Four KFC menu items you'll never see again and fans are devastated

FOUR KFC favorites have been discontinued and fans are devastated to learn the chain is never bringing them back.

The legendary chicken restaurant got its start at a roadside motel in Corbin, Kentucky in 1930.

Since then, the fast food giant has tried out many different menu entrees, but not all of them have had success with customers.

Fast food restaurants discontinue menu items for a variety of different reasons.

Often it comes down to plain and simple low consumer demand.

However, supply chain challenges, customer complaints and menu simplification can also play a role in why a beloved item got booted.

1. BEYOND CHICKEN

With the craze that centered around plant-based meat alternatives in the past few years, it’s no surprise that KFC wanted to capitalize on the trend and launch its own Kentucky style Beyond chicken.

Through its partnership with Beyond Meat, KFC truly did make a splash on the plant-based meat scene – at least for a time.

The soy and wheat-based product quickly sold out when it was introduced to Atlanta stores in 2019.

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But when the nuggets were offered nationally, demand fell short.

Many customers complained about the taste or found the texture off-putting.

And for those who cared about the plant-based nuggets actually not containing meat, there were concerns as well.

The Beyond Meat Fried Chicken was fried with the same oil as the regular chicken, leading to potential cross contamination for customers.

Plus, prices were higher, making the whole Beyond chicken entree a little lackluster as an option.

However, when news arrived that the KFC Beyond Chicken would be no more, fans of the plant-based option were in shock.

“This is devastating,” one Reddit shopper said at the time. “I really enjoyed them.”

Another fan wrote: “I’m craving it so bad right now. I’m so disappointed it’s discontinued.”

2. CHEETOS SANDWICH

Unlike the Beyond Chicken KFC offered, the Cheetos Sandwich was full of authentic chicken meat – plus the unorthodox sandwich topping of cheetos.

The Cheetos Sandwich first launched in 2019, and at first glance, it appeared fans were excited to try the zany menu innovation.

Many praised the sandwich, which contained a chicken patty with Cheetos, mayonnaise, Cheetos sauce and a basic hamburger bun.

New Yorkers got to try the menu entree alongside a KFC Mac and Cheetos Bowl, Cheetos hot wings and Cheetos fries at a pop-up event.

However, the fun didn’t last because KFC stopped offering the entree nationwide shortly after.

It’s possible that the novelty wore off because while many customers couldn’t wait to try the sandwich concoction, many were unlikely to incorporate it into their regular diets.

“I love that we're all pretty much in agreement we're gonna try this thing but just feel ashamed about it,” one Redditor said when the sandwich was announced.

3. APPLE TURNOVER

What better dessert to pair with your Kentucky fried chicken than a treat that tastes exactly like apple pie?

The KFC turnover was made with an apple-cinnamon filling enclosed within a flaky breaded crust.

Since the days of the apple turnover’s departure, KFC customers have been sorely disappointed with the chain’s dessert options.

Now you can choose between a basic chocolate chip cookie or a chocolate Bundt cake, but some fans are still begging for the apple turnover to make a comeback.

4. KENTUCKY CHICKEN FLAVORED ICE CREAM

This one either sounds like something you absolutely have to try or a dessert you’ll be running for the hills away from.

Shoppers were initially either disturbed and intrigued by the unorthodox ice cream flavor.

The treat was meant to provide customers with that “sweet and salty” flavor profile so many crave, but it never got off the ground as a well-liked item at KFC.

When it was announced, a Redditor wrote, “I'd try it. Sweet and salty often makes for a great dessert.”

Still, many others expressed their horror that such an ice cream flavor would ever exist.