Wendy’s Baconator Meets Cheez-It in Bold Snack Collab

When brands team up for wild food collaborations, the results can be hit or miss, and more often than not, they miss. Case in point: crackers that are supposed to taste like Wendy’s iconic Baconator. Still, when a serious snack craving strikes, only something bold and over-the-top will do. This summer, Cheez-It is doubling down on flavor by partnering with Wendy’s to launch a limited-edition snack mashup: Cheez-It x Wendy’s Baconator crackers. This daring combo fuses the smoky, meaty essence of the Baconator with the crispy, cheesy bite of Cheez-It. The result? A snack that’s both nostalgic and outrageous—a drive-thru legend reimagined as a crunchy, craveable fix.

When exactly did the Baconator make its sizzling debut? Wendy’s unleashed the now-iconic Baconator in 2007, changing the fast-food burger game forever. Designed for those with serious appetites and an even bigger love for bacon, the Baconator was more than just another cheeseburger—it was a full-on indulgent experience. The original features two hearty quarter-pound beef patties stacked with six crispy strips of Applewood smoked bacon, two slices of melty cheese, and a generous spread of mayonnaise and ketchup. It quickly became the go-to choice for meat lovers craving maximum flavor and minimal fuss. With the Baconator, Wendy’s redefined how far a double bacon cheeseburger could go—and fans have been hooked ever since.

“Cheez-It fans are known for their passionate love of our signature cheesy flavor, baked with 100% real cheese – and we’re always looking for new ways to surprise them with bold, flavor-packed experiences,” said Cara Tragseiler, Senior Brand Director for Cheez-It. “With Wendy’s, we found the perfect partner to create something completely unexpected – a snack that brings the craveable flavor of the Baconator to the cracker aisle in a way only Cheez-It can.”

If your mouth is somehow ready to convince your taste buds, then maybe the deal is sealed, though we’re still not sure it should be. This curious mashup attempts to blend the signature Cheez-It crunch with the bold, layered flavors that make Wendy’s Baconator a fast-food favorite. Each bite claims to deliver that 100% real cheese taste Cheez-It fans love, now infused with a hit of Applewood smoked bacon. It’s supposed to bring the full burger experience to snack time—no drive-thru needed—but whether it pulls it off is anyone’s guess.

“This partnership with Cheez-It brings together two iconic brands for a savory, crunchy snack fans will love,” said Lindsay Radkoski, U.S. Chief Marketing Officer for The Wendy’s Company. “We took our famous Baconator – a burger known for its irresistible, beefy, bacon-loaded flavor – and reimagined it with the unmistakable cheesy crunch of Cheez-It. The result is a one-of-a-kind bite that gives fans a fresh, new way to enjoy their Wendy’s favorite anytime, anywhere.”