A hefty burger, a bundle of crispy nuggets, and some fries on the side — your Wendy’s order is almost complete. The only thing it needs is a sauce, and not just any sauce, the right sauce. Sometimes, it’s the only difference between a mediocre meal and a satisfying feast. These are hallmarks of a quintessential fast food sauce, most of which you’re likely not going to find in Wendy’s sweet and sour sauce. This disappointing creation came in last in our Wendy’s dipping sauces ranking, and trust us, you’re better off without it.
Sweet and sour sauce probably isn’t all that foreign to anyone who frequently enjoys Chinese American takeout. At Wendy’s, it’s reimagined as a light orange dipping sauce with “a delicate balance of sweet, fruity, and tangy” (as per their website). In reality, our reviewer found it doesn’t embody that description. The tangy, sour base is barely there, existing only in a muted, uninspiring manner. Sweetness comes and goes, leaving behind only a sugary undertone that doesn’t really complement Wendy’s savory menu. It even lacks the umami nuances often spotted in sweet and sour sauces — one of the key allures of this Asian-inspired sauce. Adding insult to injury is the slimy, jelly-like texture. All in all, if you’re looking for a true sweet and sour sauce experience, these tiny Wendy’s packages might not be the best choice.
Other sauces you should be ordering (and making) instead
Sweet and sour might not live up to expectations, but other sweet sauces on Wendy’s menu do. Its honey BBQ sauce checks all the right boxes, putting it at the top of our ranking. The honey’s sweetness lays a rich, captivating base for the vinegary tang to cut right through. Laced in between are woodsy nuances that give the sauce a fascinating complexity. And the texture? It’s everything you could ask for in a dipping sauce: luscious, thick, and spreadable.
Folks who like something that accentuates spicy, tangy flavors more might appreciate Wendy’s ghost pepper sauce or its own version of creamy buffalo. These sauces both pack a decent amount of heat, so boldness is a given. However, the first one is a slow build-up starting with a warmth that creeps into a full-blown fiery spice towards the end. The latter is all about that classic buttery undertone, balancing out the tangy heat with a hint of decadent sweetness.
In the mood only for sweet and sour sauce? You likely have every ingredient needed for a homemade version in your pantry already. Just mix soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, cornstarch, sugar, and water until you get a glossy, slightly thick liquid. Some recipes also call for pineapple or orange juice to inject that hint of tropical zestiness that makes this sauce pop. Otherwise, store-bought bottles are always an option. You just need to find one that really clicks with your palate.
