5 McDonald’s Menu Items Iowans Rarely Order

Explore a fascinating glimpse into the culinary choices of Iowans, focusing on the McDonald’s menu items they tend to overlook.

This list delves into five specific items that do not receive the same love as their more popular counterparts in Iowa. We analyze these items through the lenses of cultural preferences, regional tastes, and intriguing anecdotes.

1. Hot Tea

Despite being a staple in many cultures, hot tea doesn’t quite generate the same buzz in Iowa. Famous for its strong coffee culture, Iowa’s preference leans heavily toward a steaming cup of joe. This regional inclination for coffee over tea makes hot tea one of the least ordered items at McDonald’s locations in Iowa.

This is not entirely surprising, given the state’s vibrant coffee shop scene, often bustling with patrons enjoying everything from espressos to lattes. The subtlety of tea simply cannot compete with the rich aroma and robust flavor of coffee that Iowans cherish.

Even as McDonald’s continues to offer hot tea, it remains overshadowed by its caffeinated cousin. Hot tea simply doesn’t stand a chance here.

2. Fruit & Maple Oatmeal

The idea of starting the day with a wholesome bowl of oatmeal sounds appealing, yet it doesn’t resonate with many Iowans. Known for their hearty breakfasts, Iowans often opt for quicker, more familiar options like the Egg McMuffin or breakfast burritos.

Fruit & Maple Oatmeal, while nutritious, lacks the immediate satisfaction that other items provide. Its slow sales can be attributed to the regional preference for more indulgent breakfast fare.

Though it’s a staple for health-conscious folks, in Iowa, the hurried breakfast crowd often skips this choice. Perhaps the allure of crispy bacon and sizzling sausage is too tempting to resist.

3. McCafé Hot Chocolate

While hot chocolate is a winter favorite for many, Iowans seem less inclined to choose this warm, sweet treat at McDonald’s. Perhaps the state’s long, harsh winters make hot chocolate feel too mundane, or maybe coffee just has a stronger pull.

In regions with milder climates, McCafé Hot Chocolate sees more appreciation, but it doesn’t enjoy the same fame in Iowa. This could be due to a preference for stronger, bolder flavors offered by coffee or even seasonal lattes.

Despite its rich, creamy allure, hot chocolate often takes a backseat to more robust tastes favored by Iowans, especially when the snow starts to fall.

4. Filet-O-Fish

In a state renowned for its beef, the Filet-O-Fish sandwich finds itself in a niche market. Iowans, known for their love of burgers and steaks, often overlook this seafood option in favor of more traditional meat dishes.

The sandwich, featuring a breaded fish fillet, appeals to those with a taste for something different, yet it struggles to compete with the more familiar beef offerings. This makes it a rare choice on many Iowan plates.

The cultural inclination towards beef in Iowa results in Filet-O-Fish being a less frequented option, primarily chosen by those looking for an occasional change of pace from the usual.

5. Hotcakes

Hotcakes at McDonald’s evoke nostalgia, yet they are often bypassed by Iowans in search of quicker breakfast solutions. In the hustle and bustle of morning routines, convenience often trumps tradition.

Iowans tend to prefer breakfast items they can eat on the go, making hotcakes less appealing despite their classic charm. While they offer a comforting taste, the need for speed often leads to opting for more portable choices like breakfast sandwiches.

The leisurely nature of enjoying hotcakes doesn’t align with the fast-paced mornings of many Iowans, causing this traditional breakfast to be skipped in favor of more practical options.