Chick-fil-A is a popular fast food restaurant chain known for its chicken sandwiches, waffle fries, and signature Chick-fil-A sauce. The tangy, sweet sauce is often used as a dip for the restaurant’s chicken nuggets and waffle fries. However, for customers who have dietary restrictions like lactose intolerance or veganism, knowing the ingredients of the Chick-fil-A sauce is important. This article will examine whether the Chick-fil-A sauce contains dairy and look at the full list of ingredients in detail. We’ll also overview some quick facts about Chick-fil-A’s ingredients and nutrition upfront.
Quick Facts on Chick-fil-A Sauce
- The primary ingredients in Chick-fil-A sauce are soybean oil, pickle juice, egg yolk, and high fructose corn syrup.
- Yes, the Chick-fil-A sauce contains dairy in the form of egg yolk.
- The Chick-fil-A sauce is considered gluten-free, nut-free, and kosher.
- A 2-tablespoon serving of the sauce contains 140 calories, 15 grams of fat, 140 mg of sodium, and 7 grams of sugar.
Now that we’ve covered some quick facts on whether Chick-fil-A sauce has dairy, let’s do a deeper dive into the full ingredients list and nutrition information.
Ingredients List for Chick-fil-A Sauce
The complete list of ingredients in Chick-fil-A’s signature sauce is as follows:
- Soybean Oil
- Pickle Juice
- Egg Yolk
- Distilled Vinegar
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Sugar
- Salt
- Spices
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Natural Flavor
As highlighted above, the 3rd ingredient listed is egg yolk. This confirms that yes, Chick-fil-A sauce does contain dairy in the form of egg yolk.
Why Egg Yolk is Considered a Dairy Ingredient
Although eggs themselves do not contain lactose or come from mammalian milk, egg yolks are still considered a dairy ingredient. This is because eggs come from chickens, which are animals. Any food product coming from an animal (milk, eggs, meat) is classified as a dairy or animal product.
So for customers avoiding dairy due to lactose intolerance or health reasons, egg yolk should still be avoided. Those following a vegan diet must also avoid Chick-fil-A sauce, as egg yolk comes from an animal.
Nutrition Facts for Chick-fil-A Sauce
Now that we know the Chick-fil-A sauce contains egg yolk and dairy, let’s look at the full nutrition facts. Here is the nutrition information for a 2-tablespoon serving of Chick-fil-A sauce:
| Nutrition Facts | 2 tbsp Chick-fil-A Sauce |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total Fat 15g | 15% DV |
| Saturated Fat 1.5g | 8% DV |
| Trans Fat 0g | – |
| Cholesterol 55mg | 18% DV |
| Sodium 140mg | 6% DV |
| Total Carbohydrate 7g | 2% DV |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% DV |
| Sugars 7g | – |
| Protein 1g | 2% DV |
Key highlights from the nutrition information:
- 140 calories per serving
- 15g total fat, mostly from the soybean oil
- 55mg cholesterol
- 7g sugars, from high fructose corn syrup
- 140mg sodium
As we can see, the Chick-fil-A sauce is high in calories, fat, and sodium compared to many condiments and sauces. The egg yolk contributes to the cholesterol content as well. Those watching their saturated fat, cholesterol, or overall calorie intake may want to use the sauce sparingly.
Chick-fil-A Sauce Allergy Information
Now that we’ve covered the main ingredients and nutrition facts, let’s outline some allergy details for the Chick-fil-A sauce:
- Dairy: Contains egg yolk, so not dairy-free.
- Egg: Contains egg yolk, so not egg-free.
- Wheat: Does not contain wheat, gluten-free.
- Tree nuts: Does not contain tree nuts, nut-free.
- Peanuts: Does not contain peanuts.
- Shellfish: Does not contain shellfish.
- Fish: Does not contain fish.
- Soybeans: Contains soybean oil.
- MSG: No MSG.
The key considerations for allergy sufferers are the egg yolk (for egg allergies) and soybean oil (for soy allergies). Overall, the Chick-fil-A sauce is quite allergy-friendly, except for the egg yolk dairy ingredient.
Suitable for These Special Diets
Based on the nutrition and allergen information we’ve covered, the Chick-fil-A sauce would be suitable for the following diets with some caveats:
- Gluten-free: The sauce is gluten-free, as it does not contain wheat, barley, or rye.
- Paleo: May be considered paleo-friendly except for the soybean oil. Some paleo followers avoid vegetable oils.
- Keto: Normally keto-friendly due to low carb count, but some keto dieters avoid soybean oil and high fructose corn syrup.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans due to the egg yolk.
- Kosher: Chick-fil-A sauce is certified kosher by Orthodox Union.
So in summary, the sauce can fit into some special diets like gluten-free and potentially keto. But it is not suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets due to containing egg yolk.
Chick-fil-A Sauce Alternatives
For customers avoiding dairy or eggs, Chick-fil-A does offer some alternative sauces and dressings, including:
- Zesty Buffalo Sauce
- Spicy Szechuan Sauce
- Roasted Garlic & Herb Ranch Sauce
- Light Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Fat Free Honey Mustard Dressing
These sauces do not contain any dairy or egg ingredients. However, some still contain soybean oil. Check directly with Chick-fil-A for up to date allergen and nutrition information on these alternatives.
Those following vegan diets can request no sauce at all on their Chick-fil-A items. Or bring your own vegan condiments and dressings to customize your meal.
Homemade Chick-fil-A Sauce Substitutes
If dining at Chick-fil-A, your best dairy-free and vegan sauce options are the items listed above. But you can also recreate the flavors of the original Chick-fil-A sauce at home quite easily:
Homemade Chick-fil-A Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Blend all ingredients together until smooth. For a vegan option, replace regular mayonnaise with vegan mayo.
Easy Vegan Chick-fil-A Sauce
- 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Whisk together all ingredients. Adjust maple syrup based on desired sweetness level.
Where to Buy Chick-fil-A Sauce
Don’t want to make your own but craving that signature sauce? Here are some places you can purchase Chick-fil-A’s original sauce:
- Online at Chick-fil-A’s website, sold in 8 ounce and 16 ounce bottles
- In grocery stores like Walmart, Kroger, and Target
- Food ordering apps like DoorDash or UberEats allow you to add Chick-fil-A sauce
- Sold at many retailers like Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club
Check your local grocery store condiment aisle or visit retailers like Walmart and Target in person. Delivery apps can be handy if you want the sauce shipped directly to your door.
The Bottom Line on Chick-fil-A Sauce
So in summary, yes Chick-fil-A’s signature sauce does contain dairy in the form of egg yolk. This makes it unsuitable for vegans, lactose-intolerant customers, or anyone with an egg allergy. But it can fit into gluten-free, paleo, or keto diets. Homemade substitutes without dairy or eggs can easily replicate the tangy sweet flavor. And the sauce can conveniently be purchased in stores for at-home enjoyment. Hopefully this comprehensive overview helps summarize everything you need to know if you’re wondering: does Chick-fil-A sauce have dairy!
