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What Sauce Is On A Big Mac?

Jeremy Williams We Want The Sauce Founder and Editor In Chief
Written By: Jeremy Williams
Published Date:
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The Big Mac is arguably the finest burger on the McDonalds menu. It’s one of the best-selling menu items, after all. And a lot of its appeal and taste come from the sauce. But what is it exactly? Here is what you want to know.

So, what sauce is on a Big Mac? The sauce in a Big Mac is called Big Mac sauce. It is specifically made for this burger and menu item. It tastes like burger sauce and is somewhat creamy and similar in taste to mayonnaise.

It’s a winner, that’s for sure.

This sauce really adds to the double beef patties and prevents this sesame seed-based burger from being too dry.

But what is it made of?

Let’s find out!

What Is McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce Made Of?

Big Mac sauce is made from vegetable oil, vinegar, sugar, egg yolk and a range of herbs, spices, and flavorings.

The full ingredient list is as follows:

Water, Rapeseed Oil, Gherkin, Spirit Vinegar, Sugar, Modified Maize Starch, Allergen Ingredient:Free Range EGG Yolk, Spices (contain Allergen Ingredient:MUSTARD), Salt, Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Thickener (Xanthan Gum), Natural Flavourings, Firming Agent (Calcium Chloride).

What Does Big Mac Sauce Taste Like?

Big Mac sauce is creamy-like mayonnaise, with a subtle, sweet tang. It tastes similar to burger sauce or Thousand Island dressing.

Is Big Mac Sauce The Same As Thousand Island Dressing?

Big Mac Sauce is not the same as Thousand Island dressing. Thousand Island dressing is typically made of tomatoes, which is not an active ingredient in McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce.

In fact, if we look at the typical ingredients of your average Thousand Island dressing, you’ll soon see the differences:

Mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, vinegar, cream, chili sauce, tomato purée, ketchup or Tabasco sauce.

Of course, there are variations of Thousand Island sauce; both those listed above are commonly found.

And as you can see, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, tomato puree, and ketchup, all of which cannot be found in Big Mac Sauce!

Read more: Big Mac Sauce Nutrition

Is There Tomato Sauce On A Big Mac?

Big Macs do not include tomato sauce by default. Instead, it includes Big Mac Sauce, dill pickle slices, and onions for seasoning.

That being said, there is nothing stopping you from getting a few sachets of tomato sauce, or asking an employee behind the counter for some and adding it yourself.

In fact, tomato sauce/ketchup does work very well in a Big Mac, and in addition to the Big Mac sauce that comes as standard.

At the same time, if you want to have ketchup instead of Big Mac sauce, you can always ask for this change when you place your order.

Can You Buy Big Mac Sauce?

You cannot buy Big Mac sauce; either in a restaurant or online.

However, you can ask for big mac sauce with your order and meal to get some more.

Alternatively, there are various ‘copycat’ recipes online that you can follow to make a variation of this sauce at home.

Some are quite dissimilar whereas others taste like the real thing.

The only way to know for sure is to try them.

Is it worth the effort? Well, that’s a question only you can answer!

Finally

Big Mac sauce was originally created in 1967, and it has even been called “special sauce” since then.

But what’s even more interesting is that the recipe has changed several times over the years.

And then changed back!

No surprise really; this sauce is special.

And it’s quite simply delicious.

Do you have other questions about the sauces at McDonalds? Then my following guides may be of interest:


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