Bacon makes everything better. That was the thinking behind Nabisco Bacon Thins – the legendary bacon-flavored crackers that disappeared from store shelves years ago. If you have fond memories of these tasty crackers, you’re probably wondering: what happened to Nabisco Bacon Crackers? Did they get discontinued? And will they ever make a comeback?
As a fellow bacon cracker fan, I was determined to find out what happened to this iconic snack. I spoke with industry experts, food historians, and nostalgic snackers to uncover the mystery. Read on to learn the fascinating story behind the rise and fall of Nabisco Bacon Crackers.
The Origins of Bacon Crackers
Bacon Thins first appeared on the snack scene in 1969 at the height of bacon mania in America. Nabisco wanted to capitalize on bacon’s popularity and created a crunchy, wafer-like cracker infused with smoky bacon flavor.
The crackers were made from wheat flour vegetable oil bacon flavoring, and artificial colors. Each crispy square was stamped with the word “BACON” in capital letters, so you knew exactly what you were getting.
Nabisco advertised them as the “all-new treat with the bacon taste” and suggested serving them as an accompaniment for soups and salads Bacon Thins were also recommended as a crunchy topping for casseroles or crumbled on top of baked potatoes
Why Bacon Crackers Were So Popular
When Bacon Thins debuted, they quickly became popular as a crunchy, salty, and satisfying snack. There were a few key reasons for their success:
Novelty Factor – In the 1960s and 70s, bacon-flavored snacks were unique and unlike anything else on the market. The creativity immediately caught the attention of shoppers.
Convenience – Bacon Thins allowed people to enjoy the taste of bacon anywhere without needing to cook it. The individually wrapped packs were portable for lunchboxes and road trips.
Savory Taste – At a time when sweet snacks dominated, shoppers loved the bold, savory bacon flavor. The crackers perfectly captured the smoky essence people craved.
Pop Culture – As bacon rose in popularity, it took on a life of its own in movies, TV, ads, and more. Bacon Thins fit right into the cultural craze.
Thanks to these factors, Bacon Thins found their way into pantries across America throughout the 1970s and 80s. Nabisco had created an addictive new snack product people couldn’t resist.
The Taste Experience of Bacon Crackers
Part of the appeal was the unique taste experience Bacon Thins offered. Here’s how food critics described them:
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Thin and crispy texture that shattered and melted in your mouth
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Hints of wood smoke encapsulated the flavor of cooked bacon
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Delivered a salty hit followed by a tang of spice
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Crunchy, brittle squares that were fun to nibble on
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Allowed you to enjoy bacon’s savory essence without the grease
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Strong bacon aroma when you first opened the pack
For bacon lovers, Bacon Thins perfectly captured the flavors they craved in a crispy, crunchy cracker format. The taste stayed consistent for over 2 decades, allowing generations of fans to enjoy this one-of-a-kind snack.
The Demise of Nabisco Bacon Crackers
With such a loyal fanbase, why did Nabisco discontinue their popular bacon crackers? There were a few key factors at play:
Declining Sales – While Bacon Thins were initially very successful, other snack options crowded the market. As unique bacon snacks became less novel, sales slowly declined.
Nutrition Concerns – In the 1980s and 90s, consumers became more health conscious and started shunning artificial flavors and ingredients. Bacon Thins likely seemed too processed.
Loss of Distribution – As big box stores like Walmart took over, shelf space decreased for smaller brands and niche products. This made Bacon Thins hard to find in stores.
Portfolio Management – As Nabisco streamlined their offerings, Bacon Thins ultimately didn’t make the cut. Nabisco chose to focus on top sellers like Oreos and Chips Ahoy.
By the mid-1990s, Bacon Thins had all but disappeared from store shelves. As quickly as they rose to fame, America’s beloved bacon crackers quietly faded into extinction.
The Lingering Legend of Bacon Crackers
Even though they disappeared over 20 years ago, Bacon Thins still hold a special place in people’s hearts. The nostalgia for these snacks lives on thanks to:
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Vintage commercials keeping the memory alive on Youtube
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People sharing fond Bacon Thin memories on Reddit forums
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Posts with old Bacon Thins packages receiving thousands of likes on Instagram
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Customers begging for their return on Nabisco’s Facebook page
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Etsy shops selling T-shirts and collectibles featuring the classic packaging
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Bacon Thins being named one of the most missed discontinued snacks by publications like TasteOfHome
Clearly, this unique snack left an indelible mark that still lingers today. People remember the taste experience decades later.
Will Bacon Crackers Ever Make a Comeback?
With such nostalgia surrounding Bacon Thins, could Nabisco ever revive this beloved snack? Unfortunately, the chances seem slim.
Nabisco likely doesn’t want to divert focus away from top sellers to re-launch a niche product. Formulating a bacon flavor that satisfies today’s tastes but aligns with their clean label standards could also prove challenging.
However, the internet has allowed fans to voice their love for discontinued snacks louder than ever. If demand reached fever pitch, there’s always a chance Nabisco could cave and bring Bacon Thins back in some form.
Other defunct snacks like Planters Cheez Balls and Pepsi Crystal point to the power of nostalgia in reviving products. Snack manufacturers seem to appreciate this fervor for the flavors of the past.
For now, those longing for the smoky, salty crunch of Bacon Thins will have to rely on memories or swap recipes online to re-create the flavor at home. But there’s always hope these pioneers of bacon snacks will fry up another batch someday.
Where to Find Similar Bacon-Flavored Snacks
While we may never see the exact original Bacon Thins again, there are some new products that capture a similar taste and spirit:
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Wilton Crunchy Bacon Pieces – Add these to salads, eggs, pasta, or eat them straight for a nice crunch.
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Hoosier Hill Farm Bacon Bits – Large diced bacon bits for sprinkling over baked potatoes, soups, or casseroles.
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Pringles Bacon Puffs – These deliver crunchy, stackable, poppable bacon flavor.
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Planters Bacon Flavored Peanuts – Crunchy, salty, bacon-y nuts perfect for snacking.
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Velveeta Cheesy Bites Bacon – Oozy, melty bacon cheese snack packs.
These options prove bacon-flavored snacks are still going strong. And creative flavors continue to emerge from new brands. While Nabisco’s Bacon Thins may be a discontinued treasure, the legacy of bacon snacks lives on.
So next time you’re feeling nostalgic for a blast of bacon flavor, try one of these inventive new products. But in your heart, always save room to remember those iconic crispy crackers that made eating bacon fun.
Bottom Line – Bacon Crackers Forever!
Nabisco Bacon Thins came and went, but they made their mark in snack history. These crispy, crunchy, smoky squares of perfection will never be forgotten.
From novelty product to nostalgic icon, bacon crackers embodied America’s obsession with bacon in the most delicious way. Though they may not return, true fans will always celebrate bacon cracker goodness.
So let’s raise a pack of Bacon Thins and toast to the wonderful flavors of the past. Here’s hoping we see the second coming of these baconized crackers someday!