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Nutrition Diet: Answering the Question: Which Buffalo Wild Wings Sauces Don't Have Sugar?

4 min read

According to nutritional data, many of Buffalo Wild Wings' dry seasonings and certain traditional sauces contain 0-2 grams of sugar per serving, dispelling the myth that all restaurant wing sauces are loaded with sugar. If you are following a low-sugar, keto-friendly, or generally health-conscious nutrition diet, knowing which Buffalo Wild Wings sauces don't have sugar is essential for making smart and delicious choices.

Quick Summary

This guide details the low-sugar and sugar-free options at Buffalo Wild Wings, highlighting which wet sauces and dry seasonings are best for a low-sugar diet. It examines the nutritional content of various options, provides key differences between low-sugar and high-sugar choices, and offers strategies for building a healthy meal.

Key Points

  • Dry Rubs Are Sugar-Free: The safest bet for a sugar-free wing experience at Buffalo Wild Wings is to choose any of the dry seasonings, like Lemon Pepper or Salt & Vinegar.

  • Classic Buffalo Sauces Have Low Sugar: The mild, medium, hot, wild, and blazin' wet sauces, and Spicy Garlic, are primarily heat-focused and contain very little to no sugar.

  • Avoid Sweet and Tangy Sauces: Sauces like Asian Zing, Honey BBQ, and Teriyaki are loaded with sugar and should be avoided on a low-sugar diet.

  • Choose Traditional Wings: Opt for the bone-in traditional wings over the breaded boneless wings to significantly reduce your carbohydrate and sugar intake.

  • Customize Your Order for Success: Customize your meal by asking for sauce on the side, skipping bread, and choosing low-carb sides like celery with ranch or blue cheese.

  • High-Sugar Sauces are Often Obvious: As a general rule, the sauces that taste distinctly sweet, fruity, or like barbecue are the ones to avoid.

In This Article

Navigating the Buffalo Wild Wings Menu on a Low-Sugar Diet

Eating out while sticking to a low-sugar nutrition diet can be challenging, especially at restaurants known for their sauces. Buffalo Wild Wings is a prime example, with a menu featuring dozens of flavorful sauces and seasonings. The key to success is knowing which options to choose. Fortunately, not all of their popular flavors are packed with sugar. The menu is divided into two main categories: wet sauces and dry seasonings, and the difference in their sugar content is significant.

The Dry Seasonings: Your Safest Bet

When searching for a truly sugar-free experience, the dry seasonings are your best choice. All of Buffalo Wild Wings' dry rubs contain very little to no sugar and offer a rich, complex flavor without the added carbohydrates. These seasonings are applied directly to the wings after they are cooked, providing a crisp texture and bold taste.

Dry seasoning options with minimal to no sugar include:

  • Lemon Pepper: A zesty and savory blend of citrus and black pepper.
  • Salt & Vinegar: A tangy, classic combination that is all about the sharpness.
  • Buffalo Dry Seasoning: For that familiar classic buffalo heat, but without the messy sauce.
  • Chipotle BBQ Dry Seasoning: A smoky, pepper-forward flavor that skips the sugary barbecue base.
  • Desert Heat® Seasoning: A fiery mix of peppers with a hint of smokiness, though one source notes it has 1g sugar per serving.

The Low-Sugar Wet Sauces

For those who prefer a traditional, saucy wing, several options are surprisingly low in sugar. The general rule of thumb at Buffalo Wild Wings is that the sweeter the sauce tastes, the higher the sugar content is likely to be. The classic buffalo-style sauces, made primarily from cayenne pepper and butter, are your best bet.

Low-sugar wet sauce options include:

  • Mild Sauce: A classic, high-flavor, low-heat option with 0g sugar per serving.
  • Medium Sauce: A perfectly balanced, comfortably hot sauce that contains 0g sugar per serving, according to at-home product information.
  • Hot Sauce: A classic sauce with more heat and very low sugar content.
  • Spicy Garlic Sauce: Combines heat with a rich, garlicky flavor and boasts 0g sugar per serving.
  • Wild® Sauce: A hot and flavorful option with very low sugar.
  • Blazin'® Knockout Sauce: The hottest sauce on the menu, and because it prioritizes extreme heat over sweetness, it has a very low sugar count.

Comparing Low-Sugar and High-Sugar Options

To highlight the importance of careful selection, here's a comparison of some of the low-sugar options against their high-sugar counterparts. This table is based on nutritional information for a standard serving size of sauce.

Sauce / Seasoning Type Carbs (g) Sugar (g) Reason for Low/High Sugar
Mild Sauce Wet ~1-2 0 Classic cayenne and vinegar base, no added sweeteners.
Spicy Garlic Wet ~2-3 0 Garlic and peppers, no added sweeteners.
Blazin'® Wet ~4 <1-2 Focus on pure heat, very little sugar added.
Lemon Pepper Dry ~1 0 A straightforward seasoning mix with no sugar.
Asian Zing® Wet ~19 19 A sweet and tangy sauce with soy and ginger, high in added sugars.
Honey BBQ Wet ~17 17 Sweet, sassy BBQ flavor made with honey and other sweeteners.

Making Smarter Choices: Beyond the Sauces

Your low-sugar strategy shouldn't stop at the sauce. Here are other menu choices that can help you maintain your dietary goals at Buffalo Wild Wings:

  • Choose Traditional Wings: The traditional, bone-in wings have a far lower carb count than the boneless wings, which are breaded and contribute a significant amount of carbs.
  • Opt for Naked Tenders: If you prefer tenders, order them naked (unbreaded) for a zero-carb, high-protein option.
  • Skip the Buns and Croutons: When ordering a sandwich or salad, ask for it without the bun, toast, or croutons, as these are major sources of carbohydrates.
  • Rethink the Sides: Avoid the high-carb fries and opt for celery sticks, which are included with the wings and are a great, low-carb choice. Blue cheese or ranch dressing, in moderation, are also low in sugar.
  • Check the Official Nutrition Info: Always consult the official Buffalo Wild Wings nutritional information, as ingredients and preparations can change. Find the latest data on their website.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Wings Without the Sugar

Finding low-sugar and no-sugar options at Buffalo Wild Wings is entirely possible. By focusing on the dry seasonings and the heat-forward, classic buffalo wet sauces, you can enjoy flavorful wings without derailing your diet. Remembering to order traditional wings over the breaded boneless version and being mindful of high-carb sides will ensure your meal aligns with your nutritional goals. With a bit of knowledge and careful ordering, you can satisfy your craving for wings while staying on track.

For further nutritional information, visit the official Buffalo Wild Wings website.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to nutritional information, several wet sauces contain 0 grams of sugar per serving, including Mild, Medium, and Spicy Garlic. All of the dry seasonings, such as Lemon Pepper and Salt & Vinegar, also contain virtually no sugar.

Yes, for a completely sugar-free or extremely low-carb option, the dry rubs are your best choice. All dry rubs, including Lemon Pepper and Chipotle BBQ, have minimal calories and carbs, and are generally sugar-free.

You should avoid the sweet and high-sugar sauces, which include Asian Zing, Honey BBQ, Teriyaki, and Mango Habanero. These are loaded with added sugars that will impact your carb count.

Traditional, bone-in wings are far more suitable for a low-sugar and low-carb diet because they are not breaded. The boneless wings are breaded and fried, which significantly increases their carbohydrate content.

Yes, ranch and blue cheese dressings are generally low in sugar and can be enjoyed in moderation. They are often served alongside celery, which is a great low-carb side to complement your wings.

Generally, yes. The sauces that focus on pure heat, such as Hot and Blazin', tend to have less sugar than sweeter sauces like Honey BBQ. Heat-based sauces derive their flavor from peppers and vinegar rather than sweeteners.

For the most reliable information, you should always consult the official Buffalo Wild Wings website or nutritional guide. Their website provides details on calories, carbs, and sugar for all menu items.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.