1. Panera Charged Lemonades
This one probably isn't a shock, considering the numerous lawsuits that have been launched against the restaurant chain after customers died as a result of consuming these beverages. These fruit-flavored drinks were introduced to the menu in April 2022, but contained an almost unbelievable amount of caffeine (for the sake of comparison, here are some products that have less caffeine than a Charged Sip from Panera: 1 can of Redbull, 2 cans of Monster Energy, 1 small cup of iced coffee, 5 Coca-Colas, or a double espresso).
It's safe to say we don't need to see this on the menu anymore. Instead, Panera will be replacing the line with other beverages, including a new blueberry lavender lemonade, pomegranate hibiscus tea, citrus punch and a tropical green smoothie.
2. Taco Bell Fiesta Veggie Burrito
The Fiesta Veggie Burrito was a fan-favorite among vegetarians who found their options on the menu pretty slim, so it was quite devastating when the chain announced its removal from the menu. No longer available as of January 2024, this burrito included seasoned rice, black beans, red tortilla strips, creamy chipotle sauce, sour cream, a three-cheese blend, tomatoes, and guacamole. The chain replaced it with a Veggie Build Your Own Cravings Box, but most customers are still missing their favorite Fiesta burrito.
3. McDonald's McRib
When McDonald's put this one on their menu, it was certainly a risk, many customers questioned why someone would even think up such an idea. But once the skeptics gave it a try, their minds were changed. Seasoned boneless pork marinated in a tangy BBQ sauce, topped with onions and pickles and served on a homestyle bun—it became a favorite for so many. Which is why it was such a shock when it was discontinued in 2022. Many hopefuls are still wishing for its return, but who knows if the McRib will ever be back on the menu!
4. KFC Double Down
The Double Down was one of the most unique sandwiches that KFC ever dropped: instead of a bun housing the chicken and additional ruffage, two fried chicken fillets act as the bun, with bacon, cheese, and either mayo or spicy sauce sandwiched in between. It was an iconic sandwich, but it is no more. The chain teased its fans back in March 2023, when they made the sandwich available for 4 weeks only, but there's been no signs of its return since.
5. Taco Bell Double Decker
The Taco Bell Double Decker appears on the menu every so often, but unfortunately we are now in one of those dreaded eras where it is not available in the US. Featuring a crunchy taco shell wrapped in a flour tortilla spread with refried beans, this taco just took things up a notch—no more ingredients falling out with every bite, rather the soft taco shell held everything in place. It was a great move by Taco Bell, and many customers are still mourning this loss.
6. McDonald's McCafe Bakery Items
Back in October 2020, McDonald's treated customers to a whole new line of items in the McCafe: bakery items. Cinnamon rolls, apple fritters, blueberry muffins, pastries galore, now all eliminated from the menu as of November 2023. The official statement announcing the discontinuation of the bakery products cited that the change was initiated because they're "always listening to our fans and adjusting our menu based on what they crave." But for many fans, their favorite McDonald's cravings are long gone.
7. Dunkin' Coconut Refreshers
Dunkin' confirmed at the end of 2023 that they will no longer be serving coconut milk at any US locations, announcing that they're bidding that non-dairy option "farewell." But, the elimination of coconut milk also means the elimination of the Coconut Refreshers, which are a line of drinks mixing coconut milk and flavored iced tea. For many customers who unfortunately have to avoid dairy for health reasons, this was a big blow. "I'm done with dunkin," one user wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "I can't drink anything else and you cut out coconut milk, my daily refreshers won't work without that. Good bye."
8. Wendy's Loaded Nacho Cheeseburger
This one is difficult to imagine, so we'll let the Wendy's website explain: "the Loaded Nacho Cheeseburger features a square fresh, never frozen beef patty generously topped with melty cheese, a tantalizing kick of spicy chipotle sauce and a delightful crunch of tortilla strips and crispy corn." Sounds delicious, right? Apparently not delicious enough to keep it on the menu for more than a few months! It dropped originally at the end of August in 2023, and by June 2024, it's bid farewell to its permanent spot on the menu.
9. Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt
This one was heartbreaking for many fans. What was once marinated, grilled chicken, creamy chipotle sauce, and melted cheddar cheese wrapped in a warm flour tortilla is no more, and customers truly don't understand why. "The chicken chipotle melt was the only thing I would get here," one customer wrote on Reddit. "It made me love Taco Bell. But now that it’s gone I feel like I’m lost in space with a flavor I can only dream about now. Very disappointed in the decision Taco Bell made here."