Understanding the Nuance: Vegetarian vs. Cross-Contamination
For many vegetarians, the primary concern is avoiding animal products as ingredients. For others, particularly those with allergies or stricter ethical standards, avoiding cross-contamination is equally important. When it comes to Buffalo Wild Wings, this distinction is critical. Several sauces are formulated with only plant-based ingredients and are therefore vegetarian, but the restaurant cannot certify any item as vegetarian due to the risk of cross-contact with meat products in their shared kitchen environment. This means while the sauce itself might be vegetarian, the way it's prepared and served can compromise the meal for some.
Vegetarian Sauces and Seasonings at Buffalo Wild Wings
For vegetarians focused solely on ingredient lists, many sauces at Buffalo Wild Wings are excellent choices. These options contain no meat, poultry, or fish, but they may contain dairy or egg, which is acceptable for lacto-ovo vegetarians. Below is a list of popular options known to be vegetarian-friendly based on their ingredients:
- Mild, Medium, and Hot Sauces: These classic options typically consist of cayenne pepper, vinegar, and spices and are often vegan as well.
- Sweet BBQ Sauce: A traditional, tangy, and sweet barbeque sauce.
- Teriyaki Sauce: A savory and sweet sauce, though vegans should note that honey is an animal-derived product sometimes included in similar sauces.
- Asian Zing Sauce: This sauce provides a blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
- Mango Habanero Sauce: A fruity and spicy option.
- Caribbean Jerk Sauce: Features a flavorful blend of island spices.
- Jammin’ Jalapeño Sauce: A sweet and spicy choice with jalapeño.
- Wild Sauce: A hot and flavorful option.
- Dry Rubs: Many of the dry seasonings, including Desert Heat, Lemon Pepper, and Salt & Vinegar, are vegan and safe for vegetarians.
Non-Vegetarian Sauces to Avoid
Conversely, some sauces clearly contain animal products and should be avoided by all vegetarians. These typically contain dairy or egg products as key ingredients.
- Ranch and Blue Cheese Dressings/Dips: These contain dairy and egg.
- Parmesan Garlic Sauce: Includes parmesan cheese, which contains dairy.
- Spicy Garlic Sauce: Contains dairy and egg products in its base.
- Original Buffalo Sauce: The original sauce includes dairy products.
The Critical Issue of Cross-Contamination
For those who adhere to a strict vegetarian diet or have moral objections to animal byproducts, the issue of cross-contamination is unavoidable. At Buffalo Wild Wings, most deep-fried items—including cauliflower wings and french fries—are cooked in beef shortening in shared fryers. For many, this makes these items unsuitable, regardless of the sauce they are paired with. If you are ordering anything that is fried, you must request that it be baked instead, which is an option some locations can accommodate but may affect the texture and taste. Additionally, kitchen tools and sauce containers are shared, which poses another risk of contact with animal products. Always communicate your dietary needs clearly with your server to understand how your meal will be prepared.
Comparison of Sauce Categories
| Feature | Truly Vegetarian (Ingredient-Based) | Compromised for Strict Vegetarians (Cross-Contamination) |
|---|---|---|
| Sauces/Rubs | Most mild, medium, hot, sweet BBQ, teriyaki, and several dry rubs | All fried food sauces and dishes, as they risk contact with beef shortening |
| Key Animal Ingredient | None, for most sauces | Dairy (in ranch, cheese-based sauces), Egg (in some sauces, e.g., Medium) |
| Other Menu Items | Southwestern Black Bean Burger (minus cheese and ranch), Side Salad (no cheese/croutons), Chips & Salsa/Guac | Any item fried in beef shortening, including french fries, cauliflower wings |
| Certification | Not officially certified by the restaurant | Not officially certified, and guaranteed to have cross-contact |
| Best Practice | Explicitly state vegetarian preference, ask about ingredients, request clean sauce bowls, and opt for baked dishes if possible | Avoid all fried options and communicate extensively with staff regarding preparation |
Making an Informed Decision
For a vegetarian, enjoying a meal at Buffalo Wild Wings requires diligence and clear communication. The good news is that many sauces are, by their core ingredients, plant-based. The challenge lies in navigating the shared kitchen environment, where the risk of cross-contact is high. Always check the restaurant's official allergen guide for the most up-to-date information, as ingredients and cooking procedures can change. While the company's official stance is that no items can be certified vegetarian, a knowledgeable and flexible vegetarian can find a satisfying meal here.
Conclusion: Your Plate, Your Responsibility
Ultimately, whether a Buffalo Wild Wings sauce is “vegetarian” depends on your personal definition and comfort level with cross-contamination. On an ingredient basis, many sauces are, in fact, vegetarian and even vegan. However, the restaurant's universal use of shared fryers with beef shortening for fried items like fries and cauliflower wings presents a clear challenge. For those with strict dietary preferences, requesting baked alternatives and emphasizing clean preparation areas is essential. By knowing which sauces contain no animal products and being aware of the risks, you can make an informed and satisfying choice at Buffalo Wild Wings.
