Missouri Fry Fans Embrace New Dipping Sauces

Ketchup no longer dominates as the Midwest expands its French fry flavor horizons.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The traditional Midwest pairing of French fries and ketchup is evolving, as new dipping sauce options like ranch, fry sauce, and even tzatziki are gaining popularity in Missouri and across the region. While ketchup remains a staple, diners are increasingly exploring a variety of creative sauce pairings to enhance their fry experience.

Why it matters

This shift reflects changing consumer tastes and a growing appetite for more adventurous flavor combinations, moving beyond the long-established ketchup default. It highlights how regional food cultures can adapt and evolve over time, driven by influences from both coasts and overseas.

The details

Ketchup is still widely used, but options like salt and vinegar, mayonnaise-based "fry sauce," and even international dips like tzatziki are becoming more common. Some restaurants are even offering "sauce flights" with multiple sauce options. Adventurous eaters are experimenting with truffle mayo, barbecue sauce, and specialty sauces like the "baaahd sauce" at Black Sheep locations in Springfield, Missouri.

  • In the mid-2020s, sauce flights with multiple options became more common at restaurants.
  • Over the past decade, ranch dressing has grown in popularity as a French fry topping, especially among younger diners.

The players

Black Sheep

A restaurant chain in Springfield, Missouri that offers a specialty "baaahd sauce" for French fries.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The evolution of French fry dipping sauces in Missouri reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences, moving beyond the traditional ketchup pairing to embrace a wider range of creative and international flavor combinations. This culinary diversification speaks to the region's growing openness to new tastes and a willingness to experiment with food.