Fast food restaurants tend to have passionate fans, with many patrons loyal to their favorite menu items. Discontinuing a menu item—whether permanently or just temporarily—can send fans into a tailspin. Some items are so beloved that people keep searching for them online, hoping for a comeback. A new study by Spin Genie reveals the discontinued items that fast food fans search for the most, according to Google search data.
Topping the list of discontinued fast food items that people are pining for is the McDonald’s McRib. This barbecue-flavored pork sandwich was discontinued permanently in 2005 after a run that started in 1981. McRib fans can visit Germany and Luxembourg can enjoy a McRib any time, but others have to keep an eye out for the occasional limited-time-only return at other McDonald's restaurants, hence the high search traffic (327,100 searches last year—more than twice that of the number two entry).
At number two is Chipotle’s Carne Asada, with 132,680 searches. The ingredient was launched in 2019, but was removed from menus the following year despite becoming a fast favorite. Chipotle reintroduces the steak for limited periods of time, but many fans want to make it permanent.
The third most-searched discontinued fast food item is one that apparently won’t be coming back. Domino’s Brooklyn Style Pizza was discontinued in 2024 after 18 years on menus. It was removed to make room for the chain’s new New York Style Pizza. Wrapping up the top five are Taco Bell’s Enchirito and McDonald’s Fruit ‘n Yogurt Parfait.
Top 10 most-searched discontinued fast food items
- McDonald’s McRib
- Chipotle Carne Asada
- Domino’s Brooklyn Style Pizza
- Taco Bell Enchirito
- Mcdonald's Fruit ‘n Yogurt Parfait
- Burger King Salads
- Arby’s Potato Cakes
- Taco Bell Meximelt
- Taco Bell Taco Salad
- KFC Potato Wedges