Unlock the secrets of fast-food chains—the hidden menu items you never knew existed. Get the inside scoop and discover how to score something truly special on your next visit.
1. The Origins of Secret Menus
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 1 shutterstock 1495964666 1](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_1495964666-1.jpg)
Image credit: Shutterstock / fizkes
Secret menus started as unofficial items created by inventive employees or by customers modifying standard orders. They gained popularity through word of mouth and social media.
2. Customization Culture
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 2 shutterstock 589367438](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_589367438.jpg)
Image credit: Shutterstock / Pressmaster
The rise of food customization culture has fueled the growth of secret menus. It’s a way for customers to feel in the know and have a unique dining experience.
3. Not Officially Recognized
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 3 shutterstock 455058664](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_455058664.jpg)
Image credit: Shutterstock / wavebreakmedia
Most chains don’t officially acknowledge their secret menus to avoid overwhelming their staff and to keep the ordering process streamlined for efficiency.
4. The In-N-Out “Animal Style”
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 4 shutterstock 1392808889](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_1392808889.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images
One of the most famous secret menu items is In-N-Out’s “Animal Style” burger and fries, featuring extra sauce, onions, and cheese, which started as an inside joke among employees.
5. Starbucks’ “Pink Drink”
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 5 pexels renan almeida 3218109 10381080](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-renan-almeida-3218109-10381080.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexel / Renan Almeida
Before it was officially added to the menu, the “Pink Drink” at Starbucks was a secret favorite among customers, blending the Strawberry Acai Refresher with coconut milk.
6. Chipotle’s Quesarito
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 6 pexels kamila bairam 80608214 12123661 1](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-kamila-bairam-80608214-12123661-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexel / Kamila Bairam
At Chipotle, the Quesarito (a burrito wrapped in a quesadilla) showcases how secret menus can blend existing ingredients in new ways, despite not being on the standard menu.
7. Jamba Juice’s “White Gummi Bear”
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 7 pexels joshsorenson 990439](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-joshsorenson-990439.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexel / Josh Sorenson
This secret smoothie mimics the flavor of white gummy bears, combining peach juice, soy milk, and an assortment of fruits for a sweet treat.
8. McDonald’s “Land, Sea, and Air” Burger
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 8 shutterstock 1546015757](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_1546015757.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Patcharaporn Puttipon4289
A monstrous combo of beef, fish, and chicken, this McDonald’s creation stacks a Big Mac, Filet-O-Fish, and McChicken into one sandwich.
9. The “Suicide Burger” at Burger King
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 9 pexels caricatte 2336676](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-caricatte-2336676.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexel / Vinícius Caricatte
Known also as the “Quad Stacker,” it includes four beef patties, four slices of cheese, bacon, and special sauce, all stacked on a sesame seed bun.
10. KFC’s “Triple Down”
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 10 shutterstock 1074036752](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_1074036752.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / NP27
An extension of the infamous Double Down, this off-menu item includes an extra chicken filet for the truly daring.
11. Sonic’s “Purple Sprite”
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 11 pexels amirho3intavkooli 19154600](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-amirho3intavkooli-19154600.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexel / Amirho3in tavkoli
Mixing lemonade, Powerade, and Sprite with a dash of cranberry juice, Sonic’s Purple Sprite is a cult favorite among drink modifiers.
12. Five Guys’ “Double Grilled Cheese Burger”
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 12 pexels tolgaaslanturk 11256677](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-tolgaaslanturk-11256677.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexel / Tolga Aslantürk
This secret sandwich uses two grilled cheese sandwiches as the bun for a burger, combining cheesy goodness with meaty satisfaction.
13. The “Butterbeer Frappuccino” at Starbucks
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 13 pexels olenkabohovyk 12801420](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-olenkabohovyk-12801420.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexel / Olena Bohovyk
Inspired by the Harry Potter series, this secret concoction mixes toffee nut syrup with caramel crème Frappuccino, topped with whipped cream.
14. Taco Bell’s “The Incredible Hulk”
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 14 pexels gonzalo mendiola 95842233 9258717](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-gonzalo-mendiola-95842233-9258717.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexel / Gonzalo Mendiola
An amped-up version of the standard beef burrito, The Incredible Hulk substitutes guacamole for nacho cheese, adding an extra layer of flavor.
15. Panera Bread’s “Power Bowls”
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 15 pexels roman odintsov 4552127](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-roman-odintsov-4552127.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexels / ROMAN ODINTSOV
Before they were mainstream, Panera’s Power Bowls started as a secret item for those wanting low-carb, high-protein options.
16. The “Meat Mountain” at Arby’s
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 16 pexels picsfast 8753673](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-picsfast-8753673.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexel / Team Picsfast
Arby’s hidden menu features The Meat Mountain, which piles every type of meat they serve into a single, towering sandwich.
17. Wendy’s “Barnyard Burger”
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 17 pexels valeriya 1639557](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-valeriya-1639557.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexel / Valeria Boltneva
This feast features layers of beef, chicken, and bacon, coined the “Barnyard” because it includes a bit from every farm animal.
18. Domino’s “Chicken Taco Pizza”
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 18 pexels narda yescas 724842 1566837](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-narda-yescas-724842-1566837.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexel / Narda Yescas
A fusion of pizza and tacos, this secret menu item layers chicken, taco seasoning, and fresh toppings on a traditional pizza base.
19. The “Hypocrisy Burger” at Shake Shack
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 19 pexels freestockpro 12932922](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-freestockpro-12932922.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexel / Oleksandr P
A lesser-known but intriguing option, this burger combines a vegetarian ‘Shroom Burger with a regular beef patty, symbolizing a compromise for mixed-diet groups.
The Allure of the Hidden
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 20 shutterstock 445652506 1](https://mamasaywhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_445652506-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / BearFotos
The allure of secret menus lies in the thrill of the unknown and the pleasure of personalized choices. While these items might not be for everyone, they offer a special way to enjoy your favorite fast food in a new and exciting way. Next time you’re at a fast-food chain, ask about the secret menu—you might discover your new favorite dish!
Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 21 shutterstock 2346225623 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shutterstock_2346225623-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Carles Iturbe
Traveling solo as a woman? It’s an adventure with its own set of challenges. From street safety to discrimination, some spots are riskier than others. We’ve used the Women’s Danger Index and other resources to craft a guide that helps you choose your destinations wisely. Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs
Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 22 shutterstock 144997492 1 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_144997492-1-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / donvictorio
Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 23 pexels adrian newell 14177239 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pexels-adrian-newell-14177239-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexels / Adrian Newell
American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 24 shutterstock 2270504427 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_2270504427-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nicoleta Ionescu
Canadians often find American customs ranging from amusing to astonishing. From the quirky to the confounding, let’s explore the U.S. through a Canadian lens—maple syrup and poutine in hand. Get ready for a journey that’s both odd and insightful, seen from the Great White North. 20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept
22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
![The Secret Menus They Don't Want You to Know About 25 shutterstock 284980904 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_284980904-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nejdet Duzen
Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
The post The Secret Menus They Don’t Want You to Know About republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Luis Molinero.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip
PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.