9 Limited-Edition Foods with Cult Followings

By Brynn Mannino

Did you hear? For the first time in nearly 16 years, the McRib is available at every McDonald's in the U.S.! Until recently, the BBQ pork sandwich was only available for limited periods at select locations, inspiring websites for fans to track the beloved menu item down. But the McRib is not alone in its cult status. Below are 10 limited-edition foods that elicit cravings in legions of fans. Whether they're released only once a year like Girl Scout cookies, or celebrate a specific season like Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte, get the facts on some of your favorite foods that are available for a limited time only.

McDonald's McRib

The last time the McRib was offered at every McDonald's across the country was in 1995. But from November 2 through early December 2010, this sweet and savory barbecue sandwich is available at all 14,000 U.S. locations. Over the last three years alone, the boneless meat sandwich on a sesame seed bun has hit sales numbers in the $60 million range-and that's just when it was in limited availability. It even has multiple Facebook fan pages and a McRib Locator, so we can only imagine the damage fans will do now that they can get it at any Micky D's. Photo: courtesy of McDonald's




McDonald's Shamrock Shake

Since 1970, McDonald's has been offering this green milkshake made from vanilla ice cream and mint flavoring at select locations throughout March to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Since it's not available every year at all locations, fans have found a way to get to it if it doesn't come to them. Enter ShamrockShake.com, which features a search tool for finding a nearby McDonald's serving the shake. Photo: courtesy of McDonald's




Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte

Since 2003, from October through sometime after Christmas (or whenever Starbucks runs out of syrup), the coffee conglomerate sells its famous Pumpkin Spice Latte. Served with a dollop of whipped cream, the drink is so beloved that fans have taken to writing poetry about it. To read, visit the blog Share Your Love for Pumpkin Spice Latte with a Haiku. Our favorite? I love pumpkin spice | Do not even need a cup | Connect the I.V. Photo: courtesy of Starbucks




Cosi Turkey & Stuffing Sandwich with Cranberry Sauce

Everyone knows the best thing about Thanksgiving dinner is the leftovers, especially if they can be worked into a sandwich-thus the appeal of Cosi's Turkey & Stuffing Sandwich with Cranberry Sauce. Served during the weeks leading up to and just following Thanksgiving, the sandwich is made from roasted turkey, cranberry sauce and Cosi's signature bread stuffing. Photo: courtesy of Cosi

Discover other ways to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving after the holiday.





Nabisco Mallomars

The marshmallow cookie-first sold in Hoboken, New Jersey 97 years ago-is nearly impossible to find during warm months. Back in the day, markets didn't have the storing or transporting capabilities to keep the chocolate coating from melting when it got hot. So now, even though refrigerated trucks exist, Nabisco continues to sell them only from September to April to maintain the tradition. In that short time, though, enough packages are sold to measure 480 miles-that's all the way from New York City to Detroit. Photo: courtesy of Kraft Foods Inc.




Necco Sweethearts Conversation Hearts

Every year since 1902, Necco's entire stock of Sweethearts Conversation Hearts, which is more than 8 billion candy hearts nowadays, are manufactured over the course of the year-and completely sold out during the six weeks leading up to Valentine's Day. The appeal is, of course, less in the overly sweet candy than the heart-thumping sentiments written onto each, which people have used to do everything from propose marriage to teach children statistics and reading. Photo: Shutterstock




Girl Scout Cookies

The flavors of Girl Scout cookies (Thin Mints, anyone?) are probably more well-known than the organization's goal: to help girls build character and skills for success in the real world. But the $700 million in annual business the cookies earn for the Girl Scouts of America is all that really matters. Sold only January through April, the combination of their scarcity and great taste makes these cookies some of the most lusted-after treats on this list. Photo: courtesy of Girl Scouts




Dreyer's Limited Edition Egg Nog Ice Cream

As if it's not torture enough that eggnog lovers have to wait until the holidays to pick up a carton of their favorite creamy beverage, they also have to wait for its even creamier (if that's possible) frozen reincarnation: Dreyer's eggnog-flavored ice cream, sold through November and December since the 1950s. But it's clearly worth the wait, considering the 10 million scoops Dreyer's sells during that short period each year. Photo: courtesy of Edy's


White Castle Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries, offered seasonally at select White Castles, are all the rage, especially this year with their free saver size coupon, valid through November 30, 2010. Formerly considered almost a gourmet treat exclusive to trendy restaurants, White Castle's version has made them a widespread sensation. Or perhaps it's the tasty cinnamon dipping sauce that they're served with that makes fans go crazy. Photo: courtesy of White Castle