Wendy’s Baconator Price, Calories, and Full Guide (2026)

Wendy's Baconator burger
The Baconator uses two fresh, never-frozen beef patties and six strips of Applewood smoked bacon with no vegetables, a pure beef-and-bacon build.

Do you want to know the price, calories, and whether this burger is worth ordering? Many pages give outdated prices or bury the details.

This guide gives clear and updated information. You’ll find cost, combo prices, ingredients, nutrition facts, allergens, and a simple verdict to help you decide.

Prices and nutrition values are based on publicly available data and may vary by location.

Current Price

The Baconator is one of Wendy’s premium burgers. Prices in 2026 vary by location, franchise, and order method.

Burger only

$7.99–$8.99

960

Small combo

$11.49–$12.39

1,250

Medium combo

$12.49–$13.49

1,400

Large combo

$13.49–$14.49

1,600

Check the Wendy’s app for exact local prices. Delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats add a $1–$3 markup.

This guide focuses on the Baconator. For the complete menu breakdown, check our full Wendy’s menu homepage.

What Is the Baconator?

The Baconator is a signature burger with:

  • Two fresh beef patties
  • Crispy Applewood smoked bacon
  • American cheese
  • Ketchup and mayonnaise
  • Toasted bun

No vegetables are included. The focus is on rich, meat-forward flavor.

Wendy’s founder, Dave Thomas, wanted to make a bacon-heavy burger but waited for the right supplier. The Baconator launched in 2007, 38 years after Wendy’s founding in 1969. It was an instant hit. Wendy’s reportedly sold over 68 million sandwiches in its first year.

Ingredients of the Baconator

Each ingredient is chosen to balance flavor and texture.

Applewood smoked bacon

Salt-sugar balance, smoky flavor

Beef patties

Fresh, juicy base

American cheese

Creamy texture and flavor

Bun

Soft base, supports toppings

Ketchup & mayo

Moisture, classic flavor

What Makes It Different

Most fast-food bacon burgers use frozen beef. The Baconator uses fresh patties and extra bacon. This makes it richer, meatier, and more filling.

It’s for those who want a simple, meat-focused burger without extra toppings.

Calories and Nutrition

The Baconator has:

  • Calories: 960
  • Fat: 66 g
  • Protein: 57 g
  • Sodium: 1,600 mg (≈70% of daily limit)

Removing mayo slightly reduces sodium and calories.

Protein

57 g

High

Iron

40% DV

Moderate

Sodium

1,600 mg

High

The Baconator is the highest-protein single-patty burger on the menu. For full macros and allergens, see the Wendy’s Burger Nutrition guide.

Allergens

The Baconator contains:

  • Egg
  • Gluten
  • Milk
  • Soy
  • Wheat

It does not contain fish, peanuts, shellfish, or tree nuts. Cross-contact may occur.

Bun, condiments

Gluten, wheat, soy

Cheese

Milk

Bacon cure

Soy

Dietary Modifications

  • No gluten: Ask for a lettuce wrap
  • No dairy: Remove cheese and mayo
  • Keto/low-carb: Skip the bun and ketchup
  • Lower sodium: Remove mayo (~100 mg saved)

For a full allergen breakdown, visit Wendy’s Nutrition and Allergens page.

Baconator vs Son of Baconator

Wendy's Baconator vs Son of Baconator
The Baconator (left) has six bacon strips and 960 calories. The Son of Baconator (right) has four strips and 630 calories, around 300 fewer.

The Son of Baconator, introduced in 2012, is a smaller, lower-calorie option.

Beef patties

2 × ¼ lb

2 × 2¼ oz

Bacon strips

6

4

Calories

960

630

Protein

57 g

32 g

Est. Price

~$8.59

~$7.19

Best For

Large appetite

Lighter option

It saves ~300 calories with smaller patties. Choose based on hunger or calorie goals. See full Son of Baconator guide.

The Baconator Family

The Wendy's Baconator family showing the classic Baconator, Son of Baconator and Breakfast Baconator side by side
The Baconator family includes the classic lunch burger, the Son of Baconator, and the Breakfast Baconator with grilled sausage, egg and cheese sauce.
  • Classic Baconator: Two beef patties, six bacon strips, American cheese, ketchup, mayo. Lunch & dinner only.
  • Son of Baconator: Smaller, four bacon strips, same flavor. ~300 fewer calories.
  • Breakfast Baconator: Sausage, cheese, egg, extra bacon, and signature cheese sauce. Served until 10:30 AM.
  • Baconator Fries: Natural-cut fries with cheese sauce, cheddar, and bacon. See Baconator Fries guide.

Is the Baconator Worth It?

It’s a solid choice for bacon and beef lovers. High protein and filling portions justify the price.

Not ideal for light eaters or those on a budget. Smaller burgers may be a better fit.

Quick Comparison

Baconator

960

57 g

$8.59

Son of Baconator

630

32 g

$7.19

See All Wendy’s Burgers Ranked for full comparison.

How to Save on the Baconator

  • Use the Wendy’s app:
    • Free download on iOS/Android
    • Check the Offers tab weekly
    • Earn 10 rewards points per $1 spent
    • Redeem 200 points for free items/discounts
    • App combos often cheaper than counter

Ordering alone saves $3–$4 if you skip fries and drinks. Check Biggie Deals and Combo Meals pages.

Customization Options

  • Add jalapeños (most locations, free)
  • Add lettuce, tomato, or onion
  • Remove mayo (~100 cal saved)
  • Skip the bun for low-carb/keto
  • Extra bacon for $1.50
  • Swap to lettuce wrap for lighter option

See full Wendy’s Burgers Menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

The burger alone costs approximately $7.99 to $8.99 at most U.S. locations. A Baconator combo runs $11.49 to $12.39 depending on size and location. Check the Wendy’s app for your exact local price.

The classic Baconator contains 960 calories, 66 grams of total fat and 36 grams of total carbohydrates. A medium combo with natural-cut fries and a drink adds roughly 440 more calories.

The Baconator was introduced in April 2007 as part of a “back to basics” reorganization by Wendy’s new CEO Kerrii Anderson. It was specifically aimed at the 18 to 34-year-old demographic. The Son of Baconator followed in 2012 as a smaller alternative.

Not in its standard form. The bun contains wheat and carbohydrates. However, the Baconator can be considered keto-style with modifications, such as removing the bun and ketchup. Fat and sodium remain high, so review your daily intake before ordering.

The Baconator contains egg, gluten, milk, soy and wheat. It does not contain fish, peanuts, shellfish or tree nuts. Cross-contact in shared kitchen areas is possible.

Conclusion

The Baconator is Wendy’s most iconic premium burger. Two fresh beef patties, six Applewood smoked bacon strips, and double American cheese. No vegetables. 57 g protein. Bold flavor.

Not an everyday burger. But for bacon-forward, high-protein fast food, it’s unmatched.

Check the Wendy’s app for local prices, deals, and nutrition info. App users usually pay less than counter customers