National Bacon Day 2021: Get free Wendy's Baconator Fries, Taco Bell BOGO and more deals Thursday

UPDATE: Bacon Day is over but here are food deals for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

It’s time for another made-up food holiday, ahead of New Year’s Eve.

Thursday is National Bacon Day, which according to the Bacon Day website, was created by Danya Goodman and Meff Leonard who came up with the day as a way to celebrate bacon and "The Simpsons."

The day is held annually on Dec. 30 and we've rounded up deals and ongoing offers available at restaurants nationwide.

But bacon specials are in short supply as bacon is one of the in-demand items with shortages at some stores. Publix stores are limiting bacon purchases along with cream cheese, sports drinks and other items.

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The cost of bacon has been on the rise and prices were 21% higher in November compared to a year earlier, the latest Consumer Price Index showed.

And prices could jump 60% in 2022 when California is scheduled to begin enforcing an animal welfare requirement to provide more space for breeding pigs.

Bacon Day 2021 deals

The following are available at participating locations nationwide Thursday unless otherwise stated. Some deals may require a mobile app, and most are while supplies last. Offers can vary by franchise, so check with your closest location.

Wendy's free Baconator Fries with app

Through Sunday, Jan. 2, get free Baconator Fries with any purchase on the Wendy’s app. According to the fine print, the offer is not valid within a combo or with any other offer.

Wendy’s has other offers in its app including a free six-piece nuggets with purchase. Physical and digital Frosty key tags are also for sale for $2 for a limited time on the app. With the key tag, get a free junior Frosty with any purchase throughout 2022. Find deals at Wendys.com/offers-coupons.

Free bacon from Jimmy Dean

Watch for Jimmy Dean’s Free Bacon Alert post on Twitter at @jimmydean. Then retweet with the #JimmyDeanHasBacon tag and #Sweepstakes for the chance to win a free pack.

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McDonald’s free food, deals on the app

The McDonald’s app has various free food offers and deals Thursday including free Hotcakes with a minimum $1 purchase during breakfast, $1 large fries and buy-one-get-one-free deals. Offers and daily deals can vary by account and region.

Don't have the app already? McDonald's says on its website that first-time app users get free large fries for downloading the app through Jan. 31 and joining MyMcDonald’s Rewards. Then after your first purchase through March 31, you get the choice of Hash Browns, Vanilla Cone, McChicken or a Cheeseburger for free.

Boston Market $3.60 rotisserie chicken, sides and more

For Boston Market’s 36th anniversary Thursday, get a whole rotisserie chicken, large side or whole apple pie for $3.60 each. Limit two of each item at the discounted price, while supplies last. Find the coupon at Bostonmarket.com.

According to the fine print, the deal is available in restaurants, for take-out, at the drive-thru but not for online purchases.

Taco Bell BOGO burrito

Through Friday, order any Taco Bell $2 Burrito on the app and earn a free Fiesta Veggie Burrito offer to redeem Saturday through Jan. 15. To get this deal you need to be a registered app user. Sign up at Tacobell.com/rewards and you'll also get a free Doritos Locos Taco.

Burger King app deals

Burger King Royal Perks members can choose from a selection of deals on the app Thursday.

New users can get a free Croissan'wich, Whopper or Original Chicken Sandwich with a $3 or more purchase.

Krispy Kreme ‘Raise a Glazed’ donut deal

Krispy Kreme is ringing in 2022 with a sweet doughnut deal dubbed "Raise a Glazed." Get two Original Glazed dozens for $12 Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 2.

The four-day deal is available online, in the drive-thru and at participating locations nationwide. Learn more about the offer at Krispykreme.com/offers/raiseaglazed.

And ... Krispy Kreme free donut with vaccine card

Krispy Kreme’s vaccine incentive started in March and is scheduled to end Friday, Dec. 31. Bring a valid COVID-19 vaccination card for a free glazed doughnut.

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Panera free coffee subscription trial

If you haven't joined Panera's unlimited monthly coffee subscription, there's a deal for new subscribers through Friday, Dec. 31. Sign up for 30 days of free coffee at Panerabread.com. The subscription is $8.99 after the trial.

Shake Shack BOGO ShackBurgers

Through Sunday, Jan. 2, Shake Shack has a buy-one-get-one-free deal on single ShackBurgers on the Shack App or restaurant’s website. Add at least two single ShackBurgers to your cart and use code THANKYOU21 at checkout.

The offer can only be used once per account and excludes paid add-ons such as bacon, avocado, shallots, cherry peppers and gluten-free bun. Airports, stadiums and ballpark Shake Shack locations are not participating.

Sonic half-price Patty Melt

Sonic Drive-In has brought back its Patty Melt through Feb. 27 or while supplies last. The burger starts at $3.99 and has a quarter-pound beef patty, grilled onions, two slices of American cheese, mayo and mustard on Texas Toast.

Order online or in the Sonic app to get one half-price Patty Melt with a reward. Limit one per customer.

Contributing: Associated Press

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko. For shopping news, tips and deals, join us on our Shopping Ninjas Facebook group.