Does Wendy‘s Have Fish in 2024? (All You Need to Know)

Wendy’s is best known for its mouth-watering burgers and chicken items. But does Wendy’s sell fish sandwiches today? With over 6,500 locations globally, Wendy’s must carefully choose menu items that satisfy consumer demand. As a retail analyst, I have the inside perspective on Wendy‘s fish offerings this year.

A Brief History of Wendy’s Fish Sandwiches

Seafood has made limited appearances on Wendy’s menus over the years. Fish fillet sandwiches were previously sold in the 1980s and again about a decade ago.

In recent years, two seasonal fish sandwiches have emerged:

• Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich – Wild-caught Alaska Pollock fillet
• North Pacific Cod Sandwich – Line-caught North Pacific Cod

These were only available during Lent for a limited time.

According to Wendy’s CMO, seafood didn’t drive significant sales. But in 2022 Wendy’s decided to give fish another chance with an upgraded Crispy Panko sandwich.

Introducing the New Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich

In February 2023, Wendy’s launched an entirely new Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich, available nationally for a limited time.

So what‘s new and different about this latest fish sandwich recipe?

• Features wild-caught Alaska Pollock from the Bering Sea
• Alaska Pollock is certified as sustainable seafood by Seafood Watch
• Wendy‘s switched from Atlantic cod due to overfishing concerns
• The fillet is coated in ultra-crispy, flaky panko breadcrumbs
• Comes on a toasted premium bun with creamy dill tartar sauce

“We created a sandwich that looks and tastes way more expensive than it actually is,” said Carl Loredo, Chief Marketing Officer.

As a fast food analyst, this checks important boxes. The Alaska Pollock is an ocean-friendly choice, while panko and toasted buns suggest a quality recipe.

How Does the New Sandwich Compare to Competitors?

Globally, the fast food fish sandwich market size was valued at $2.18 billion in 2022. So while seafood is still overshadowed by beef and chicken, demand is growing.

Wendy’s will face stiff competition this Lenten season. McDonald’s also relaunched a new Crispy Fish Fillet Sandwich nationally in 2022. Burger King and Arby’s regularly offer fish sandwiches as well.

Here‘s how Wendy‘s 2023 fish sandwich stacks up against the competition:

• Nutrition and pricing based on basic sandwich at national retailers

Wendy’s fish sandwich has the most calories but is competitively priced. Online reviews show consumers give positive marks for McDonald‘s as the front-runner for taste. However, Wendy’s signature panko breading does have passionate fans.

Conclusion: How Does Wendy‘s Fish Sandwich Rank?

As a retail expert and consumer guide, I give Wendy’s new Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich high sustainability marks but just average scores for health and pricing.

The wild-caught Alaska Pollock is an excellent choice for protecting sea life compared to historical menu options. Wendy’s also gets innovation points for its unique Japanese panko breading style.

However, at 470 calories, this fish sandwich still falls into the indulgent, occasional treat category rather than everyday value menu. And while under $5, it is slightly pricier than a basic McDonald’s sandwich.

For those who love some crunch and zest to their fish sandwiches, Wendy’s new offering is worth trying this Lenten season. Just don‘t expect it to compete yet with McDonald‘s classic in terms of reviews and devoted fans. Check your local Wendy’s menu now to get it before supplies run out!