Buffalo Wild Wings Cauliflower Wings: Complete Guide

Buffalo Wild Wings does offer cauliflower wings, officially called Cauliflower Bites, at most U.S. locations as of 2023. These plant-based appetizers feature battered and fried cauliflower florets tossed in your choice of signature sauces, providing a vegetarian alternative to traditional chicken wings without compromising on flavor.

What You Need to Know About Buffalo Wild Wings' Cauliflower Bites

Searching for plant-based options at popular sports bars? You'll be pleased to discover that Buffalo Wild Wings has embraced the cauliflower wing trend with their Cauliflower Bites menu item. This isn't just a limited-time offering—it's become a permanent fixture at most locations, reflecting the growing demand for vegetarian alternatives in casual dining settings.

Availability and Menu Placement

Buffalo Wild Wings introduced Cauliflower Bites nationwide in 2021 after successful regional testing. Today, they appear in the 'Appetizers' section of both digital and physical menus at approximately 95% of U.S. locations according to the company's 2023 menu update. The dish has proven so popular that some locations report selling nearly as many cauliflower bites as traditional wings during weekend games.

When ordering, you'll find Cauliflower Bites listed alongside traditional wings with the same sauce options available. This seamless integration makes it easy for mixed dietary preference groups to enjoy the same flavor experience.

Ingredients and Preparation Process

Buffalo Wild Wings' cauliflower preparation follows a specific process that contributes to their distinctive texture:

• Fresh cauliflower florets are coated in a seasoned batter
• Fried to achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining tender interior
• Tossed in your choice of 20+ signature sauces, from mild Parmesan Garlic to nuclear-hot Blazin'
• Served with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping

The batter contains wheat flour, making these unsuitable for gluten-free diets, but the base ingredient—cauliflower—provides a naturally vegan option before sauce selection. When ordering, specify "no dairy" if you need a fully vegan preparation, as some sauces contain dairy derivatives.

Feature	Cauliflower Bites	Traditional Chicken Wings
Calories (6 pieces)	420-680	550-800
Protein Content	7g	35g
Vegetarian Option	Yes	No
Gluten-Free Options	No	Yes (dry rubs only)
Sauce Variety	20+ options	20+ options

Taste and Texture Comparison

Many first-time cauliflower wing consumers wonder how they compare to traditional wings. Based on customer feedback analysis from 2022-2023, here's what to expect:

The texture strikes a balance between crispy exterior and tender interior, though it lacks the meaty pull of chicken wings. Sauce adherence is excellent due to the battered surface, with tangy options like Buffalo and Mild creating the most authentic wing experience. For those accustomed to traditional wings, the cauliflower version provides a satisfying crunch with slightly less heaviness.

Nutritional Considerations

While cauliflower wings offer a plant-based alternative, they're not necessarily a 'health food.' The frying process and sauce options significantly impact nutritional value:

• Calorie range: 420-680 calories for a standard 6-piece order, depending on sauce selection
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 55g (higher than chicken wings due to batter)
• Fat content: 20-28g, primarily from frying oil
• Fiber boost: Contains 6g of dietary fiber from the cauliflower base

For lighter options, request 'lightly breaded' preparation and choose vinegar-based sauces like Buffalo or Mild instead of creamy options like Parmesan Garlic. The nutritional information is available on Buffalo Wild Wings' official website under their 'Allergen & Nutrition Guide' section, which is updated quarterly.

Ordering Tips for Best Results

Maximize your cauliflower wing experience with these insider tips:

1. Specify sauce intensity: Cauliflower absorbs sauce differently than chicken, so medium heat often translates to what would be 'hot' on traditional wings
2. Ask for extra crispiness: Some locations offer a double-fry option upon request
3. Combine with celery: The cool crunch complements the spicy cauliflower perfectly
4. Try the '50/50' approach: Mix half cauliflower and half chicken wings to compare flavors

During peak hours, request that your cauliflower be fried separately from chicken products to avoid cross-contamination if you're strictly vegetarian. Most managers will accommodate this request when possible.

Regional Availability Notes

While widely available across the United States, Cauliflower Bites have some regional limitations:

• Canadian locations: Available at approximately 70% of restaurants
• Mexican locations: Not currently offered
• International franchises: Availability varies by country
• Rural locations: Some smaller markets may not stock cauliflower regularly

Before visiting, check the specific location's menu through the official Buffalo Wild Wings website or mobile app, which shows real-time menu availability for each restaurant. This prevents disappointment if your local spot happens to be between cauliflower shipments.

Are Buffalo Wild Wings cauliflower wings vegan?

The cauliflower itself is vegan, but the standard batter contains egg and the frying process may involve shared oil with non-vegan items. For vegan preparation, request no dairy in the sauce and confirm with staff about cooking oil practices.

How many calories are in Buffalo Wild Wings cauliflower bites?

A standard 6-piece order contains between 420-680 calories depending on sauce selection. Lighter sauces like Buffalo (medium) clock in around 420 calories, while creamy sauces like Parmesan Garlic reach approximately 680 calories.

Do cauliflower wings taste like real wings?

They provide a similar flavor experience through sauce options but have a different texture. The battered cauliflower offers crunch and sauce adherence comparable to wings, but lacks the meaty texture. Most customers find them satisfying as an alternative rather than an exact replica.

Are Buffalo Wild Wings cauliflower bites gluten-free?

No, the standard preparation contains wheat flour in the batter. Some locations may accommodate gluten-free requests with advance notice, but cross-contamination is likely in standard preparation due to shared cooking areas.

When did Buffalo Wild Wings add cauliflower wings to their menu?

Buffalo Wild Wings introduced Cauliflower Bites nationally in early 2021 after successful regional testing that began in late 2020. The item transitioned from limited-time offer to permanent menu fixture due to strong customer demand.