If McDonald’s Added These Menu Items, I’d Be the First One in Line

It should come as no surprise that McDonald's is the top-earning fast-food chain in America, coming in at over over $12.5 billion in 2023 from franchise fees and royalties alone, with total systemwide sales much higher. French Fries remain McDonald's most popular menu item, with the Big Mac and Quarter Pounder also among the top sellers. For breakfast, the Egg McMuffin is a classic favorite, though other items like the McGriddle are also highly popular. However popular their sandwiches are, if McDonald's added these menu items, I'd be the first one in line.

Sometimes, nothing beats a good old-fashioned burger joint. The familiarity of the same menu items often brings one comfort. However, McDonald's usually has a way of adding specialty items that are taken off the menu far too soon. Or they have shied away from adding certain items to their menu because it doesn't make sense for a burger joint. However, the following items may work if McDonald's only gave them a try. (Or tried them again.)

This post was updated in April 2026 to include updated information about the McDonald's menu and additional editorial enhancements.

In order to create a list of items that should be added to the McDonald's menu item, Moms Who Think consulted multiple forums and articles to garner the opinion of the public. The items on this list were the most requested items.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, McDonald's discontinued all salads, including chicken salad, in the US to simplify operations and speed up service.

Additionally, the demand is said to be lower than say a Big Mac. However, bringing back the chicken salad will provide more options for those who crave McDonald's but want to try to be a bit healthier.

The original fried hot apple pie was a long customer favorite, but in 1992, McDonald's replaced it with a baked version to offer a healthier option. The baked apple pie is still available today. While the fried hot apple pie isn't something that should be eaten daily, it sure was delicious.

The baked apple pie is currently the standard offering at McDonald's in the US, while the original fried version is only available at select locations, such as in Hawaii. The baked apple pie is okay, but many customers prefer the original fried version. I mean, after all, what's better than a flaky and sweet, fried hot apple pie?

A turkey burger may be a hamburger's less cute cousin, but for those who are health-conscious, it makes an attractive option. McDonald's could appeal to a different crowd by adding this one simple item to the menu.

Before you say, ewe gross, no one eats turkey burgers anyway, remember this. Turkey burgers are more than 100 calories less than a typical hamburger. That's not putting it up against a McDonald's hamburger, which can be anywhere between 270 and 659.

McDonald's discontinued its grilled chicken sandwich in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the franchise does offer crispy chicken sandwiches, a grilled option appeals to a different crowd.

This is because grilled can be a healthier option than crispy. So, you still get the same McDonald's flavor, but with fewer calories.

If you go to Wendy's, one of McDonald's competitors, a top menu item is the chili. McDonald's could spice up their menu by offering this off-the-cuff item.

Does chili scream burger joint? No, but chili can be a delicious side next to hamburgers, chicken nuggets, or even on its own.

I know what you are thinking. This one doesn't make a lot of sense. After all, McDonald's is a fast-food hamburger joint. However, pizza was one of the top-requested menu items. But why exactly? People love McDonald's. Their revenue shouts it from the rooftop. People also love pizza. So, why not combine the two and see how well it takes off?

Adding pizza could and most likely would be a total flop. However, for a short while, customers could get an actual taste of what a McDonald's pizza would be like and not have to go elsewhere if craving something other than a Quarter Pounder.

The Snack Wrap was discontinued in 2016 and removed from all menus in 2020, with operational complexity and low sales cited as reasons. This was for several reasons; however, the pandemic played a huge part. Not surprisingly, a larger version of the snack wrap was highly requested by customers.

True, the snack wrap was quick and easy, but a large chicken wrap would be ideal. Still, if you're looking for something similar, the smaller version, snack wrap, made a comeback in July 2025.

There's a reason that McDonald's is one of the most popular fast-food joints. It gives the customers what they love. While the likelihood of items like chili or pizza showing up on the menu is pretty slim, it can be fun to dream. Other menu items, like a chicken wrap or salad, may one day soon appear on the McDonald's menu near you. Until then, this franchise is going to continue to blow every other fast-food joint out of the water, because it knows what its customers love.