Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian sauce is one of their most popular condiments. The tangy, sweet sauce is served alongside Chick-fil-A’s famous chicken sandwiches and nuggets. But is Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian sauce actually vegan?
What is in Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian sauce?
According to the Chick-fil-A website, the ingredients in Chick-fil-A Polynesian sauce are:
- High fructose corn syrup
- Water
- Distilled vinegar
- Pineapple juice concentrate
- Soy sauce (water, wheat, soybeans, salt)
- Modified food starch
- Contains less than 2% of salt, potassium sorbate (preservative), sodium benzoate (preservative), xanthan gum, spices, polysorbate 60, onion powder
Based on this ingredient list, the main ingredients in Polynesian sauce are high fructose corn syrup, water, vinegar, pineapple juice concentrate, and soy sauce. The sauce also contains some preservatives and thickening agents.
Do any of the Polynesian sauce ingredients contain animal products?
When examining the Polynesian sauce ingredients for animal-derived products, there are a couple of potential concerns:
- Soy sauce – Traditional soy sauce is made with soybeans, wheat, salt, and often fish or anchovies. The fish/anchovies provide the umami flavor. However, Chick-fil-A specifically states their soy sauce contains just water, wheat, soybeans, and salt. So it does not contain fish. But the wheat and soybeans still must be considered.
- Natural flavors – The “spices” listed may contain natural flavors derived from animal sources like meat, dairy, or eggs.
- Sugar – The high fructose corn syrup is likely just derived from corn. But sugar sometimes contains bone char from cattle bones during processing.
Based on the ingredients alone, the sauce could contain animal products from the wheat, soybeans, or natural flavors. More information is needed.
Does Chick-fil-A confirm the Polynesian sauce is vegan?
Since the ingredients listing leaves some doubt, the best way to know if the Polynesian sauce is vegan is to ask Chick-fil-A directly. Here’s what Chick-fil-A says about whether their Polynesian sauce is vegan:
Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian Sauce is not vegan.
Unfortunately, Chick-fil-A explicitly states their Polynesian sauce is not vegan. So that confirms animal products are used in the recipe.
What animal products are in Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian sauce?
Based on Chick-fil-A stating the Polynesian sauce is not vegan, some part of the recipe must contain an animal product. Here are the most likely animal-derived ingredients:
- Dairy – Milk ingredients like whey, casein, or milk powder are probably added. These could be hidden in the “natural flavors.”
- Eggs – Eggs or egg whites may also be used in the sauce. Also potentially hidden in “natural flavors.”
- Honey – Small amounts of honey are commonly added to sauces for flavor and sweetness. Honey is not vegan.
- Shellfish – The “natural flavors” may contain shellfish extractives like crab or shrimp.
Without an exact breakdown from Chick-fil-A, it’s impossible to know for sure what animal ingredients are used. But dairy, eggs, honey, and shellfish are all likely possibilities.
Why isn’t Chick-fil-A Polynesian sauce vegan?
There are a few reasons why Chick-fil-A may choose to use non-vegan ingredients in their Polynesian sauce recipe:
- Flavor – Animal products like dairy, eggs, and honey add rich, savory flavors that appeal to most consumers who eat a standard American diet.
- Texture – Dairy ingredients help create a thick, creamy texture and consistency.
- Preservation – Eggs act as a natural preservative to extend the sauce’s shelf life.
- Cost – Non-vegan ingredients are cheaper than vegan alternatives. This keeps production costs down.
- Supply chain – Chick-fil-A’s suppliers and systems may be optimized for non-vegan ingredients.
Essentially, using animal-derived ingredients allows Chick-fil-A to create the most cost-effective sauce with the expected mouthfeel, flavor, and shelf stability.
Is Chick-fil-A Polynesian sauce gluten-free?
No, Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian sauce is not gluten-free. The sauce contains soy sauce, which is made with wheat. Wheat contains gluten. Therefore, the Polynesian sauce is not safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Does Chick-fil-A offer any vegan sauces?
Chick-fil-A currently does not offer any vegan condiment or sauce options. All of their sauces and dressings contain egg, dairy or other animal products according to their ingredients lists. However, you can request certain menu items without sauce or ask for sauce on the side to avoid non-vegan ingredients.
Can you make a vegan version of Chick-fil-A Polynesian sauce?
Yes, you can make a delicious vegan version of Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian sauce at home. Here is a recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (mixed)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, whisk together all ingredients except the cornstarch slurry.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Make a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with water. Pour it into the sauce while whisking continuously until thickened, about 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and allow sauce to cool. Transfer to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate up to 1 week. Enjoy on veggie burgers, nuggets, fries, etc.
This easy homemade recipe mimics the tangy sweetness of Chick-fil-A Polynesian sauce without using any animal products. The sauce tastes great as a dip or drizzled on sandwiches and plant-based nuggets.
What’s a good vegan substitute for Chick-fil-A Polynesian sauce?
If you don’t have time to make homemade vegan Polynesian sauce, there are some store-bought alternatives:
| Brand | Sauce | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Tessamae’s | Tahini Dipping Sauce | Amazon, Whole Foods, Kroger |
| Panda Express | Sweet & Sour Sauce | Panda Express locations |
| Turtle Island | Polynesian Sauce | Whole Foods, Sprouts, Kroger |
Tessamae’s Tahini Dipping Sauce is a great tangy, sweet substitute. Panda Express’ sauce also mimics the flavor. And Turtle Island makes an organic vegan version of Polynesian Sauce.
What’s a quick summary about whether Chick-fil-A Polynesian sauce is vegan?
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian sauce contains soy sauce, spices, vinegar, pineapple juice, and other ingredients.
- The soy sauce is made without fish but still contains wheat.
- Chick-fil-A confirms the Polynesian sauce is not vegan.
- It likely contains dairy, eggs, honey, or other animal products.
- You can recreate a tasty vegan version at home or buy pre-made alternatives.
- But Chick-fil-A’s original Polynesian sauce is currently not vegan friendly.
The Bottom Line – Is Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce Vegan?
Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian sauce contains flavorings and ingredients that make it non-vegan. The restaurant chain confirms the condiment is not suitable for a vegan diet. The sauce likely contains dairy, eggs, honey, or other animal derivatives for reasons like cost, flavor, and preservation. But you can recreate a delicious vegan Polynesian sauce at home to drizzle on plant-based nuggets and sandwiches for a similar tangy sweetness.