Wendy’s Chili 101

Everyone’s two favorite seasons are upon us: fall and football. With that comes all things tailgating and the very real need for gameday fuel. Whether you’re looking for your next go-to tailgating snack or if you’re looking to spice up your next meal, we wanted to take this opportunity to answer a few commonly asked questions because let’s face it — we know there are plenty of chili fans out there!

What Is In the Wendy’s Chili?

Made with our delicious beef, a hearty helping of vegetables and (of course) chili beans, this is a tried-and-true classic. What makes it so classic, you ask?

Facts About Wendy’s Chili

- Chili was part of the original Wendy’s menu. That means Wendy’s has had chili on our menu for 50+ years, so there’s a good chance your parents and even grandparents may have tried it at some point.

- It’s also so popular that it’s served in 100% of our U.S. locations as well as in multiple international locations. 

- Have you ever questioned who has the best fast food chili? Neither have we. In 2020 we served over 83 million servings of chili in the U.S. alone. Imagine that number over the course of 50 years!

- Our chili is so delicious that there’s some lore around it: it’s rumored that one Wendy’s employee was invited to a chili cook-off and showed up to the party with a batch of Wendy’s chili. Not only did they save themselves some time, but they WON the cook-off. So, if you need some help at your next chili cook-off or a family event, you know where to go (we’ll keep it our secret).

- With 16g net carbs in a small order and 23g net carbs in a large order, Wendy’s chili is a carb-conscious, high protein OG-favorite when eating on the go.

Can You (and Should You) Tailgate with Wendy’s Chili?

The short answer is YES! Wendy’s chili is not only delicious and comforting on a cool fall day, but it’s also quick and easy to pick up from your nearest Wendy’s on the way to get your tailgating on. Forget the meal prep and let us do the gameday cooking for you! Regardless of whatever turf you tailgate on, we know a lot of you wonder, “is chili a soup or stew?”. Well, we think it’s in a league of its own for good reason.

Does Wendy’s Have a Family Size Chili?

Depending on your nearest Wendy’s, this may in fact be an option – and a welcome one for busy weeknights or when it’s your weekend to fuel up the whole crew pre-football game! To see if your Wendy’s offers a family size chili, download the Wendy’s app, enter in your nearby Wendy’s and you can check to see if it is available near you.

What Can You Eat with Chili?

One of the best things about chili is its versatility. With only 240 calories in a small-serving and 340 calories in a large-serving, it’s a satisfying option that won’t set your day back. Now, if you’re wondering what to have alongside your chili, we’ve got your back with a few of our favorite pairings:

- Looking for the ultimate in comfort this fall? Try a bowl of chili and its equally comforting counterpart, the baked potato—your tastebuds won’t be sorry.

- And if you’re craving something a little extra that’s even more convenient than the tried-and-true baked potato, try chili with a side of our recently reimagined Hot & Crispy French Fries that are perfect for dipping. P.S. As part of our Hot & Crispy Guarantee, if your fries aren't hot and crispy when you receive them, we'll replace them, no questions asked.

- If you’re trying to watch your carb count, consider ordering a Parmesan Caesar Chicken Salad (4g net carbs with dressing) for big flavor–dressing included!

- If you’re looking for something with a kick, try dipping our Spicy Nuggets in Wendy’s chili for something new.

Luckily, you can purchase our chili both in-restaurant and online*.

*Delivery available from participating Wendy’s locations across the United States. Standard delivery fees apply. Price and products may vary by location.