CHICAGO — Fast food chain Wendy's announced this week it will be selling one of its iconic food items in stores later this year. No, it will not be their popular "spicy nuggs," a perennial topic of discussion on social media. And you won't find their famous Frosty treat in the freezer case. The chain has licensed their name for a shelf-stable version of their chili with beans.
Wendy's branded canned chili will head to grocery store shelves under an agreement with food giant ConAgra Brands, the company responsible for other pantry names as Hunt's, Orville Redenbacher, and Fiddle Faddle.
"We are thrilled to partner with Wendy's and bring a fan-favorite to homes nationwide," said Juliette van de Walle, who will spearhead the Wendy's project at ConAgra Brands.
"Wendy's Chili has been a beloved menu item since our beginnings in 1969," said Carl Loredo, Global Chief Marketing Officer for The Wendy's Company. "We're thrilled about the partnership with ConAgra Brands and to have the opportunity to bring our brand's iconic chili flavor to even more fans."
A label mock-up provided by the company notes 29 grams of protein per can. The product's other nutritional information was not provided.
While the canned product will include minimally-processed beef with no artificial ingredients, it will not be quite the same as the chili you'd get at your neighborhood Wendy's store.
As discussed (or rather, rapped) in a very early-90s training video found on YouTube, the chili used in store is mixed with broken-up grilled hamburger patties that were not used in sandwiches. The cooked patties are roughly chopped up and added to the soup base.
BONUS TRAINING VIDEO: Learn how to properly serve Wendy's chili, along with other menu items.
