McDonald's fans were left devastated early in 2022 when the fast-food chain announced it was permanently axing two breakfast favourites, its wraps and bagels.
The fast food chain softened the blow shortly after when it revealed it was launching the Chicken Big Mac in branches for the first time ever, you can read more on this here, but the departure of two popular items had us thinking about other loved and lost McDonald's menu options.
From the McRib to the Sundae and the little-known about McPizza, there's many unique menu items that have been discontinued over the years.
Read more: McDonald's Chicken Big Mac UK release date, price and how long it's around
Firm favourites such as the Big Tasty and the Chicken Legend have also been removed as permanent options but make regular comebacks as limited-edition items.
Breakfast Bagels and Breakfast Wraps
The fast-food chain announced on Monday, January 24 that the popular breakfast items would not be returning to restaurants after temporarily being taken off the menu in March 2020.
McDonald's fans had been hoping the bagels and breakfast wraps would one day return, but in a statement the company confirmed that wouldn't be the case.
McDonald's said: "It is with love and deep respect for one another that we announce that we are parting ways with Breakfast Bagels & Breakfast Wraps.
"Despite speculation and following a trial separation period, Breakfast Bagels & Breakfast Wraps will not be returning to the menu.
"We adore each other deeply but our love for the iconic McMuffin was simply too hard to ignore. We want our fans to know this is a mutual decision, to the extent that a bagel can make its own decision.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported our union. As for the rumours that there will be a new breakfast bae on the scene later this year... no comment. But for now it's time to say, 'that's a wrap'. And bagel."
Toffee and Strawberry Sundaes
There was outrage when McDonald's announced two long-serving classics would no longer appear on the menu in 2018.
The fast-food chain confirmed 99p toffee and strawberry sundaes had been removed from UK restaurants because they "weren't very popular".
In a tweet at the time, McDonald's wrote: "The Toffee Sundae and Strawberry Sundae were removed from the McDonald’s menu on Wednesday 26, September 2018, and they were removed because they weren't very popular.
"The Government recommendations regarding sugar also played a part in the removal."
A McDonald's spokeswoman said at the time: "The removal of sundaes from our menu makes room for the mini McFlurry and promotional favourites like the Smarties McFlurry, which have proved incredibly popular with customers."
McRib
The barbecued-flavoured pork sandwich first appeared in restaurants in 1981 but was taken off the menu just four years later. Since then it has returned for sporadic appearances on menus across the globe.
It was last available on UK menus in 2015 when it launched as a limited edition item for just five weeks after a 12-year hiatus, however, it doesn't look there are plans to bring it back to the UK, and for good reason.
On their website McDonald's state why they no longer sell the item, explaining: "The reason for this is that the McRib patty is made from ground pork and, in the UK, we consider it important to separate pork and beef on the grill.
"Unfortunately, many of our restaurants do not have enough grill capacity to cook pork and beef products at the same time.
"The breakfast menu is different because we don't serve beef products, which allows us to have a dedicated grill for all our delicious pork products."
McBites
The small popcorn size Chicken McBites were made with chicken breast in a light, crispy golden-brown coating, with a mild peppery flavour.
They were launched as part of the Little Tasters collection in 2013.
Fish McBites also launched in 2013 but sadly both were removed from the menu the same year.
McHotDog
The classic American hotdog made its way on to the McDonald's menu during the 1990s.
It was sold in the UK briefly during the late 1990s and as a seasonal summer item in 2002.
McDonald's say on their website: "McDonald's has previously sold a promotional hot dog, which was available for a short period of time."
McPizza
Yes, you read that right.
At one point in time, during the mid 1990s to be exact, McDonald's attempted to break into the world of pizza.
Three flavours were introduced as part of a trial, including Cheese, Cheese and Pepperoni and the Deluxe.
However, shortly after the pizzas were discontinued. According to reports this was due to the length of time they took to cook.
You'll find more information about them on the McDonald's website, where the fast-food chain state: "We did sell pizzas for a limited period in some restaurants in the mid 1990s as part of a sales and product test.
"As part of the test we trialled three flavours - Cheese, Cheese & Pepperoni and the Deluxe (cheese, green pepper, onion, peperoni and more) - and they were 8 inch pizzas cut into four slices. We have no plans to reintroduce pizza to our menu at this time."
Salad shakers
According to Liverpool Echo, Salad shakers had three years on the McDonald’s menu from 2000 to 2003 before they were discontinued.
They were in Garden, Chef and Grilled Chicken Caesar options.
Of course McDonald’s still serve salad now, but they're not in shaker form.
An axing doesn't always mean the end of an item, however. In 2019 McDonald's reintroduced the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese 13 years after it was last available in 2006.
The classic burger was only available for seven weeks as a limited edition item but returned again in 2020, with McDonald's confirming it would once again become a permanent menu resident due to its popularity.
"It's here to stay! You can now enjoy the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese all year round!" the fast-food chain told fans at the time.
There are of course plenty of other McDonald's UK items that haven't stood the test of time, such as the Supersize portions which were removed from menus in 2001.
How many can you remember and what did we miss? Let us know in the comments.
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