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McDonald's Onion Nuggets: The Fast Food Failure That Spawned McNuggets
19 Apr
Summary
- McDonald's tested onion nuggets in the 1970s as a vegetarian option.
- A chairman's suggestion in 1979 led to the creation of Chicken McNuggets.
- Customers express desire for the return of discontinued McDonald's items.
McDonald's once tested a unique side dish in the 1970s called onion nuggets. These battered onion chunks were intended as a vegetarian alternative. However, due to predictably low sales, the item was removed from menus within about a year.
A significant change occurred in 1979 when then-chairman Fred Turner suggested focusing on chicken instead of onions. This seemingly small suggestion led to the development and eventual nationwide launch of the Chicken McNugget in 1983. The Chicken McNugget has since become one of McDonald's most profitable and recognizable products.
Despite the onion nugget's short lifespan, its legacy persists among fast food enthusiasts. Disappointed customers frequently voice their desire on social media for its return, alongside other beloved discontinued items. This sentiment highlights a nostalgia for past menu offerings and a curiosity about what could have been.
Meanwhile, Burger King is exploring new versions of its own onion rings, including a test in Canada with a different coating and onion style. The article also notes Burger King's recent upgrades to its Whopper sandwich, using premium ingredients, and a new initiative involving AI-powered headsets for staff to monitor customer service. These efforts have reportedly led to increased demand and hiring.
