Nutritional Breakdown of Chick-fil-A's Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Sauce
A single 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of Chick-fil-A's Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Sauce contains 45 calories. This low-calorie count is largely due to its fat-free composition. For those monitoring their intake, it's a valuable piece of information to consider, especially when choosing dipping sauces for items like Waffle Fries or nuggets. While it is lower in calories than some other popular options, its sugar content is a key factor to note for a balanced diet.
Complete Nutritional Information
Beyond the calorie count, here is the full nutritional profile for one serving of the sauce:
- Calories: 45
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 0g
Key Ingredients and Their Impact
The flavor profile of this sauce comes from a blend of ingredients that contribute to its sweet and tangy heat. The main components include:
- Sugar: The primary source of the sauce's sweetness and the main contributor to its calorie and carbohydrate count.
- Red Jalapeño Peppers and Chili Garlic Sauce: These are responsible for the sauce's signature spicy kick and vibrant flavor.
- Vinegars: Distilled and rice vinegars provide the tangy balance to the sweetness and heat.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth to the overall flavor.
Comparison with Other Chick-fil-A Sauces
To understand how the Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Sauce fits into the broader menu, it's helpful to compare its nutritional content with other available dipping sauces. Below is a comparison of single-serving nutritional information for several popular Chick-fil-A sauces.
| Sauce | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Sugars (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweet & Spicy Sriracha | 45 | 0 | 380 | 10 |
| Chick-fil-A® Sauce | 140 | 13 | 180 | 6 |
| Polynesian Sauce | 110 | 1 | 210 | 13 |
| Barbeque Sauce | 45 | 0 | 200 | 9 |
| Garden Herb Ranch Sauce | 100 | 10 | N/A* | N/A* |
| Honey Mustard Sauce | 50 | 0 | 160 | 10 |
| Zesty Buffalo Sauce | 25 | 0 | 570 | 0 |
*Note: Sodium and sugar data for Garden Herb Ranch Sauce may vary; figures are based on different sources. Always check the most up-to-date information on the official website.
From the table, it is clear that the Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Sauce is a middle-of-the-road option in terms of calories. It is significantly lower than the Chick-fil-A® and Polynesian sauces but higher than the Zesty Buffalo. Its fat-free status is a major benefit for those counting fat grams.
Is the Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Sauce a Healthy Choice?
Whether a sauce is considered “healthy” depends on individual dietary needs and goals. For someone looking for a flavorful, low-calorie, and fat-free option, the Sweet & Spicy Sriracha is a good choice. However, its sodium and sugar content are important to note, especially for those watching their intake of either. While it has less sugar than the Polynesian sauce, the 10g of sugar per serving is still a significant amount for a single condiment packet. The 380mg of sodium is also a considerable portion of the daily recommended intake.
For those managing their sugar, the Zesty Buffalo sauce is a much better choice, with 0g of sugar, though it contains more sodium. The Barbeque sauce, with 45 calories, is nutritionally very similar to the Sweet & Spicy Sriracha.
Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective
To conclude, a single serving of Chick-fil-A's Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Sauce contains 45 calories, 10g of carbohydrates, and 380mg of sodium, with zero fat. It is one of the more moderately-caloric sauce options available, striking a balance between the lower-calorie Zesty Buffalo and the higher-calorie Chick-fil-A® Sauce. Its flavor comes from a combination of sugar, vinegar, and peppers, providing a tangy and spicy kick without any fat. While its low-fat content is a plus, the sugar and sodium levels should be considered, particularly for those on a restricted diet. For most diners, enjoying it in moderation as an occasional treat is perfectly fine.
For more detailed nutritional comparisons, consider checking out official restaurant websites like Chick-fil-A's own nutrition guide.
Helpful Tip: If you are a fan of Chick-fil-A's sauces, check out our section on copycat recipes. You can control the sugar and sodium content in a homemade version to better suit your dietary needs.
