Is Frank's buffalo sauce keto friendly? A Deep Dive into Nutrition

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 70% of people on a ketogenic diet cite condiments as a source of confusion, frequently asking questions like 'Is Frank's buffalo sauce keto friendly?'. The answer depends on which Frank's product you choose, as the ingredients can vary, impacting your total carbohydrate count.

Quick Summary

An examination of Frank's RedHot products reveals that while the original hot sauce is generally very low in carbs, the specific buffalo wings sauce varieties contain higher carbohydrate counts that require careful portion control for those on a ketogenic diet. Alternative keto-friendly buffalo sauces are available for stricter adherence.

Key Points

Frank's Original is Keto-Approved: The original cayenne pepper hot sauce is extremely low in carbs, with 0g per teaspoon, and is a safe choice for keto dieters.
Frank's Buffalo Wings Sauce has Hidden Carbs: The pre-made buffalo wings sauce, in contrast to the original, contains added carbs from ingredients and flavorings, requiring careful moderation on keto.
Always Check Nutritional Labels: Serving sizes for sauces are often small, so check the carb count per serving and account for multiple servings to avoid an unexpected carb spike.
Beware of Fillers and Sugars: Scrutinize ingredient lists for hidden sugars like corn syrup and thickeners such as cornstarch, which can increase the carb load.
DIY Buffalo Sauce is Safest: For complete carb control, make your own buffalo sauce by combining Frank's RedHot Original with melted butter.
Consider Keto-Specific Brands: If not making your own, look for specialty keto-friendly brands that use healthy oils and have minimal net carbs per serving.

Understanding the Difference: Frank's RedHot vs. Frank's Buffalo Wings Sauce

To determine if Frank's buffalo sauce is keto friendly, it is crucial to differentiate between two of their most popular products: the Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce and the Buffalo Wings Hot Sauce. Many people on the ketogenic diet assume all hot sauces are low-carb, but this is not always the case, particularly with specialty wing sauces that may contain additional ingredients.

Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce: A Keto Staple

For those seeking a straightforward, low-carb kick, Frank's RedHot Original is an excellent choice. Its simple ingredient list consists of aged cayenne red peppers, distilled vinegar, water, salt, and garlic powder. Per a 1-teaspoon serving, this sauce contains 0 grams of carbohydrates and sugars, making it virtually carb-free and a perfect addition to a keto diet. This is the sauce many keto dieters rely on for its heat and classic flavor without the added carbs.

Frank's Buffalo Wings Hot Sauce: The Hidden Carbs

Here is where the confusion arises. Frank's Buffalo Wings Hot Sauce, designed specifically for wings, is not the same as the original hot sauce mixed with butter. The prepared buffalo sauce includes different ingredients that can add carbs. For example, the Canadian version of Frank's RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce lists 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving. While this might seem insignificant, serving sizes are typically small (1 tbsp), and it is easy to consume multiple servings, causing the carbs to add up quickly. This is especially true when pouring generously over a large batch of wings or using it in a dip. Ingredients such as natural butter type flavor can contribute to the overall nutritional profile.

Comparison of Buffalo Sauces for a Keto Diet


Feature	Frank's RedHot Original Hot Sauce	Frank's Buffalo Wings Sauce	Primal Kitchen Buffalo Sauce	Homemade Keto Buffalo Sauce
Carbohydrates	0g per tsp	~2g per tbsp (varies)	1g net carb per tbsp	~1g net carb per serving
Ingredients	Aged cayenne peppers, vinegar, water, salt, garlic powder	Cayenne pepper sauce, butter flavor, salt, spices	Avocado oil, cayenne pepper, vinegar, garlic powder, salt	Frank's Original, butter, optional keto-friendly sweeteners
Hidden Sugars	None	None indicated, but flavorings add carbs	None	None
Fat Source	Inherently fat-free	Butter flavor (unspecified oil)	Avocado oil	Grass-fed butter
Overall Keto Rating	Excellent	Use with caution	Excellent	Excellent

Decoding the Ingredients: What to Watch For

When evaluating any store-bought condiment for a ketogenic diet, the ingredient list is more telling than the headline nutrition facts. Here is a quick guide to what to look for when selecting a keto-friendly sauce:

Added Sugars: Read labels carefully for hidden forms of sugar, such as corn syrup, molasses, or high-fructose corn syrup. Even sauces labeled as "mild" or "sweet" often contain surprising amounts of sugar.
Thickeners: Some sauces use starches like corn starch, wheat flour, or tapioca as thickeners, which can significantly increase the carbohydrate content.
Oils: Opt for sauces that use high-quality, healthy oils like avocado oil or olive oil over inflammatory oils such as canola, vegetable, or soybean oil.
Natural Flavorings: As seen with Frank's Buffalo Wings sauce, "natural flavors" or "butter flavor" can sometimes introduce unexpected carbs. The safest bet is a simple, whole-ingredient list.

DIY: Make Your Own Keto Buffalo Sauce

For ultimate control over ingredients and carbs, many keto enthusiasts opt to make their own buffalo sauce at home. A classic, simple recipe only requires two ingredients: Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce and melted butter.

Here’s a simple recipe:

Melt 1/2 cup of high-quality, grass-fed butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
Whisk in 1 cup of Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce until fully combined.
For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a few drops of white vinegar.

This simple, homemade version offers the classic flavor with virtually zero net carbs, provided you use the Original Hot Sauce and pure butter.

Navigating Condiments and Frank's on a Keto Journey

For a successful ketogenic diet, attention to detail with every food choice, including condiments, is key. While Frank's RedHot Original is a safe and reliable option, the buffalo sauce variants require more scrutiny. Portion control is essential if you decide to use a pre-made buffalo sauce to prevent excess carbohydrates from accumulating and knocking you out of ketosis. Always read the nutritional label and ingredient list for the specific product you intend to buy, as recipes and labeling can differ by country and time. By staying informed, you can enjoy the zesty flavor of buffalo sauce while keeping your carb count in check.

The Keto Takeaway

To summarize, is Frank's buffalo sauce keto friendly? The answer is a qualified yes, but with important caveats. The Original RedHot sauce is ideal, but the pre-made Buffalo Wings sauce is not as keto-friendly due to added carbs from flavorings and emulsifiers. By making a simple homemade version, or by choosing a specialized keto-friendly brand, you can enjoy delicious buffalo flavor without compromising your dietary goals.

Sources

Ketogenic.com - Keto Dressings: Which To Choose & Which To Avoid
Frank's RedHot - Official website product information
Carb Manager - Nutritional information for Frank's RedHot Original Hot Sauce
Reddit (r/keto) - User experiences and discussions
Yo Keto - Keto-Friendly Condiments: Enhance Flavour Without Carbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce is keto friendly. It contains 0 grams of carbohydrates per teaspoon, making it a great low-carb condiment option.

Yes, Frank's Buffalo Wings Hot Sauce has more carbohydrates than the original hot sauce. The amount can vary by product version and country, so it is important to read the nutrition label carefully, but it typically contains around 2 grams of carbs per tablespoon.

The main difference is in the ingredients. The Original is a simple hot sauce, while the Buffalo Wings sauce is a pre-mixed product designed for wings, containing additional flavorings and ingredients that add to the carbohydrate count.

You can make a simple, keto-friendly buffalo sauce by mixing Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce with melted butter. This provides the classic buffalo flavor with minimal carbohydrates.

When purchasing other hot sauces, check the ingredient list for added sugars and starches. Opt for products with simple ingredients like peppers, vinegar, water, and spices to ensure a low-carb count.

Yes, some brands, like Primal Kitchen and Noble Made, offer specific keto-friendly buffalo sauces made with high-quality oils and low net carbs.

While hot sauce is generally low in carbs, some brands can be high in sodium. Excessive sodium intake can be a concern for some individuals, so it's wise to monitor your consumption, especially if you have high blood pressure.