This Fan-Favorite Drink Is Finally Back at McDonald's After Four Years
The beloved drink that fans have been pining after for four long years has finally made its comeback to McDonald's restaurants across the country. As announced in February, the Hi-C Orange Lavaburst will again be available from the chain's soda fountains starting Memorial Day.
Think this isn't big news? Think again! When the drink was discontinued in 2017, complaints from fans who had been loyal to the legendary orange drink took over social media. Some even signed petitions to bring the beloved drink back. While it was, at the time, replaced with Sprite Tropic Berry—another product made specifically for the burger chain by the Coca-Cola Company—it simply wasn't a good enough swap.
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RIP to @McDonalds Hi-C Orange… 1984-2017. #RIP
— Christopher Shaun (@iamchrisshaun) June 24, 2017
Me when I found out @McDonalds is bringing back Hi-C Orange. pic.twitter.com/N4Hq6WYGBX
— frank (@Frankie_Five_O) February 10, 2021
McDonald's started rolling out Hi-C in some of their locations several months ago, but availability was spotty and the company even created a website where fans could check for locations that have it. But the chain did promise all of their restaurants would be stocked with Hi-C by June, and they didn't disappoint.
"The loyal fandom of this deliciously fun and fruity beverage that teases your taste buds dates back to 1955, when it first debuted on McDonald's menus," the company said in a press release in February. Indeed, the drink was a staple for McDonald's fans during its heyday in the '80s and '90s.
And that isn't the only orange drink making its way back to Mickey D's. The same press release also unveiled the return of Orange Fanta, making the chain's "legendary orange drink roster once again complete."
However, discontinued items at McDonald's are part of the chain's strategy (as devastating as they are for the customers.) Here are some of the things that were cut from the menu more recently.
Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Tenders
While the McNuggets and McChicken sandwiches are still very much core staples of the fast-food giant's menu, the Buttermilk Chicken Tenders have left the building. Considering the fact that they have several more popular crispy chicken options, McDonald's is likely to make this menu cut permanent.
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Salads
Salads left the menu at the start of the pandemic, and so far, there hasn't been a single sign of their return. One of the main reasons the chain decided to ditch the salads was their relative unpopularity compared to other items. Additionally, simplifying the menu means McDonald's can fulfill orders faster and more efficiently. However, experts quoted by Business Insider believe salads will most likely make a comeback in the future.
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken was a great healthy alternative for those who didn't want to eat fried batter every time they ordered chicken at McDonald's. It was featured in the Grilled Chicken Sandwich as well as some of the McDonald's salads, but with both of those items gone from the menu, getting a healthier chicken order just became that much harder.
All Day Breakfast
It seems that the rumors are true and McDonald's doesn't plan on bringing back the all day breakfast. Since the speed at the drive-thru and general operational efficiency became top priorities for fast-food restaurants, relieving the menu of additional all-day items is helpful. And franchisees are thrilled with this change, which they had been rooting for for years. The customers? They're less thrilled but still finding ways to hack their way to an afternoon breakfast order.
Yogurt Parfaits
Who remembers ordering a yogurt parfait at McDonald's? Us either. Which is probably why this "healthy" menu item got the boot last year and likely isn't coming back.
And for more, check out these 100 Unhealthiest Foods on the Planet.
