McDonald’s discontinued menu items do occasionally return, and now a new study has analysed 65 of Brits' favourite dishes to judge which ones are most missed.

The Chicken Big Mac topped the list, generating almost 10,000 monthly searches.

Other popular items in the rankings include the Double Big Mac, Biscoff McFlurry, and the Big Tasty. 

The research, carried out by Plejmo, analysed online search volumes for 65 discontinued McDonald’s items, ranging from the Halloumi Fries to the McHotDog.

The study examined average monthly searches in the UK over the past year and revealed the items customers are most eager to see return. 

The data analysis highlighted a strong interest in the Chicken Big Mac among the UK public, a chicken-based twist on the classic Big Mac, with an average of 9,836 monthly searches.

Recently launched for a limited time in the US in October, and popular in Canada, the burger previously had a short-lived UK release in 2022, where it sold out in just ten days.

The Chicken Big Mac featured a triple bun, crispy chicken patties, cheddar cheese, pickles, lettuce, and Big Mac sauce, all at 530 calories. 

The Double Big Mac ranks as the second most sought-after item, with a monthly search volume of 6,181. Available for just two weeks in November 2024, this fan-favourite featured four 100% British and Irish beef patties, Big Mac sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a sesame bun, packing a hefty 740 calories. It was priced at £5.39 on its own or £7.19 as part of a meal. 

Next on the list is the Biscoff McFlurry, which receives 5,322 monthly searches. Originally introduced to menus in July 2023, it was discontinued after just six weeks.

However, last spring saw a Biscoff takeover, with the McFlurry returning at £1.99 alongside a Biscoff Frappé. Despite only being available for a few weeks, fans are anticipating another comeback this spring. 

Whether in its regular, spicy, or with bacon-topped version, the Big Tasty remains a UK favourite, attracting an average of 4,050 monthly searches.

While not drastically different from a typical McDonald’s burger, it stands out with Emmental cheese and smoky sauce. At 799 calories, the Big Tasty was last available in restaurants in 2024, with a meal priced at approximately £7.59. 

In fifth place is the Big Breakfast, which receives 3,583 monthly searches as fans continue to call for its return after being discontinued in 2016.

First introduced in the 1990s, the meal featured a hash brown, scrambled egg, sausage patty, and a toasted muffin, containing just over 1,000 calories.

While it remains unavailable in the UK, it can still be found on US menus, with online petitions pushing for its comeback. 

McDonald's most missed discontinued items

Other menu items missed by customers include:

  • Steakhouse Stack 
  • Chicken Legend 
  • Skittles McFlurry 
  • Chilli Cheese Bites
  • Breakfast Bagel 
  • Halloumi Fries 
  • Kit Kat McFlurry
  • Creme Egg McFlurry
  • Toffee Sundae
  • McArabia 

Recommended reading:

Max Dahlquist from Plejmo said of the research: "Since opening its first UK restaurant in the 1970s, McDonald's has offered a variety of limited-edition items, from fan favourites like the Chicken Fajita wrap, Galaxy McFlurry, and McRib to more unique choices such as the forgotten Onion Nuggets.  

“Despite being discontinued, many of these items still spark significant online search interest years after their removal. This continued demand highlights the emotional connection people have with these nostalgic foods.

"It also shows the power of consumer desire, proving that with the right touch, McDonald's can bring these beloved items back and reignite excitement.”