Does Popeyes Have Coleslaw in 2024? (Nutrition Info + FAQs Answered)
Coleslaw remains a fan favorite for fried chicken meals and sandwiches across the fast food industry. As the third most commonly consumed cabbage dish in America, the creamy, crunchy topping adds flavor complexity with minimal effort.
For Popeyes diehards wondering if this Louisiana-style brand also carries coleslaw, the answer is yes! Keep reading for an in-depth look at Popeyes‘ signature coleslaw, from calories and price to quality ratings and exactly how it‘s made.
Popeyes Coleslaw By The Numbers
Here‘s a data-backed overview about Popeyes coleslaw today:
- 2023 Prices: Available as a stand-alone side for $1.99 (regular) or $4.29 (large)
- Annual Consumption: Over 2 million pounds sold across Popeyes in 2022 (Statista)
- Calories (Regular): 160 calories, 13g fat, 14g carbs, 2g protein
- Calories (Large): 690 calories, 63g fat, 59g carbs, 7g protein
- Ingredients: Chopped green cabbage, shredded carrots, mayonnaise, sugar, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, plus proprietary seasonings
Beyond the numbers, Popeyes adds its signature New Orleans-inspired flavors into the vinegar and mayo-based mix. So how does it actually taste?
Does Popeyes Make Quality Coleslaw?
Ask 10 people about Popeyes coleslaw and you might get 7 different opinions. Reviews overall are quite mixed, ranging from:
- "The most delicious coleslaw in the fast food game" to
- "Bland, soggy, zero texture"
Much of the debate stems around quality control and freshness. When made properly and consumed immediately, Popeyes‘ version shines thanks to its:
- Crunchy cabbage with tangy flavor
- Zesty pickle relish and vinegar providing acidity
- Cool, rich creaminess from the mayo base
- Hints of onion, mustard, carrot, and spice seasonings
However, the wrong employee hand can lead to a mushy, watery mess that seems doused in too much mayo. Thus, aim to catch a newly prepped batch around peak mealtimes for best texture and balance of flavors. Or request no extra sauce when ordering.
How Popeyes‘ Coleslaw Compares to Competitors
Coleslaw preferences often come down to hometown flavor affinities. Here‘s how Popeyes stacks up taste and quality-wise against key competitors nationally:
| Brand | Popeyes | Chick-fil-A | KFC | Bojangles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taste Profile | Tangy, lots of acidity | Mild, sweeter | Savory, more spices | Pepper-forward, robust |
| Quality Rating | 3.5 stars avg | 4.2 stars avg | 3 stars avg | 4 stars avg |
| Key Ingredients | Pickle relish, mustard | Sour cream, lemon juice | Mayonnaise, black pepper | Brown sugar, vinegar, red pepper |
| Best Pairings | Tenders, blackened chicken | Nuggets, sandwiches | Fried chicken, popcorn chicken | Biscuits, dirty rice |
Popeyes trails behind Bojangles and Chick-fil-A‘s beloved recipes, but brings more pickly intensity that regional fans love pairing with spicier menu items.
Tips for Improving Your Popeyes Coleslaw Experience
While Popeyes coleslaw will never satisfy all palates, a few hacks can lead to a fresh, well-balanced side experience:
- Ask for light sauce – prevents overly-mayo‘d mush
- Add black pepper – boosts flavor without extra calories
- Pair with spice – complements blackened chicken or tenders
- Only buy around peak times – 11:30am or 1:30pm improves freshness odds
- Refrigerate promptly – maintains crunch for 2-3 days max
At the end of the day, coleslaw remains a quintessential match with Popeyes‘ fried fare. Follow the guidance above to maximize flavors and crunch!
