If you‘re a fan of McDonald‘s iconic Big Mac burger, chances are it‘s the signature sauce that really makes it special. The tangy, creamy condiment is the perfect complement to the two all-beef patties, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a sesame seed bun. Many have tried to replicate the top-secret recipe, but it‘s hard to get an exact match for that one-of-a-kind flavor.
So if you‘re craving Big Mac sauce but don‘t want to buy a whole burger, you may be wondering—can you buy legit Big Mac sauce in stores? And if not, what are the best alternatives? Don‘t worry, I‘ve thoroughly researched all the options. In this ultimate guide, I‘ll share insider info on where to find real Big Mac sauce and the top "special sauce" choices to get a similar taste at home.
Can You Buy Big Mac Sauce at McDonald‘s?
Unfortunately, McDonald‘s does not sell Big Mac sauce by itself at restaurants. According to McDonald‘s customer service, Big Mac sauce is only available on the burgers, not in individual containers. They keep the official recipe under lock and key and do not bottle or distribute the sauce to stores either.
However, there have been limited-time promotions in certain countries where McDonald‘s bottled Big Mac sauce for sale. For example, McDonald‘s Australia sold 500ml bottles for a limited run in 2020. But in general, you won‘t be able to buy authentic Big Mac sauce directly.
Top Store-Bought Big Mac Sauce Alternatives
While you can‘t get the real deal, many grocery stores and online retailers sell burger sauces that come pretty close to the Big Mac flavor profile. Here are some of the best options to pick up:
1. Great Value Secret Sauce (Walmart)
Price: $1.92 for 12 oz
Walmart‘s generic Great Value brand makes a "secret sauce" that many say is a spot-on dupe for Big Mac sauce. The ingredients are very similar—it has pickle relish, dried onion and garlic, vinegar, egg yolks, vegetable oil, sugar, spices like paprika and turmeric for color. Reviewers rave that it tastes just like the McDonald‘s version but at a fraction of the price.
2. Hellmann‘s Chunky Burger Sauce (Amazon)
Price: $9.90 for 8.5 oz
This "chunky burger sauce" from mayo brand Hellmann‘s is one of the highest-rated dupes on Amazon. It contains many of the same ingredients as Big Mac sauce like egg yolk, vinegar, spices, and pickles. Some differences are that it uses rapeseed oil instead of soybean and has tomato paste and mustard for added flavor and color. Reviewers say the consistency and taste are very close to the real thing.
3. Bramwells Chunky Burger Sauce (Aldi)
Price: $1.19 for 10.5 oz
At Aldi stores in the US and UK, you can sometimes find this "chunky burger sauce" from the store brand Bramwells. It‘s not carried consistently but makes appearances as an Aldi Find special buy. Aldi advertises it as a cheaper alternative to Big Mac sauce and customers say it delivers on the copycat claims. Keep an eye out at your local store.
4. Kroger Burger Sauce
Price: $1.79 for 11 oz
Kroger stores also have a generic burger sauce that gets pretty close to the McDonald‘s classic. Compared to Big Mac sauce, Kroger‘s has very similar ingredients like pickle relish, egg yolk, vegetable oil, vinegar and the key spices and seasonings. Tasters detect a slight difference but overall find it a satisfying substitute.
5. Sir Kensington‘s Special Sauce (Target, Whole Foods, Safeway)
Price: $4.69 for 10 oz
For a Big Mac taste with a gourmet twist, try Sir Kensington‘s Special Sauce. You can find this "all-natural" condiment at many major retailers. While not an exact match ingredient-wise (it contains unconventional mix-ins like jalapeno, mustard, and dill), many customers report it hits the same flavor notes as Big Mac sauce. It‘s creamy, tangy, and has a pinkish-orange hue.
How to Make Homemade Big Mac Sauce
Can‘t find a store-bought sauce you like? No worries, you can DIY a very convincing copycat with ingredients you probably already have in your fridge and pantry. Hundreds of food bloggers and YouTubers have tried to crack the code to the secret recipe.
While the exact ratios vary, most "homemade Big Mac sauce" recipes contain a mayo base plus ketchup or French dressing, vinegar, relish, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika or turmeric for color. Some add a touch of sugar to balance the acidity. Mix it all together and you‘ll be surprised how close it tastes to the original!
Here‘s a basic recipe to try:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons French dressing
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon finely diced onion
- 1 teaspoon finely diced pickle
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- A dash each of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika
Mix thoroughly and let chill in the fridge for an hour before using to let the flavors meld. Adjust ingredient amounts to taste. For a tangier sauce, up the vinegar and pickle. For a sweeter sauce, increase the French dressing and sugar.
Other Ways to Get Your Big Mac Sauce Fix
Aside from buying similar sauces or making your own copycat version, there are a few other ways diehard Big Mac fans can get an extra helping of the legendary sauce:
Ask for Extra Big Mac Sauce
If you order a Big Mac at McDonald‘s, you can always ask for extra sauce on the side. Most restaurants will give you an additional small cup at no extra charge. Some may charge a small fee, but it doesn‘t hurt to ask if you‘re craving an extra creamy burger. Just be nice to your server!
Add Big Mac Sauce to Other Menu Items
Many McDonald‘s will add Big Mac sauce to other burgers, sandwiches, and dipping items for a small up-charge, usually around 30 cents. Customers report getting it on everything from McChickens to Filet-o-Fish to fries and McNuggets. So if you like Big Mac sauce on other dishes, it‘s worth an ask.
Buy Bottled Big Mac Sauce on eBay
Remember those limited-edition bottled Big Mac sauces that McDonald‘s released in Australia and Canada? Well, some of them made their way to resale sites like eBay. As of April 2023, you can find several listings for these collector‘s items. Of course, they don‘t come cheap, with prices over $20 for an 11-oz bottle. And freshness may be questionable for sauces that are a few years old. But if you‘re a Big Mac super fan, it may be worth the novelty!
The Bottom Line on Buying Big Mac Sauce
Unfortunately, you can‘t buy Big Mac sauce by the bottle at McDonald‘s or in stores. McDonald‘s keeps the iconic condiment under wraps and only serves it on their signature burgers. However, many major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Aldi sell "special sauces" and "burger sauces" you can use as dupes.
While these copycats aren‘t an exact match, they contain very similar ingredients to Big Mac sauce and replicate the sweet, tangy, creamy flavor customers crave. You can also make a very convincing copy at home with simple pantry staples—many recipes online come close to the real deal.
And if you simply must have authentic McDonald‘s Big Mac sauce, you can always order a Big Mac and ask for extra on the side. By following the tips in this guide, you‘ll get your Big Mac sauce fix one way or another. Your burgers, fries, and nuggets will thank you!
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