Fans insist these rarely ordered fast-food items are actually good

Fans are turning a microphone toward fast-food menus, drawing attention to rarely ordered items that many consumers overlook. A viral wave of social posts highlights items from McDonald’s to Dunkin’ that some customers shy away from but whose flavors supporters say are surprisingly good. The so-called least-ordered items include McDonald’s hot tea—a product managers were reportedly surprised existed in some stores—Wendy’s taco salad with a side of chili, Taco Bell’s pintos and cheese, and Dunkin’s White Cheddar Bagel Twist, among others.

A widely circulated TikTok thread gathers what workers say is the least-ordered item at their stores, often contrasting customer perceptions with taste. One contributor, using the handle @sambucha, references a now-viral video in which an Ohio McDonald’s manager explains he didn’t even know hot tea was sold there. The post notes that iced tea is the chain’s most sold beverage, while hot tea remains a rarity. The topic expands to other chains as commenters weigh in with their own experiences: some point to Filet-O-Fish or the Daily Double at McDonald’s, Burger King’s Big Fish Sandwich, Wendy’s taco salad, Chick-fil-A’s Cool Wrap, Taco Bell’s pintos and cheese, and KFC’s chicken pot pie. Sam also flags a standout item at Dunkin’—the White Cheddar Bagel Twist—calling it the best underrated pick he tried.

Delving into the specifics, McDonald’s hot tea is regularly cited as the least ordered item by workers who say it’s barely marketed or even recognized at some locations. In contrast, the chain’s iced tea remains a staple, underscoring how appearance and promotion can shape ordering behavior. Wendy’s is pointed to its taco salad with chili on the side, with commenters noting that its taste is better than the item’s reputation would suggest. Taco Bell’s pintos and cheese—beans, red sauce and cheese—are described as a rare order that still satisfies, with one TikTok reviewer noting that the bowl is ordered only about weekly or biweekly.

Among other anecdotes, Sam highlights that the Three-Cheese Chicken Flatbread Melt at Taco Bell was an underrated item that felt like a richer, more indulgent take on a quesadilla. Chick-fil-A’s Cool Wrap is repeatedly cited as an example of a dish that gets minimal love (roughly 0.6% of orders, according to one tally) yet is praised for taste. KFC’s chicken pot pie is named as a surprisingly beloved choice by at least one observer who says the item is worth seeking out. And at Dunkin’, the White Cheddar Bagel Twist stands out not just as a novelty but as a standout flavor experience for those who try it.

The compilation reflects a broader trend: large fast-food menus include items that fly under the radar for reasons ranging from visibility and price to perception of appearance. Yet fans insist that some of these rarely ordered items deliver flavor that rivals more popular staples, arguing that the discrepancy is less about quality and more about how often customers notice or revisit the options. The conversation also underscores how social media can amplify niche opinions, prompting chains to reevaluate not just what they advertise, but how they present lesser-known menu choices to regulars and first-time visitors alike.

While the items cited span chains and continents of menus, the underlying message is consistent: curiosity can pay off for diners who venture beyond the marquee picks. The viral chatter also offers operators a potential incentive to re-test, re-market or repackage less-visible items that have demonstrable flavor profiles and solid value, even if they aren’t the frontrunners on their respective menus.

In a landscape where menu boards are crowded with options, the discourse around these “least ordered” items serves as a reminder that popularity metrics don’t always capture the full range of consumer satisfaction. For fans who are willing to gamble on a dish that doesn’t top the sales charts, the payoff can be a surprising culinary revelation amid the fast-food aisle.