Long Lost Idaho McDonald’s Menu Item Alive and Well -  But Where?

In a competitive landscape of fast food, restaurants are constantly reinventing themselves, They’re always trying out new items, rotating seasonal staples, and discontinuing old items to make way for new.

Case in point: McDonald’s recently announced that they are expanding their chicken lineup to include a new offering in addition to their standard chicken nuggets.

Remember the Real Apple Pie?

If you’re (cough) ‘old enough to remember some OG McDonald’s menu items from back in the day, you might remember the apple pies. The pies you get at McDonald’s today are okay… but they were originally deep-fried, piping hot, and nothing short of amazing. Swapping the original pies for today’s baked version was always a mystery to me.

Why Did McDonald’s Switch from Fried to Baked Pies?

McDonald’s stopped frying their apple pies in the U.S. around 1992 in response to growing concerns over health and nutrition. The company switched to baking them in an effort to offer healthier options.

All I know is that I have yet to meet one person who prefers today’s version to the old.

A Vacation Detour to McDonald’s in Japan

On a recent vacation to Japan, we decided to stop at McDonald’s for lunch. I know, you’re wondering why in the world anyone would bother hitting up a fast food joint in a foreign country when there are so many local options.

I think it's interesting to compare familiar food in a different country. I’ve read that McDonald’s strategically switches up their menu in other countries, so this was my chance to try Japan’s version of some American staples.

A Familiar Order… With a Twist

I ordered my food at a kiosk. Language aside, the process was all too familiar. And when the bot recommended I add an apple pie to my order, I was an easy sale and tapped YES.

After I ate my meal, which consisted of a Samurai Mac (think USA Big Mac but with an over-medium egg), I went straight for the pie. From the looks of the packaging, it presented as the same pie you’d see in Idaho or anywhere else in the States. But on the inside?

What. Was. I. Looking at?!
The apple pie looked exactly like the deep-fried apple pie I remember from my childhood. It was piping hot on the inside and every bit as good. It was so good that I’m not ashamed to admit that I ordered a few more to go.

Where Else Can You Still Get Fried Apple Pies?

This got me wondering… are there other places still graced with fried apple pies, and if so, where are they?

Turns out, yes! McDonald’s still serves fried pies in several places around the world—including one special spot right here in the U.S.:

• Japan – Fried apple pies are the standard.

• Philippines – Fried pies in rotating flavors like mango and taro.

• Thailand – Known for pineapple and corn pies, all fried.

• Mexico – Some locations serve guava and other fried varieties.

There are reportedly a couple of locations in the US that still offer fried apple pies.

Downey, California: The McDonald’s at 10207 Lakewood Blvd in Downey, CA. It's the oldest operating McDonald’s in the U.S. and still offers fried apple pies as part of its retro menu.

Hawaii – The only U.S. state where McDonald’s still serves fried apple pies. They also offer other rotating flavors.

It’s Time to Bring Them Back

In any case, I think it's time to lobby McDonald’s. Fried apple pies need to make a comeback. And not just overseas, and not just in Hawaii.