McDonald's Juiciest Burger Of The 1970s Could've Rivaled The Whopper, But It Fizzled Out

McDonald's has introduced plenty of burgers over the years, but there's one that still lingers in the memories of those who were lucky enough to experience it firsthand. In the mid-1970s, the McFeast was a regional Mickey D's burger that swapped the chain's familiar sesame seed bun for a bakery-style roll and piled on the fresh toppings. It was bigger and messier than the standard fare back then, which led some fans to call it the "McMess." Both fans and former McDonald's employees who recall eating the burger believed it potentially could have given Burger King's Whopper a run for its money. 

The McFeast made its modest debut in select U.S. markets around 1975, but it never became a nationwide menu staple. It featured a quarter-pound beef patty on a Kaiser roll, topped with mayonnaise, mustard, lettuce, onions, tomato, and pickles. The burger was thought to be part of McDonald's push to introduce something heartier than its classic burgers, and indeed, some newspapers at the time reported it was being tested as a Whopper competitor. The "burger wars," one of the most iconic fast food rivalries ever, was just kicking off at this time. But by the early 1980s, it seems corporate had decided to pull the plug on the McFeast. The sandwich's limited distribution is likely why it's a bit of a mystery today to fast food fans, but for those who remember, it was a burger with a big personality. 

When it comes to just the visuals of the Whopper and McFeast, the resemblance is certainly there. Both burgers put the substantial patty front and center, with plenty of crunchy, fresh vegetables spilling over to invoke freshness. The differences come down to the details. The original McFeast had a sturdier Kaiser roll, with more of a bakery-style bite, while the Whopper's sesame seed bun is soft and familiar. Burger King's signature flame-grilled patty also has a smokiness that the McFeast certainly did not. 

Curiously, though the McFeast never took off here in the States, versions of the sandwich became popular overseas. In countries like Sweden, the McFeast has prospered with its Nordic fans, while Australia has been offering the McFeast Deluxe on and off since the 1980s, which features 100% Australian beef and McChicken sauce. Interestingly, Norway offers a Fish McFeast, which is a heartier version of the U.S. fish sandwich, served with ketchup, mustard, cheese, lettuce, onion, pickles, and tomato on a sesame bun.

There's no clear evidence that one specific problem vetoed the American version, though its limited rollout and McDonald's focus on its established menu might have all played a part. In any case, the nostalgia remains for the lucky few who got to try the McFeast. Today, we're all left wondering whether it could have been a lasting rival — if only Mickey D's had just given it a wider launch.