Here’s 20 Things What McDonald’s Was Serving The Year You Were Born
Ever wondered what McDonald’s was serving the year you were born? This list takes you on a nostalgic journey down memory lane, showcasing the iconic and sometimes quirky menu items from McDonald’s past.
From the classics that became household names to forgotten favorites that had a short-lived moment in the spotlight, McDonald’s menu has evolved dramatically over the years. New creations have come and gone, and some items have become beloved mainstays.
Let’s explore 20 notable McDonald’s menu items, each representing a different era in the fast-food giant’s storied history.
1. The Big Mac (1968)
The Big Mac debuted in 1968 and quickly became McDonald’s most famous burger. It was invented by a franchise owner in Pennsylvania who wanted a bigger sandwich for adults. Two beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and a three-part sesame seed bun made it stand out.
The Big Mac’s layered structure and tangy sauce became a signature of the brand. It’s still on the menu today and remains a symbol of American fast food culture.
2. Egg McMuffin (1972)
In 1972, McDonald’s took a leap into breakfast with the Egg McMuffin. Created in California, it was modeled after eggs benedict but built for speed. It featured a round egg, Canadian bacon, and cheese tucked inside a toasted English muffin.
This simple idea changed mornings forever. The McMuffin became the cornerstone of McDonald’s breakfast menu and inspired countless fast food breakfast options.
3. Quarter Pounder With Cheese (1973)
McDonald’s introduced the Quarter Pounder with Cheese in 1973 to offer a heftier burger. The name comes from the weight of the beef patty before cooking. Topped with ketchup, mustard, onions, pickles, and two slices of cheese, it’s a classic.
It offered a meatier bite than the standard hamburger. The Quarter Pounder still holds a proud place on today’s menu.
4. Shamrock Shake (1970)
This green, minty shake first appeared in 1970 as a seasonal treat for St. Patrick’s Day. Its pastel color and sweet mint flavor made it an instant curiosity. Some years it vanished, only to return due to popular demand.
The shake now reappears each March like clockwork. It’s a cult favorite that signals spring for many fans.
5. McRib (1981)
The McRib launched in 1981 and quickly divided McDonald’s lovers. Its boneless pork patty, shaped like a rib rack, came smothered in tangy barbecue sauce. Topped with onions and pickles, it was messy and bold.
It didn’t sell well at first, so McDonald’s turned it into a limited-time special. Now it appears irregularly, creating McRib mania whenever it returns.
6. Chicken McNuggets (1983)
McNuggets changed the game when they arrived in 1983. Bite-sized and easy to dip, they appealed to both kids and adults. McDonald’s used a tempura-style batter and offered multiple sauces to go with them.
They became an instant classic and sparked a chicken nugget craze across the industry. Decades later, they remain a best-seller worldwide.
7. McDLT (1984)
The McDLT stood for “McDonald’s Lettuce and Tomato” and was introduced in 1984. It came in a unique two-part package that separated hot and cold ingredients. One side had the warm beef and bun, while the other held crisp lettuce and tomato.
The idea was clever, but the packaging was bulky and wasteful. Environmental concerns led to its quiet retirement in the early 1990s.
8. McPizza (Late 1980s)
McDonald’s tried entering the pizza world in the late ’80s. The McPizza was introduced in select locations and took about 11 minutes to bake. That was too long for drive-thru expectations.
Despite advertising and custom ovens, it never caught on. Today, it’s remembered as one of McDonald’s most ambitious experiments.
9. Arch Deluxe (1996)
Marketed as a burger for grown-ups, the Arch Deluxe appeared in 1996. It featured a peppered bacon slice, a potato bun, and a mustard-mayo sauce. McDonald’s spent millions advertising it as sophisticated.
The burger flopped, failing to impress either adults or kids. It’s now a textbook case in fast food marketing misfires.
10. Super Size Fries (1993)
In 1993, McDonald’s took portions to the next level with Super Size Fries. They were larger than large and encouraged by pop culture tie-ins like Supersize Me. The concept fed a “bigger is better” mindset.
By 2004, the chain discontinued Super Sizing due to health concerns. The fries remain legendary in size and memory.
11. Snack Wraps (2006)
Snack Wraps arrived in 2006 as a portable, lighter meal. Grilled or crispy chicken was wrapped in a flour tortilla with lettuce, cheese, and sauce. They were aimed at busy customers wanting something less greasy.
Despite strong fan support, McDonald’s dropped them in the U.S. around 2016. Their disappearance still sparks petitions and pleas for a comeback.
12. Angus Third Pounder (2009)
McDonald’s introduced Angus burgers in 2009 as a premium option. These featured thicker patties and upscale toppings like mushrooms, bacon, and dijon mustard. The larger size gave a fast-casual feel.
They didn’t stick around long. By 2013, the Angus line was discontinued to simplify the menu.
13. McSalad Shakers (2000)
McSalad Shakers appeared in clear plastic cups around the year 2000. Customers added dressing and shook the container to mix everything. It was a novelty that made salad fun.
The cups were portable, but the salad options were basic. Eventually, they were replaced by fresher, bowl-style salads.
14. Szechuan Sauce (1998)
This sauce debuted in 1998 as a tie-in with Disney’s Mulan. It had soy, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness. Fans loved its bold, slightly spicy profile.
After a cult cartoon mentioned it in 2017, demand exploded. McDonald’s brought it back briefly, selling out in minutes.
15. McLean Deluxe (1991)
The McLean Deluxe hit menus in 1991 as a healthy burger alternative. It used seaweed extract to replace some of the beef fat. The result was lower in calories but lacking in flavor.
Health-conscious diners weren’t impressed. It quietly vanished a few years later.
16. Hula Burger (1960s Test Menu)
Ray Kroc tested the Hula Burger as a meatless option for Lent in the 1960s. It featured a grilled pineapple slice with cheese on a bun. The taste was sweet, salty, and unconventional.
It lost the test to the Filet-O-Fish, which went on to become a classic. The Hula Burger faded into forgotten fast food lore.
17. Happy Meal (1979)
The Happy Meal launched nationwide in 1979 and changed kids’ menus forever. It combined a small burger or nuggets, fries, a drink, and a toy. Colorful boxes made it feel like a present.
The toys often tied in with movies, cartoons, or games. It became one of McDonald’s most beloved traditions.
18. Filet-O-Fish (1965)
McDonald’s added the Filet-O-Fish in 1965 to appeal to Catholic customers avoiding meat on Fridays. It had a fried fish fillet, tartar sauce, and a slice of cheese. The soft steamed bun made it distinct.
Its success was immediate. Today, it remains a staple during Lent and beyond.
19. Bagel Breakfast Sandwiches (Early 2000s)
In the early 2000s, McDonald’s added bagel sandwiches to the breakfast menu. They featured eggs, cheese, and steak or bacon between a toasted bagel. The chewiness offered a contrast to classic muffins.
They developed a loyal following but were pulled from many menus. Some locations have brought them back due to demand.
20. All-Day Breakfast (2015)
In 2015, McDonald’s answered one of its most common customer requests. Breakfast became available all day at participating locations. That meant McMuffins and hash browns long after morning hours.
It was a hit with fans who hated racing the clock. The all-day menu was scaled back in 2020 but made history while it lasted.