Fast food may be fast and cheap, but with the right condiment combinations, it can also be surprisingly flavorful. Most chains offer a wide range of free sauces and toppings—you just need to know how to ask for them and what to pair them with. Whether you’re a flavor maximalist or just looking to get more out of your order, here are the best free condiment hacks that turn ordinary meals into crave-worthy creations.
- McDonald’s – Big Mac Sauce on Anything
McDonald’s now sells Big Mac Sauce cups at select locations, but even before that, savvy customers knew you could ask for Big Mac sauce on the side or as a substitute on burgers.
Try it with:
- McChicken instead of mayo
- Cheeseburger to turn it into a budget Big Mac
- Fries for dipping
Use the McDonald’s app to customize your order and request the sauce directly.
- Chick-fil-A – Buffalo + Ranch = DIY Spicy Sauce
Fans of Chick-fil-A already know the sauce game is strong. But one of the best flavor boosts? Mixing their Zesty Buffalo Sauce with Garden Herb Ranch to create a tangy-spicy blend that pairs perfectly with nuggets or fries.
Bonus tip: Ask for Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce—it’s often overlooked and only available by request, but adds a sweet-smoky punch to chicken sandwiches.
- Wendy’s – Ghost Pepper Ranch Upgrade
At Wendy’s, you can always ask for extra dipping sauces for free. One standout? Ghost Pepper Ranch, which adds a spicy kick to:
- Chicken nuggets
- Breakfast potatoes
- Fries
Other underrated combos: Sriracha Sauce + creamy ranch or BBQ mixed with honey mustard.
- Taco Bell – Creamy Jalapeño Sauce for Everything
Most fans of Taco Bell already use hot sauces, but the Creamy Jalapeño Sauce (usually found in quesadillas) can be added to anything if you request it.
Try adding it to:
- Crunchwrap Supreme
- Tacos
- Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes
Also consider subbing chipotle sauce on breakfast wraps or adding guac to value menu items for a flavor upgrade.
- Popeyes – Mardi Gras Mustard Must-Have
Popeyes offers a solid lineup of sauces, but Mardi Gras Mustard is a tangy, slightly spicy mustard-mayo blend that’s perfect for dipping.
Use it with:
- Chicken tenders
- Cajun fries
- Biscuits (yes, it works)
It’s regional, so ask for it specifically—it might not be listed on the menu but could still be available behind the counter.
- Jack in the Box – Buttermilk Ranch and Frank’s RedHot
Jack in the Box often stocks Frank’s RedHot packets—combine this with their buttermilk ranch for a reliable DIY buffalo dip.
Perfect with:
- Curly fries
- Chicken strips
- Tiny tacos
You can also ask for taco sauce packets to spice up regular burgers or breakfast burritos.
- Arby’s – Arby’s Sauce + Horsey Sauce Combo
The classics at Arby’s are legendary—and even better when paired together. Mixing Arby’s Sauce (sweet BBQ) with Horsey Sauce (horseradish mayo) creates a bold, balanced flavor.
Try it with:
- Roast Beef Sandwiches
- French Dip
- Crinkle Fries
Pro tip: Some locations offer “3 Pepper Sauce” if you ask nicely.
- Subway – Everything Sauce Strategy
While Subway may not be fast food in the traditional sense, their endless sauce options are a condiment lover’s dream.
Best sauce combos:
- Sweet Onion + Chipotle Southwest on turkey subs
- Ranch + Buffalo on chicken sandwiches
- Mayo + Honey Mustard on veggie builds
Sauces are free, and you can ask for “light” or “extra” to control intensity.
- Sonic – Add Pickle Slices and Dipping Sauces to Anything
Sonic Drive-In offers plenty of free add-ons including pickles, diced onions, and jalapeños. But don’t overlook the sauces like BBQ, Ranch, and Honey Mustard that can be requested even on non-chicken items.
Try it on:
- Cheeseburgers
- Tots
- Chicken sliders
- Culver’s – Wisconsin Cheese Sauce Upgrade
Culver’s offers Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Sauce as a side. While it’s not always free, asking for a small amount or sampling cup can sometimes get you a free taste.
It’s perfect for:
- Crinkle cut fries
- Pretzel bites
- Burgers (add it like a sauce)
Final Thoughts
Condiments may seem like small details, but they can make a big impact on your fast food experience. With the right combination—or just knowing what to ask for—you can transform even the simplest value menu item into something craveable. Don’t be afraid to get creative, and always check the app or kiosk for customization options that unlock the full flavor potential of your order.
