# Bacon-Topped French Fries The Baconator Fries are Making a Return to the Wendy's Menu By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-08-12 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baconator-fries References: [brandeating](http://www.brandeating.com/2016/08/baconator-fries-are-back-at-wendys.html) & [wendys](https://www.wendys.com/en-us/fries-sides/baconator-fries?tab=customize) As the demand for bacon ceases to diminish, [Wendy's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pretzel-baconator) has announced the return of the Baconator Fries to its menu. Although Wendy's has begun offering a wider range of healthy entrees and side dishes, the chain is still balancing the ongoing demand for more decadent options. The return of the chain's bacon-topped fries demonstrates that consumers are still eager for indulgent fast food dishes. Much like the chain's [Baconator Burger](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baconator-cheezit), the Baconator Fries consists of a savory blend of cheese and bacon. The dish itself features natural-cut fries topped with a warm cheese sauce, shredded cheddar cheese and large pieces of applewood-smoked bacon. While certainly not a light side dish option, the bacon-topped fries are the perfect answer to the munchies. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 25% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, 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 ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Demand for Bacon:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore other creative ways to incorporate bacon into different dishes, such as bacon-infused desserts or bacon-flavored beverages. - **Indulgent Fast Food:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop healthier alternatives to satisfy consumers' cravings for indulgent fast food, such as guilt-free versions of cheesy fries or bacon toppings made from alternative ingredients. - **Munchies Solutions:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create unique and flavorful snack options to cater to the demand for satisfying the munchies, offering innovative combinations of flavors and textures. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fast Food:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate premium ingredients and innovative flavors into traditional fast food offerings to elevate the dining experience and attract a wider customer base. - **Restaurant Chains:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Experiment with limited-time menu items featuring bold flavors and unconventional food combinations to generate buzz and attract customers seeking new and exciting dining experiences. - **Snack Food:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop healthier yet flavorful snack options that provide convenient solutions for consumers seeking a satisfying and indulgent snack experience without compromising on nutrition. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Piquant Bacon-Packed Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wendys-blazin-baconator.md) - [Pretzel Bacon Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pretzel-baconator.md) - [Saucy Barbecue QSR Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bbq-bacon-cheeseburger.md) - [Bacon-Packed Restaurant Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buffalo-wild-wings-bacon-menu.md) - [Fried Cheese Burger Patties](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheesenator.md) - [Meaty Onion-Topped Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/french-onion-cheeseburger.md) - [Returning Bacon Mushroom Melts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bacon-portabella-mushroom-melt.md) - [QSR Savoury Menu Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheesy-bacon-cheeseburger.md) - [Comforting Bacon-Themed Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultimate-bacon-menu.md)