The pink sauce became popular after Thee Burger Dude showcased a copycat version of a well‑known fast‑food chain’s “pink sauce,” which originally contains honey and dairy. The channel’s vegan adaptation has sparked a trend among home cooks looking for a bright, smoky condiment for burgers and fries.

The original uses honey for sweetness and milk for creaminess, while this vegan version swaps honey for maple syrup and dairy mayo for vegan mayo. Dragon fruit provides the pink hue without animal products.

While pink sauces are not traditional, American fast‑food culture has created several versions, ranging from the sweet‑ranch style to smoky chipotle blends. Some regional burger joints add beet puree or ketchup for color, whereas Thee Burger Dude’s version uses dragon fruit for a natural, mild flavor.

Pink sauce is popular at casual gatherings, burger nights, and food‑truck festivals. Its eye‑catching color makes it a fun addition to summer barbecues, game‑day parties, and Instagram‑friendly food spreads.

It pairs beautifully with vegan burgers, grilled portobello mushrooms, sweet‑potato fries, onion rings, and even as a drizzle over taco bowls or salads for a pop of color and flavor.

The use of dragon fruit gives a natural, vibrant pink color without the strong flavor of beets, while the combination of maple syrup and chipotle creates a sweet‑smoky balance that mimics the original’s sweet‑ranch profile.

After Thee Burger Dude’s video, many creators posted their own twists, experimenting with different color agents, spice levels, and vegan bases. The trend has grown into a meme‑worthy challenge, encouraging home cooks to recreate and customize the sauce for their own menus.

Common errors include over‑blending, which can cause the sauce to become too thin, not scooping enough dragon fruit for color, and adding too much chipotle, making the sauce overly spicy. Also, failing to taste and adjust seasoning can leave the flavor unbalanced.

Maple syrup is a vegan‑friendly sweetener that blends well with the mayo base and adds a subtle caramel note. You can substitute agave nectar or brown rice syrup if you prefer a milder sweetness.

Thee Burger Dude focuses on creative burger builds, fast‑food copycat recipes, and plant‑based adaptations of classic American comfort foods, delivering enthusiastic, step‑by‑step tutorials for home cooks.