There are countless reasons why you may choose to eat at one fast-food joint over another.
The specific kind of food obviously plays a big role in that decision.
Will you pick upburgersandmilkshakes?
Photos by Megan Hageman. Design by Eat This, Not That!
Or, have a mid-week fiesta with sometacos?
But, what about dipping sauces?
Could something as small and insignificant really dictate where you dine?
Photo: Megan Hageman, Eat This, Not That!
Well, in my experience, the answer is a resounding “yes.”
Here are my final saucy results, from my least to most favorite.
Zesty Sauce
In my mind, the word zesty can take on many different meanings.
Photo: Megan Hageman, Eat This, Not That!
So, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this signature Burger King sauce.
Would it take a more literal approach with the inclusion of citrus fruit zest?
Maybe it would be spicy instead, packing a piquant punch?
Photo: Megan Hageman, Eat This, Not That!
The look:Creamy and thick in a shade of light orange.
It feels like ranch or mayo-based with some darker speckles.
This is the look of a sauce I expect to accompany my fries at a hip new gastropub.
Photo: Megan Hageman, Eat This, Not That!
I wouldn’t quite call it spicy.
I would rather skip it altogether.
The look:Heavier and gloopier than most ranches I’ve seen.
Photo: Megan Hageman, Eat This, Not That!
I can usually appreciate them all, but not this time.
I would dip nuggets or fries in it, if the option were this or nothing.
Every McDonald’s Dipping SauceRanked!
Photo: Megan Hageman, Eat This, Not That!
It’s a standard choice carried by most burger- or chicken-slinging fast-food restaurants.
It also brings an Asian flair to a menu that’s considered purely American.
On the menu, it’s an opaque caramel color.
The taste:Sweet, but not very sour.
But, the rest is almost watery, despite its viscous consistency, with just a mild tang.
Thisplus the lack of Asian influence in ingredientsmakes this one sauce I could take or leave.
These additions make it richer and creamier, and it’s what you’ll find on the BK menu.
The look:Fluorescent orange.
Its bold hue makes a statement and warns to proceed with caution.
The taste:Tame.
If anything, I’d say it’s more acidiclikely the vinegar at work.
Otherwise, there is some good flavor, almost like a smoother Frank’s RedHot.
The look:A deep sunflower yellow color, spotted with what looks to be mustard and celery seeds.
It’s almost like a reverse Sour Patch Kid.
In my opinion, the flavor is tasty and had me coming back for more.
But I wouldn’t say it’s the best honey mustard I have ever tasted.
It’s a true workhorse and a highly versatile sauce that goes well with almost any meat or poultry.
I hoped the King’s version would live up to these sky-high expectations.
The look:Dark chestnut brown with a glossy finish.
It’s the most concentrated sauce and remains unmoving in the small plastic container.
The taste:Somewhere in between sweet and savory with a touch of smokiness.
I may have even saved some to keep here at home, just in case some dipping emergency arises.
That’s how you know it’s good.
