Sheetz Boom Boom Sauce Recipe: Ingredients, Cost & Nutrition

If you live in the Mid-Atlantic region, you know the specific heartbreak of ordering a Sheetz MTO (Made-to-Order) meal and realizing you forgot to add the dipping sauce. Specifically, the Boom Boom Sauce.

This creamy, spicy, garlic-forward condiment has garnered a cult following that rivals major fast-food chains. It transforms soggy fries into gourmet sides and dry sandwiches into masterpieces.

What is Boom Boom Sauce?

Boom Boom Sauce is a mayonnaise-based condiment characterized by a savory, sweet, and spicy flavor profile. It sits in the “fry sauce” family but is distinct from standard Thousand Island or Utah Fry Sauce.

Creamy

The mayonnaise base coats the tongue.

Sweet & Tangy

Thai sweet chili sauce and vinegar cut through the fat.

Spicy

A finishing kick from cayenne or sriracha that lingers without burning.

The Sheetz Connection

Sheetz, a convenience store chain prominent in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, didn’t invent the concept of spicy mayo, but they certainly popularized this specific iteration.

Ingredients Deep Dive: Industrial vs. Homemade

To recreate the sauce accurately, we need to look at what Sheetz actually puts in it. According to their nutritional data, the primary ingredients include soybean oil, water, distilled vinegar, sugar, egg yolk, and aged cayenne pepper.

Here is how you translate those industrial components into your kitchen staples:

Soybean Oil & Egg Yolk

This is simply Mayonnaise. Use a high-quality brand like Duke’s or Hellmann’s for the right consistency.

Aged Cayenne Pepper & Red Bell Pepper

This profile matches Sriracha or a chili-garlic paste.

Sugar, Vinegar, & Chili

his combination is the definition of Thai Sweet Chili Sauce. This is the secret weapon that gives the sauce its signature flecks of red and sticky sweetness.

Savory Elements

To mimic the “natural flavors” and stabilizers, home cooks use Ketchup and Yellow Mustard to round out the acidity.

5-Minute Sheetz Copycat Recipe

This recipe yields approximately 1.5 cups (12 oz) of sauce.

The Shopping List

Mayonnaise (Full fat is best)
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce (e.g., Mae Ploy or Frank’s RedHot Sweet Chili)
Sriracha
Ketchup
Yellow Mustard
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder

Instructions

The Base

In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise.

The Flavor

Add 2 tablespoons of Thai sweet chili sauce and 2 tablespoons of ketchup.

The Heat

Stir in 1 tabespoon of Sriracha. (Adjust this up or down depending on your heat tolerance).

lThe Tang

Add 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard.

The Seasoning

Whisk in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.

The Rest

This is crucial. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows the dried spices to rehydrate and the flavors to meld.

Cost Analysis: Is It Cheaper to Make at Home?

One of the biggest complaints from Sheetz fans is the price of extra sauce cups. Let’s look at the data to see if DIY is worth the effort.

The Cost of Sheetz (2026 Prices)

Side Cup (2 oz): $0.60
Platter Size: $1.00
Cost per ounce: ~$0.30

The Cost of Homemade (Estimates based on national averages)

Mayonnaise (1 cup): $0.75
Sweet Chili Sauce (2 tbsp): $0.35
Other Ingredients: $0.40
Total Batch Cost (12 oz): ~$1.50
Cost per ounce: ~$0.12

Comparison	Cost Per Ounce	Total Cost for 12 oz
Sheetz Store Bought	$0.30	$3.60
Homemade Batch	$0.12	$1.50

Verdict: Making it at home is roughly 60% cheaper than buying individual cups at the counter. Plus, you reduce plastic waste.

Creative Serving Ideas

Once you have a jar in the fridge, you’ll realize this sauce works on much more than fried pickles.

The Burger Upgrade

Toast your buns and slather Boom Boom sauce on the bottom bun to prevent juices from making the bread soggy.

Fish Tacos

The creamy heat pairs perfectly with battered cod or grilled shrimp.

Roasted Vegetables

Toss cauliflower or Brussels sprouts in the sauce after roasting for a sticky, spicy glaze.

Breakfast Sandwiches

Swap standard ketchup for Boom Boom sauce on your bacon, egg, and cheese bagel.

Storage and Prep Tips

Since this recipe relies on mayonnaise, it is shelf-stable in the fridge but not the pantry.

Refrigeration

Store in an airtight mason jar or squeeze bottle. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Do Not Freeze

Unlike some tomato-based sauces, the emulsion in mayonnaise will break if frozen. When thawed, you will be left with a separated, oily mess.

Thickening

If you find the sauce too runny, add a pinch of xanthan gum or simply add more mayonnaise.

Thinning

If it’s too thick for drizzling, whisk in a teaspoon of water or pickle brine (for extra flavor).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in Sheetz Boom Boom Sauce?

A standard 2 oz serving of Sheetz Boom Boom sauce contains approximately 90 to 100 calories. The homemade version is similar, as it is primarily mayonnaise (oil and eggs).

Is Boom Boom Sauce gluten-free?

Generally, yes. However, you must check the label on your Thai Sweet Chili Sauce. Some brands use wheat-based thickeners or soy sauce containing wheat. The Sheetz website highlights allergens, so always double-check if you are highly sensitive.

Is the sauce vegan?

No. The primary ingredient is mayonnaise, which contains egg yolks. To make it vegan, simply swap the mayo for a plant-based alternative like Hellmann’s Vegan or Vegenaise.

Is this the same as “Bang Bang” sauce?

They are cousins. Bang Bang sauce is typically just mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Boom Boom sauce has a more complex flavor profile due to the addition of garlic, onion, mustard, and ketchup.

Can I buy Sheetz Boom Boom Sauce in bottles?

No. As of 2026, Sheetz does not sell bottles of the sauce retail. It is only available as an add-on side with food orders.

Why does my homemade sauce taste gritty?

This usually happens if you eat it immediately. You used garlic and onion powder, which need time to dissolve into the wet ingredients. Letting the sauce rest in the fridge for an hour solves this.

How much does a side of Boom Boom Sauce cost at Sheetz?

Prices vary by location, but the average cost for a standard dipping cup is between $0.50 and $0.60.

What can I use if I don’t have Sweet Chili Sauce?

In a pinch, you can mix apricot preserves with red pepper flakes and a splash of vinegar. It sounds strange, but it mimics the sweet-heat consistency perfectly.

Is Boom Boom Sauce keto-friendly?

Strictly speaking, no. Sweet Chili Sauce and Ketchup both contain added sugar. However, the amount of sugar per tablespoon is relatively low. For a strict Keto version, use sugar-free ketchup and a sugar-free chili sauce alternative.

Does Sheetz use MSG in their sauce?

According to the ingredient labels found on food tracking apps and consumer reports, Sheetz Boom Boom sauce contains “Natural Flavors,” which can technically include MSG, but it is not explicitly listed as Monosodium Glutamate on most allergen summaries. If you are sensitive, making it at home allows you to control exactly what goes in.

Unlock the Flavor at Home

You no longer have to ration that single plastic cup of sauce across an entire order of Mozzarella sticks. By spending five minutes in the kitchen, you can enjoy the iconic Sheetz flavor for a fraction of the price.

Ready to upgrade your condiment game?

Grab a whisk and start mixing your batch today. If you try this recipe, tag us on social media and let us know how it compares to the real deal!