Have you ever wondered what brand of tartar sauce does McDonald’s use? I certainly had, and I was on a mission to find out. After all, their Filet-O-Fish sandwich is a fan favorite and the tartar sauce is a key ingredient that makes it so delicious.
So, I set out on a journey to uncover the secrets of McDonald’s tartar sauce. I did some research and talked to industry insiders, and what I discovered was surprising. It turns out that McDonald’s uses a brand of tartar sauce that you can actually purchase at your local grocery store. I won’t reveal the brand just yet, but let’s just say that it might change the way you think about fast food condiments forever.
In this article, we will be diving into the world of fast food condiments and uncovering the truth behind McDonald’s tartar sauce. We’ll explore what makes it so special, the ingredients that are used to create it, and ultimately, reveal the brand that McDonald’s trusts to make their iconic sauce. So, grab a Filet-O-Fish sandwich and get ready to learn everything you ever wanted to know about McDonald’s tartar sauce.
McDonald’s Tartar Sauce Recipe
McDonald’s Tartar Sauce is the perfect condiment for their world-famous Filet-O-Fish sandwich. The recipe for McDonald’s Tartar Sauce is a well-guarded secret, but we do know some of the key ingredients that are used to create this delicious sauce.
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet Pickle Relish
- Onion Powder
- Vinegar
- Xanthan Gum (a thickener)
These ingredients are combined in specific proportions to create the tartar sauce that McDonald’s customers know and love. However, the brand of ingredients and the exact recipe proportions are kept secret by McDonald’s.
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Sweet Pickle Relish | 3 tablespoons |
| Onion Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Xanthan Gum | ΒΌ teaspoon |
If you want to try to recreate McDonald’s Tartar Sauce at home, you can use this recipe as a starting point. But keep in mind, the exact recipe proportions and the brand of ingredients may differ from what McDonald’s uses, so it might not taste exactly the same.
Best Store-Bought Tartar Sauce Brands
When it comes to tartar sauce, taste is subjective. However, some store-bought brands stand out from the rest, and here are some of the best:
- Heinz Tartar Sauce – Heinz is typically known for their ketchup, but they also make a tasty tartar sauce. This classic brand adds a tangy flavor profile to your fish and chips.
- Trader Joe’s Tartar Sauce – Trader Joe’s is known for their high-quality, affordable products, and their tartar sauce is no exception. It has a perfect balance of tanginess and creaminess that pairs well with any seafood dish.
- Duke’s Tartar Sauce – Duke’s is a beloved brand from the South that’s been around for over 100 years. Their tartar sauce is creamy and zesty, with a Southern twist that sets it apart from other brands.
What Brand of Tartar Sauce Does McDonald’s Use?
McDonald’s is one of the most popular fast-food chains in the world, and their tartar sauce is a fan favorite. But what brand of tartar sauce does McDonald’s actually use?
According to McDonald’s website, their tartar sauce is made with a combination of ingredients, including soybean oil, pickles, distilled vinegar, egg yolks, sugar, onion powder, and mustard seed. The exact brand of pickles, vinegar, and mustard seed they use is not disclosed.
| Brand | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Heinz | Soybean oil, vinegar, egg yolks, sugar, salt, onion powder, lemon juice concentrate, natural flavors |
| Kraft | Soybean oil, pickles, vinegar, sugar, eggs, water, onion powder, salt, mustard flour, spice, garlic powder |
| McCormick | Soybean oil, water, vinegar, sugar, pickles, eggs, modified corn starch, salt, onion powder, mustard flour |
While we can’t know for sure what brand of tartar sauce McDonald’s uses, many people believe it might be a custom blend made specifically for the chain.
Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe
If you’re a fan of McDonald’s tartar sauce, you might want to recreate that taste at home. Fortunately, homemade tartar sauce is quick and easy to make, and it tastes even better than the store-bought one. Here’s a recipe to get you started:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
To make the sauce, simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. That’s it! You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste. If you prefer a tangier sauce, add more lemon juice or vinegar. If you like a sweeter sauce, add more relish or a bit of sugar.
The beauty of homemade tartar sauce is that you can customize it to your preferences. If you want a chunkier sauce, use chopped pickles or add some chopped capers. If you like a smoother sauce, puree some of the ingredients in a blender or food processor before mixing them together.
So the next time you crave some tartar sauce, try making it at home. It’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the store-bought version.
Different types of fish sauces used in fast food chains
Fast food chains all have their own unique spin on the classic fish sandwich. One way they differentiate themselves is with their choice of fish sauce. Here are some of the most popular fish sauces used in fast food chains:
- Tartar sauce
- Cocktail sauce
- Remoulade sauce
- Gochujang sauce
- Teriyaki sauce
- Chipotle mayo
Each sauce has its own flavor profile, and some are better suited for certain types of fish. For example, tartar sauce is a classic pairing with fish and chips, while gochujang sauce adds a spicy kick that works well with fried fish.
To give you an idea of how different fast food chains use fish sauces, let’s take a look at the fish sandwiches from some popular restaurants:
| Restaurant | Fish Sandwich | Fish Sauce |
|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s | Fillet-O-Fish | Tartar sauce |
| Burger King | Big Fish Sandwich | Tartar sauce |
| Wendy’s | Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich | Spicy tartar sauce |
| Arby’s | Crispy Fish Sandwich | Roasted red pepper sauce |
As you can see, tartar sauce is a popular choice among fast food chains for their fish sandwiches. However, some restaurants choose to add their own twist with a unique sauce flavor or preparation method.
The History and Origin of Tartar Sauce
Tartar sauce is a classic condiment that has been around for many years. Its exact origin is unknown, but it is said to have originated in France in the 17th century. The sauce was named after the Tartars, an ethnic group from the Eurasian steppe. The Tartars were known for their love of raw meat, and the sauce was created as an accompaniment to their meals.
The original recipe for tartar sauce was a simple mixture of mayonnaise, lemon juice, capers, and chopped herbs. Over time, the recipe has evolved, with different regions and cultures adding their own unique twist to it. In the United States, tartar sauce is typically made with mayonnaise, pickles, and onions.
The Components of Tartar Sauce
- Mayonnaise or aioli
- Pickles or gherkins
- Onions or shallots
- Capers
- Lemon juice or vinegar
- Herbs (such as parsley, dill, or tarragon)
The combination of these ingredients creates a flavorful and tangy sauce that pairs well with seafood, sandwiches, and burgers. Some variations of tartar sauce also include mustard, horseradish, or Worcestershire sauce.
The Brand of Tartar Sauce Used by McDonald’s
McDonald’s is one of the largest fast-food chains in the world, and they are known for their signature items such as the Big Mac, the Quarter Pounder, and their iconic french fries. One of the popular additions to their menu is their tartar sauce.
Although McDonald’s is known for keeping their recipes and ingredients a closely guarded secret, it is believed that they use a custom blend of tartar sauce. The exact brand is not known, but it is rumored that they use a combination of mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and spices.
| Ingredients | Brand |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise or aioli | Unknown |
| Pickles or gherkins | Unknown |
| Capers | Unknown |
| Spices | Unknown |
The tartar sauce used by McDonald’s is a fan favorite and adds a delicious flavor to their fish sandwiches. While the exact brand and recipe may be unknown, it is clear that McDonald’s has created a tartar sauce that perfectly complements their menu items.
Alternatives to Tartar Sauce in Fast Food
While tartar sauce is a classic condiment found in many fast food restaurants, there are a variety of other options available for those who are not fans of this creamy and tangy sauce. Here are some popular alternatives:
- Mayonnaise: Made with just eggs, oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and seasoning, mayonnaise adds a rich and tangy flavor to sandwiches and fried foods.
- Ketchup: A common sight on every fast food table, ketchup provides a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with burgers, fries, and chicken nuggets.
- Mustard: This bold and tangy condiment is a popular choice for hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches. Available in a variety of flavors such as yellow, spicy brown, and honey mustard.
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, some fast food chains offer unique sauces that add an unexpected twist to their menu:
- Chick-fil-A’s sauce: A blend of honey mustard and barbecue sauce, this tangy and sweet condiment has become a cult favorite amongst Chick-fil-A fans.
- In-N-Out spread: This secret sauce is a combination of ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and relish, and adds a hint of sweetness and tang to In-N-Out’s burgers.
- Arby’s Sauce: A savory and tangy sauce, Arby’s sauce can be paired with roast beef, chicken sandwiches, or curly fries for a delicious and unique flavor.
Lastly, for those who want to skip the sauce altogether, using a slice of cheese or avocado can provide a creamy and satisfying alternative to traditional condiments.
| Brand | Calories per Serving | Sodium per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s Tartar Sauce | 80 | 170mg |
| Mayonnaise | 94 | 87mg |
| Ketchup | 20 | 160mg |
| Mustard | 3 | 120mg |
| Chick-fil-A Sauce | 140 | 260mg |
| In-N-Out Spread | 90 | 90mg |
| Arby’s Sauce | 15 | 200mg |
It’s important to note that each of these sauces has different nutritional values, so it’s important to consider that when choosing an alternative to tartar sauce in your fast food order.
Tartar sauce as a condiment for seafood dishes
While tartar sauce may be most commonly associated with fast food chains like McDonald’s and their fish sandwich, it has long been a staple condiment for seafood lovers. Tartar sauce typically consists of a mayonnaise or aioli base with added ingredients such as pickles, capers, and herbs for flavor.
- Tartar sauce is most commonly paired with fried seafood dishes such as fish and chips, shrimp, and calamari.
- The tangy and creamy flavor profile of tartar sauce helps to complement and enhance the flavors of the seafood.
- Many people enjoy customizing their tartar sauce by adding additional ingredients such as hot sauce or dill.
It’s important to note that while tartar sauce is a popular condiment for seafood, it may not be the healthiest option due to its high fat and calorie content. Some restaurants also add extra sugar to their tartar sauce, further increasing its calorie count. It’s always a good idea to ask for the nutritional information at your favorite seafood spot or consider making your own tartar sauce at home with healthier ingredients.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise or aioli | 1 cup |
| Dill pickle, finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Capers, drained and chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
This simple recipe for homemade tartar sauce uses fresh ingredients and can be easily customized to your taste preferences. Enjoy with your favorite seafood dish for a delicious and classic pairing!
What Brand of Tartar Sauce Does McDonald’s Use?
1. Is McDonald’s tartar sauce homemade or store-bought?
McDonald’s tartar sauce is not homemade, it is a store-bought recipe created exclusively for McDonald’s.
2. What is the name of the brand that McDonald’s uses for its tartar sauce?
The brand that McDonald’s uses for its tartar sauce is a closely guarded secret.
3. Is McDonald’s tartar sauce mayo-based or cream-based?
McDonald’s tartar sauce is a mayo-based sauce.
4. Does McDonald’s tartar sauce contain any artificial flavors or preservatives?
McDonald’s tartar sauce contains no artificial flavors or preservatives, and is made with high-quality ingredients.
5. Is McDonald’s tartar sauce gluten-free?
Unfortunately, McDonald’s tartar sauce is not gluten-free due to the presence of modified food starch.
6. Can you buy McDonald’s tartar sauce in stores?
No, McDonald’s tartar sauce is not available for purchase in stores.
7. Is there a way to make McDonald’s tartar sauce at home?
There are many copycat recipes available online that claim to replicate McDonald’s tartar sauce, but the exact brand and recipe used by McDonald’s remain a secret.
Thanks for Reading About McDonald’s Tartar Sauce
We hope this article has answered your questions about McDonald’s tartar sauce. Though the brand remains unknown, we can rest assured knowing that the sauce is made with quality ingredients and no artificial flavors or preservatives. If you’re looking for a taste of the famous sauce, you’ll have to visit McDonald’s. Thanks for reading and we hope to see you again soon for more interesting articles!