Zaxby’s is a popular fast food chicken restaurant chain in the southeastern United States. One of their signature menu items is Zax sauce, a creamy, tangy sauce that is served with items like chicken fingers, wings, and sandwiches. Many customers enjoy the flavor of Zax sauce and use it liberally on their food. However, some health-conscious diners may wonder just how many calories are in this tasty condiment.
What is Zax Sauce?
Zax sauce is the signature sauce of Zaxby’s restaurants. It is a creamy, tangy sauce with a mixture of flavors like garlic, horseradish, and spices. According to Zaxby’s, the ingredients in Zax sauce are:
– Soybean oil
– Water
– Distilled vinegar
– Egg yolk
– Corn syrup
– Salt
– Mustard flour
– Soy protein
– Xanthan gum
– Garlic juice
– Ascorbic acid
– Calcium disodium EDTA
– Polysorbate 60
– Beta carotene
– Onion juice
– Propylene glycol alginate
– Yellow mustard
– White vinegar
– Celery seed
– Turmeric
– Natural flavor
It has the consistency of a thick ranch dressing or mayonnaise. The tanginess comes from ingredients like vinegar, mustard, and onion. The creaminess and richness comes from egg yolk and oil. The garlic and spices add lots of flavor. Overall, it has a complex and addicting taste that makes it hard to stop dipping!
Calories and Nutrition Facts for Zax Sauce
Many Zaxby’s fans want to know – how many calories are in their beloved Zax sauce? Here are the nutrition facts for a serving of Zax sauce:
Serving Size | 2 tbsp (30g) |
---|---|
Calories | 140 |
Total Fat | 14g |
Saturated Fat | 2g |
Trans Fat | 0g |
Cholesterol | 25mg |
Sodium | 320mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 2g |
Dietary Fiber | 0g |
Sugars | 1g |
Protein | 1g |
As you can see, a 2 tablespoon serving of Zax sauce contains 140 calories. The majority of those calories come from fat, with 14g total fat and 2g saturated fat. It also contains 25mg cholesterol and 320mg sodium, so it’s quite high in salt. There are minimal carbs, fiber, sugar, and protein.
So while Zax sauce is very flavorful, it’s not the lightest sauce option out there due to the high fat and calorie content.
How Many Calories in Different Portion Sizes?
The number of calories in Zax sauce will vary depending on how much you use as a dip or condiment. Here’s a breakdown of the calories in different serving sizes:
– 1 tablespoon (15g): 70 calories
– 2 tablespoons (30g): 140 calories
– 3 tablespoons (45g): 210 calories
– 4 tablespoons (60g): 280 calories
– 6 tablespoons (90g): 420 calories
– 8 tablespoons (120g): 560 calories
– 10 tablespoons (150g): 700 calories
– 12 tablespoons (180g): 840 calories
As you increase the portion size, the calories add up quickly. Just 4 tablespoons of Zax sauce contains 280 calories, and that’s a pretty typical dipping amount for an entire meal. Dipping very generously with 10-12 tablespoons would provide over 700-840 calories just from the Zax sauce alone!
Calories in Zax Sauce vs Other Sauces
How does Zax sauce compare calorie-wise to other popular condiments and sauces? Here is a calorie comparison per 2 tablespoon serving:
Sauce | Calories (2 tbsp) |
---|---|
Zax Sauce | 140 |
Ranch Dressing | 140 |
Blue Cheese Dressing | 180 |
BBQ Sauce | 60-130 |
Honey Mustard | 90 |
Ketchup | 30 |
Mayonnaise | 188 |
Sweet & Sour Sauce | 60 |
As you can see, Zax sauce is on the higher end for calorie content compared to other popular sauces. It contains about the same calories as 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing or mayonnaise. BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ketchup, and sweet & sour sauce are significantly lower in calories by comparison.
So while the Zax sauce tastes great, it’s one of the more calorie-dense sauce choices. If trying to watch your calorie intake, you may want to use it sparingly or opt for lower calorie substitutes.
Tips for Enjoying Zax Sauce While Watching Calories
Here are some tips if you want to enjoy the flavor of Zax sauce while still watching your calorie and fat intake:
– Use it sparingly – stick to 1-2 tbsp total per meal
– Dip your fork in sauce then spear chicken rather than double dipping
– Order grilled or roasted chicken without breading to save calories
– Choose lower calorie side items like broccoli instead of fries
– Order a Zaxby’s salad and use sauce as dressing rather than on sandwiches
– Substitute other lower calorie sauces like mustard or hot sauce
– Get sauce on the side and control how much you use
– Share an order of sauce with the table instead of each person getting their own
– Order a kid’s size or snack size chicken fingers to limit sauce usage
– Request lower fat ranch instead of Zax sauce for dipping
While Zax sauce is a higher calorie choice, there are still ways to enjoy the signature flavor in moderation. Follow these tips to satisfy your Zax sauce craving without going overboard on calories.
Healthier Zax Sauce Alternatives
For those looking to replicate the Zax sauce flavor while lightening up the calorie content, here are some healthier DIY alternative sauce recipes to try:
Greek Yogurt Zax Sauce:
Ingredients | Amount |
---|---|
Plain nonfat Greek yogurt | 1 cup |
Light mayonnaise | 3 tablespoons |
White vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
Worcestershire sauce | 1/2 teaspoon |
Garlic powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
Onion powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon |
This lightened up Zax sauce substitute saves over 100 calories per serving compared to the original.
Avocado Zax Sauce:
Ingredients | Amount |
---|---|
Mashed avocado | 1 avocado |
Greek yogurt | 1/4 cup |
Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
Garlic, minced | 1 clove |
Worcestershire sauce | 1 teaspoon |
Dijon mustard | 1/2 teaspoon |
This version saves over 100 calories by swapping in fiber- and nutrient-rich avocado for the mayo and oil.
So for a lighter take on Zax sauce, try one of these lower calorie substitutions using Greek yogurt, avocado, and other fresh ingredients. You can enjoy the flavor you love without all the extra fat and calories.
Low Calorie Zaxby’s Menu Options
If dining at Zaxby’s, there are also some lower calorie menu items you can choose to help balance out the Zax sauce calories:
Salads:
The Zaxby’s salads with grilled chicken range from 340-460 calories depending on dressing. The House Zalad or Caesar Zalad are excellent choices. Opt for light dressing or use Zax Sauce sparingly.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich:
A grilled chicken sandwich without the breading provides a high protein option at 440 calories. Pair it with a side salad instead of fries.
Chicken Finger Plate:
Order a 3-finger plate with a slaw or salad side for a 500 calorie meal. Use Zax sauce on the side for dipping.
Wings:
Traditional or boneless wings with Buffalo sauce or dry rub provide a lower calorie option at 5-8 wings for 200-400 calories.
Kids Meal:
The kids meal with 1 chicken finger, kids fries and drink clocks in around 400 calories. Perfect for a lighter meal with Zax sauce on the side.
So you can definitely satisfy a Zaxby’s craving while still watching your calorie intake by customizing your order.
Final Thoughts
Zaxby’s signature Zax sauce is certainly delicious, but it does come at a higher calorie cost. A 2 tablespoon serving provides 140 calories, with the majority from fat. The calorie count increases rapidly the more Zax sauce you use for dipping and dunking. While it tastes great, heavier usage can add up fast, so it’s ideal to use a light hand. If trying to watch calories, stick to 1-2 tablespoons per meal, choose lower calorie sides, or use healthier lower calorie substitutions. With smart menu choices and moderated sauce portions, you can still enjoy Zaxby’s flavor without going overboard on calories.