Oscar Mayer Introduces Maple Bourbon Bacon, First New Bacon Flavor in Five Years

KHC
April 09, 2026

Oscar Mayer, a brand of The Kraft Heinz Company, announced on April 8 2026 that it will launch a new bacon product called Oscar Mayer Maple Bourbon Bacon. The thick‑cut slices are cured with Evan Williams Bourbon and are slow‑smoked for 12 hours, giving the bacon vanilla and caramel notes that come from barrel‑aged Kentucky bourbon.

The product is the first new bacon flavor from Oscar Mayer in five years and is part of the brand’s plan to introduce a new variety each year. The partnership with Evan Williams, a leading bourbon brand, adds a premium flavor profile that aligns with the growing consumer interest in maple‑and‑bourbon‑infused foods.

The launch fits into Kraft Heinz’s broader strategy to contemporize iconic brands and drive volume‑led growth. The company has earmarked an incremental $600 million investment in 2025 for marketing, research and development, and sales, with a focus on the U.S. market. Oscar Mayer’s new bacon line is intended to capture a niche segment of bacon buyers who are seeking trend‑driven flavor experiences.

Consumer demand for maple and bourbon flavors has surged, with millions of Pinterest saves in the past year. By offering a premium, flavored bacon, Oscar Mayer aims to tap into this trend and strengthen its position in the flavored bacon market, which is increasingly competitive and driven by consumer experimentation.

While the product launch is a significant operational milestone, it has not yet produced measurable financial impact. However, it signals Kraft Heinz’s commitment to product innovation and its strategy to expand the meat portfolio in a way that supports long‑term growth.

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