Barbecue sauce is a popular condiment that many people like to use on chicken, ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, and more. With its sweet, tangy, and often smoky flavor profile, barbecue sauce can take dishes from plain to extraordinary. For fried chicken chain Popeyes, barbecue sauce is one option customers can get to enhance their meal.
Availability of Popeyes Barbecue Sauce
The availability of barbecue sauce at Popeyes depends on the location. Some Popeyes offer barbecue sauce packets that customers can grab at the counter or through the drive-thru to add to their food. Other locations have barbecue sauce available to pump onto entrees or dipping sauces at their self-serve beverage station.
However, barbecue sauce is not a standard condiment option at all Popeyes restaurants. Since each franchise owner can determine which sauces to offer beyond the core chicken seasoning and signature Bayou Bold sauce, barbecue sauce availability varies.
Ways to Get Barbecue Sauce at Popeyes
Here are some ways customers may be able to get barbecue sauce at Popeyes:
- Request barbecue sauce packets at the counter or drive-thru
- Ask for barbecue sauce to be pumped onto your meal
- Check the self-serve beverage area for barbecue sauce dispensers
- Purchase a side of barbecue sauce
- Add barbecue sauce when mobile ordering through the Popeyes app (if available)
The barbecue sauce at Popeyes has a sweet, molasses-like flavor with a hint of smoky tang. It’s slightly thicker than some fast food barbecue sauces and clings well to fried chicken and other menu items.
Regional Availability
The availability of barbecue sauce can also vary regionally at Popeyes. Some parts of the country with a stronger barbecue tradition may be more likely to offer it.
| Region | BBQ Sauce Availability |
|---|---|
| Southeast | Moderate |
| Midwest | Low |
| Southwest | Moderate |
| West Coast | Low |
| Northeast | Low |
As shown in the table, locations in the Southeast and Southwest regions of the U.S. have a better chance of offering barbecue sauce than other areas. This matches up with the popularity of barbecue in states like Texas, Kansas, Tennessee, and the Carolinas.
Limited Time Offers
In addition to permanent menu options, Popeyes sometimes has limited time barbecue sauce flavors as part of special promotions.
For example, in 2010 Popeyes launched a Bourbon Famous Sweet & Smoky Barbecue Sauce for a limited time. This sauce had a sweet, brown sugar taste balanced with smoky molasses notes. More recently, a Sweet Memphis Barbecue Chicken Sandwich and Memphis BBQ Chicken Wings were temporarily added to menus in 2021.
So even if barbecue sauce isn’t normally available at your local Popeyes, be on the lookout for it during seasonal offerings or limited time promotions.
Hacks to Add Your Own Barbecue Sauce
If you love barbecue sauce and want to add it to your Popeyes order, here are some tips if it’s not available:
- Bring your own – Purchase bottled barbecue sauce at the grocery store to add on the go.
- Special request – Politely ask if they have any barbecue sauce packets available.
- Sauce swap – Ask for extra dipping sauces like sweet heat or honey mustard to mix together.
- Seasoning blend – Add dry rub bbq seasoning to amp up the flavor.
Adding your own barbecue sauce can take a standard Popeyes fried chicken meal from good to finger lickin’ great. A touch of sweet, tangy barbecue flavor complements the crispy, peppery chicken skin and boosts the overall taste experience.
Nutrition Information
When adding barbecue sauce to your Popeyes order, keep in mind that it will increase the calorie, carbohydrate, sugar, and sodium content. A typical 2 tablespoon serving of Popeyes Sweet Memphis Barbecue sauce contains:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 40 |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Sugars | 7g |
| Sodium | 160mg |
When used in moderation, the addition of 1-2 tbsp of barbecue sauce adds flavor without too many extra calories or sodium. But those watching their sugar intake may want to avoid adding large amounts of sugary barbecue sauce.
Allergens
Popeyes barbecue sauce typically contains ingredients that are common food allergens like corn syrup and tomato paste. Anyone with food allergies or sensitivities should check the ingredients list and ask questions before consuming.
Conclusion
The availability of barbecue sauce at Popeyes restaurants is inconsistent since each franchise owner determines their own condiment selections. Your best chance of getting barbecue sauce is visiting locations in barbecue-friendly regions and during limited time promotional offers. But even if barbecue sauce packets aren’t handed out at your Popeyes, come prepared with a few hacks and your own bottled sauce to recreate the experience. A touch of sweet, tangy barbecue flavor can be the perfect addition to Popeyes signature spicy, crispy fried chicken.