Best and Worst Popeyes Sauces Ranked for 2024

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.

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 List of Popeyes Sauces

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!

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.

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.

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. 

4. 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.

5. 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 . his 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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!

9. 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.

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!

Source: Popeyes Nutrition link