Oscar Mayer, the Kraft Heinz-owned meat brand, is rolling out Maple Bourbon Bacon to grocery stores nationwide, marking its first bacon innovation in five years.

The thick-cut bacon is cured with barrel-aged Evan Williams bourbon and finished with Oscar Mayer’s 12-hour slow smoke process.

“While we have been crafting delicious bacon for 90 years, Maple Bourbon Bacon is an exciting new chapter for our bacon portfolio,” said Anna James, brand manager for Oscar Mayer.

“With the bacon category growing and accounting for one-third of our business, we are leaning into bold, trend-driven flavors our fans want.”

The launch kicks off what Oscar Mayer is calling a bacon innovation flywheel, with plans to introduce a new variety each year through limited-edition launches and potential permanent additions to its lineup.

The company said it will use emerging flavor trends and consumer feedback to guide future releases.

“Some flavor pairings just make sense, and bourbon and bacon is one of them,” said Max Stefka, AVP of global whiskeys at Evan Williams. “Partnering with Oscar Mayer on Maple Bourbon Bacon brings together two iconic flavors in a bold and unexpected way.”

New hot dogs for grilling season

Oscar Mayer also is debuting two new hot dog varieties this spring: Beef and Pork Franks and Cheesy Smokehouse Stuffed Hot Dogs, a smoky variation on its cheese-stuffed line.

Oscar Mayer is a brand of the Kraft Heinz Co., which reported 2025 net sales of about $25 billion.

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