I like to order the same stuff when I’m in McDonald’s like the Egg McMuffin, hash browns and coffee for breakfast. In the afternoons, I might crave a Big Mac or McNuggets so I drop by the Drive-Thru for a quick meal on the way home.
But I’ve been going to McDonald’s for as long as I can remember and if you want to know what are the most popular items on the McDonald’s menu, then this list has the answers you’re looking for. So, if you need help with what to order, be sure to continue reading this post from start to end.
The Most Popular Items on the McDonald’s Menu
Have you ever stopped to wonder whether or not your McDonald’s go-to order is actually the best thing they offer? Well, to save you from FOMO at McD’s, I’ve listed down all the popular menu items at McDonald’s:
French Fries
No surprise here—McDonald’s French fries are always the top seller. I mean, if you’re in a McD’s restaurant right now, look around you – everyone’s ordering fries!
Ever since the 1950s, French fries have been a superstar. The famous Golden Arches churn out over 9 million pounds of fries daily—so makes them so irresistibly tasty?
Well, there’s a science to it. The perfect mix of salt, sugar, and fat makes them addicting. McDonald’s uses specific potato varieties like Russet Burbank and Shepody to get the ideal base. Then, with their genius blend of oil and salt, these fries become a crispy, tasty treat. Once you start eating them, you just can’t stop.
Big Mac
Naturally this iconic burger had to make the list. Loaded with the Big Mac special sauce and nestled in a sesame seed bun, it is just shy of the number one spot. Thanks to clever marketing, the Big Mac has remained popular. Recently, it was introduced in different sizes—Grand Big Mac and Mac Jr.
As McDonald’s puts it, “there’s a Mac for any moment.”
Happy Meal
The Happy Meal which has been around since the late 1970s revolutionized how McDonald’s marketed to kids. Featuring a small meal and a toy, these boxed meals quickly became a hit. Inspired by cereal boxes, the colorful packaging and fun contents have made Happy Meals a beloved choice for families.
Egg McMuffin
The Egg McMuffin was the first fast-food breakfast item of its kind. It was created by Herb Peterson in a McDonald’s restaurant in Santa Barbara California. This sandwich features a poached egg, Canadian bacon, and cheese on an English muffin.
Quarter Pounder
This burger, with its quarter-pound beef patty, pickles, onions, and condiments, is a McDonald’s staple. Created by franchise owner Al Bernardin in 1971, it quickly gained popularity and became a nationwide offering.
Baked Apple Pie
McDonald’s offers a range of apple-based items, such as apple slices and the iconic baked apple pie which was introduced in 1992. Known for its affordability and taste, the apple pie remains a popular dessert choice.
Chicken McNuggets
Since their introduction in 1980, Chicken McNuggets have been a bestseller. While the Select Strips have been discontinued, the newer Buttermilk Chicken Tenders keep chicken lovers satisfied.
McChicken
The McChicken sandwich, featuring a breaded chicken cutlet, lettuce, and mayo, is another classic. Despite being discontinued several times, fan demand always brings it back. Its simplicity and taste make it a favorite among chicken sandwich lovers.
Coffee
McDonald’s coffee is always a standout in the fast-food market. And why not? You get a cup of quality coffee for less than $2. That’s hard to beat.
Double Cheeseburger
In 2002, McDonald’s introduced the Double Cheeseburger as part of the Dollar Menu. It became a bestseller in no time and its popularity helped boost McDonald’s sales and cement its place on the menu.
McGriddles Breakfast Sandwich
This breakfast favorite features bacon, egg, and cheese between mini pancakes. It’s perfect for those who crave pancakes but are short on time. The “folded egg” used in McGriddles is a unique feature that adds to its appeal.
Hash Browns
McDonald’s hash browns are a breakfast staple. You get a crunchy exterior and a fluffy soft interior. Hash browns are beloved breakfast item by many, and it’s also one of my personal faves.
The Least Popular Items at McDonald’s
Of course, no matter how much we love McDonald’s there are just some things that we’d rather avoid ordering. And these are:
Premium Salad
The Premium Salad, in particular, the Bacon Ranch Salad with Buttermilk Crispy Chicken, isn’t the healthiest choice with nearly 500 calories and 28 grams of fat. You might as well opt for a Big Mac with the amount of calories you get with this one.
Filet-O-Fish
The Filet-O-Fish is one of the least popular items as it often sits for long periods due to infrequent orders. To ensure freshness, make sure to request it cooked to order.
Hotcakes
Hotcakes are made from frozen batter and then microwaved. Despite their name, they aren’t cooked on a griddle, and you’ll know it on your first bite.
So there you have it! I hope this list of the most popular – and least popular – menu items will help you the next time you visit McDonald’s.
If you’re curious about the global reach of McDonald’s, here you can know how many are there McDonald’s in the world