Chick-fil-A’s honey mustard sauce is a popular condiment choice for the chain’s chicken sandwiches and waffle fries. The tangy, sweet and savory flavor profile makes it a favorite among fans. But what exactly is in Chick-fil-A’s honey mustard sauce? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients.
Main Ingredients
According to Chick-fil-A, the main ingredients in their honey mustard sauce are:
- Mustard (vinegar, water, mustard seed, salt, turmeric, paprika)
- Honey
- Soybean oil
- Distilled vinegar
- Egg yolk
- Salt
- Spices
Mustard and honey are clearly the two key ingredients that give this sauce its signature flavor. The mustard provides the tangy, savory undertones while the honey lends sweetness.
The soybean oil, distilled vinegar, egg yolk and salt balance out the flavor. The added spices provide depth and dimension to the overall taste profile.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for a 1 oz serving of Chick-fil-A honey mustard sauce:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 170mg |
As we can see, a serving of Chick-fil-A’s honey mustard sauce delivers a good amount of calories and fat, mainly from the soybean oil. There are 5 grams of sugar per serving, most likely coming from the honey. The sodium content is also quite high at 170 milligrams.
Those watching their fat, sugar or sodium intake may want to consume this sauce in moderation. But for the average consumer, the nutrition information is reasonable for an occasional condiment topping.
Potential Allergens
Chick-fil-A’s honey mustard sauce contains some common food allergens to be aware of:
- Egg: The egg yolk in the recipe means this sauce is not suitable for people with egg allergies.
- Mustard: The mustard seed is a nightshade vegetable that can trigger reactions in some people.
- Soybean Oil: The soybean oil makes this sauce unsuitable for those allergic to soy.
Those with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should exercise caution or avoid this sauce altogether. Chick-fil-A does offer several other sauce options that may be better alternatives, like barbecue, sweet & sour and buffalo sauce.
Preservatives
Chick-fil-A states that their honey mustard sauce contains no added preservatives.
This is likely possible thanks to the acidity levels of the ingredients. Mustard and vinegar both have high acidity, which helps prevent bacterial growth. The added salt also boosts preservation.
However, the sauce does not appear to be labeled organic. So there is a chance pesticide residues could be present in some of the ingredients.
Artificial Colors and Flavors
According to Chick-fil-A, their honey mustard sauce contains no artificial colors or flavors. This lines up with their commitment to avoid artificial additives in their menu items whenever possible.
The yellow color of the sauce likely comes from turmeric spice, which is added to mustard for both color and flavor.
With no artificial flavors, the sweet, tangy, savory flavors of the honey mustard sauce should come purely from the natural ingredients.
Sugar Substitutes
Chick-fil-A states that the honey mustard sauce contains no sugar substitutes. The 5 grams of sugar per serving comes entirely from the added honey.
Those looking to limit sugar may prefer other lower-sugar sauces on Chick-fil-A’s menu, like the zesty buffalo sauce or tangy buttermilk ranch.
However, the modest amount of honey makes the honey mustard a better choice than ultra-sweet sauces from some other fast food chains.
Gluten-Free Status
Chick-fil-A’s website states that their honey mustard sauce is not gluten-free.
The mustard seed and potential thickeners like starch may contain trace amounts of gluten. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid consuming this sauce.
The good news is that Chick-fil-A offers several gluten-free dipping sauce options, including barbecue, buttermilk ranch, zesty buffalo and sweet & sour sauce. So there are still flavors to enjoy even on a gluten-free diet.
Where Is It Made?
Chick-fil-A produces their honey mustard sauce and other sauces at their own manufacturing facilities.
The main sauce production facility is located in Atlanta, Georgia. Having their own dedicated manufacturing plants allows Chick-fil-A to control and oversee quality standards.
Their sauces are made in batches throughout the day and delivered fresh to restaurants. By making the sauces in-house, Chick-fil-A can better monitor ingredients, safety protocols and freshness compared to buying from outside suppliers.
How Long Does It Last?
Once opened, Chick-fil-A recommends consuming their honey mustard sauce within 4-6 weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
The high acidity from the mustard, vinegar and lemon juice help prevent bacterial growth and spoilage, prolonging the shelf life once opened.
But over time, the quality, texture and flavor can deteriorate. So for the best taste and food safety, use up opened containers within about a month.
Unopened bottles have a longer shelf life of about 8-12 months from the manufacturing date.
Packaging
Chick-fil-A’s honey mustard sauce is packaged in plastic 13 oz squeezable bottles with a screw-on cap.
The plastic offers durability while the squeezable bottle allows for easy, controlled pouring and minimal waste. The wide opening also allows for easy refills into small dipping cups or other containers.
In addition, Chick-fil-A sells their honey mustard sauce in larger gallon jugs designed for single-location refilling needs. These are not available for individual consumer purchase.
The packaging ensures safe, consistent and efficient sauce delivery while minimizing environmental impact.
Where to Buy
Chick-fil-A’s honey mustard sauce is available for purchase only at Chick-fil-A locations or online directly from the company.
As a proprietary brand sauce, it is not sold in supermarkets, retail stores or by third-party vendors. Purchasing this sauce requires a visit to a local Chick-fil-A restaurant.
Many locations sell the sauce bottles individually so customers can enjoy it at home. Chick-fil-A also offers group catering sizes for large events or gatherings.
Online shoppers can buy this sauce through the Chick-fil-A website or app and get it shipped directly to their door. So even those without a local restaurant can still purchase this beloved condiment.
Price
At Chick-fil-A stores, a 13 oz bottle of their honey mustard sauce costs around $3.49 – $3.79 depending on location.
The per ounce cost ranges from 27-29 cents, making it an affordably priced condiment purchase.
Online prices are similar – a 13 oz squeeze bottle costs $3.49 plus estimated shipping fees.
For large gatherings, Chick-fil-A sells a 1 gallon jug on their catering menu for around $13.99. This brings the per ounce cost down to around 11 cents per ounce.
Considering the brand recognition and proprietary nature of this sauce, the pricing is quite reasonable compared to retail competitors.
Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe Copycats
As a signature brand sauce, Chick-fil-A’s exact honey mustard recipe is proprietary information.
However, fans have managed to develop some copycat recipes that aim to mimic the tangy, sweet flavor profile:
Copycat Recipe #1
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/8 tsp onion powder
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
Copycat Recipe #2
- 1/2 cup honey
- 6 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 6 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1/4 tsp paprika
These copycat recipes use ingredients like honey, mustard, mayonnaise, and lemon to try to get as close as possible to the restaurant version.
However, without the exact recipe, these homemade versions likely won’t replicate it perfectly. But they may come close for those looking to recreate the flavor at home.
Conclusion
Chick-fil-A’s honey mustard sauce has developed a cult following for good reason – it strikes the perfect balance between tangy, sweet and savory.
Mustard and honey are the base of this addicting sauce, balanced out by oil, vinegar and seasonings. There are no artificial additives or thickeners, just real food ingredients.
While not suitable for those with allergies, the nutrition stats are moderate and the quality is top-notch. This proprietary sauce is available only at Chick-fil-A restaurants or online, but priced affordably for loyal customers.
Next time you find yourself at Chick-fil-A, give the signature honey mustard sauce a try for a tangy, sweet and lip-smacking dip or drizzle.