# Antibiotic-Free Chicken Products Wendy's Will Begin Phasing Out Chicken Raised with Antibiotics By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-08-09 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antibioticfree-chicken-products References: [eater](http://www.eater.com/2016/8/5/12387274/wendys-antibiotic-free-chicken) & [reuters](http://www.reuters.com/article/us-wendy-antibiotics-idUSKCN10F2MT) Joining chains such as [A&W](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-chicken-nuggets) and [McDonald's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-chicken-big-mac), [Wendy's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wendys-hot-honey-chicken) will begin serving antibiotic-free chicken products at all of its restaurant locations. With a growing consumer demand for meat that is more natural and free of hormones, the move demonstrates Wendy's attempt to keep pace with changing consumer preferences. As recent reports reveal, Wendy's is aiming to completely phase out the use of chicken raised with antibiotics by 2017. In terms of other meat products such as pork and beef, the chain will reveal its plans for procuring antibiotic-free alternatives in the coming year. As the fifth-largest fast food chain in the US, Wendy's effort to serve antibiotic-free chicken products sets a new standard for other quick service and fast casual restaurants. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.6/10 - Popularity: 3% | Activity: 8% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Antibiotic-free Chicken:** Opportunity for food industry to develop antibiotic-free chicken products to meet growing consumer demand. - **Changing Consumer Preferences:** Opportunity for restaurants to keep pace with changing consumer preferences for natural, hormone-free meat. - **Phasing Out Antibiotics:** Opportunity for restaurants to phase out antibiotics in meat products and set new standards in the fast food industry. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food Industry:** Opportunity for the food industry to develop and market antibiotic-free chicken products. - **Restaurant Industry:** Opportunity for restaurants to adapt to changing consumer preferences for natural and hormone-free meat. - **Fast Food Industry:** Opportunity for fast food chains to set new standards by phasing out antibiotics in meat products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fan-Influenced Chicken Tenders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wendys-tendys.md) - [Burger Brand Chicken Nuggets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-chicken-nuggets.md) - [Spiced Honey QSR Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wendys-hot-honey-chicken.md) - [Canadian Fast-Food Breakfast Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wendys-breakfast-menu.md) - [Fiery Fried Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fired-up-chicken-sandwich.md) - [Elevated Canadian-Beef Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garlic-mushroom-bacon-cheeseburger.md) - [Sweetened QSR Breakfast Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wendys-honey-buddy.md) - [Branded QSR Beef Patties](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wendys-ground-beef-patties.md) - [Refreshing Spring-Ready QSR Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/springinspired-menu.md)