"Shattered expectations line the pathway to disappointment. How many times have you gotten your hopes up for a delicious new fast food item, only to find out it's not available in your area? This happens in rural communities all the time, but even big cities don't always get the hottest new thing. This is exactly what happened to one eager McDonald's fan in Chicago, who posted on Reddit about his city's lack of Crispy Chicken McGriddles."
"This phenomenon is not limited to fast food by any means. Popular brands do this all the time. One of the most delicious potato chips in the world, Ruffles All Dressed, was only available in Canada for years. Vernors ginger ale, which has a distinct flavor that sets it apart, is hugely popular in the Midwest, but you won't find it in most states. Mick Jagger was absolutely right when he said you can't always get what you want."
"Fear of missing out is a real thing, and we all feel it to some degree. If you're really excited about something, it's a spiritual gut punch when you find out you can't have it. If you read an article about a Kit Kat quesadilla at Taco Bell, of course, you're going to want one. Who wouldn't want that? It sounds delicious."
New or limited-run fast-food items often debut only in select regions, creating uneven access. McDonald's released Chicken McGriddles in several areas for about a month this summer, while some cities like Chicago lacked the item entirely. Brands frequently limit availability by geography or time, with examples including the McLobster, the seasonal McRib, Canada-only Ruffles All Dressed chips, and regionally beloved Vernors ginger ale in the Midwest. Consumers experience genuine disappointment and a fear of missing out when desired products appear attractive but remain unavailable locally, intensifying frustration over scarcity and exclusivity.
Read at Tasting Table
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]