It’s time for another feast of prepared cooking, before 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 on December 30 every year, and we’ve rounded up the current deals and deals available at restaurants across the country.

But promotions on bacon are rare, as bacon is one of the most in-demand items with shortages in some stores. Publix stores are restricting purchases of bacon as well as cream cheese, sports drinks and other items.

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The cost of bacon has risen, and prices were 21% higher in November than a year earlier, according to the latest Consumer Price Index.

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

Bacon Day 2021 offers

The following are available at participating branches nationwide on Thursday, unless otherwise noted. Some offers may require a mobile app, and most are made while supplies last. Offers may vary by franchise, so check with your nearest branch.

Free Wendy’s Baconator Fries with app

Until Sunday, January 2, get free bacon fries with any purchase on the Wendy’s app. According to the fine print, offer is not valid in a combo or with any other offer.

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

Jimmy Dean’s Free Bacon

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

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► New Year’s Day 2022:Hours for Dillard’s, Michaels, Party City, Old Navy, Nordstrom and more

Free McDonald’s food, in-app offers

The McDonald’s app has a variety of free food deals and deals on Thursdays, including free rolls with a minimum purchase of $ 1 during breakfast, $ 1 large fries, and free offers. Daily deals and offers may vary by account and region.

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

Boston Market $ 3.60 roast chicken, sides and more

For Boston Market’s 36th anniversary on Thursday, get a whole roast chicken, a large side dish, or a 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 offer is available in restaurants, take-out, drive-thru but not for online purchases.

Taco Bell BOGO burrito

Until Friday, order any $ 2 Taco Bell burrito in the app and win a free Fiesta Veggie Burrito offer to use Saturday through January 15. To get this offer, you must be a registered user of the app. Sign up at Tacobell.com/rewards and you’ll also receive a free Doritos Locos taco.

Burger King app offers

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

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

Krispy Kreme’s Raise a Glazed Donut Offer

Krispy Kreme rings in 2022 with a sweet donut accord dubbed “Raise a Glazed”. Get two dozen Original Glazed for $ 12 Thursday through Sunday, January 2.

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

And … Krispy Kreme free donut with vaccine card

The Krispy Kreme vaccine incentive began in March and is expected to end on Friday, December 31. Bring a valid COVID-19 vaccination card for a free glazed donut.

The story continues below.

Panera Coffee Subscription Free Trial

If you haven’t signed up for Panera’s Unlimited Monthly Coffee Membership, there is an offer for new subscribers until Friday, December 31st. Sign up for 30 days of free coffee at Panerabread.com. Subscription is $ 8.99 after trial.

Shake Shack BOGO ShackBurgers

Until Sunday January 2, Shake Shack is running an offer to purchase a free product on unique ShackBurgers on the Shack app or on the restaurant’s website. Add at least two Single ShackBurgers to your cart and use code THANKYOU21 at checkout.

Offer can only be used once per account and excludes chargeable extras such as bacon, avocado, shallots, cherry peppers and gluten-free buns. Airports, stadiums and Shake Shack stadiums do not participate.

Sonic Half Price Patty Melt

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

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

Contribution: 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.