an indulgent experience. However, its excessive size and calorie count limited its audience. Although no longer a regular menu item, the MegaMac occasionally reappears in international markets.
McLobster (1993)
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The McLobster aimed to bring a gourmet touch to McDonald’s with its lobster meat served in a roll. This particular sandwich caught the attention of coastal regions, but its high price and limited appeal couldn’t justify it on the menu. It remains a seasonal item in some areas depending on demand.
Super Hero Burger
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Introduced in 1995 as part of a promotional campaign for the movie Batman Forever, the Super Hero Burger featured three beef patties stacked with multiple toppings. While it caught attention for its size and theme, the burger was only available for a limited time before being retired from the menu.
Chopped Beefsteak Sandwich
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The Chopped Beefsteak Sandwich, launched in 1979, included a long beef patty topped with onions and steak sauce, served on a sub-style roll. This sandwich offered a unique flavor but was soon removed from the menu due to its higher production costs compared to traditional burgers. McDonald’s had no other option but to discontinue this item after a brief run.
McStuffins
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McStuffins hit the menu in the early 1990s as McDonald’s take on stuffed pita sandwiches. Filled with options like teriyaki chicken or beef stew, they aimed to offer a new dining experience. However, a lack of popularity among customers caused this unique item to vanish from menus shortly after its debut.
