Fast food chains like to keep fans coming back for more, so in addition to the classics that have been on their menus forever, they like to introduce new menu items regularly. Some end up becoming new favorites, while others are only remembered for the controversy surrounding them. Sometimes, it turns out to be just an urban legend, like the popular myth that KFC once served a deep-fried rat, which is completely false, but others are actually true.
From downright bizarre creations to questionable promotions, these are some of the most controversial fast food items of all time. (Check out the full list here)
- McDonald's McNuggets - They’re still one of the most popular orders at Mickey D’s, but what's inside them has sparked debate over the years. Rumors claimed there was only a small amount of chicken in each McNugget and then an image of pink slime or pink goop called “mechanically separated poultry” that was supposedly in McNuggets went viral. People were understandably grossed out by the idea and McDonald’s even has a page on its website assuring that there’s no pink goop or slime in their Chicken McNuggets.
- Chick-fil-A’s Cauliflower Sandwich - When they tried a plant-based sandwich at a few locations last year, some fans accused the chain known for its Christian values of giving in to “wokeness” with the veggie offering.
- KFC’s Nail Polish - They took their “Finger Lickin’ Good” slogan to a new level in 2016 when they came out with two edible nail polish flavors in Hong Kong. But it was only safe to use for five days after opening the bottle, even when refrigerated, and it was reportedly clumpy and transparent, and didn’t taste good.
- McDonald’s Cardi B & Offset Meal - The rappers teamed up for a couples’ meal ahead of Valentine’s Day 2023, but many McDonald’s franchisees were reportedly concerned that the collaboration violated internal rules known as the “Golden Arches Code.” They were worried that Cardi B and Offset may hurt the chain’s family-friendly image because of the profanities and explicit content in their music.
- Taco Bell’s Black Jack Taco - The taco with a black colored shell came out as a Halloween promotion in 2009 and was supposed to be a spooky fun meal, and while fans thought it tasted good, it also turned their poop green. Burger King’s A1 Halloween Whopper had the same results in 2015.
Source: Eat this, Not That