Quick Answer
Chick-fil-A’s buffalo sauce does contain dairy ingredients. Specifically, it contains cultured non-fat buttermilk and whey protein concentrate. So those with dairy sensitivities or who follow a vegan diet should avoid Chick-fil-A’s buffalo sauce.
Ingredients in Chick-fil-A Buffalo Sauce
Here are the main ingredients in Chick-fil-A’s buffalo sauce:
- Pepper sauce (aged red cayenne peppers, distilled vinegar, water, salt, garlic powder)
- Cultured non-fat buttermilk
- Soybean oil
- Egg yolks
- Whey protein concentrate
- Garlic juice
- Salt
- Spices
- Natural flavor
- Lemon juice concentrate
- Vinegar
- Citric acid
As you can see, the two dairy-derived ingredients are cultured non-fat buttermilk and whey protein concentrate.
Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product made from cow’s milk. It has a tart, tangy flavor and creamy texture. Whey protein concentrate is a concentrated protein extracted from whey, which is the liquid part of milk that separates from the curds during cheese production.
So while buffalo wing sauce recipes don’t inherently contain dairy, Chick-fil-A’s version relies on buttermilk and whey protein to achieve its characteristic flavor and texture.
Why Does Chick-fil-A Use Dairy?
There are a few potential reasons why Chick-fil-A uses dairy ingredients in their buffalo sauce:
- Buttermilk provides a tangy flavor and creamy, velvety texture
- Whey protein helps thicken the sauce and enhances its adherence to chicken
- Dairy ingredients help mellow and round out the spiciness from the aged red peppers
- The cultured buttermilk adds a distinctive, slightly funky flavor note
- Dairy fats help carry flavor and prevent separation of ingredients
Many buffalo wing recipes call for butter or cream cheese to help create a smooth, rich sauce that sticks well to the chicken. Chick-fil-A relies on buttermilk and whey protein to achieve similar effects.
Alternatives for Those Avoiding Dairy
If you need to avoid dairy due to an allergy, intolerance, or dietary preference like veganism, you have a few options:
- Request Chick-fil-A’s grilled nuggets made without buffalo sauce
- Bring your own homemade dairy-free buffalo sauce
- Order Chick-fil-A’s grilled chicken sandwich and use one of their dairy-free sauces like barbecue, honey mustard, or zesty apple cider vinaigrette
- Stop by a grocery store deli and grab dairy-free prepared chicken strips or nuggets to eat at home
You can also find recipes online for dairy-free buffalo sauces made with vegetable oil, hot sauce, and thickeners like cornstarch or tapioca starch instead of buttermilk and whey protein. They won’t taste exactly the same, but you may find an adaption you enjoy.
Nutrition Info for Chick-fil-A Buffalo Sauce
Here is the nutrition information for Chick-fil-A’s buffalo sauce based on publicly available data:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Total Fat | 3.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 15 mg |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
Key points:
- Relatively low in calories and fat compared to some creamy buffalo sauces
- Provides 3.5g total fat, mostly from soybean oil
- Contains 520mg sodium per serving, which is 22% of daily recommended limit
- Minimal protein and no fiber
So while not the unhealthiest buffalo sauce choice, those limiting sodium or following heart-healthy diets may want to use caution with Chick-fil-A’s version. Rinsing the grilled chicken in water after saucing could reduce the sodium level.
The Bottom Line
Chick-fil-A’s buffalo sauce does contain two dairy-derived ingredients – cultured buttermilk and whey protein concentrate. This rules out the sauce for people with dairy allergies, intolerances, or vegan diets. However, there are ways to still enjoy grilled Chick-fil-A chicken or nuggets by using alternate sauces or bringing your own homemade dairy-free buffalo sauce. While not extremely high in fat and calories, Chick-fil-A’s buffalo sauce is quite high in sodium, so it’s not the best choice for low-sodium diets. But overall it provides a nice balance of spicy and creamy flavors when used moderately on grilled chicken.