I am a big fan of Popeyes chicken and their Popeyes sauces are just to die for.
Whether it is used as a dip or piled onto the entire sandwich, nobody can deny that Popeye’s sauce game is strong.
In my review of the Ultimate Popeyes sauces list I have included favorites such as Sweet heat, Blackened ranch, BoldBQ, Tartar sauce, Classic Buttermilk ranch, Wild Honey Mustard, Bayou Buffalo Sauce, Creole Cocktail and Mardi Gras Mustard.
Popeyes has come up with many signature sauces with a Louisanna twist. They have made flavors that vary from tart to hot and savory to sweet.
So if you like traditional tastes or something more exotic, don’t worry because they got it at Popeye’s! Now let’s get started on ranking these bad boys but first let me tell ya why they’re so dang tasty..
About Popeyes Louisiana
Popeyes is a famous fast food chain that serves chicken in the style of Louisiana.
They have been in business for more than 50 years and so they have perfected their recipe to offer some of the most delicious and authentic Louisiana cuisine available anywhere.
They are proud to use top-quality ingredients and an exclusive blend of spices which other fast-food joints can’t match.
Here’s what happens with every piece of chicken— each one is hand-battered with a special mixture of Louisiana seasonings then marinated, ensuring a crispy outside and juicy inside.
Their flavor has been described as savory, spicy, tangy; it’s like nothing else you’ve ever tasted!
But it’s not just about the Chicken.
Popeyes also serves a variety of sides such as red beans & rice or cajun fries or creamy coleslaw… And these all go great together because they’re full-flavored too!
If seafood is more up your alley than poultry, don’t worry — there are fish sandwiches on offer as well!
The Ultimate Popeyes Sauces List
So in ranking order, here are Popeyes sauces from best to still pretty darn good! Honestly there isn’t a bad sauce in the line up, and it really depends what you will be pairing the sauce with.
I have added in the sauce I like to have with which menu item. Whether you’re eating their famous fried chicken or biting down on their crispy cajun fries — you need the right sauce, so I am here to help!
THE WORST
Read to the bottom of this article to see my best Popeyes sauce!
9. Tartar Sauce
This creamy condiment can be found on several seafood dishes such as Popcorn Shrimp or Fish Filet.
Made with mayonnaise, finely chopped pickles, herbs, and spices, it has a slightly sweet taste due to the use of pickle relish.
The problem is it is pretty plain, but also Popeyes being a Cajan restaurant I don’t find alot to go with it, hence it’s the bottom pick
8. Mardi Gras Mustard
If you love bold yet creamy flavors then Mardi Gras Mustard is an obvious choice!
This stone-ground mustard has a thick texture that pairs well with spicy chicken tenders and crispy popcorn shrimp.
Personally I found the mustard a little forward and wasn’t quite to my taste. If you are a big mustard aficionado you may rank it higher!
7. Creole Cocktail Sauce: The Underdog with a Punch
The Creole Cocktail sauce brings robust and slightly sweet flavors to the table, with a punch.
It’s perfect for fried fish sandwich or even popcorn shrimp! I found it a bit lacking in punch though, as the name sounds so exciting! Hence It’s pretty low on my list.
6. Bayou Buffalo Sauce: A Fiery Contender
The Bayou Buffalo Sauce is an amazing combination of the classic buffalo flavor we all know and love but adds Louisiana heat to spice things up!
Another fan favorite for pairing it with is coleslaw and Cajun fries.
It was a bit thinner than the other sauces, so harder to dip.
5. Wild Honey Mustard
If you have a sweet tooth then Wild Honey Mustard will definitely satisfy your cravings!
With rich flavors derived from Creole influence, you’ll find that it matches perfectly with Cajun fries and crispy chicken tenders.
4. Classic Buttermilk Ranch
While the Classic Buttermilk Ranch is a fine option, it doesn’t stand out compared to the other Popeyes sauces.
Nevertheless, it still pairs well with chicken tenders, nuggets, and Cajun fries.
This sauce is based on the traditional buttermilk ranch dressing, known for its smooth and rich flavor profile, combining the tanginess of buttermilk, the aromatic flavors of herbs and garlic, and a subtle hint of sourness from vinegar or lemon juice.
3. BoldBQ Sauce
BoldBQ Sauce does exactly what its name claims. With strong vinegar aromas and Worcestershire, it’s hard not to notice the tanginess in this barbecue sauce.
It’s a signature condiment offered by the fast-food chain known for its unique taste profile. The sweet yet tangy flavor with hints of smoke pairs well with Popeyes’ fried chicken.
2. Blackened Ranch Sauce
Popeyes’ Blackened Ranch Sauce is a creamy flavorful condiment that combines the zesty taste of ranch dressing with the bold smoky flavors of Cajun seasoning.
The ranch sauce is already known for its delicious taste but this one put’s it on another level with these additions — paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper — which are commonly used in blackening seasoning sauces.
The outcome is a sauce with a creamy texture, slightly smoked and spicy, that matches Popeyes fried chicken and other menu items perfectly.
The Blackened Ranch Sauce is sought after by many customers who love the blend of flavors it has to offer. It adds cajun vibes to your meal.
THE BEST
1. Sweet Heat Sauce
My favorite one of them all. Popeyes’ Sweet Heat Sauce is a really decent condiment. It combines the sweetness of honey with the spicy kick of hot sauce and a touch of vinegar.
I think the sauce complements the flavors of Popeyes’ fried chicken best, adding a balance of sweetness and heat that many customers enjoy.
The sauce has a slightly sticky texture due to the honey which I love, and its flavor profile is a blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy elements, making it an ideal choice for those who like a little bit of heat without being overwhelmed by spiciness.
Personally I love spice, but I think even if you don’t like really hot food this sauce works well, as it’s not super hot.
Sauce | Flavor Profile | Recommended Pairings |
---|---|---|
Sweet Heat Sauce | Sweet and Spicy | Spicy Chicken Tenders, Popcorn Shrimp |
Blackened Ranch Sauce | Creamy and Peppery | Cajun Fries, Chicken Nuggets |
BoldBQ Sauce | Smoky and Tangy | Chicken Wings, Sandwiches |
Tartar Sauce | Creamy and Pungent | Popcorn Shrimp, Fried Catfish |
Classic Buttermilk Ranch | Rich and Creamy | Chicken Tenders, Nuggets, Cajun Fries |
Wild Honey Mustard | Rich and Sweet | Cajun Fries, Chicken Tenders |
Bayou Buffalo Sauce | Classic Buffalo with a Kick | Cajun Fries, Coleslaw |
Creole Cocktail Sauce | Robust and Slightly Sweet | Popcorn Shrimp, Fried Catfish |
Mardi Gras Mustard | Bold and Creamy | Spicy Chicken Tenders, Popcorn Shrimp |
Popeyes Sauce Nutrition Information
Ensuring you’re enjoying Popeyes sauces responsibly and mindfully is important when it comes to your nutritional goals.
Counting calories, fat content, and other key measurements can allow you to make educated choices that align with your dietary restrictions or fitness aspirations.
Starting with calorie counts, Popeyes sauces are all over the place. Some sauces such as the BoldBQ Sauce and Bayou Buffalo Sauce have higher calorie counts due to their rich flavor profiles.
While other options such as the Classic Buttermilk Ranch and Creole Cocktail Sauce offer a lower-calorie option.
Then there’s fat content. Though some sauces like Blackened Ranch Sauce may have more fat than others, Mardi Gras Mustard and Wild Honey Mustard are lighter alternatives.
Lastly, keep an eye on sodium levels and sugar intake. Tartar Sauce has lower sodium levels if that’s something you’re watching out for while Sweet Heat Sauce offers less sugar in comparison to Mardi Gras Mustard and BoldBQ Sauce.
And just like that we’ve covered most of what you need!
See this table to learn more!
Nutrition Facts | Size | Calories | Cal from Fat | Total fat (g) | Sat Fat (g) | Trans Fat (g) | Ch (mg) | Sodium (mg) | Total Carb (g) | Fiber (g) | Total Sugar (g) | Protein (g) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BAYOU BUFFALO | 1 oz | 60 | 50 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 450 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
BOLDBQ SAUCE | 1.35 oz | 70 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 440 | 16 | 0 | 13 | 0 |
BLACKENED RANCH | 1 oz | 120 | 110 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 250 | 2 | 0 | 1 | <1 |
BUTTERMILK RANCH | 1 oz | 140 | 140 | 15 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 230 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
MARDI GRAS MUSTARD | 1 oz | 100 | 80 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 240 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
SWEET HEAT® | 1.35 oz | 70 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 290 | 19 | 0 | 16 | 0 |
TARTAR | 1 oz | 140 | 140 | 15 | 3 | 0 | 15 | 230 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
CREOLE COCKTAIL | 1.35 oz | 40 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 400 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
Source: Popeyes Nutrition link
Nice review of the sauces. I usually stick to ranch but might try something new.
I don’t understand all the hype about these sauces. It’s just fast food and the flavors are nothing special. I’ve had better at other places.
The description of the sauces is helpful. Maybe I’ll go with the BoldBQ Sauce next time.
This review gives a good idea of which sauces to try. I like the Sweet Heat Sauce.
I love this article! Learning about all the different Popeyes sauces makes me want to try them all. Thank you for the recommendations!
I love Popeyes chicken! The sauces are so delicious. My favorite is the Sweet Heat Sauce. It is sweet but not too hot. Perfect for chicken!
I don’t get the hype about these sauces. They all taste pretty average to me and aren’t worth the extra calories.
The review feels like an advertisement. I’ve tried Popeyes sauces and they’re nothing special. Overrated.
Great article! I really like the Blackened Ranch Sauce. It is very flavorful and goes great with Cajun fries. Yum!