McDonald's has recently launched a brand-new menu inspired by the iconic television show Friends, featuring an adult Happy Meal option and new sides like Pizza Mozzarella Sticks. However, despite this fresh offering, customers across the UK continue to voice their strong desire for the return of much-missed discontinued favourites from the fast-food giant's past menus.
Persistent Calls for Classic Items
Over recent months, fans have been particularly vocal on social media platforms, relentlessly campaigning for the comeback of two specific items: the Chicken Legend and the Breakfast Bagel. McDonald's appears to have taken note of this growing demand, as evidenced by a recent Instagram post from the chain. The post featured a teasing image of these two meals with a caption that read: "Heard we’re sharing our 2016 throwbacks." The playful message continued, "It’s all ‘bring back the Chicken Legend’ and ‘bring back the bagel’… but nobody’s asked how I'm coping with the grief since they left the menu."
Poll Reveals Most Coveted Discontinued Items
According to a comprehensive survey conducted by Zingo Bingo, the Chicken Legend ranks as the third most desired menu item that customers are eager to see reinstated, while the Breakfast Bagel holds the fifth position in the coveted list. The poll, which gathered insights from McDonald's enthusiasts, highlights a clear trend of nostalgia-driven preferences among the chain's loyal fanbase.
Top Five Most Missed McDonald's Items
- Triple Cheeseburger - 29% of respondents expressed a desire for its return.
- Creme Egg McFlurry - This seasonal dessert captured 26% of the vote.
- Chicken Legend - 22% of fans are calling for its comeback.
- Kit Kat McFlurry - 21% of participants miss this sweet treat.
- Breakfast Bagel - 19% of those surveyed want it back on the menu.
Other discontinued items that customers have been mourning include the Toffee Sundae, Steakhouse Stack, Chicken Selects, Strawberry Sundae, and Chilli Cheese Bites, all of which feature in the top ten list of most-wanted returns.
Emotional Connection to Food Favourites
Jack Watson, a spokesperson for Zingo Bingo, commented on the survey findings, stating: "Food has a remarkable ability to transport us back in time, especially from brands as well-known as McDonald’s. This data shows that many of the chain’s menu items people grew up with - as well as some more recent favourites to be discontinued - still spark a real emotional connection."
He further explained, "The interest in these discontinued favourites suggests it’s not just about what’s new, but about revisiting flavours that remind people of specific stages in their lives. Whether it’s the familiarity of a Triple Cheeseburger or the indulgence of a seasonal dessert, such as the iconic Creme Egg McFlurry, these choices are often wrapped up in shared experiences and routines. They represent comfort, familiarity and a break from the everyday."
Watson concluded, "Zingo Bingo’s survey results highlight just how much appetite there is for these beloved classics. It’s clear that looking to the past for foodie favourites can be just as exciting as introducing something new." This sentiment underscores the powerful role that nostalgia plays in consumer preferences, particularly within the fast-food industry, where menu changes can evoke strong reactions from dedicated customers.
