A Look at the Most Vile Discontinued Fast Food Items
By Jack Ripley | October 31, 2023
The Pizzabon By Cinnabon
Welcome to our gallery exploring a nostalgic journey through the intriguing world of discontinued fast food items that pushed the boundaries of what customers wanted to eat. There's a chance that you remember some of these items, but consider yourself lucky if these passed you by. Join us as we delve deeper into the stories behind these discontinued fast food items, reminiscing about the flavors, controversies, and memories they created. Continue reading to uncover more intriguing tales from the world of fast food innovation and share in the nostalgia that these remarkable creations evoke.
Indulge your curiosity and continue reading to discover more about these unforgettable fast food items that challenged conventions and captured our attention. Explore the unique stories and flavors that defined a generation. Let's embark on this nostalgic and calorie-filled journey together.
Cinnabon's venture into the realm of pizza was marked by the introduction of the Pizzabon in 2012, which underwent initial testing at the Cumberland Mall in Atlanta, Georgia. The unconventional concept garnered significant attention from national media outlets, piquing curiosity among consumers. The idea behind the Pizzabon appeared straightforward: maintain Cinnabon's renowned dough while replacing the customary cinnamon, sugar, and frosting with tomato sauce, cheese, and pepperoni bits. However, the execution of the Pizzabon left much to be desired, falling short on various fronts.
Although evidence of the Pizzabon's trial period in Georgia is well-documented, subsequent information about Cinnabon's ill-fated pizza experiment remains scarce. The Pizzabon failed to extend its presence beyond 2012, leaving its legacy confined to a limited timeframe. In addition to its questionable combination of ingredients, the Pizzabon's downfall can be attributed, in part, to its cost. Serious Eats highlighted its hefty price tag of $2.99 for a small two-and-a-half-inch meal, which undoubtedly impacted its overall appeal.
The Witch Doctor From Whataburger
Whataburger, a massively popular burger chain popular in the southern United States, piqued the interest of diners at a location in Concord, North Carolina after an item known as the "Witch Doctor" became a thing.
The Witch Doctor is available in various iterations, with the base ingredients typically consisting of a combination of Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Sierra Mist, Sun Drop, cherry flavoring, Cheerwine, lemon, and here's the kicker, pickles. While this recipe may remind you of a trashcan non-alcoholic version of a Long Island iced tea or something you used to make at a soda fountain when you were a kid, the Witch Doctor is, in fact, an official item on the menu, complete with visible floating pickles.
KFC Double Down Dog
In 2015, KFC introduced the Double Down Dog, a culinary monstrosity that consists of a fried chicken fillet wrapped around a hot dog, topped with cheese and bacon. The Double Down Dog is a triumph of marketing over culinary sensibility, and it's a prime example of how fast food chains are increasingly willing to sacrifice taste for novelty.
In 2010, the chain introduced the Double Down, a sandwich that replaced the bun with two fried chicken fillets. The Double Down was a commercial success, but it was also widely criticized for being unhealthy and unappetizing. The Double Down Dog follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, although at the time of this writing the only place you can get one is at KFC locations in The Philippines.
Seafood Salad From Taco Bell
In the 1980s Taco Bell executives were looking for any way to sell their brand to people who wanted to be a little more health conscious. Enter: The Taco Bell Seafood Salad. In 1986, this seafood salad went head to head with the Filet-O-Fish from McDonald’s. Filled with whitefish, shrimp, snow crab, and a fistful of black olives, this monster from the sea was pulled from the restaurant's menu and never thought of again.
The Super Hero Burger From McDonald's
In 1995, McDonald's embarked on an ambitious promotional endeavor by introducing The Super Hero Burger, capitalizing on the blockbuster film Batman Forever. This over the top sandwich, wrapped in a shroud of fast-food excess, consisted of not one, not two, but three beef patties stacked high, accompanied by a combination of two cheeses, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato slices, onions, and a generous slathering of mayonnaise. To complete the superhero aesthetic, it was encased within a mysterious "superhero bun." Undeniably, The Super Hero Burger epitomized the notion of overkill in the realm of fast food, pushing the boundaries of indulgence and serving as a testament to the fervor surrounding movie-themed tie-ins.
McDonald's Gracoro Burger
The Gracoro Burger is a unique and delicious burger that has been available at McDonald's locations in Japan since 1993. The burger is made with a patty of fried shrimp and macaroni in a creamy white sauce, all sandwiched between two soft buns.
The Gracoro Burger is a popular item in Japan, especially during the winter months. The combination of the creamy white sauce and the crispy fried shrimp is a perfect way to warm up on a cold day.
Western carnivores may view the Gracoro Burger with skepticism, but there is something enticing about the burger's ingredients. The combination of the shrimp and the macaroni is unexpected, but it works surprisingly well. The creamy white sauce adds a touch of richness, and the soft buns provide a perfect vehicle for all of the flavors. However, if you're an eater with texture issues this may not be the burger for you.
The Kit Kat Sandwich From First Kitchen
A Kit Kat Sandwich is exactly what it sounds like: a Kit Kat between two slices of bread with a dollop of whipped cream and an orange peel. It is simple, yet it is also genius. The combination of the sweet, crunchy chocolate and the soft, fluffy bread is simply irresistible. Created by Japanese Wendy's spin-off First Kitchen, the Kit Kat Sandwich may not be appealing to everyone, but it is definitely worth a try for those who are looking for a unique and delicious snack
Of course, not everyone will love the Kit Kat Sandwich. Some people will find it too sweet. Others will find it too messy. And still others will find it simply blasphemous.
But for those of us who appreciate the simple pleasures in life, the Kit Kat Sandwich is a culinary masterpiece. It is a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are the simplest
Taco Bell's Mountain Dew A.M.
Mountain Dew A.M. was a citrus-flavored caffeinated soft drink that was introduced by PepsiCo in 2012. It was marketed as a breakfast drink and was made with a blend of orange juice and Mountain Dew. The drink was available in 20-ounce bottles and was sold exclusively at Taco Bell restaurants.
Mountain Dew A.M. was met with mixed reviews from consumers. Some people praised it for its unique flavor and caffeine content, while others criticized it for being too sweet and sugary. The drink was discontinued by PepsiCo in 2013 due to low sales.
Whataburger's Steak Fajitas
With numerous establishments scattered across the South and Southwest, this Texas-based chain has become synonymous with burgers. However, there exists a devoted following of fans who passionately advocated for a name change to "Whatafajita." Their fervor stemmed from the chain's legendary steak fajitas, which unfortunately were discontinued in the early 2000s, leaving a void in the hearts of many. Why were these fajitas discontinued? If we had to guess it would be because they just didn't make sense cost-wise. That, and fajitas from a fast food burger place doesn't sound all that tasty.
The Vulcan Pizza From Nya Gul & Blå
Swedish-based pizzeria Nya Gul & Blå created a unique offering that aims to satisfy diverse cravings all in one go. Known as the Vulcan Pizza, this overwhelming creation takes the concept of "stuffed pizza" to a whole new level. The pizza is crafted in the shape of a star, with each point stuffed with various toppings, ranging from steak and bacon to mushrooms and cheese. Interestingly, at the center of the star lies a salad that isn't as exciting as the rest of the toppings. Adding to the medley of flavors, a generous serving of greasy French fries and accompanying dipping sauces crown the cucumber and lettuce shreds. Priced at $14, customers were given the opportunity to customize each of the Vulcan's "pockets," potentially elevating the flavor profile beyond the standard version.
Bread Bowl Pastas from Domino’s
In an attempt to compete with Pizza Hut's newly launched Tuscani Pastas, Domino's unveiled their own innovation called the Bread Bowl Past in 2009. During that period, Pizza Hut and Papa John's were dominating the pizza industry, with Pizza Hut offering signature pizzas at a fixed price of $10 and Papa John's solidifying its position as a key player in the delivery business.
Domino's, the former king of fast food pizza, found their menu needing a bit of an update, so they did what anyone would do and introduced the Bread Bowl Pasta.
The Bread Bowl Pastas aroused curiosity arrived with multiple options available for customers to choose from and as interesting as they were, Domino's isn't known for pasta Ultimately, Domino's decided to discontinue the Bread Bowl Pastas a few years later, acknowledging that their existing pasta offerings were more capable of satisfying customer preferences.
Popeyes "Cookie Dough” Chicken Tenders
In 2017, Popeyes introduced a new limited-time item called the "Cookie Dough” Chicken Tenders. These tenders are made with a shortbread cookie coating that gives them a sweet and crunchy flavor. The chicken is also juicy and tender, making for a delicious and unique snack or meal.
The Cookie Dough Chicken Tenders were met with mixed reviews from customers. Some people loved the unique flavor combination, while others found it to be too sweet. However, most people agreed that the tenders were well-made and worth trying.
Hot Dog Stuffed Crust Pizza
Pizza Hut made waves in 2015 with the introduction of their peculiar creation, the Stuffed Crust Pizza. This unconventional pizza innovation boasted a unique twist: an outer crust adorned with a ring of 28 miniature hot dogs. While some may argue that imagination and appetite do not always align, for many, each slice of this cheesy, greasy delight resembled a foot with sausage-toes. Notably, Orlando Weekly contributor Adam McCabe expressed his sharp disapproval, labeling the dish a "deathtrap" and giving new meaning to the term "Tombstone pizza." McCabe vividly described the experience of consuming it as a "desperate struggle for satisfaction" that, in the end, proved to be an inevitable defeat.
The McPizza From McDonald's
During the mid-1980s, McDonald's took a questionable leap into the realm of pizza with the launch of the McPizza. Originally introduced as a family-sized pizza, the unique offering arrived at the customer's table, placed upon a raised rack in the center, adding a touch of flair to the dining experience. Over time, the concept was downsized to a personal-size pizza. By 1991, the test markets for McDonald's pizza had expanded to include over 500 locations, demonstrating the company's ambition in this new venture. However, the McPizza's reign was short-lived, as its cooking time of eleven to sixteen minutes proved incompatible with McDonald's reputation for swift service. Consequently, the McPizza was largely discontinued across the majority of McDonald's restaurants by 2000. Nevertheless, questions remain about the appeal of pizza from a renowned burger establishment.
Burger King Kuro Burger
In 2014, Burger King restaurants in Japan unveiled a striking addition to their menu called the Kuro Burger. Aptly named "Kuro" which translates to "black" in Japanese, this burger stands out due to its unique characteristics. The buns and cheese of the burger are jet black, achieved by infusing bamboo charcoal into the ingredients, creating an unmistakable visual appeal. Adding to its unconventional allure, the accompanying ketchup is also black, owing its hue to the inclusion of squid ink.
Although the concept of black buns and ketchup had been previously introduced two years earlier, a recent update to the Kuro Burger included the addition of black cheese. However, the mere fact that something has been attempted in the past does not automatically validate its repetition, particularly when the final result fails to entice the appetite.
The Enormous Omelet Sandwich From Burger King
In 2005, Burger King introduced the Enormous Omelette Sandwich, a breakfast option brimming with eggs, cheese, bacon, and sausage, all enclosed within two hoagie rolls. This hearty sandwich offered customers a convenient and satisfying three-course breakfast in a time-efficient manner.
However, the convenience of a fast-food breakfast often comes with the awareness that it may not be the healthiest choice. Consequently, it came as no surprise that the Enormous Omelette Sandwich was deemed rather unhealthy, containing over 330 milligrams of cholesterol and 1,940 milligrams of sodium. Notably, it even surpassed the Whopper in calorie count by 30, solidifying its status as a substantial breakfast and a considerable meal within the Burger King menu.
BK defended their giant breakfast sandwich, but it wasn't long before this breakfast item was removed from the menu permanently.
McSpaghetti By McDonald’s
In the early 1970s, McDonald's took an unexpected detour from its familiar burger-centric menu and introduced a unique offering known as the McSpaghetti. This departure from the fast food giant's usual fare aimed to cater to customers seeking a taste of Italian cuisine. The McSpaghetti featured a mound of spaghetti noodles smothered in a tangy tomato sauce, accompanied by a side of grated cheese. While the item garnered a following during its initial run, McDonald's made the decision to discontinue it in most locations by 1980. However, the McSpaghetti managed to hold on as a beloved menu item in select areas, namely Orlando, Florida, as well as Italy and the Philippines, where it continues to delight diners with its distinctive flavor
McDonald's Shrimp & Beef Burger
Indulging in a surf and turf meal brings to mind high-end steakhouses or seaside seafood restaurants, not McDonald's. However, customers in South Korea discovered that a lavish steak and seafood meal in 2016 when the renowned global burger chain unveiled the Shrimp and Beef Burger.
Alongside the typical ingredients like a beef patty, lettuce, tomato, and sauce, this special sandwich incorporated an extra crispy patty filled with whole shrimp. Surprisingly, this wasn't McDonald's first venture into shrimp-based burgers. In Japan, customers had the opportunity to enjoy the "Filet-O-Shrimp," a sandwich featuring panko-crusted shrimp and shrimp tempura sauce. Yum?
Burger King's Whopperito
Burger King's Whopperito was a hybrid of a Whopper and a burrito that was introduced in 2016. It consisted of all the ingredients of a Whopper, including beef, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and mayonnaise, wrapped in a tortilla. The Whopperito was met with mixed reviews from consumers. Some people praised it for being a creative and convenient way to enjoy a Whopper, while others criticized it for being messy and overpriced. Ultimately, the Whopperito was discontinued by Burger King in 2018.
There are a few reasons why the Whopperito was not well received by consumers. First, it was seen as a gimmick. Many people felt that it was a lazy attempt by Burger King to cash in on the popularity of burritos. Second, the Whopperito was very messy. The ingredients were difficult to keep contained in the tortilla, and it was easy to make a mess when eating it. Third, the Whopperito was overpriced. At $5.99, it was more expensive than a regular Whopper.
Overall, the Whopperito was a failed experiment. It was not well received by consumers, and it was ultimately discontinued by Burger King.
Pizza Hut's Crown Crust Pizza
In 2012, Pizza Hut Middle East introduced a new pizza that was unlike anything else on the market: the Crown Crust Pizza. This pizza featured a traditional pizza crust with a crown-shaped ring of mini cheeseburgers baked into it. The pizza was topped with lettuce, tomato, and special sauce.
The Crown Crust Pizza was a culinary mashup of two popular fast food items: pizza and cheeseburgers. It was a bold move by Pizza Hut, and it was met with mixed reactions. Some people loved the unique flavor combination, while others found it to be too much.
Ultimately, the Crown Crust Pizza was not a commercial success. It was discontinued after a few months. However, it remains a cult classic among pizza lovers.
It is unclear whether or not the Crown Crust Pizza was meant to show off Western cuisine or make fun of it. Some people believe that it was a way for Pizza Hut to appeal to a wider audience in the Middle East. Others believe that it was a satirical commentary on the global fast food industry.
Whatever the intention, the Crown Crust Pizza is a unique and interesting culinary experiment. It is a reminder that there are no limits to creativity in the world of food.
McDonald's Hula Burger
In the 1960s, McDonald's was looking for a way to appeal to a wider range of customers. The chain had already found success with its Filet-O-Fish, a fish sandwich that was popular with Catholics during Lent. In 1962, McDonald's introduced the Hula Burger, a meatless burger alternative that was made with a patty of shredded cabbage and a slice of cheese.
The Hula Burger was not a huge success, but it did help McDonald's to expand its menu and appeal to a wider range of customers. The sandwich was discontinued in 1968, but it has been revived several times since then, most recently in 2016.
The Hula Burger is a reminder of McDonald's early days as a chain that was constantly innovating and trying new things. The sandwich may not have been a huge success, but it did help to shape the company into what it is today.
The KFC Cheetos Chicken Sandwich
The KFC Cheetos Chicken Sandwich was a culinary disappointment to say the least. The sandwich looked like an attempt to cash in on the success of the Doritos Locos Taco, and it failed to deliver on the promise of a truly innovative and delicious snack.
The sandwich was made with a fried chicken patty, a heaping pile of Cheetos, and a special Cheetos sauce. Yum? Diners didn't think so. The whole thing was a mess. The Cheetos fell out of the sandwich, the sauce dripped everywhere, and the chicken was the color of nuclear waste in a cartoon from the 1990s. KFC has had success with wacky calorie heavy ideas in the past, but this is one that never took off.
Taco Bell's Kit Kat Chocoladilla
The Kit Kat Chocoladilla was a dessert quesadilla that was released by Taco Bell in October 2017. It was a flour tortilla filled with melted Kit Kat bars and then grilled. The Chocoladilla was only available for a limited time at select locations in the United States and the United Kingdom. The Chocoladilla was removed from the market in November 2017. Taco Bell did not give a specific reason for the removal, but it is likely that it was due to low sales.
The Chocoladilla was met with mixed reviews from consumers. Some people loved the combination of chocolate and tortilla, while others found it to be too sweet and messy. Overall, the Kit Kat Chocoladilla was a short-lived experiment that was not met with widespread success.
The KFC Edible Coffee Cup
In 2015, KFC UK partnered with Seattle's Best Coffee to create a truly unique and innovative coffee experience: the Scoff-ee Cup. This edible coffee cup is made from a special biscuit that is wrapped in sugar paper and lined with a layer of heat-resistant white chocolate. As you drink your coffee, the white chocolate melts slowly, creating a delicious and decadent treat.
The Scoff-ee Cup is more than just a novelty item. It is a culinary innovation that has the potential to change the way we think about coffee cups. In a world where single-use plastics are a major environmental problem, the Scoff-ee Cup offers a sustainable and delicious alternative. Did coffee lovers start ordering from KFC in droves thanks to this edible coffee cup, not at all, but it was an interesting swing.
The Subway Seafood Sensation
Subway, recognized as the largest submarine sandwich chain globally, once ventured into the creation of what can only be described as one of the most ill-conceived subs ever made: the notorious Seafood Sensation.
The Seafood Sensation primarily consisted of crabmeat and deli meat, following Subway's customary approach of allowing customers to personalize their sandwiches with additional ingredients. However, regardless of the number of vegetables, sauces, or even oil and vinegar one might add, it seemed impossible to salvage the Seafood Sensation from its perplexing lack of appeal.
The ill-fated sub would be forever remembered as an experiment that simply did not align with the expectations (or tastebuds) of Subway's customers.
McDonald's McSalad Shakers
In 2000, McDonald's introduced a relatively healthier option to their menu with the Salad Shakers. These portable salads offered customers a convenient way to enjoy fresh greens and toppings on the go. However, despite their health-conscious appeal, the Salad Shakers failed to impress the taste buds of many. While they provided a lighter alternative to the traditional fast food fare, they did not quite match the flavor and satisfaction of other items on McDonald's menu. As a result, the Salad Shakers were eventually discontinued in 2003, leaving behind memories of a well-intentioned but less appetizing option from the popular burger chain.
McDonald's Pumpkin Spice Fries
In 2016, McDonald's Japan celebrated its 45th anniversary by releasing a limited-time seasonal treat: Pumpkin Spice Fries. The fries were made with regular french fries that were drizzled with chocolate and pumpkin spice sauces. Even though this was a bit of a reinvention of the wheel, the Pumpkin Spice Fries were a hit with customers, and they quickly sold out. McDonald's Japan was forced to extend the availability of the fries several times, and they eventually remained on the menu until Halloween. Which is honestly insane - but maybe we just have a problem with dessert fries.
The Arby's Arbynator
Arby's Arbynator sandwich is a towering pile of roast beef, curly fries, and three sauces. The sandwich comes in three sizes, with the half-pound version weighing in at 8 ounces of meat. The Arbynator is so meaty that it's been known to send customers into a food coma, but it's also incredibly popular. So much so that Arby's launched the product nationwide for a short period of time.
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful sandwich, the Arbynator is definitely worth a try, although for now you'll have to piece it together with various items from the menu. Just to be clear - we do not recommend eating this much roast beef in one sitting.
Chizza From KFC
The Chizza is a hybrid of a pizza and a fried chicken sandwich from the always inventive minds at KFC. Consisting of a fried chicken fillet that is topped with pizza sauce, cheese, mozzarella, and pineapple, this is a real doozy of a Frankenstein's Food Monster.
The Chizza was released in the Philippines in 2017, and it quickly became a popular item. However, the Chizza has also been met with some criticism. Some people have said that the Chizza is too greasy, and others have said that the flavors do not go well together.
Despite the criticism, KFC has said that they are happy with the response to the Chizza. They have said that they are always looking for new and innovative ways to use their products, and they are excited to see how the Chizza is received by customers around the world. As of yet the Chizza has not made it stateside.
Pizza Hut's Star Edge Pizza
Over the years, Pizza Hut has introduced a range of outlandish products, from hot dog-stuffed crusts to pizzas encircled by miniature meat pies. Among the contenders for the most outrageous creation, the Star Edge Pizza, exclusively available in South Korea, certainly stands out with its ability to provoke disgust. Priced at $32 per pizza, this culinary masterpiece aims to provide a comprehensive meal experience: We've got appetizers, the main course, and even a touch of dessert.
Pizza Hut went all out with the Star Edge. Topping the pizza with items for each culinary realm: surf (shrimp, calamari), turf (sausage, steak, bacon), and a medley of garden delights (broccoli, peppers, onions). Got a sweet tooth? Pizza Hut has you covered. The crust itself consists of turnovers filled with either cream cheese and cinnamon apples or cranberries, ensuring a sugary finale to the meal. Even though the Star Edge is the garbage plate of South Korea, that doesn't mean we don't want to experience this over the top idea ourselves.
Tim Hortons Buffalo Latte
Canada's renowned coffee and donut chain is known for its expertise in the industry, it doesn't mean they have exclusive authority when it comes to espresso experiments. Enter the Buffalo Latte, a prime example of their ventures into uncharted territory. As the name suggests, it consists of espresso, steamed milk, a hint of mocha, and a distinctive "bold Buffalo sauce flavor."
This autumnal substitute for pumpkin spice may have gone too far. When we think of fall, pumpkins, apples, and a hint of cinnamon all come to mind. Buffalo sauce not so much. That's more of a night out with the boys type of flavor However, for the residents of Buffalo, New York, the birthplace of the renowned Buffalo wings, this zesty beverage might have briefly become synonymous October and November while it was still available. Stephen Goldstein, the president of Tim Hortons U.S. branch, said of the latte:
The unlikely pairing of sweet mocha and tangy Buffalo sauce come together to create an unexpectedly delicious sweet and spicy treat. We hope our guests will enjoy it.
Writing from the future we can say that customers really didn't like this drink.
The Foie Gras Burger From Wendy's
Foie gras, a luxury item made from the liver of ducks or geese, is known for its controversial production methods involving force-feeding the animals until they're ready for consumption. Despite its unappealing reputation, Wendy's executives had a different perspective. In 2011, Wendy's introduced the Foie Gras Burger exclusively in its Japanese restaurants, possibly due to concerns about French approval, as it did not meet the criteria for "true" foie gras. However, skeptical reactions were fueled by photos of the $16 burger, which boasted truffle butter and aimed to revolutionize fast food perceptions, while also challenging Burger King's global ranking as the second-most popular burger joint. This creative endeavor, however, had a short lifespan.
In 2012, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) expressed their disapproval on Twitter, stating that ducks and geese endure painful force-feeding with metal pipes for foie gras production. PETA urged Wendy's to stop selling this "delicacy" in Japan. Wendy's responded by clarifying that they did not sell foie gras in their Japanese restaurants. The fact that the Foie Gras Burger had a brief presence on the Wendy's Japan menu suggests that either it did not perform well in terms of sales, the chain was experimenting with different options, or the feedback from animal rights organizations influenced its removal.
The Taco Bell Firecracker Burrito
Following a successful trial period in California during late summer, Taco Bell officially introduced a distinctive product in the fall of 2017. This particular burrito includes the classic combination of beef, rice, cheese, and sour cream, but what sets it apart is a mind-boggling ingredient: cayenne-flavored popping crystals that create a sensation akin to the crackling and popping effect of the childhood candy, Pop Rocks.
The popping crystals were provided in a separate packet, allowing customers to customize the seasoning to their liking. However, consumers found that adding too many of these crystals to the burrito made it overly sweet, which couldn't have been the intention of Big Bell. Today, this experimental burrito is only a thing of the past.
KFC's Deep-Fried Salmon Bites
It's not completely cuckoo for KFC to test the waters with a fish-based item, but why wouldn't they go for a protein that's easier to work with? Storing and preparing salmon introduces more potential for mistakes or mishaps, but the chicken giant forged ahead anyway.
One particular treat emerged exclusively in Japan as a result of a delightful cross-promotional campaign. Sanrio, the creators of the beloved Hello Kitty character, collaborated with KFC Japan to introduce a new mascot named Agemi-kun. This humanoid character sported a unique appearance, with a massive salmon filet as its head, adorned with a dollop of tartar sauce. Agemi-kun joined forces with Sanrio's Kirimi-chan, another character with a filet-shaped head. These deep fried salmon bites seemed to come and go in 2015. Whether that was because the Hello Kitty campaign ended or consumers weren't into the idea of deep fried salmon is unclear.
The CheeZee Marmite-Stuffed Crust Pizza From Pizza Hut
Marmite, the syrupy cousin to Vegemite, has long been popular in Britain and New Zealand with its distinct "Love it or hate it" marketing campaign. Often enjoyed on toast, biscuits, or crackers, Marmite is known for its strong flavor that requires only a small amount. However, it seems Pizza Hut missed the memo.
Adding to their repertoire of stuffed crust creations, Pizza Hut unveiled the CheeZee Marmite-Stuffed Crust Pizza, which is definitely a choice. This pizza boasts a hollow outer crust, inside of which mozzarella and a layer of Marmite are baked. Furthermore, the pizza features an abundant three times the usual amount of cheese. How does it taste? That depends on how much Marmite you can handle. As of 2023, the CheeZee Marmite-Stuffed Crust Pizza is no longer available in New Zealand, but you can you still order a Cheesey Bites Pizza and add your own Marmite if that's your vibe.
The McLobster From McDonald’s
Debuting in 1993, the McLobster made its entrance as a seasonal sandwich at McDonald's in the United States. Comprised of a lobster roll nestled within a hot dog bun, topped with "lobster sauce" and shredded lettuce, it aimed to offer customers a taste of seafood-inspired delight. However, due to challenges in the supply chain, the McLobster swiftly disappeared from the national menu. Presently, it is exclusively available during the summer season in the Atlantic Mac Canada and New McEngland regions, where lobster is abundant.
Pizza Hut's Flying Fish Salmon Roe-Stuffed Pizza
Pizza Hut, you've done it again. And by "it" we mean concoct a pizza so twisted that we're not entirely sure who this is for. In 2014, Residents of Hong Kong were forced to reckon with this extraordinary seafood pizza that promises to surpass all others in its category. This seemingly unassuming cheese pizza takes things up a notch with a crust that is generously stuffed with salmon roe and cream cheese. As for the toppings, Pizza Hut stuck with the seafood of it all by incorporating scallops, shrimp, clams, crayfish, and a spritz of lemon, for a burst of refreshing flavor. As intense as this sounds we kind of want a slice.
Wendy's Lobster & Caviar Sandwich
Following the launch of their Foie Gras Burger, Wendy's continued their foray into the Japanese burger chain market with yet another offering aiming for a more sophisticated appeal. The introduction of the Premium Caviar and Lobster Sandwich, however, seemed somewhat incongruous with the Wendy's brand.
Seeking to use the then-bottoming out in the lobster market, which hit a major low in 2012, Wendy's saw the lobster and caviar sandwich as a strategic move to outshine their competitor, Burger King. Priced around $16, the Lobster and Caviar Sandwich featured a generous portion of claw meat topped with lobster salad. Additionally, it featured a mayo-and-mustard sauce and sprinkled with caviar, adding an element of luxury to this fancy pants sandwich.
KFC's Edible Nail Polish
We all know that KFC is "finger lickin' good" but this is just ridiculous. In 2016, these unusual polishes were created in flavors inspired by KFC's chicken offerings, such as "Original" and "Hot & Spicy," resembling the taste of their famous drumsticks. While the idea of applying polish that can be licked off may sound incredibly unconventional, it became a reality, thanks to the initiative of Colonel Sanders and the company's decision-makers.
If you're feeling curious and eager to try these edible polishes, that's just too bad. Limited to select locations, including Hong Kong, the polishes came in various colors, ranging from red to pink. KFC representatives explained that the campaign aimed to create intrigue and fun, generating excitement around the KFC brand in Hong Kong. And excitement they sure created. According to the BBC, one Facebook user in Hong Kong called this experiment, "so gross."
Tim Hortons Buffalo Crunch Donut
Following the mixed reception of the Buffalo Latte, Tim Hortons decided to push the boundaries even further by introducing new items featuring buffalo sauce. Exclusive to the New York State Fair in Syracuse, one particular creation stole the spotlight: a pastry conceived by Anthony McEachern, who crafts a unique donut for Tim Hortons and the fair annually. In 2014, McEachern surpassed expectations by embracing the iconic Buffalo sauce from upstate New York.
The yeast donut receives a light glaze of the hot sauce, serving as its base, and is then garnished with crumbled Buffalo kettle chips. At the center of the donut, there's a reservoir of Buffalo sauce resembling a frosting, with fragments of tortilla chip jutting out. The design of the donut allows it to be easily torn into small morsels, facilitating dipping into the pool of Buffalo sauce.
In an interview with Fast Company, a Buffalo native acknowledged that while the combination may seem odd, it isn't entirely illogical given the prevalence of Tim Hortons in Buffalo. However, despite the rationale, the prospect of experiencing this particular creation doesn't evoke a sense of regret for missing out on it.