Launched in 1982, the Finger Light was a small battery-powered light worn on a finger to imitate E.T.'s glowing fingertip. However, the toy's shape led to unintended adult associations leading retailers to be unwilling to promote it, while the marke ...
Nike MaxSight were fully tinted soft contact lenses launched in 2005 by Nike and Bausch & Lomb to reduce glare, boost visual contrast, and filter blue light and UV rays for athletes. While some athletes noticed improved contrast, many users fel ...
The McHotDog was a short-lived hot dog introduced by McDonald's in 1995. It famously went against the wishes of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc, who had a strong aversion to hot dogs. McDonald's built its global reputation on burgers, fries, and consi ...
In 1966, Pepsi released the Devil Shake, a chocolate-flavored drink marketed as a richer milk-based soda. However, Pepsi was known for cola so a chocolate milk-style drink didn't naturally fit the Pepsi brand. In addition, it ran into production p ...
LiveWire was launched by Harley-Davidson as its electronic motorcycle division and later spun out via a SPAC in 2022. Investors initially valued it like a high-growth EV startup, but demand turned out to be much smaller than hoped. Younger EV-orie ...
Launched in 2023, KFC failed at launching roast beef sandwiches. Customers go to KFC specifically for chicken and couldn't compete against Arby's, the roast beef specialist. The product had no clear advantage in price, taste, or uniqueness. Meanw ...
Launched in 2015, the Chizza sandwich was a "pizza-chicken" hybrid featuring two 100% white meat extra crispy fried chicken filets acting as the crust, topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. People tried it once out of curios ...
Launched in 2019, the KFC Cheetos Sandwich was an extra crispy chicken filet with special Cheetos sauce, mayonnaise, and a layer of crunchy Cheetos on a toasted bun. People tried it once out of curiosity but few wanted it again. Common complaints ...
Launched in 1993, McStuffins were McDonald's attempt at a stuffed pita sandwich. People are in a burger-and-fries mindset at McDonald's so it was hard for consumers to get excited about deli food, while they were hard for kids to eat. In addition ...
Launched in 1987 as an adult burger, McDonald's Cheddar Melt had a beef patty, grilled onions, and cheddar cheese sauce on a rye bun. The burger had limited mass appeal since it didn't feel like a classic burger, it didn't pair naturally with fries ...
