Demystifying Wendy’s Bacon: Uncovering The Secret Behind Their Applewood Smoked Bacon

As one of the world’s most popular fast food chains Wendy’s has become synonymous with quality ingredients, especially when it comes to their bacon menu items. Wendy’s passionate commitment to bacon has left fans wondering – what kind of bacon does Wendy’s use?

In this article, we’ll explore the details behind Wendy’s applewood smoked bacon, from sourcing to preparation and everything that makes it stand out. Read on to learn what gives their bacon that signature flavor and texture bacon lovers crave.

Wendy’s Chooses Applewood Smoked Bacon

Unlike some fast food joints that use lower quality bacon, Wendy’s specifically uses applewood smoked bacon. This bacon is smoked over fragrant applewood, giving the meat a hint of sweetness and delicate smoky aroma

Wendy’s applewood smoked bacon is sourced from Pork Quality Assurance Plus certified suppliers. This program has strict standards for animal care, welfare and traceability from farm to table. Wendy’s commitment to responsible sourcing ensures quality pork products.

The Bacon Is Thick-Cut

One signature characteristic of Wendy’s applewood smoked bacon is that it’s nice and thick. Wendy’s uses bacon that is approximately 1/8 inch or thicker.

This gives their bacon a satisfying, hearty texture and solid bite. Thin, flimsy bacon simply can’t compare. The thickness allows the bacon to hold up well when paired with juicy beef patties and other ingredients.

In fact, Wendy’s recently doubled down on thick-cut bacon in their new sandwiches like the Double Bacon Deluxe Burger, which has four fresh fried bacon slices.

Applewood Smoking Makes It Special

The applewood smoking process is what really makes Wendy’s bacon stand out. The long, slow hardwood smoke infuses the pork belly with a hint of natural sweetness and woodsy flavor.

The smokiness level can vary depending on the menu item. For example, the Smoky Mushroom Bacon Cheeseburger features applewood smoked bacon along with sautéed mushrooms and smoked mushroom aioli.

Meanwhile, the Baconator burger stacks six strips of applewood smoked bacon for an extra smoky bacon flavor punch. Either way, applewood smoking is integral to Wendy’s bacon profile.

Wendy’s Doesn’t Compromise on Quality

Using premium applewood smoked bacon is one way Wendy’s demonstrates its commitment to quality ingredients. The bacon has exceptional flavor, aroma, and texture not found in lower-tier fast food bacon.

From sourcing to preparation, Wendy’s doesn’t cut corners. They recognize customers desire authentic, satisfying bacon made the right way from higher-welfare pigs. No limp, soggy bacon here!

Bacon Plays a Starring Role on the Menu

Wendy’s proudly features applewood smoked bacon in burgers, sandwiches, salads, and even desserts. Of course, the Baconator burger stacks bacon front and center.

Even in more subtle uses like the Junior Bacon Cheeseburger, the smoky bacon makes its presence known. Customers can also add bacon to any menu item.

This versatility is only possible because of the consistent quality and flavor of Wendy’s applewood smoked bacon. They never sacrifice on their star ingredient.

Nutrition Information Breakdown

If you’re curious about the nutrition specs of Wendy’s applewood smoked bacon, here’s a quick rundown:

• A Bacon Deluxe Single contains 650 calories, with 54% from fat.
• It has 36g total carbs and 34g net carbs.
• Protein weighs in at 35g.

While the fat and carb content is higher, the ample protein can help keep you feeling satisfied. Moderation is key when indulging in bacon cheeseburgers!

Taste Testers Approve of the Bacon

Based on customer reviews, Wendy’s is doing bacon right. In a Bacon Today taste test, reviewers raved about the Applewood Smoked Bacon Deluxe having crispy, thick, almost homemade bacon flavor – a cut above typical fast food bacon.

Even when given free coupons, the testers still gave honest feedback that the bacon tasted delicious, not limp and soggy like other chains. One reviewer called it the best fast food bacon ever tried. High praise indeed!

So What Makes It So Special?

When you add it all up, Wendy’s applewood smoked bacon stands out from lower-quality fast food bacon because:

• It’s thick-cut and hearty at 1/8 inch or more

• Applewood smoking lends a signature sweet, smoky flavor

• The pork comes from welfare-focused certified suppliers

• Wendy’s doesn’t compromise on quality or cut corners

• Bacon plays a major role across the entire menu

For bacon aficionados, Wendy’s checks all the boxes for satisfying, crave-worthy bacon made the right way. No greasy strips of bacon here – just good old-fashioned applewood smoked goodness.

Wendy’s Stands By Their Bacon Commitment

By sticking to their principles of using only high-quality applewood smoked bacon and never sacrificing on their star ingredient, Wendy’s has earned a reputation for serving some of the best bacon in the fast food game.

From the Baconator to salads and breakfast sandwiches, first-rate bacon adds flavor and texture that keeps customers coming back. While the price may be slightly higher than low-grade bacon, discerning bacon lovers recognize and value the difference that quality makes.

So next time you’re craving a bacon cheeseburger, head to Wendy’s for applewood smoked bacon done right. Just be prepared to want to come back again and again thanks to their standout, craveable smoked bacon. Wendy’s commitment to quality bacon is clearly paying off for bacon enthusiasts.