Does Buffalo Wing Sauce contain dairy or gluten?

It contains no gluten ingredients. It does contain 'natural butter flavor' which is derived from milk fermentation, so it is not dairy-free despite containing no actual butter solids.

Is Buffalo Wing Sauce good for weight loss?

Yes, it is an excellent weight-loss tool because it adds intense flavor to lean proteins like chicken breast for almost zero calories and zero sugar.

Where can I buy Buffalo Wing Sauce?

This specific formulation is widely available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and grocery stores, as well as online via Amazon.

Is Buffalo Wing Sauce safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for kids. It contains no caffeine or artificial dyes. However, the cayenne pepper heat level may be too spicy for toddlers.

Is Buffalo Wing Sauce Gluten Free?

Yes, Buffalo Wing Sauce is gluten-free. Based on the ingredient label, there are no wheat, barley, rye, or hidden gluten sources present. This pantry staple is safe for those avoiding gluten, provided you watch for cross-contamination during cooking.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing a classic Buffalo sauce, the focus is usually on the heat and the vinegar base. However, as a food scientist, I look at the stabilizers and flavorings that give the sauce its shelf-stable texture and creamy profile. Here is the breakdown of why this specific formulation passes the gluten-free test.

The primary ingredients are distilled vinegar and aged red cayenne peppers. Distilled vinegar is chemically pure acetic acid; despite being derived from grains, the distillation process removes all protein, making it safe for celiacs. The heat comes strictly from peppers, which are naturally gluten-free.

Texture is often where gluten hides, usually in the form of wheat-based thickeners. This sauce uses xanthan gum instead. Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by fermentation (usually of sugar), creating a viscosity similar to gluten without any grain contact. It is a standard, safe thickener in gluten-free cooking.

Finally, the flavor profile relies on natural butter flavor and soybean oil. While 'natural flavor' can sometimes be a gray area, in the context of a dairy-style sauce, this is typically derived from fermentation processes or milk components (which we will address in the FAQ regarding dairy). It is not a gluten source. The addition of granulated garlic and citric acid rounds out the profile, both being pure, safe ingredients.

Nutritional Value

Buffalo Wing Sauce is generally considered a low-calorie condiment, making it a favorite for flavor seekers watching their waistlines. A standard serving usually contains fewer than 10 calories, as the base is vinegar and water rather than oil or sugar.

Regarding macronutrients, you will see zero carbohydrates and zero sugar on the label. This makes the sauce an excellent candidate for Keto, Paleo, and Low-Carb diets. The soybean oil content is minimal, contributing to a negligible amount of fat per serving. However, the sodium content can be moderate due to the salt and citric acid preservation, so those on strict heart-health diets should monitor their total intake if they drench their wings.