Is Wendy’s spicy nuggets discontinued? The chain’s best item for many Wendy’s customers is its spicy chicken nuggets! The spicy chicken nuggets were first offered in 2009 as a limited-market offering. Then, rapidly, it became an outstanding item. It was added to the menu nationwide the following year. They were a spice lover’s delight, just like the spicy chicken sandwich. But in contrast to the sandwich, the nuggets have this spicy combination in shareable, small bites.
2017, the chain unexpectedly pulled Wendy’s spicy nuggets from the menus. The brand cited a loss of popularity, shocking Wendy’s lovers worldwide. Fans decided to fight back to bring back this popular item.
The public’s strength finally won out. The chain confirmed on Twitter that it would certainly bring the popular fast food back. Wendy’s kept its promise in August 2019, when spicy nuggets returned to locations across the United States. This article will tell us more about Wendy’s spicy nuggets.
About spicy nuggets
According to Wendy’s website, spicy chicken nuggets are “100% white meat chicken breaded and marinated in a unique, fiery blend of peppers and spices.” In other words, we cannot order them as mild or medium. There are no specific chili peppers listed under ingredients, but the word “peppers” appears in the name description.
The only stated ingredients are salt, celery seed extractives, and paprika. The latter is likely to blame for the nuggets’ signature reddish hue and a hint of heat. Otherwise, those extra “spices” remain up for debate. These nuggets are manufactured in the same way as the chain’s normal nuggets: in a deep fryer.
Wendy’s states that all their nuggets are cooked in a blend of soybean and vegetable oils. Also, it may contain traces of corn, canola, and cottonseed oil. So they might not be the ideal option for those with particular allergies, the business claims.
Wendy’s removed spicy chicken nuggets
Fast-food fans are furious when their most beloved menu items are discontinued. In 2017, Wendy’s was the target of an attack after the company quietly removed spicy chicken nuggets from its menu.
As expected, the bitter reaction on Twitter has caused quite an uproar. Some devoted Wendy’s fans have threatened to boycott the company entirely. However, others have merely expressed disgust and dismay at the incorrect fast food choice.
In March 2017, FoodBeast explored the unusual situation. Instead, they received only a vague response. The brand provided no details on which cities, if any, still serve the flaming nuggets. As per the brand representative:
“Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Nuggets can be found in select cities nationwide, while the traditional chicken nuggets remain accessible at all Wendy’s locations. Customers who want spicy chicken nuggets can also choose our spicy chicken sandwich. Wendy’s also recently introduced the Asiago Ranch Chicken Club. It may be ordered grilled, spicy, or homestyle. Sorry, Wendy’s, but we don’t think that will cut it.”
Thus, Wendy’s discontinued its spicy chicken nuggets in early March 2017, but people had hoped that they would bring back this popular item. The fast food company had no plans to change its mind anytime soon, but the company said that a few cities still serve the discontinued menu item.
Although spicy nuggets have been removed from the menu, people ordered them off the actual menu in a few cities that couldn’t live without them. This is according to Brand Eating. Wendy’s stated that spicy nuggets are still available in the following cities:
- Austin,
- Dallas,
- St. Louis,
- Chicago,
- Madison, and
- Milwaukee.
The spicy nuggets are back!
Fans were not letting spicy nuggets go down without a fight. In May 2019, musician Chance the Rapper made a viral tweet to manifest the return of the flaming nuggets. Then Wendy’s began a campaign challenging followers to show how much they wanted the iconic snack back.
Two days and 2.1 million likes later, the power of the people won out. The Twitter restaurant confirmed that it would bring classic fast food back. Wendy’s kept its promise in August 2019, when spicy nuggets returned to locations across the United States.
A fast food item that generates enough buzz for a celebrity-led petition and nearly 2 million Twitter likes is undeniably significant. However, some people might wonder how much of it is hype.
So, what is unique about these nuggets? Reviewers believe it is the degree of heat. “Once the flavors of cayenne and pepper fade, you’re left with a lingering burn that stimulates your tastebuds,” says Dane Rivera on UpRoxx.
While many people agree that Wendy’s spicy nuggets are hot, not everyone likes the entire flavor.
Conclusion
The chain has yet to disclose how long the spicy nuggets will last. The website expressly notes that the spicy nuggets are only back for a limited period. Of course, some of this could be merely marketing.
So far, since the nuggets returned, the company has indicated that it has accepted the need. It’s evident in the figures, too: in 2019, Restaurant Business Online stated that Wendy’s move to reintroduce the famous snack boosted sales nationwide to their highest level in nearly four years.
There is no news on how long the spicy nuggets will be available, but it’s recommended that you eat all of that spicy chicken goodness while you can.