Arby’s Steak Nuggets: Price, Calories, Review & How to Order (2026)
If you’ve been searching for everything about Arby’s Steak Nuggets, what they actually taste like, what they cost, whether they’re still available, and whether they’re worth ordering, this guide covers it all. You’ll find verified prices, accurate nutrition facts sourced from Arby’s official data, real customer reviews, and practical ordering advice in one place.
📋 Table of Contents
- What Are Arby’s Steak Nuggets?
- Does Arby’s Still Have Steak Nuggets in 2026?
- Arby’s Steak Nuggets Menu Options
- Prices & Calories
- What Do They Taste Like? (Honest Review)
- Nutrition & Allergen Information
- Are Arby’s Steak Nuggets Healthy?
- Best Sauce Pairings
- Steak Nuggets vs Chicken Nuggets
- How to Order
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Arby’s Steak Nuggets?
Steak Nuggets at Arby’s are bite-sized, hand-cut pieces of real steak, not processed meat, not ground beef formed into shapes. Each piece is seasoned with garlic and pepper, then seared and smoked to build a bold, smoky flavor that’s noticeably different from anything else on Arby’s menu. There is no breading on these nuggets, which immediately sets them apart from every other fast-food nugget on the market.
The nuggets come with a fork included in the packaging, though Arby’s makes a point of saying the fork is optional. They’re served with Hickory BBQ sauce for dipping, and that sauce pairing is worth taking seriously, not just a throwaway condiment.
Does Arby’s Still Have Steak Nuggets in 2026?
Arby’s launched Steak Nuggets nationwide on October 6, 2025, after an earlier regional test in select markets across Florida, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. They were introduced as a limited-time offering, and that status hasn’t officially changed.
As of mid-2026, Steak Nuggets remain available at participating locations, but availability varies by restaurant. Some locations have continued offering them well into 2026 due to strong customer demand; others may have rotated them out. Prices and availability can vary by location.
Pro tip: The Arby’s app’s store locator shows current menu items by location. The Deals tab occasionally includes promotions tied to Steak Nuggets when available. If you’ve been putting off trying them, don’t wait, limited-time items at Arby’s don’t follow a fixed schedule.
Arby’s Steak Nuggets Menu Prices & Calories
Prices listed below are standard national prices. Actual prices vary by location, customers in higher cost-of-living areas may pay noticeably more. One reviewer noted paying $7.49 for the 5-piece in Hawaii versus the standard ~$6.99. Always check the Arby’s app for pricing at your specific location.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Steak Nuggets 5PC | ~$6.99 | 340 |
| Steak Nuggets 5PC Meal | ~$11.99 | ~820 |
| Steak Nuggets 9PC | ~$11.99 | 600 |
| Steak Nuggets 9PC Meal | ~$16.99 | ~1,120 |
| Steak Nugget Sandwich | ~$8.99 | 560 |
| Steak Nugget Sandwich Meal | ~$13.99 | ~960 |
| Steak Nugget Bowl | ~$10.49 | 880 |
| Steak Nugget Bowl Meal | ~$15.49 | ~1,280 |
Note: Meal prices include medium Curly Fries and a medium fountain drink. All prices are approximate and subject to change. Prices vary by location, always verify through the Arby’s app before ordering.
What Do Arby’s Steak Nuggets Taste Like? (Honest Review)
The most important thing to know before ordering is that these taste nothing like chicken nuggets. If that’s your mental reference point, you’ll either be pleasantly surprised or caught off guard. Multiple food reviewers across TODAY, Parade, OutKick, The Washington Post, and The Impulsive Buy all noted this same expectation gap.
The honest flavor profile: heavily smoked, boldly peppered, savory, and closer to beef jerky or brisket burnt ends than anything you’d call “nugget-like.” The Impulsive Buy described them as having a tender, fall-apart texture reminiscent of beef sitting in a stew for hours, alongside a strong beef jerky vibe. OutKick called them slightly rubbery, smoky, and chewy, with an overall bacon-like flavor. The Washington Post reviewer noted they arrived losing moisture with every passing second, a real risk with any smoked meat item sitting in a container.
✅ What Fans Loved
- Melt-in-your-mouth quality when eaten fresh
- Bold, smoky seasoning unlike anything else on the fast-food market
- “So beyond amazing” — multiple Instagram commenters
- Tastes like dried chunks of brisket (a compliment from Reddit)
- High protein with no breading or carb-heavy coating
❌ What Critics Noted
- No crispy exterior — can disappoint those expecting a coated nugget
- Texture becomes dry or chewy if nuggets have been sitting
- BBQ sauce can overpower the beef flavor if used too heavily
- Inconsistency between locations in preparation quality
- Not suitable for customers who prefer mild, neutral flavors
📌 Bottom Line
- Order if you enjoy smoked beef, brisket, or steak bites
- Skip if you want a crispy, breaded nugget experience
- Always eat immediately — quality drops fast in the container
- Dine-in or drive-thru is better than delivery for this item
- Use Horsey Sauce alongside the included BBQ for best results
Nutrition & Allergen Information
The following Arby’s Steak Nuggets nutrition data is sourced from Arby’s official nutritional information published at launch. Sauce calories are not included in the nugget figures below. For complete nutritional values, ingredient information, and allergen details, visit Arby’s Nutrition & Allergen page.
| Item | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Sat. Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5PC Steak Nuggets | 340 | 27 | 4.5 | 670 | 5 | 17 |
| 9PC Steak Nuggets | 600 | 49 | 8 | 1,210 | 8 | 30 |
| Steak Nugget Sandwich | 560 | — | — | — | — | ~28 |
| Steak Nugget Bowl | 880 | — | — | — | — | ~34 |
Allergen Information
Steak Nuggets at Arby’s (the nuggets themselves, a la carte without bun or bowl) do not contain any of the nine major FDA-recognized allergens: egg, fish, milk, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, or wheat. This makes the entrée portion one of the more allergen-friendly items on Arby’s menu.
Allergen Notes by Format
- 5PC & 9PC Entrée — No major allergens in the nuggets themselves
- Hickory BBQ sauce (included) — Check for soy before ordering if sensitive
- Steak Nugget Sandwich — Contains wheat (bun), egg and milk (mayonnaise)
- Steak Nugget Bowl — May contain milk (mac and cheese component)
- Cross-contamination in shared kitchen environments is always possible. Inform staff of severe allergies before ordering.
Ingredients (Steak Nuggets)
Beef, Water, Corn Starch, Dextrose, Soybean Oil, Salt, Sugar, Dry Vinegar, Sodium Phosphates, Spices, Cultured Celery Powder, Rice Starch, Garlic Powder, Beef Stock, Onion Powder, Granulated Garlic, Yeast Extract, Beef Fat, Extractives of Paprika (Color).
Are Arby’s Steak Nuggets Healthy?
The Steak Nuggets are a high-protein, low-carb fast-food option when ordered as the a la carte entrée, 17 grams of protein from the 5-piece, 30 grams from the 9-piece, with only 5–8 grams of carbohydrates. That profile compares reasonably well to other protein-forward fast-food items, and the complete absence of major allergens in the base nugget is a genuine advantage for certain customers.
The main nutritional concern is fat and sodium. The 5-piece contains 27 grams of total fat and 670mg of sodium, roughly 29% of the recommended daily sodium intake. The 9-piece pushes that sodium figure to 1,210mg. The Steak Nugget Bowl adds significant calories from the mac and cheese component. Anyone monitoring blood pressure, sodium intake, or total daily fat should factor these numbers in carefully, especially if ordering a meal with fries and a drink.
Best for low-carb & carnivore diets: The a la carte nuggets are one of the better options at Arby’s for customers following low-carb or carnivore-style eating. No breading, no wheat, no major allergens, just smoked beef. For everyone else, best approached as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily meal.
Best Sauce Pairings for Arby’s Steak Nuggets
Every order of Steak Nuggets comes with Hickory BBQ sauce, but Arby’s free condiment station gives you more options. Some combinations work significantly better than the default, here’s what to try.
Included with every order. Adds sweetness and smokiness. Dip lightly, too much masks the beef flavor entirely.
Sweet-tangy original sauce. Adds brightness the BBQ sauce doesn’t. Free at the condiment station.
Creamy horseradish cuts through the fat better than any other option. Classic beef pairing. Also free.
Lighter, creamier alternatives for customers who prefer less smokiness. Both available at the condiment station.
Best approach: Pick up Hickory BBQ (already included), one Arby’s Sauce, and one Horsey Sauce from the condiment station, all three are free. Taste the nuggets with each and find your preference. Most customers end up preferring the Horsey Sauce for beef, even if they didn’t expect to.
Arby’s Steak Nuggets vs Chicken Nuggets
Many customers approach Arby’s Steak Nuggets expecting something similar to McDonald’s or Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets. They are fundamentally different products, treating them as interchangeable leads to disappointment in either direction. Here’s the full comparison.
| Feature | Arby’s Steak Nuggets | Typical Chicken Nuggets |
|---|---|---|
| Meat type | Real hand-cut steak pieces | Processed / formed chicken |
| Exterior | No breading | Crispy breaded coating |
| Texture | Tender, chewy, smoky | Crispy outside, soft inside |
| Flavor profile | Bold, smoky, beef-forward | Mild, neutral, salty |
| Protein (per serving) | 17–30g | 15–25g (varies) |
| Major allergens | None (entrée only) | Wheat, egg, milk, soy (typically) |
| Best paired with | Smoky BBQ, horseradish | Ranch, honey mustard, ketchup |
| Does Arby’s have chicken nuggets? | No. Arby’s does not have a dedicated chicken nugget. The chain offers Chicken Tenders and crispy chicken sandwiches, but Steak Nuggets are the only nugget-format item currently on the Arby’s menu. | |
Core difference: Chicken nuggets are a vehicle for the breading and sauce. Steak Nuggets are a vehicle for the beef itself. Which you prefer depends entirely on what you’re craving, not which one is objectively better.
How to Order Steak Nuggets from Arby’s
Arby’s offers four ways to order. The best option depends on your situation, but the app is strongly recommended for this specific item because you can confirm availability at your location before leaving the house.
Arby’s App (Recommended)
Confirm Steak Nuggets are available at your location before visiting. Check the Deals tab for app-exclusive discounts. New Rewards members get 25% off their first order. Use the app to verify current pricing, which varies by location.
Drive-Thru
Fast and convenient for a standard order. Ask for the 5PC or 9PC, sandwich, or bowl by name. Check the menu board for current local pricing, prices vary by location.
Dine-In
Best option for Steak Nuggets specifically, eating immediately after preparation gives the best texture and moisture. The quality of smoked beef declines noticeably if it sits in the container.
Delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub)
Available at many locations, but smoked, tender beef does not travel as well as breaded chicken. Expect less-than-ideal texture on delivery. Prices are also typically higher, and Rewards points may not apply on third-party orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Arbys Steak Nuggets made of?
Arby’s Steak Nuggets are hand-cut pieces of real beef, seasoned with garlic and pepper, then seared and smoked. The full ingredient list includes: Beef, Water, Corn Starch, Dextrose, Soybean Oil, Salt, Sugar, Dry Vinegar, Sodium Phosphates, Spices, Cultured Celery Powder, Rice Starch, Garlic Powder, Beef Stock, Onion Powder, Granulated Garlic, Yeast Extract, Beef Fat, and Extractives of Paprika.
How many pieces come in an order of Arbys Steak Nuggets?
Steak Nuggets are available as a 5-piece or 9-piece entrée. The sandwich and bowl formats include a set number of nuggets as part of the build. Meal options pair either size with medium Curly Fries and a medium fountain drink.
Are Arbys Steak Nuggets breaded?
No. There is no breading on the nuggets. This is one of the most significant differences from chicken nuggets, and it means the texture is soft and tender rather than crispy. Customers expecting a crunchy coating will be surprised, the nuggets are more similar to steak bites or smoked beef chunks than a traditional breaded fast-food nugget.
What sauce comes with Arbys Steak Nuggets?
Hickory BBQ sauce is included with every entrée order. Additional sauces, including Arby’s Sauce and Horsey Sauce, are available free at the condiment station. Horsey Sauce is particularly recommended as a pairing with beef.
Are Arby’s Steak Nuggets available at every location?
No. As a limited-time item, availability varies by location and current promotional period. Prices also vary by location since most Arby’s restaurants are franchise-owned. Use the Arby’s app to check availability and current pricing at your nearest restaurant before visiting specifically for this item.
Does Arby’s have chicken nuggets?
Arby’s does not have a standard chicken nugget on its permanent menu. The chain offers Chicken Tenders, Crispy Chicken Sandwiches, Buffalo Chicken options, and other chicken items, but not a dedicated chicken nugget product. The Steak Nuggets are the only nugget-format item on the current Arby’s menu.
Can you order Arbys Steak Nuggets online?
Yes. You can order through the Arby’s app or website at participating locations. The app is the recommended option as it shows real-time availability and current deals at your specific location. Steak Nuggets are also available through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, though delivery prices are typically higher than ordering direct.
Final Thoughts
Arby’s Steak Nuggets are genuinely unlike anything else in fast food right now. They don’t compete with chicken nuggets, they do something completely different: deliver the flavor of smoked beef in a portable, no-utensils-required format. If you enjoy smoked meats, steak bites, or BBQ brisket, they’re worth trying at least once. If you’re expecting a crispy, breaded nugget experience, order something else.
The 5-piece entrée is the best starting point, low carb, high protein, no major allergens, and at around $6.99 it’s a reasonable price for what you get. The sandwich is the best full-meal option. The bowl is for comfort food days. Eat them fresh, use Horsey Sauce alongside the included BBQ, and check the app first to confirm availability at your location, prices and availability vary by location and this item is not permanent on the menu.
