Wendy’s hot honey sauce has become a popular menu item for the fast food chain since its nationwide launch in 2021. The sweet and spicy sauce is served with chicken items like chicken nuggets and can also be used as a dipping sauce. But what exactly goes into making Wendy’s zesty new condiment?
Origin of Wendy’s Hot Honey Sauce
The hot honey sauce was first tested by Wendy’s in select markets in 2020 before expanding to all U.S. locations in 2021. It was designed to keep up with consumer interest in spicy and sweet flavor profiles. The sauce brings together the classic honey flavor with a kick of chili peppers and other spices.
According to Wendy’s, the inspiration for the hot honey sauce came from rising popularity of chicken and waffles dishes paired with honey sauce. They wanted to create their own unique honey sauce to complement their chicken menu items. By adding heat and spices to mellow honey, they developed a sauce that provides both sweet and spicy flavors in each bite.
Ingredients in Wendy’s Hot Honey Sauce
While Wendy’s has not publicly shared the exact recipe for their hot honey sauce, we can infer some of the likely ingredients based on the condiment’s tasted profile:
- Honey – The base of the sauce is real honey, which gives it natural sweetness.
- Chili peppers – The peppers provide spice and heat. They may use powders like cayenne, chili flakes, or chili powders.
- Vinegar – A vinegar may help provide some acidity and tanginess to balance the sweetness.
- Spices and seasonings – Ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ginger, and black pepper likely add extra flavor.
- Sugar – A bit of added sugar may boost the honey’s sweetness.
- Salt – A pinch of salt would enhance overall flavor.
- Oil or water – A liquid ingredient helps create the sauce’s smooth, pourable consistency.
Potential Hot Honey Sauce Ingredients
| Ingredient Category | Potential Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Sweetener | Honey, sugar |
| Heat | Chili peppers, cayenne, chili powder |
| Acidity | Vinegar |
| Seasonings | Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ginger, black pepper |
| Texture | Oil, water |
By combining ingredients from these key categories, Wendy’s can achieve the right sweet-spicy flavor profile and smooth, pourable consistency for their signature hot honey sauce.
Nutrition Information on Wendy’s Hot Honey Sauce
In addition to understanding what’s inside the hot honey sauce, consumers may also want to know its nutrition information.
According to Wendy’s website, here are the nutrition facts for their 2 oz dipping cup of hot honey sauce:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 460mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 64g |
| Sugars | 62g |
| Protein | 0g |
As you can see, the majority of calories in Wendy’s hot honey sauce comes from carbohydrates and sugars. This makes sense given that honey and added sugar are likely primary ingredients. There is also a considerable amount of sodium, providing 20% of the recommended daily value.
For consumers watching their sugar intake, the high sugar content may be something to be mindful of when enjoying Wendy’s hot honey sauce. The sauce packs over 15 teaspoons of sugar in just a 2 oz serving.
How Spicy is Wendy’s Hot Honey Sauce?
In addition to the sweet honey flavor, Wendy’s hot honey sauce gets its signature style from chili peppers and spices that provide heat. So just how spicy is it?
According to reviews, the spiciness level is mild. The heat builds slowly, adding a warm buzz rather than an intense burning sensation. The sweet honey balances the chili pepper spice. The result is a sauce with a gentle kick that should be manageable for those who do not typically eat very spicy foods.
However, spiciness is subjective. Those especially sensitive may find the sauce slightly more intense. Kids in particular may not tolerate spicy foods as well. Customers can request to have the sauce left off if concerned about the heat level.
For lovers of spicy foods, Wendy’s hot honey sauce may not satisfy cravings for intense heat. The sauce likely uses common milder chili powders instead of extracts derived from the hottest peppers. The spice level is designed to appeal to broad customer tastes rather than overwhelm with too much heat.
Spiciness Scale of Wendy’s Hot Honey Sauce
| Spicy Rating | Spiciness Level |
|---|---|
| 1 pepper | No spice detected |
| 2-3 peppers | Mild spice |
| 4-6 peppers | Medium spice |
| 7-8 peppers | Hot spice |
| 9-10 peppers | Very hot spice |
Based on reviews, Wendy’s hot honey sauce likely falls into the 2-3 pepper range. The mild heat allows the honey sweetness to still come through.
How to Make a Copycat Wendy’s Hot Honey Sauce
To recreate the flavors of Wendy’s zesty new sauce at home, try this DIY hot honey sauce recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot chili sauce (such as sriracha)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, hot sauce and cayenne pepper. Whisk until blended.
- Bring to a gentle simmer then remove from heat. Let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the water until smooth and well incorporated.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. Will keep for up to 2 weeks.
- Serve as a dip for chicken nuggets or drizzle over fried chicken sandwiches.
The honey provides the classic sweet taste, while the hot sauce and cayenne add mild heat. Adding some water helps thin it out to the right consistency for drizzling and dipping.
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder, smoked paprika, ginger powder, or ground pepper. Start with just a little spice at first, then adjust to your desired level of heat.
Serve up this quick homemade hot honey sauce when craving that perfect touch of sweet and spice.
Where to Buy Wendy’s Hot Honey Sauce
Want to get your hands on the ready-made Wendy’s hot honey sauce instead of making your own? Here are a few options for where to buy:
Online
Several online stores sell the official Wendy’s hot honey sauce bottles for delivery straight to your home. Try sites like Walmart.com, Instacart.com, Amazon.com, and eBay.
In-Store
You may be able to find Wendy’s hot honey sauce in the condiment aisle at grocery stores like Walmart, Kroger, and Meijer. Call your local store ahead to check availability.
Wendy’s Restaurant
Visit any Wendy’s location to order the hot honey sauce with your meal. You can get it as a dipping sauce with chicken nuggets or sandwiches. Or ask for extra cups of the sauce to take home.
Keep in mind Wendy’s locations sometimes experience shortages when the sauce is especially in-demand. Calling ahead to your nearby restaurant can ensure they have it available.
Conclusion
With its addictive sweet-spicy flavor, Wendy’s new hot honey sauce has become a quick favorite for dipping chicken. The sauce gets its signature taste from a blend of real honey and chili pepper spice. It provides just enough mild heat to satisfy those looking for a touch of zing. Next time you visit Wendy’s, be sure to ask for this buzzy new condiment and savor the sweet heat.