Wendy’s is expanding beyond its restaurant walls with a new Double-Smoked Bacon product now available in select grocery stores, leaving fans both excited and skeptical about bringing the iconic Baconator taste home.

At a Glance

• Wendy’s Extra-Thick Cut Double Smoked Bacon is now available at select Kroger and King Soopers locations
• The product is inspired by the applewood-smoked bacon used in Wendy’s popular Baconator sandwiches
• This retail expansion follows Wendy’s previous grocery store products including burger patties and canned chili
• Consumers are divided, with some excited to recreate Wendy’s meals at home while others question the product’s authenticity
• The launch comes as Wendy’s aims to compete with rivals amid challenging market conditions

Bringing Wendy’s Flavor to Home Kitchens

Wendy’s fans can now purchase a taste of the fast-food chain’s famous bacon in their local grocery stores. The Extra-Thick Cut Double Smoked Bacon was first spotted in Kentucky Kroger stores and has since appeared in other select locations. Labeled as “restaurant-inspired” and “double-smoked,” the product aims to replicate the applewood-smoked strips that have made Wendy’s sandwiches, particularly the Baconator, so popular among fast-food enthusiasts. This marks another step in Wendy’s strategy to extend its brand presence beyond restaurant locations.

The news was initially reported by Instagram food accounts @remi4allthesnackgod and @markie_devo, quickly spreading across social media platforms. Currently, the product appears to be in a limited test phase, with availability confirmed only in select Kroger and King Soopers locations in states including Kentucky and Virginia. This cautious rollout suggests Wendy’s may be gauging consumer interest before potentially expanding distribution nationwide. For bacon lovers and Wendy’s loyalists, this represents an opportunity to bring that distinctive smoky flavor into home-cooked meals.

Mixed Consumer Reactions

The announcement has generated considerable buzz on social media, with reactions ranging from enthusiasm to skepticism. Many fans expressed excitement about the possibility of recreating their favorite Wendy’s sandwiches at home. “Time to make [baconators] at home!” commented one enthusiastic follower on Instagram. This sentiment represents a segment of Wendy’s customer base that values the convenience of enjoying familiar restaurant flavors without leaving home, particularly for summer cookouts or family gatherings.

However, not all consumers are convinced. Some have questioned whether this retail bacon is truly identical to what’s served in Wendy’s restaurants. Others wonder about the price point compared to standard grocery store bacon brands, and whether the quality will justify any premium cost. These concerns highlight the challenge Wendy’s faces in translating its restaurant experience to packaged goods while maintaining the quality standards their brand has established with their “fresh, never frozen” philosophy that has distinguished them from competitors.

Strategic Business Expansion

This retail bacon launch is part of a broader strategy for Wendy’s as the company navigates competitive pressures in the fast-food industry. The chain has previously ventured into grocery stores with products like burger patties and canned chili, establishing precedent for this latest offering. Industry analysts view this retail expansion as a calculated move to compete with rivals McDonald’s and Burger King at a time when fast-food chains are facing declining sales and increasing operational costs.

“Looking ahead, we remain focused on these strategic priorities which will position Wendy’s to win in the market and drive long-term growth across our global system of restaurants”, said Kirk Tanner.

Despite market challenges, Wendy’s maintains certain advantages, including offering what Food Republic identifies as the cheapest fast food burger among major chains. The company continues to pursue growth, with President and CEO Kirk Tanner recently highlighting the addition of 68 new restaurants globally in 2025. The retail bacon product represents just one component of a multifaceted business approach that includes menu innovation, international expansion, and diversification of revenue streams to ensure the iconic square-patty purveyor remains competitive in a rapidly evolving food service landscape.