15 Outrageous Fast-Food Items That Only Existed In The ’70s

The 1970s were a wild time for fast food—an era where creativity reigned supreme, and no idea was too outrageous for the menu.

Fast-food chains, eager to stand out, took bold risks, some of which paid off, while others ended up as cautionary tales of culinary what-were-they-thinking moments. It was a decade of daring flavors, wacky concepts, and marketing experiments that made customers either curious or downright confused.

From burger monstrosities to seafood surprises (yes, fast-food fish got weird in the ‘70s), these long-lost menu items captured the anything-goes attitude of the decade. Some of these creations were ahead of their time, while others flopped harder than a bad disco album.

So, grab a napkin, brace your taste buds, and get ready for a blast from the past as we revisit 15 of the most outrageous fast-food items of the ‘70s—because in this era, weird was the special of the day!

1. McDonald’s Onion Nuggets

Imagine a world before Chicken McNuggets, where McDonald’s offered Onion Nuggets—deep-fried chunks of onion that looked like a hybrid of onion rings and chicken nuggets. These crispy bites were perfect for those who wanted to cry tears of joy or perhaps from the onions themselves. Unfortunately, this peculiar product didn’t stick around to wipe away those tears.

The concept was as bold as it was bizarre, blending the crunchy allure of fried onions with the convenience of nugget-sized bites. However, the public’s taste buds weren’t quite ready for such a fusion.

In a time when experimentation was key, McDonald’s Onion Nuggets stood out as a hallmark of fast-food audacity. While they may have been short-lived, they paved the way for future innovations in nugget technology.

2. Burger King Yumbo Hot Ham & Cheese Sandwich

Once upon a time, Burger King decided to take a detour from their iconic burgers to offer a hot ham and cheese sandwich, aptly named the Yumbo. This culinary experiment aimed to diversify their menu but ended up being more of a side quest than a main attraction.

The Yumbo was a warm assembly of ham and cheese, wrapped in the comforting embrace of a bun. It was a sandwich that seemed promising but quietly faded away by the early ’80s.

Though it vanished from the menu, the Yumbo remains a quirky reminder of Burger King’s adventurous spirit and willingness to explore beyond the burger.

3. McDonald’s McPizza

What do you get when McDonald’s decides to take a slice of the pizza market? The McPizza, of course! This ambitious venture aimed to bring the essence of Italy to a fast-food setting but was met with the harsh truth that customers didn’t have the patience for pizza.

As pizzas took too long to prepare, McDonald’s diners, accustomed to the speedy delivery of burgers, found themselves twiddling their thumbs. Despite its promising flavor, the McPizza’s time-consuming nature sealed its fate.

Ultimately, the McPizza was a testament to McDonald’s daring creativity and the lesson that not all menu items can be fast and furious.

4. The Colonel’s Rotisserie Gold (KFC)

Before KFC became a synonym for fried chicken, the Colonel tried his hand at rotisserie chicken with Rotisserie Gold. This golden bird was meant to diversify KFC’s offerings, but fans of the crispy classic weren’t quite ready to abandon their fried favorites.

Rotisserie Gold was juicy and tender, a departure from the crunchy fried texture that KFC was famous for. Loyal customers, however, couldn’t be swayed from their beloved fried chicken.

In the end, Rotisserie Gold’s time in the spotlight was limited, but it remains a nostalgic nod to KFC’s willingness to step outside its comfort zone.

5. McDonald’s Hula Burger

Ray Kroc had a vision: a meatless alternative for Catholics abstaining from meat on Fridays. The result? The Hula Burger, featuring a slice of pineapple and cheese sandwiched between a bun. However, this fruit-and-cheese concoction didn’t quite hit the mark.

The Hula Burger was a brave attempt to cater to a niche audience but ended up being a misstep. The combination of sweet pineapple with melty cheese was too avant-garde for most palates.

Despite its short-lived presence, the Hula Burger’s story is one of creativity and the occasional need to rethink culinary innovation.

6. Taco Bell Bell Beefer

In an attempt to compete with burger giants, Taco Bell introduced the Bell Beefer—a loose-meat burger seasoned with taco spices. It was like a sloppy joe with a Mexican twist but didn’t quite manage to capture the hearts of fast-food fans.

The Bell Beefer was a creative endeavor, merging the worlds of burgers and tacos into a single handheld meal. However, its messy nature made it a challenging eat for those on the go.

The Bell Beefer’s legacy is a testament to Taco Bell’s trailblazing spirit, always seeking to push the envelope in fast-food fusion.

7. Pizza Hut Priazzo

Pizza Hut once dared to dream big with the Priazzo, an Italian pie that was as deep as it was ambitious. This stuffed-crust creation aimed to redefine pizza but ultimately got lost in the fast-paced world of the ‘70s.

The Priazzo was rich and indulgent, a pizza lover’s dream with layers of flavor and texture. Unfortunately, its lengthy cooking time didn’t align with the decade’s demand for speed.

While the Priazzo may have been too ahead of its time, it remains a delicious testament to Pizza Hut’s culinary courage and quest for pizza perfection.

8. McDonald’s Chopped Beefsteak Sandwich

Before gourmet burgers were a thing, McDonald’s offered the Chopped Beefsteak Sandwich—a long, hoagie-style burger with onions. It was marketed as a premium option, but perhaps too fancy for fast-food fans.

The sandwich was a brave attempt to elevate the typical burger experience, offering a taste of sophistication at a McDonald’s price. However, it seems the masses weren’t quite ready for upscale options.

The Chopped Beefsteak Sandwich’s brief stint is a reminder that while sophistication has its place, sometimes simplicity reigns supreme in fast-food land.

9. The Original McRib (Without BBQ Sauce)

Believe it or not, the first McRib that appeared in the late ‘70s wasn’t even slathered in BBQ sauce. This early version was dry and served with onions, leaving much to be desired for saucy fans.

The McRib’s initial iteration was a bold experiment, offering a unique pork experience that strayed from traditional flavor profiles. However, without the saucy goodness, it failed to make a lasting impression.

This dry entry into the McRib saga serves as a reminder that sometimes, a little sauce goes a long way in capturing the hearts of fast-food enthusiasts.

10. Jell-O Salad at McDonald’s

For a brief moment, McDonald’s gallantly ventured into the world of Jell-O Salads, offering pre-packaged options that added a splash of color to the dessert menu. As quirky as it sounds, this gelatinous treat wasn’t destined to become a classic.

The Jell-O Salad was a nod to the era’s fascination with all things wobbly and colorful, embodying a playful spirit that didn’t quite align with McDonald’s traditional offerings.

While the Jell-O Salad might not have jiggled its way into the hearts of many, it stands as a whimsical example of McDonald’s willingness to explore new culinary territories.

11. Burger Chef’s Works Bar

Before the age of customization swept across fast-food joints, Burger Chef introduced a novel concept with their Works Bar, allowing customers to build their burgers with a variety of toppings.

The Works Bar was a pioneering idea, setting the stage for future do-it-yourself dining experiences. However, the chaos of toppings gone rogue proved too much for employees to handle.

Although it didn’t last, the Works Bar is fondly remembered as a trailblazer in burger customization, laying the groundwork for future fast-food innovations.

12. Arthur Treacher’s Beer-Battered Fish Sandwich

Arthur Treacher’s, known primarily for fish and chips, introduced a Beer-Battered Fish Sandwich that was quite literally ahead of its time. This crispy creation aimed to capture the essence of a pub meal in a convenient sandwich form.

The sandwich offered a delightful crunch and mild beer flavor, appealing to those looking for something a bit different from the usual fast-food fare. Yet, despite its appeal, it struggled to compete in a crowded market.

The Beer-Battered Fish Sandwich was a glimpse into what could have been had circumstances been different, showcasing Arthur Treacher’s flair for culinary creativity.

13. McDonald’s Shamrock Sundae

Most are familiar with the Shamrock Shake, but the ‘70s also offered a mint-flavored treat in sundae form—the Shamrock Sundae. This green dessert aimed to capture the magic of mint in a creamy concoction.

The Shamrock Sundae was a bold attempt to diversify McDonald’s dessert offerings, providing a refreshing twist to the sweet menu. However, it didn’t achieve the iconic status of its shake counterpart.

Though short-lived, the Shamrock Sundae is remembered fondly by those who had the chance to savor its minty delight, a sweet reminder of McDonald’s innovative spirit.

14. Wendy’s Frescata Sandwiches

In a bold move to compete with deli-style offerings, Wendy’s introduced Frescata Sandwiches in the ‘70s—cold cut sandwiches served on upscale bread. This experiment aimed to elevate the fast-food experience but didn’t quite hit the mark.

The Frescata Sandwiches were crafted with quality ingredients, attempting to bring a touch of deli sophistication to the fast-food scene. Despite their noble intentions, they failed to capture a loyal following.

Though they didn’t last, the Frescata Sandwiches highlight Wendy’s drive to push the boundaries of traditional fast-food, even if success was fleeting.

15. KFC’s BBQ Baked Beans and Cornbread

For a spell, KFC branched out into Southern-style sides, offering BBQ baked beans and cornbread alongside their iconic fried chicken. This venture was an ambitious attempt to bring a taste of the South to fast-food diners.

The BBQ baked beans and cornbread were rich and comforting, evoking a sense of home-cooked goodness. Yet, they were a significant departure from KFC’s usual offerings, which may have contributed to their limited run.

KFC’s foray into Southern sides is a nostalgic reminder of their willingness to experiment and deliver more than just fried chicken, even if it was a short-lived affair.