McDonald’s fries have long been an iconic fast-food favorite, beloved for their crispy exterior and soft interior. But over the years, they’ve undergone changes that have left some fans wondering about the versions of fries that have come and gone. From old-school cooking methods to unique flavorings and seasonal offerings, here are 10 McDonald’s fry secrets that were once part of the menu but never made a return. These nostalgic fries offer a glimpse into the past of McDonald’s iconic fry evolution.
The Original Fry Recipe (Before 1990s)
Before the 1990s, McDonald’s fries were made with beef tallow and vegetable oil, giving them a rich, savory flavor that fans still miss. These fries had a crispy exterior and soft interior, which many believe made them superior. Due to health concerns, McDonald’s switched to vegetable oil in the ’90s, but the nostalgic taste lives on.
The Sea Salt Sprinkle
For a brief period, McDonald’s experimented with sea salt fries to offer a more refined, salty finish that paired with their crispy texture. The sea salt was lightly sprinkled after frying, giving a gourmet twist. Sadly, it didn’t last long, and customers soon returned to the classic salt shaker.
The Super Crispy Fries
In certain regions, McDonald’s briefly tested “super crispy” fries, which were cooked longer than the regular fries, resulting in an extra-crunchy texture. These fries were a hit with fans who loved the added crunch and satisfying bite. Unfortunately, McDonald’s eventually phased them out, and they were never seen on a widespread basis again.
The McDonald’s Fry Seasoning Pack
In the early 2000s, McDonald’s offered a unique seasoning pack that customers could sprinkle on their fries. The seasoning pack contained a mix of various spices, including garlic powder and a blend of herbs, which gave the fries an extra layer of flavor. Unfortunately, the seasoning packs didn’t last, and today, customers must rely on the classic salt.
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The McJr. Fries
In the ‘80s and ‘90s, McDonald’s introduced a smaller fry option known as McJr. Fries. These mini fries were perfect for kids’ meals and offered a snack-sized portion of McDonald’s iconic fries. Although the McJr. Fries were popular with families, but they were discontinued over time, leaving only the small, medium, and large fries.
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The Golden Nuggets Fry Shape
During the late ’90s, McDonald’s briefly experimented with a fun fry shape called Golden Nuggets. These fries were shaped like little nuggets, offering a bite-sized alternative to the regular fry. While the shape was a novelty, it never made a lasting impression and was eventually phased out, making way for the traditional fry cut.
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The Sweet Potato Fries
While McDonald’s occasionally offers seasonal items, their short-lived sweet potato fries were a fan favorite that never returned. Crispy outside and tender inside, they offered a healthier, slightly sweet alternative to regular fries. Despite their popularity, the item vanished after a limited run and has yet to make a comeback.
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The “Twice-Cooked” Fries
For a limited time, McDonald’s offered twice-cooked fries. It was cooked, cooled, then fried again for extra crispiness. This indulgent method made the fries especially crunchy, but it didn’t stay on the menu long. Though loved by many, the twice-cooked fries eventually disappeared, leaving fans nostalgic for that extra crunch.
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The “Fry Cart” in Certain Locations
In the 1980s, some McDonald’s locations in Europe featured a fry cart where customers could choose fries with various dipping sauces and toppings. This customizable experience made the fries feel more personalized. However, the concept was short-lived and eventually discontinued in favor of more standardized service.
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The McDonald’s Garlic Fries
Garlic fries were once tested at select McDonald’s locations, offering a savory twist on the classic fries with a generous helping of garlic seasoning. While some fans loved them, garlic fries never went mainstream and were quietly phased out, leaving only the classic fries.
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McDonald’s fries are undeniably iconic, but throughout the years, they’ve experimented with different flavors, textures, and cooking methods to mix things up. While many of these fry variations were short-lived, they remain part of the fast-food nostalgia that fans fondly remember. Perhaps, one day, McDonald’s will bring back some of these forgotten fry secrets, but for now, we can only hope and dream.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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