Wendy’s famous chili is coming to supermarkets – for more than double the price in the restaurants.
The Ohio-based fast food chain announced Wednesday that it has partnered with packaged goods company Conagra Brands to start selling canned versions of Wendy’s chili with beans in the U.S. this spring.
The cans will retail for $4.49 — more than double the average cost of $2.09 for a small chili at Wendy’s locations, according to fastfoodmenuprices.com, which reports that much of the chili typically sells for $2. .79 is sold.
Wendy’s has been serving its chili since 1969 and it’s one of the burger joint’s most recognizable items. Ingredients include beef, peppers, and beans that are simmered in a tomato-based sauce.
“Wendy’s Chili has been a beloved menu item since our beginnings in 1969,” Carl Loredo, global chief marketing officer for Wendy’s Company, said in a statement.
“We are thrilled to partner with Conagra Brands and the opportunity to bring our brand’s iconic chilli flavor to even more fans. When the Wendy’s chili craving hits, you now have two delicious ways to get your fix — in stores or in our restaurants,” he added.
The chili stewed in the restaurants is made with leftover burger meat, but it’s not clear if the canned version will contain the same meat.
In a statement, Conagra promised its “all-natural beef” contains no artificial ingredients and undergoes minimal processing.
“We are excited to partner with Wendy’s and bring a fan favorite across the country,” said Juliette van de Walle, brand leader of prepared chili at Conagra Brands.
“We’ve worked closely with the Wendy’s culinary team to make sure we’ve been delivering the wonderful flavors and delicious ingredients of the chili, which has been a staple of the Wendy’s menu for a long time.”
The Post has contacted Wendy’s for additional comment.
Some Twitter users toasted the chain upon hearing the news Wednesday.
“Does it taste like a mediocre canned chilli?” hit a person.
“Wendys sells the absolute worst chilli ever made. Why would anyone buy it in a can?” a the picky eater wondered.
“Gross.. good luck,” joked one.
“They should put some burnt chips in the cans to make it authentic!” another snipped sarcastically.
“I’m going to stock up on Gas-X now,” shared another.
Other Twitter users think it’s cool beans.
“Most Important News of the Year”, cheered a supporter.
“Yes please!” exclaimed another.
Someone else added: “I will definitely try that!!!”
In other Wendy’s news, the chain says yes offer free food until May 14 to help customers weather Mercury in retrograde.
