Sauce It Up
There are so many unique fast food sauces that are exclusive to certain chains, and many of them have a cult following. Whether you have your personal favorites or want to learn about the bestsellers, here are 20 fast food dips we’ll never forget.
1. McDonald's Szechuan Sauce
This sauce has some pretty interesting lore behind it. It was originally released in 1998 and discontinued, but then the show Rick & Morty led to an influx of popularity when it referenced the sauce. This led to an insurgence of fans clamoring for the sauce's return, and McDonald's briefly complied by rerunning it in 2017, 2018, and for a few days in 2022.
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2. Nando's Peri Peri
The iconic peri peri sauce from Nando's became so famous that it went from a fast food chain side dip to an entire bottle you can buy in grocery stores. Known for its tangy, spicy, and bold flavor, it’s the perfect topping for any grilled chicken sandwich.
3. Popeyes Sweet Heat
Many people prefer blackened ranch, which is definitely delicious, but some swear by Sweet Heat. With its spicy kick and perfect balance of sweetness, it’s the ultimate complement to Popeyes fries and chicken.
4. Culver’s Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Not too many people have tried this sauce due to the fact that Culver’s is located mainly in the American Midwest, but those that have cannot stop raving. The sauce is made from real melted Wisconsin cheddar and has all those tangy, cheesy vibes you’ll crave for days on end.
5. Chick-fil-A Sauce
There’s something so bold about just naming the sauce after a franchise and offering no other details. Apparently, it worked out, as the sauce is beloved as a fan favorite. It’s apparently a mixture of honey mustard and BBQ.
6. Cane’s Sauce
Some people argue that Raising Cane’s fried chicken is the best in the United States, and whether that’s true or not, it's hard to argue with their sauce. A soft orangey color, this sauce is made up of mayonnaise, ketchup, black pepper, Worcestershire, and garlic—and goes great on fried chicken.
7. McDonald's Honey Mustard
Aside from their Szechuan sauce fame, McDonald's current most popular sauce is the Honey Mustard, which is said to work perfectly with McNuggets. The sauce has a tangy flavor and is just light enough to keep you dipping.
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8. Arby’s Horsey Sauce
After being introduced in the 1970s, the Horsey Sauce has stuck around and garnered a cult following. It’s a blend of creamy mayo that works exceptionally well with Arby’s signature roast beef.
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9. Taco Bell Fire Sauce
This fire sauce promises to bring the spice without forgetting the flavor. There are milder and spicier options available too, but many patrons agree the fire sauce is the best of both worlds.
10. Popeyes Blackened Ranch
Of course, we have to talk about the blackened ranch. While Popeyes sauce opinions vary, blackened ranch is often mentioned again and again due to its depth, creaminess, and spicy kick.
11. Shake Shack Shake Sauce
The appropriately named Shake Sauce is pretty forthcoming with its ingredients, explaining that the key ingredient is dill pickle brine, mixed in with some Dijon, cayenne, ketchup, and yummy mayo.
12. New York Fries Gravy
Best. Gravy. Ever! It might fool you at first, but this iconic gravy is actually vegetarian, although you won’t find yourself missing the meat. Incredibly velvety with a deep and rich taste, it goes great on everything.
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13. Carl’s Jr. Sweet and Bold BBQ Sauce
The name pretty much explains itself, and it’s a popular alternative to the all-too-basic ketchup. It promises heat and smokiness and is a favored BBQ sauce for many.
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14. Whataburger Spicy Ketchup
It’s ketchup, it’s spicy, and there really isn’t more to it. Some even call it “Fancy” ketchup, and you can even order full bottles through the chain's online store.
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15. In-N-Out Burger Spread
Promising fresh ingredients in their burgers, In-N-Out has amassed quite a following, and their aptly named burger spread is another fan favorite. Some call it the better version of Big Mac sauce. Either way, the mixture is made up of ketchup, relish, and mayo.
16. Panda Express Teriyaki Sauce
This sauce can also be bought by the bottle, and it’s a great choice for fans of those Asian flavors and homemade stir-fries. In the restaurant, though, you can enjoy it with some spring rolls or on top of any dish!
17. Jack in the Box Good Good Sauce
With a name like that, you better believe it's good. This tangy twist on ranch offers up a creamy garlic finish that makes it the perfect addition to their menu items.
18. Chipotle Guacamole
Is guac a sauce? No, of course not. But is it still making this list because it's delicious and you can technically dip things into it? Why yes, yes it is.
19. Papa John’s Creamy Garlic
While there are better pizzas out there, Papa John’s has amassed quite a reputation for its wholesome attitude. The creamy garlic sauce is also unbelievably tasty and easily takes pizza to the next level.
20. Mary Brown’s Sidekick Sauce
Mary Brown’s is pretty much a Canadian thing, but if you’re lucky enough to try it, the Sidekick Sauce is a game-changer. Living up to its name, it works great with a side of taters or even smothered on a burger!
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