With the recent introduction of Wendy’s Grilled Chicken Ranch Wrap, along with a new Cobb Salad and Blueberry Pomegranate Lemonade, I was eager to give them a try.
Wendy’s doesn’t often unveil two significant menu additions simultaneously, making this release particularly exciting for fans of the chain. Notably, this marks Wendy’s return to the wrap category since discontinuing the Go Wrap in 2020. Moreover, Wendy’s stands out as one of the few fast-food chains still offering salads, a distinction as both McDonald’s and Burger King have ceased salad offerings.
Although the new wrap features chicken and ranch in a soft tortilla, reminiscent of McDonald’s beloved Snack Wrap, Wendy’s emphasizes that their creation is distinct. According to a Wendy’s representative, the new wrap is larger and designed as a wholesome handheld meal, incorporating the freshness typically associated with Wendy’s salads.
While Wendy’s Grilled Chicken Ranch Wrap differs from McDonald’s Snack Wrap—it features grilled chicken rather than fried—inevitably, fast-food enthusiasts will draw comparisons between the two.
The Snack Wrap, phased out entirely by 2020, remains the top-requested item on social media and other platforms frequented by fast-food aficionados. Whenever a new fast-food wrap hits the scene, it tends to reignite interest in the Snack Wrap.
Case in point, when KFC recently introduced snack wraps, excitement ensued not necessarily because fans were eager to try the specific wraps, but rather because they speculated whether McDonald’s was taking notice.
Could Wendy’s new wrap prompt McDonald’s to reconsider bringing back the discontinued item? To explore this possibility, I teamed up with another fast-food enthusiast to sample the new items. Here’s our take on them.
Wendy’s recently introduced a new lineup featuring a Grilled Chicken Ranch Wrap, a Cobb Salad, and Blueberry Pomegranate Lemonade. Here’s a breakdown of each item:
Grilled Chicken Ranch Wrap:
- Per wrap: 420 calories, 16g fat, 1,230mg sodium, 41g carbs, 51g protein
- The wrap comprises marinated chicken, romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, and Wendy’s new ranch sauce.
- Appearance: The wrap resembles homemade fare but may lack visual appeal due to its flat appearance.
- Taste: The wrap’s flavor was underwhelming, with inconsistencies in ingredient distribution. While the chicken was tender and flavorful, the lack of sufficient ranch dressing resulted in dry bites. A more evenly spread dressing and the addition of bacon would have enhanced the overall flavor.
Cobb Salad
- Per salad with dressing: 680 calories, 50g fat, 1,340mg sodium, 19g carbs, 37g protein
- The salad features romaine lettuce, marinated chicken, bacon, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, hard-boiled egg, crispy onions, and ranch sauce.
- Appearance: The salad is visually appealing, resembling a restaurant-quality Cobb salad, with ingredients neatly arranged.
- Taste: The salad received high praise for its freshness and flavor. The lettuce was crisp, the bacon maintained its crunch, and the chicken provided a flavorful chew. The ranch dressing tied everything together, although the cheddar cheese was slightly chalky.
Blueberry Pomegranate Lemonade
- Per small size: 240 calories, 0g fat, 25mg sodium, 61g carbs, 58g sugar
- The lemonade features fresh lemon puree, blueberry pomegranate purees, and hints of banana puree and strawberries.
- Appearance: The drink has an appealing hazy blueish-purple hue, reminiscent of homemade lemonade.
- Taste: Initially tart, the drink evolves into a pleasant sweet-tart blend after stirring. However, its high sugar content, nearly equivalent to that of soda, may deter health-conscious consumers.
Overall, while Wendy’s Grilled Chicken Ranch Wrap may not surpass McDonald’s Snack Wrap, its Cobb Salad stands out as a premium offering. Wendy’s grilled chicken shines in both entrees, a rarity among fast-food establishments. Despite the wrap’s shortcomings, Wendy’s continues to excel in providing salads and lighter options, a segment McDonald’s has neglected for some time. The Blueberry Pomegranate Lemonade, though sugary, offers a refreshing option on hot days.