It should come as no surprise that McDonald’s is the top-earning fast-food chain in America, coming in at over $10.38 billion in 2023. Their most popular menu items continue to be the Quarter Pounder and Big Mac, and when it comes to breakfast, the Egg McMuffin continuously comes out on top. However popular their sandwiches are, if McDonald’s added these menu items, I’d be the first one in line.
Sometimes, nothing beats a good old-fashioned burger joint. The familiarity of the same menu items often brings one comfort. However, McDonald’s usually has a way of adding specialty items that are taken off the menu far too soon. Or they have shied away from adding certain items to their menu because it doesn’t make sense for a burger joint. However, the following items may work, if McDonald’s only gave them a try. (Or tried them again.)
McDonald’s Menu Items That Should Be Added (Or Re-added)
In order to create a list of items that should be added to the McDonald’s menu item, Moms Who Think consulted multiple forums and articles to garner the opinion of the public. The items on this list were the most requested items.
Chicken Salad
During the Pandemic, the chicken salad was discontinued at American McDonald’s. The reason for this was to make production simpler for the company.
Chicken Salad
Additionally, the demand is said to be lower than say a Big Mac. However, bringing back the chicken salad will provide more options for those who crave McDonald’s but want to try to be a tad bit healthier.
Hot Apple Pie
The hot apple pie was a long customer favorite. However, it was discontinued in 1992 in order to focus on healthier options. While the fried hot apple pie isn’t something that should be eaten daily, it sure was delicious.
Hot Apple Pie
You can still find a baked option available, but many customers deem this choice inferior.
I mean, after all, what’s better than a flaky and sweet, fried hot apple pie?
Turkey Burger
A turkey burger may be hamburger’s less cute cousin, but for those who are health conscious, it makes an attractive option. McDonald’s could appeal to a different crowd by adding this one simple item to the menu.
Turkey Burger
Before you say, ewe gross no one eats turkey burgers anyway, remember this. Turkey burgers are more than 100 calories less than a typical hamburger. That’s not pitting it up against a McDonald’s hamburger which can be anywhere between 270 and 659.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
McDonald’s grilled chicken sandwich was discontinued around the Pandemic as well. While the franchise does offer crispy chicken sandwiches, a grilled option appeals to a different crowd.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
This is because grilled can be a healthier option than crispy. So, you still get the same McDonald’s flavor, but with fewer calories.
Chili
If you go to Wendy’s, one of McDonald’s competitors, a top menu item is the chili. McDonald’s could spice up their menu by offering this off-the-cuff item.
Chili
Does Chili scream burger joint? No, but chili can be a delicious side next to hamburgers, chicken nuggets, or even on its own.
Pizza
I know what you are thinking. This one doesn’t make a lot of sense. After all, McDonald’s is a fast-food hamburger joint. However, pizza was one of the top requested menu items. But why exactly? People love McDonald’s. Their revenue shouts it from the rooftop. People also love pizza. So, why not combine the two and see how well it takes off?
Pizza
Adding pizza could (and most likely) would be a total flop. However, for a short while, customers could get an actual taste of what a McDonald’s pizza would be like and not have to go elsewhere if craving something other than a Quarter Pounder.
Large Chicken Wrap
Along with the chicken salad and grilled chicken, the snack wrap at McDonald’s was also discontinued. This was for several reasons; however, the Pandemic played a huge part. Not surprisingly, a larger version of the snack wrap was highly requested from customers.
Large Chicken Wrap
True, the snack wrap was quick and easy, but a large chicken wrap would be ideal. According to McDonald’s the smaller version, snack wrap, is supposed to make a comeback at some point in 2025.
One Last Note
There’s a reason that McDonald’s is one of the most popular fast-food joints. It gives the customers what they love. While the likelihood of items like chili or pizza showing up on the menu is pretty slim, it can be fun to dream. Other menu items like a chicken wrap or salad, may one day soon appear on the McDonald’s menu near you. Until then, this franchise is going to continue to blow every other fast-food joint out of the water, because it knows what its customers love.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©RiverNorthPhotography / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images.