Why the McDonald’s Snack Wrap May Never Come Back

Updated: May 10, 2023

Anne Parks, McDonald's Director of Menu Management is about to test out their new Asian crispy McWrap in their test kitchen headquarters

Vince Talotta/Getty Images

It's not always about what the fans want.

The beauty of fast food comes from its constant innovation in the pursuit of being both simple and delicious. And while there are so many different food items we’ve had the pleasure of tasting in our lives, like the Land, Air and Sea, some have to be sacrificed for the greater good of the restaurant.

Enter the McDonald’s Snack Wrap. First introduced in 2006, this small but mighty Mickey D’s menu item had its fan base in a vice grip (me included). Unfortunately, it was discontinued back in 2016. It’s truly one of the most missed discontinued fast food items in the past decade, so much so that McDonald’s fans everywhere seem to be clamoring for its epic return (myself included).

It’s time we talked about what made the Snack Wrap so special.

What Was in the McDonald’s Snack Wrap?

The McDonald’s Snack Wrap consisted of either crispy or grilled white meat chicken breast, shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, lettuce and your choice of sauce (ranch, honey mustard or salsa), all wrapped in a soft tortilla. It was the definition of simple and delicious, and it always hit the spot for days I was looking for something quick and light. It quickly became one of the best-selling products at McDonald’s.

Why Were Snack Wraps Discontinued?

An employee takes a slice of cucumber from a compartment to prepare a cheeseburger at a branch of the McDonald's fast food chain Picture Alliance/Getty Images

While it seems shocking to some fans that the menu item was so suddenly taken away, the reason had more to do with the restaurant itself. The Snack Wrap was a clear departure from the rest of the McDonald’s line-up, and because of this, kitchen production was heavily slowed down due to the abnormal prep (like steaming tortillas). Combine that with a clear decrease in sales, and the solution seemed obvious.

Will the Snack Wrap Ever Come Back?

As much as we’d love to hear that sweet, “Yes!”, it doesn’t seem likely. McDonald’s took to Twitter to post “Bring back ____”, and a large majority replied loudly with the Snack Wrap. Fans have been begging McDonald’s for the popular return since 2016, but for now, it seems our Snack Wrap thirst must go unquenched. Maybe KFC’s new Chicken Wrap can fill that empty void in our hearts.

Until then, maybe something from the McDonald’s secret menu can satisfy that craving!

McDonald's Copycat Recipes

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Inspired By: McDonald's Cheeseburger A favorite on McDonald's dollar menu, these copycat burgers are a blend of ground beef and breadcrumbs. You can cook them on the stovetop on a grill pan or a standard skillet. I like to top these burgers with cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions, ketchup and mustard. —Mike Goldman, Arden Hills, Minnesota Go to Recipe

Stacked double cheeseburger with lettuce on a white plate.

Nancy Mock for Taste of Home

Inspired By: McDonald's Special Sauce We cracked the code on one of McDonald's best-kept secrets; the Big Mac sauce! Perfect for topping on burgers, or dipping your fries and nuggets in, this McDonald's copycat recipe is one you'll want to keep on hand. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Go to Recipe

Chicken Nuggets Exps Ft23 1500 St 1020 1

Inspired By: Chicken McNuggetsI like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. The seasoning can also be used on chicken breast halves to make amazing sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia

Why the McDonald’s Snack Wrap May Never Come Back

What Was in the McDonald’s Snack Wrap?

Why Were Snack Wraps Discontinued?

Will the Snack Wrap Ever Come Back?

Nancy Mock for Taste of Home

Inspired By: Eggnog Shake