Whataburger has been a beloved fast-food chain since its founding in 1950. With its signature orange-and-white striped buildings and made-to-order burgers, the Texas-based restaurant has garnered a loyal following over the decades. While many menu items have stood the test of time, others have come and gone.
Whataburger has experimented with numerous menu items that ultimately didn’t make the permanent cut. From unique burger variations to seafood offerings, the chain has introduced and discontinued various foods in an effort to cater to changing tastes and trends. This look at 14 discontinued Whataburger items offers insight into the evolution of the restaurant’s menu and the fleeting nature of some fast-food innovations.
1) Honey Butter Chicken Buffet
Whataburger once considered introducing a Honey Butter Chicken Buffet. This concept aimed to capitalize on the popularity of their beloved Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit breakfast item.
The buffet would have featured an array of crispy chicken tenders alongside various honey butter-based sauces and dips. Customers could customize their meal by selecting different biscuit flavors and toppings.
While the idea seemed promising, logistical challenges prevented its implementation. The buffet format proved difficult to maintain in Whataburger’s fast-paced environment.
Concerns about food freshness and quality control also contributed to the concept’s demise. Whataburger decided to focus on perfecting their existing menu items instead.
Though never realized, the Honey Butter Chicken Buffet remains an intriguing “what-if” in Whataburger’s history. It demonstrates the brand’s willingness to explore innovative ideas while staying true to their core offerings.
2) Flamingo Fries
Whataburger’s Flamingo Fries were a short-lived menu item that failed to capture customers’ hearts. These vibrant pink fries were colored using natural beetroot extract, giving them a unique appearance.
The fries were seasoned with a blend of spices meant to evoke tropical flavors. A tangy citrus-based dipping sauce accompanied the fries, aiming to complement their distinct taste profile.
Despite their eye-catching hue, Flamingo Fries struggled to gain popularity. Some customers found the color off-putting, while others felt the flavor didn’t match their expectations for traditional french fries.
Whataburger introduced Flamingo Fries as a limited-time offer during a summer promotion. The company hoped to create buzz and attract customers with this novel menu item. However, sales fell short of projections.
After a brief run, Whataburger discontinued Flamingo Fries. The chain returned to focusing on its classic, well-loved fries that have been a staple of their menu for decades.
3) Pineapple Jalapeño Shake
Whataburger introduced the Pineapple Jalapeño Shake as a limited-time offering in select markets. This unique shake combined the sweetness of pineapple with a subtle kick of jalapeño, creating an unexpected flavor profile.
The shake featured a vanilla ice cream base blended with pineapple syrup and finely diced jalapeños. The result was a creamy, tropical treat with a hint of heat that lingered on the palate.
Despite its intriguing combination, the Pineapple Jalapeño Shake didn’t gain enough traction to become a permanent menu item. Some customers found the flavor too adventurous, while others appreciated its bold departure from traditional shakes.
Whataburger ultimately decided to discontinue the Pineapple Jalapeño Shake after its limited run. The fast-food chain continues to experiment with new shake flavors, but this particular combination remains a memory for those who had the chance to try it.
4) Bacon Guacamole Soup
Whataburger’s experimental kitchen once toyed with the idea of a Bacon Guacamole Soup. This unique creation aimed to blend the rich flavors of crispy bacon with the creamy texture of guacamole in a warm, comforting soup format.
The concept featured a smooth avocado base, enhanced with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Crispy bacon bits were generously sprinkled throughout, adding a salty crunch to each spoonful.
Despite its innovative approach, the Bacon Guacamole Soup faced challenges in maintaining consistency and appealing to Whataburger’s core customer base. The unusual combination of traditionally cold guacamole ingredients in a hot soup format proved difficult to perfect.
Ultimately, Whataburger decided not to pursue this menu item further. While it showcased the brand’s willingness to experiment, the soup didn’t align with their signature burger-focused offerings. The idea remains an interesting footnote in Whataburger’s culinary exploration history.
5) Spicy BBQ Ranch Burger
The Spicy BBQ Ranch Burger was a limited-time offering from Whataburger that didn’t quite make the cut for the permanent menu. This burger combined two popular flavor profiles – spicy and barbecue – with the creamy tang of ranch dressing.
The burger featured a beef patty topped with pepper jack cheese, crispy bacon, and jalapeño slices for added heat. A zesty BBQ sauce and ranch dressing were drizzled over the toppings, creating a unique flavor combination.
Served on a toasted bun, the Spicy BBQ Ranch Burger aimed to appeal to customers looking for a bold taste experience. Despite its intriguing flavor profile, the burger didn’t gain enough traction to become a regular menu item.
Some customers found the combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors overwhelming, while others appreciated the burger’s complexity. The Spicy BBQ Ranch Burger’s limited run allowed Whataburger to test new flavor combinations and gauge customer interest in more adventurous menu options.
6) Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie
Whataburger considered adding a Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie to its dessert menu. This sweet and salty treat aimed to combine creamy peanut butter with crunchy pretzels in a pie format.
The proposed dessert featured a pretzel crust made from crushed pretzel twists mixed with sugar and butter. This provided a salty base for the creamy filling.
The main filling consisted of a peanut butter cheesecake layer. Whipped cream and powdered sugar were blended with peanut butter to create a light, fluffy texture.
A drizzle of chocolate syrup on top added an extra layer of indulgence. Crushed pretzels sprinkled over the pie provided additional crunch and visual appeal.
Despite its intriguing flavor combination, the Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie didn’t make it onto Whataburger’s final menu. The dessert may have been too complex for the fast-food chain’s kitchen operations or didn’t align with customer preferences during test runs.
7) Bacon Jam Pancakes
Whataburger briefly experimented with Bacon Jam Pancakes as a potential menu item. This unique breakfast offering combined the sweetness of traditional pancakes with the savory richness of bacon jam.
The dish featured a stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes topped with a generous dollop of house-made bacon jam. The jam was crafted from slow-cooked bacon, caramelized onions, and a blend of spices.
Despite its innovative approach, Bacon Jam Pancakes failed to gain traction among Whataburger’s customer base. Many patrons found the combination of sweet and savory flavors too unconventional for their breakfast preferences.
The item was tested in select locations for a limited time but didn’t perform well enough to secure a permanent spot on the menu. Whataburger’s decision to discontinue Bacon Jam Pancakes reflected the company’s commitment to offering items that resonate with their core audience.
While some adventurous eaters appreciated the creative fusion, the majority of Whataburger’s clientele preferred more traditional breakfast options. The chain ultimately chose to focus on their established favorites and other new items that aligned more closely with customer expectations.
8) Mango Salsa Tacos
Whataburger’s Mango Salsa Tacos were a brief but memorable addition to the menu. These tacos featured a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors that caught the attention of adventurous eaters.
The tacos consisted of grilled chicken or beef topped with a vibrant mango salsa. The salsa combined diced mangoes, red onions, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño for a tropical kick.
Served on soft flour tortillas, the Mango Salsa Tacos offered a refreshing alternative to traditional taco options. They were particularly popular during summer months when customers craved lighter, fruit-infused menu items.
Despite their initial appeal, the Mango Salsa Tacos didn’t gain enough traction to become a permanent fixture. Whataburger ultimately decided to discontinue the item, focusing instead on their core menu offerings.
Some customers still fondly remember these tacos and occasionally request their return. While Whataburger hasn’t announced plans to bring them back, the Mango Salsa Tacos remain a part of the chain’s experimental menu history.
9) Avocado Soda
Whataburger briefly experimented with an unusual beverage concept in 2024: Avocado Soda. This peculiar drink combined the creamy texture of avocados with carbonated sweetness.
The idea stemmed from the growing popularity of avocado-based dishes and drinks. Whataburger hoped to capitalize on this trend by offering a unique, refreshing option to complement their menu.
The Avocado Soda featured a pale green hue and a smooth consistency. It was sweetened with natural cane sugar and had a hint of lime to balance the rich avocado flavor.
Despite initial curiosity from customers, the Avocado Soda failed to gain traction. Many found the combination of avocado and carbonation unpalatable, while others felt it clashed with traditional burger pairings.
After a three-month trial period, Whataburger quietly removed the Avocado Soda from their menu. The company learned that not all food trends translate well to beverages, especially in a fast-food setting.
10) Cinnamon Roll Cheeseburger
Whataburger experimented with combining two of its popular menu items in 2023. The Cinnamon Roll Cheeseburger aimed to merge sweet and savory flavors in a unique offering.
This unusual creation featured a beef patty topped with cheese, sandwiched between two halves of a cinnamon roll. The sweet, sticky bun replaced the traditional hamburger bun.
Test markets in select Texas locations received mixed reactions. Some customers praised the innovative combination, while others found it too unconventional.
Despite generating buzz on social media, the Cinnamon Roll Cheeseburger failed to gain widespread appeal. Whataburger decided not to add it to the permanent menu after the trial period.
The item’s limited success demonstrates the challenges of balancing familiar tastes with bold innovations. Whataburger continues to focus on its classic offerings while occasionally testing new concepts.
11) Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites
Whataburger explored the idea of adding Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites to their menu, capitalizing on the popularity of comfort food. These bite-sized snacks would have featured creamy macaroni and cheese, breaded and fried to golden perfection.
The concept aimed to offer customers a portable, shareable version of the classic dish. Whataburger’s test kitchen experimented with various cheese blends and seasonings to create a unique flavor profile.
Despite their potential appeal, Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites didn’t make it past the initial testing phase. Challenges in maintaining consistent quality and texture during large-scale production likely contributed to this decision.
Some customers who sampled the prototype praised the crispy exterior and gooey center. However, concerns about the item’s shelf life and reheating properties may have influenced Whataburger’s choice not to proceed.
While Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites didn’t become a permanent menu item, they showcased Whataburger’s willingness to explore innovative snack options. The fast-food chain continues to focus on its core offerings while occasionally testing new concepts to keep the menu fresh and exciting.
12) Caramel Onion Rings
Whataburger experimented with a unique twist on their classic onion rings. The Caramel Onion Rings aimed to combine sweet and savory flavors in a single side dish.
These innovative rings featured a caramel glaze drizzled over the crispy, golden-brown exterior. The sweetness was intended to complement the natural flavor of the onions.
Despite the creative concept, Caramel Onion Rings didn’t resonate with customers. Many found the combination of flavors too unusual for their tastes.
The texture also posed challenges. The caramel coating sometimes made the rings stick together, creating a messy eating experience.
Whataburger ultimately decided to stick with their traditional onion rings. These remain a popular menu item, known for their crispy coating and flavorful onion interior.
While Caramel Onion Rings didn’t succeed, they demonstrated Whataburger’s willingness to experiment with new flavor combinations. The fast-food chain continues to innovate while maintaining its core menu of customer favorites.
13) Chocolate Avocado Pudding
Whataburger experimented with a health-conscious dessert option that never made it to the official menu. The Chocolate Avocado Pudding aimed to blend indulgence with nutrition, catering to customers seeking lighter alternatives.
This creamy concoction combined ripe avocados with cocoa powder, creating a smooth texture reminiscent of traditional chocolate pudding. Natural sweeteners like honey were used to enhance the flavor profile without adding excessive sugar.
The dessert’s rich chocolatey taste masked the avocado flavor, surprising taste testers who were initially skeptical. Despite its potential health benefits, including heart-healthy fats from avocados, the pudding faced challenges in widespread appeal.
Whataburger’s core customer base, accustomed to classic fast-food offerings, showed limited interest in this unconventional dessert. The preparation process also proved time-consuming for a fast-food setting, hindering its viability as a menu item.
While the Chocolate Avocado Pudding showcased Whataburger’s willingness to innovate, it ultimately didn’t align with the brand’s established image and operational model. The item was discontinued during test phases, never reaching full-scale production.
14) BBQ Ranch Waffle Stack
The BBQ Ranch Waffle Stack was an ambitious creation that never made it to Whataburger’s official menu. This innovative sandwich concept combined savory and sweet elements in a unique way.
The base of the sandwich featured two crispy waffles instead of traditional buns. Between the waffles, customers would have found a juicy beef patty topped with crispy bacon strips.
A generous drizzle of tangy BBQ sauce and creamy ranch dressing added bold flavors to the mix. To complete the stack, crispy onion strings were included for extra crunch and texture.
While the BBQ Ranch Waffle Stack sounded intriguing on paper, it ultimately didn’t align with Whataburger’s core menu offerings. The combination of breakfast and lunch elements may have been too unconventional for the chain’s typical customers.
Additionally, the complexity of preparing fresh waffles for each order likely posed logistical challenges in Whataburger’s fast-paced kitchen environment. This factor may have contributed to the item not making the final cut for widespread release.
Whataburger’s Product Development
Whataburger’s approach to product development combines innovation with customer-centric strategies. The company strives to create new menu items that align with consumer preferences while maintaining its signature flavors and quality standards.
The Innovation Process
Whataburger’s innovation team works diligently to craft new menu offerings. They experiment with various ingredients, flavor combinations, and cooking techniques to develop unique products. The process often involves multiple rounds of taste testing and refinement.
Quality control is paramount. Each potential new item undergoes rigorous evaluation to ensure it meets Whataburger’s standards for taste, texture, and overall appeal.
The team also considers practical aspects like ease of preparation and ingredient sourcing. This ensures new items can be consistently produced across all locations.
Customer Feedback and Trends
Whataburger actively seeks and analyzes customer feedback to guide its product development. They use surveys, social media monitoring, and in-restaurant comments to gauge consumer preferences and identify areas for improvement.
Market trends play a significant role in shaping new menu items. The company keeps a close eye on food industry trends, adapting popular concepts to fit the Whataburger brand.
Limited-time offerings serve as a testing ground for potential permanent menu additions. These special items allow Whataburger to assess customer reception and operational feasibility before making long-term commitments.
Regional tastes are also considered. Whataburger sometimes introduces region-specific items to cater to local preferences, further enhancing its connection with customers.
Impact of Unreleased Items
Unreleased menu items at Whataburger have shaped the company’s product development and marketing strategies. These items offer insights into consumer preferences and the fast food industry’s evolving trends.
Concept Testing and Market Impact
Whataburger uses unreleased items for concept testing in select markets. This approach allows the company to gauge customer interest and refine recipes before wide-scale launches. Some unreleased items generate significant buzz on social media, creating free publicity for the brand.
Test markets provide valuable data on pricing, ingredient sourcing, and operational feasibility. Failed items often lead to innovations in other menu offerings. For example, ingredients from discontinued concepts may be repurposed into successful new products.
Lessons Learned from Failed Items
Unreleased items teach Whataburger important lessons about menu development. The company analyzes customer feedback to understand why certain items didn’t resonate. This information guides future product creation and helps avoid similar missteps.
Failed items sometimes reveal untapped market segments or emerging food trends. Whataburger uses these insights to stay competitive in the fast food industry. The company has learned to balance innovation with customer expectations of their core menu.
Unreleased items also impact employee training and kitchen operations. Each new product requires updated procedures, which can be costly if not implemented efficiently.