#37: McDonald’s Fried Shrimp, 1970s
Price: about $1.99
Offered primarily during Lent, McDonald’s fried shrimp provided a seafood alternative beyond fish sandwiches. Breaded and served as a meal, it appealed to customers avoiding meat while still wanting something filling. Its limited availability added to its novelty and seasonal appeal.

The shrimp meal eventually disappeared as menus simplified. Comparable seafood offerings today often exceed $7.00. Fried shrimp remains a lesser-known footnote in McDonald’s history, remembered mainly by those who encountered it during its brief, seasonal runs.
