Updated: Dec. 17, 2023
Celebrate this iconic fast-food chain with fast facts about the Wendy's baked potato.
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Wendy’s has been rocking the baked potato since 1983
Wendy’s opened in 1969, but it wasn’t until 1983 that the baked potato made its debut. In 1985, it joined a special reduced-calorie menu alongside a tuna-stuffed tomato and a cottage cheese and pineapple salad. Only the warm, fluffy baked potato has endured. Oh, and this is how Wendy’s got its name.
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Some flavors are now hot-stuffed history
Wendy’s once offered an Italian baked potato with sausage, meaty tomato sauce and mozzarella. The Mexican version had taco meat, picante sauce, cheese sauce and sour cream. There’s even been a baked sweet potato!
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A U.S. territory has Wendy’s most unique baked potato
While you can order a Wendy’s baked potato in Chile, Guatemala, Argentina and the Bahamas, you won’t find any flavors there that aren’t also in the United States. But in Puerto Rico, you can enjoy your spud with diced ham and ranch dressing. How’s that for something different?
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It’s more customizable than you think
Wendy’s U.S. menu boasts five baked potato options:
- Plain
- Sour cream and chive
- Bacon cheese
- Chili & cheese
- Cheese
But you can also request any fry or burger topping to make your own creation. That means pickled jalapeños, crispy fried onions, beer cheese sauce and muenster are all on the table.
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Canada has fewer options
Visiting Wendy’s in Canada? You’ll have fewer baked potato choices: the chili and plain cheese offerings aren’t on the menu. How about trying the poutine instead—it’s made with skin-on fries, melty cheese curds and a rich gravy.
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It’s not on the menu in Mexico
Have you ever ordered a baked potato at your favorite Mexican restaurant? Probably not, and you won’t find one on the menu at a Mexican Wendy’s, either—only loaded fries. But you can make our Super-Stuffed Mexican Potatoes at home.
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The cheddar sauce is more than just cheese
Don’t expect to replicate a cheesy Wendy’s baked potato in your kitchen. The chain’s cheddar sauce has its color and flavor enhanced by tomato concentrate, onion juice concentrate, paprika extract and a plant-based food coloring called annatto.
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It’s pretty good for you
Cheese or not, the Wendy’s baked potato is one of its healthiest menu items. The plain version has just 270 calories; it’s also an excellent source of fiber, potassium, iron and even protein.
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Wendy’s is uniquely committed to baked spuds
Wendy’s baked potatoes are wrapped in foil and baked in a convection oven for one hour. These logistics present challenges that other chains, besides the occasional Arby’s, have opted out of. Wendy’s is the only fast food restaurant to offer a baked potato nationwide.
Originally Published: January 08, 2021
Author
Amy Fontinelle
Amy is a freelancer writer with a focus in personal finance. She’s been working with Taste of Home since 2020, and her writing covers financial topics like how to save money while shopping, but she also lets her love of cooking shine with pieces about little-known foods and ingredients.
