Are Buffalo Wild Wings High in Sodium? A Nutritional Deep Dive

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Heart Association, the recommended daily sodium intake for most adults is no more than 2,300 mg per day, with an ideal limit of 1,500 mg for most. Given that Buffalo Wild Wings is known for its flavorful, savory offerings, many popular items on their menu can contain a significant amount of sodium, often exceeding the daily recommended limit in a single meal.

Quick Summary

An analysis of Buffalo Wild Wings' nutritional information reveals that many menu items, particularly sauced wings and fried appetizers, are very high in sodium. The sodium content varies greatly by item and sauce choice, with boneless wings typically having more sodium than traditional wings, especially when sauces and dressings are included.

Key Points

Sauces are the primary sodium source: Most of Buffalo Wild Wings' signature sauces and many dry seasonings contain high levels of sodium, substantially increasing the total for any wing order.
Boneless wings have higher base sodium: Due to processing and breading, boneless wings start with a higher sodium content than traditional wings, even before sauces are added.
Non-wing items are also high in sodium: Appetizers like the house sampler, as well as burgers and other entrées, often contain very high levels of sodium.
Sauce on the side helps: Requesting sauce on the side allows for better control over the amount of sodium consumed, making for a healthier choice.
Traditional wings without sauce are the lowest sodium option: The most effective way to minimize sodium at Buffalo Wild Wings is by ordering traditional wings without any sauce or using a low-sodium dry seasoning.
Dry seasonings vary in sodium: While most sauces are high in sodium, dry seasonings like Desert Heat are relatively lower, offering a flavorful but less salty alternative.

Understanding the Sodium Content at Buffalo Wild Wings

For many, a trip to Buffalo Wild Wings is a delicious indulgence. However, for those monitoring their sodium intake, understanding the nutritional information is crucial. The high sodium levels found in many Buffalo Wild Wings dishes can be attributed to several factors, including the sauces, seasonings, and preparation methods like frying. A detailed look at the menu reveals where the hidden salt lies and how different choices impact overall sodium consumption.

The Impact of Sauces and Dry Seasonings

The most significant source of sodium in Buffalo Wild Wings is often the sauce or dry seasoning applied to the wings. The base, whether traditional or boneless, has sodium, but the flavorful toppings dramatically increase the total. For instance, a small (6-count) order of traditional wings contains a moderate amount of sodium without any sauce. However, adding a signature sauce like Spicy Garlic or Original Buffalo can elevate the sodium level substantially. Dry seasonings also contribute to the total, though some options are lower than others.

Highest Sodium Sauces: Spicy Garlic (1700mg for 10 wings), Original Buffalo (1480mg for 10 wings), and Medium (1630mg for 10 wings) are among the sauces with the highest sodium content per serving.
Lower Sodium Sauces: Options like Caribbean Jerk and Smoky Adobo are comparatively lower in sodium, though they are still not low-sodium by general standards.
Dry Seasonings: For those seeking to reduce sodium, certain dry seasonings like Desert Heat are better choices than many sauces.

Comparing Traditional vs. Boneless Wings

The preparation and processing differences between traditional and boneless wings significantly impact their sodium levels. Traditional wings (with the bone) tend to have a lower base sodium count before any sauce is added. Boneless wings, which are essentially breaded and fried chicken pieces, are typically higher in sodium from the start due to the breading and processing.

High-Sodium Appetizers and Other Menu Items

It's not just the wings that pack a salty punch. Many appetizers, burgers, and other entrées are also loaded with sodium. A house sampler, for example, can contain an extremely high amount of sodium, especially when served with multiple dipping sauces. Items like Buffalo Mac & Cheese and Cheese Curd Bacon Burgers are also very high in sodium. Even salads can be surprisingly high in sodium due to dressings and other toppings.

Tips for Reducing Sodium at Buffalo Wild Wings

For those who still want to enjoy a meal at Buffalo Wild Wings while being mindful of their sodium intake, several strategies can be employed:

Order traditional wings plain or with dry seasoning: Opting for traditional wings without sauce or a lower-sodium dry seasoning like Desert Heat is the simplest way to cut down on salt.
Request sauce on the side: Dipping wings sparingly or using only a small amount of sauce allows for better portion control over sodium.
Choose grilled chicken: For burgers or wraps, swapping a fried, breaded chicken breast for a grilled one can significantly lower sodium content.
Be mindful of sides and dressings: Sides like fries and onion rings, along with dressings, can add a substantial amount of sodium. Opting for carrot and celery sticks is a better choice.
Share your meal: Splitting a high-sodium appetizer or large portion can help manage your intake.

Comparison of Wing and Sauce Sodium Content

This table provides a quick comparison of the sodium content (in mg) for a small (6-count) order of wings with different sauces/seasonings, based on nutritional information.


Item	Traditional Wings (6-count)	Boneless Wings (6-count)	Base Sodium (Wings only)	Sauce/Seasoning Added	Total Sodium (approx.)
Mild	430 cal	360 cal	160 mg	920 mg	1080 mg
Medium	430 cal	360 cal	160 mg	1090 mg	1250 mg
Original Buffalo	430 cal	360 cal	160 mg	990 mg	1150 mg
Spicy Garlic	430 cal	360 cal	160 mg	1130 mg	1290 mg
Lemon Pepper Dry	430 cal	360 cal	160 mg	290 mg	450 mg
Desert Heat Dry	430 cal	360 cal	160 mg	250 mg	410 mg

Note: The total sodium for sauced boneless wings will be higher than traditional wings with the same sauce because the base boneless wings themselves contain more sodium. The data for 6-count boneless wings shows a base of 1260mg, so for a Spicy Garlic boneless wing, the total would be 2390mg (1260mg + 1130mg).

Conclusion

Yes, many menu items at Buffalo Wild Wings, especially the sauced wings, are high in sodium and can easily exceed the daily recommended intake. The primary drivers are the sauces and seasonings, in addition to the processing and preparation of items like boneless wings and appetizers. While a meal at Buffalo Wild Wings is not a low-sodium-friendly option, making informed choices can help. By ordering traditional wings plain or with a dry seasoning, limiting sauce, and choosing healthier sides like carrots and celery, you can significantly reduce your sodium intake. Ultimately, being aware of the nutritional content and exercising portion control is key to enjoying your meal responsibly. For detailed nutritional information, consult the official Buffalo Wild Wings website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most of the signature sauces are high in sodium, but some are lower than others. Even the lower-sodium options still contain a significant amount of salt compared to homemade alternatives.

A small order of traditional wings with no sauce or seasoning, served with carrot and celery sticks, is the lowest-sodium option.

Boneless wings typically have a higher base sodium content than traditional wings, and adding sauce or seasoning further increases this difference.

To reduce sodium, order traditional wings plain, ask for sauce on the side, choose a lower-sodium dry seasoning, or opt for a grilled chicken option instead of fried.

Generally, yes. While dry seasonings do add sodium, some, like Desert Heat, contain significantly less than many of the signature sauces.

Many fast-casual restaurants and fast-food chains have high-sodium items, and Buffalo Wild Wings' menu aligns with this trend, particularly concerning their sauces and fried foods.

Yes, many appetizers, burgers, wraps, and even some salads are also high in sodium due to dressings, cheeses, and other ingredients.