When it comes to McDonald’s Sweet ’n’ Sour sauce, most of us love it without thinking twice about what’s inside. But a recent revelation has left fans rethinking their favorite dipping companion—and it’s all thanks to a TikTok video exposing the sauce’s not-so-secret ingredient: apricots.
The discovery gained traction after Australian radio hosts Jason Hawkins and Lauren Phillips shared the shocking truth during their show. As Hawkins happily devoured McNuggets with his go-to sauce, Phillips asked him if he knew what gave it its unique tangy-sweet flavor.
After letting her co-host savor another bite, she delivered the bombshell: “It’s actually apricot flavor.”
Hawkins, who claimed to hate apricots, immediately abandoned his nugget mid-bite, exclaiming, “I can taste the apricot now!” Social media reactions quickly followed, with many fans jokingly lamenting that their love for the sauce was “ruined.”
What’s Really in Sweet ’n’ Sour Sauce?
According to McDonald’s, the iconic sauce is a blend of apricot and peach flavors, spiced up with garlic, chili, and paprika extract, creating that addictive balance of sweet and tangy.
But not everyone was heartbroken by the news. Some fans defended the condiment, saying, “If you liked it before, why stop now?” Others expressed disbelief that anyone didn’t already know apricots were involved.
For those still loyal to the dip, McDonald’s Australia even suggested a bold pairing: “Try dipping your soft serve in Sweet ’n’ Sour Sauce.” (We’ll let you decide on that one.)
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or can’t un-taste the apricot, one thing’s for sure—Sweet ’n’ Sour Sauce has sparked a fresh wave of curiosity about what’s really in our fast-food favorites.
