What Is Polynesian Sauce?

Stumbled across Polynesian sauce? Wondering what it is before you decide to order, or buy some? Well, here is all you are going to want to know about this particular condiment.

So, what is Polynesian sauce? Polynesian sauce is a sweet and sour sauce, that typically has a tangy flavor. It was made popular by the restaurant chain, Chick Fil A, although various products are available on the market including variations. It is best used as a dipping sauce, although can be used as a topping sauce or marinade too.

If you’ve popped down to Chick Fil A, you likely would have noticed Polynesian sauce on the menu.

Perhaps you’re wondering what it is before you proceed to order.

Polynesian sauce has actually been on the Chick Fil A menu for decades.

3 decades, in fact, being first introduced to the market in 1984.

It’s actually much more historic than the classic, signature Chick Fil A sauce which came almost twenty years later!

But what is this sauce made of exactly and what can you expect in terms of flavor, lets find out!

What Is In Polynesian Sauce?

Polynesian sauce is typically made from a combination of tomato paste, vinegar, among various other different flavorings depending on the brand.

For instance, if we take a look at Chick Fil A’s Polynesian sauce, the complete ingredient list is as follows:

Sugar, vegetable oil (soybean and/or canola), water, corn syrup, corn cider vinegar, distilled vinegar, tomato paste, corn sugar vinegar, contains less than 2% of salt, cider vinegar, modified corn starch, paprika, mustard seed and flour, beetroot juice concentrate (color), onion,* natural flavor, garlic,* spice, propylene glycol alginate, xanthan gum. *dried

You’ll notice this if you were to observe the sauce packaging in a restuarant.

Or alternatively, you can also reference the Chick Fil A website, and Polynesian sauce page directly.

But, while Chick Fil A is synonymously associated with this condiment, and likely the original founders of it, they are not the only brand to sell it.

Take for instance the popular G Hughes product that you can buy on Amazon.

Here is the full ingredient list, for this variety:

Water, Modified Corn Starch, Vinegar, Tomato Paste, Tamari Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Salt), Salt, Plum Puree, Pineapple Juice Concentrate, Cider Vinegar, Paprika, Mustard Flour, Garlic Powder, Paprika Extract (Color), Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Sucralose, Natural Flavor.

So absolutely a little different; the inclusion of Tamari being perhaps the most notable.

And then there are further variations too.

Such as with the Tattoo brand; which has made their Polynesian spicy, as you can see on Amazon here.

So do consider that what is in Polynesian can differ somewhat.

As for some of the flavors and what you can expect.

Nevertheless, Polynesian sauce is a sweet and sour sauce, first and foremost.

And those flavors are predominant in all brands and products out there.

Is Polynesian Sauce Spicy?

Polynesian sauce is not typically spicy, although there are some brands and variations of this sauce that are.

If we are talking about the taste of Chick Fil A Polynesian sauce; you shouldn’t expect any heat.

Can You Buy Polynesian Sauce?

You can buy Polynesian Sauce either directly from Chick Fil A, at grocery stores or online.

In fact, where you should buy your sauce depends on what brand you’re after.

Chick Fil A has made their sauce available in larger, 8oz squeezy bottles.

And you can buy these in their restaurants (assuming they are in stock), online when ordering delivery, or on sites such as Amazon.

Beyond this, the large grocery stores stock Chick Fil A Polynesian sauce too:

  • Albertson’s
  • Food Lion,
  • Harris Teeter,
  • HEB,
  • Kroger,
  • Publix,
  • Safeway
  • Target,
  • Walmart,
  • Winn-Dixie,

When it comes to other brands, again, Amazon is going to be your best bet.

Although some of the grocery stores will stock them too.

For instance, the Tattoo brand is available at Walmart and HEB!

What To Eat Polynesian Sauce With?

Polynesian sauce is very versatile, and you can eat it with numerous foods and dishes.

In Chick Fil A, it’s best used as a dipping sauce for nuggets, strips, or fries.

You sure could add it to a sandwich though.

Outside of Chick Fil A, other brands recommend using Polynesian with chicken, pork, and seafood.

Or, even adding it to other dips, sauce, and marinades to create an infusion,

Finally

Polynesian sauce is a sweet and sour sauce. And it’s mostly associated with Chick Fil A.

That being said they are not the only restaurant or brand to sell it.

And while there are other products on the market, they all tend to gravitate around similar flavors.

So regardless of where you get or try some; be sure you do.

It’s a popular classic for a reason, and with numerous options to try, you’ll be sure to find one you like!