Does Popeyes Have Jalapenos In 2024? Everything You Need To Know
Spicy food is red hot right now, with more people than ever seeking out fiery flavors to add excitement to their meals. And jalapenos remain one of the most popular peppers for their instantly recognizable spice kick and versatility. Chili heads love the challenge of testing their limits with spicy new menu items. So if you‘re craving some heat, you may be wondering: Does Popeyes have jalapenos? Keep reading to learn all about Popeyes‘ jalapeno offerings!
America is Hungry for Heat
The spicy food trend continues to sizzle in America:
According to the National Restaurant Association, hot and spicy menu items are grew in popularity by 132% from 2015 to 2019 [1].
A consumer survey found over 60% of Americans enjoy spicy flavors, with younger generations even more likely to favor the fiery [2].
Hot sauces like Tabasco, Sriracha, and Cholula have become mainstay condiments, with hot sauce sales up over 150% since 2000 [3].
With the appetite for spice growing every year, restaurants like Popeyes are adding hotter, spicier options to their menus.
Why Are Jalapenos So Popular?
Of all the chili peppers, jalapenos reign supreme in popularity and versatility:
Jalapenos are valued for bringing a distinct spicy punch while also having bright, fruity notes.
They range from mild to hot on the Scoville scale, typically 2,500 to 10,000 units, allowing for different heat levels.
Pickled and stuffed jalapenos are favorites for their tangy zing and contrasting textures.
Jalapenos work well in everything from nachos to burgers, tacos, omelets, and so much more.
No wonder jalapenos are the #1 pepper produced and consumed in the U.S!
Popeyes Offers Pickled Jalapeno Slices
The answer is yes – Popeyes has jalapenos! They offer pickled jalapeno slices that you can add to any order.
The pickled jalapenos provide the perfect spicy complement to Popeyes‘ signature Southern-style fried chicken and sides. They have a nice vinegary tang with moderate heat.
Popeyes marinates fresh sliced jalapenos in a hot brine mixture to make the pickled pepper rings. Expect a solid punch of flavor with around 8,000 to 9,000 Scoville units of spice.
Just request a side of pickled jalapenos to kick up your sandwich or chicken tenders to the next level!
Jalapeno Poppers Arrive – New in 2024!
Exciting news for spice-seekers – Popeyes launched Jalapeno Poppers at select locations in 2022 before expanding nationwide in 2024.
These treat jalapeno halves filled with creamy, cooling cream cheese, battered and fried into crispy nuggets of heat.
According to Popeyes, they carefully source less-pithy jalapenos and remove the seeds and membranes for a milder heat level of approximately 5,000 Scoville units. This allows the fresh jalapeno flavor to shine through.
You can order Jalapeno Poppers on their own or add them to any meal for an extra crunch.
Popeyes Jalapeno Items – Costs and Nutrition
| Item | Serving Size | Calories | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pickled Jalapeno Slices | 5 slices | 5 | $0.49+ |
| 3 Jalapeno Poppers | 3 poppers | 330 | $2.49 |
| 5 Jalapeno Poppers | 5 poppers | 540 | $3.49 |
*Costs and calories vary by location. Based on average prices and Popeyes nutrition data.
While fried, the poppers remain a source of vitamin C. So you can feel good about heating things up!
Get Even More Heat at Popeyes
Beyond jalapenos, Popeyes has several other spicy menu items to turn up the fire:
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich – spicy marinated chicken with hot seasoning
Blackened Chicken – robust Cajun spice rub
Wings – available in Hot Garlic Chili, Cajun, and Mardi Gras Mustard flavors
Ghost Pepper Wings – QSR Magazine‘s 2021 "most surprisingly spicy menu item" [4]
Red Beans and Rice – seasoned with cayenne and other spices
The ghost pepper wings especially pack serious heat at over 1 million Scoville units!
Hack the Menu to Maximize Spice
Looking to really amplify the spice? Try these pro tips:
Add extra pickled jalapenos – double up for max heat.
Request 2-3 jalapeno poppers split and layered into your chicken sandwich.
Mix in a few dashes ofhot sauce into your sauce or dipping side.
Ask for extra spicy seasoning or cajun spice on your chicken.
With these customizations, you can turn up the heat factor even more!
Conclusion
Popeyes has answered the call for spicy with flavorful jalapeno menu items. Their pickled jalapeno slices and new Jalapeno Poppers offer the perfect hit of heat and crunch to complement their signature fried chicken. By customizing your order and knowing what spicy options are available, you can always get your spice fix at Popeyes.
Sources
[1] https://restaurant.org[2] https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/03/29/spicy-food-trends-are-heating-up-restaurants.aspx
[3] https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/hot-sauce-nation-americas-fastest-growing-food-trend/2/
[4] https://www.qsrmagazine.com/fast-food/2021s-most-surprisingly-spicy-menu-items
