Arby’s sides menu is one of the most underrated parts of the whole ordering experience. Most people focus on the sandwich and then grab Curly Fries out of habit, but there are seven sides on the current Arby’s menu, each one different enough to be worth knowing before you order. From the iconic Curly Fries to creamy White Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese and the spicy kick of Jalapeño Bites, Arby’s sides, bring real variety to any meal. This guide covers all of them with updated 2026 prices, calories, nutrition facts, allergen info, dipping sauce recommendations, and tips for ordering the right side for your meal.
📋 Table of Contents
- What Sides Does Arby’s Have?
- Arby’s Sides Menu With Prices & Calories
- Arby’s Curly Fries
- Arby’s Crinkle Fries
- Arby’s Potato Cakes
- Arby’s Mozzarella Sticks
- Arby’s Jalapeño Bites
- White Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese
- Chicken Tenders 2PC
- Nutrition & Allergen Information
- Best Dipping Sauces for Each Side
- Best Sandwich & Side Pairings
- Are Arby’s Fries Vegan?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Sides Does Arby’s Have?
Arby’s currently offers seven items on its sides and snacks menu: Curly Fries, Crinkle Fries, Potato Cakes, Mozzarella Sticks, Jalapeño Bites, White Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese, and Chicken Tenders 2PC. Each item sits under the official Sides & Snacks category on the Arby’s menu and is available to order on its own or as part of a combo meal.
What makes Arby’s sides menu stand out compared to most fast-food chains is the range of textures and flavors. You can go crispy and savory with Curly Fries or Crinkle Fries, rich and cheesy with Mac ‘n Cheese, spicy with Jalapeño Bites, or stretchy and indulgent with Mozzarella Sticks. Most sides are priced between $2.79 and $5.59, making them genuinely affordable additions to any order. Availability of certain items, particularly Potato Cakes and White Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese, can vary by location, so checking the Arby’s app before visiting is always a smart move.
Arby’s Sides Menu With Prices & Calories 2026
Here is the complete Arby’s sides menu with current 2026 prices and calorie counts. All prices are per standard serving and may vary slightly by location since most Arby’s restaurants are franchise-owned.
| Item | Size | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curly Fries | Small | $2.79 | 250 |
| Curly Fries | Medium | $3.49 | 410 |
| Curly Fries | Large | $4.29 | 550 |
| Crinkle Fries | Small | $2.79 | 250 |
| Crinkle Fries | Medium | $3.49 | 370 |
| Crinkle Fries | Large | $4.29 | 620 |
| Potato Cakes | 2 piece | $2.79 | 250 |
| Potato Cakes | 3 piece | $2.99–$3.59 | 370 |
| Potato Cakes | 4 piece | $3.49–$4.29 | 490 |
| Mozzarella Sticks | 4 piece | $4.59 | 440 |
| Mozzarella Sticks | 6 piece | $5.59 | 650 |
| Jalapeño Bites | 5 piece | $4.49 | 290 |
| Jalapeño Bites | 8 piece | $5.49 | 470 |
| White Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese | Regular | $4.99 | 1120 |
| Chicken Tenders 2PC | 2 piece | $4.99 | 160 |
Price note: Prices vary by location and franchise. The figures above reflect typical 2026 pricing at most U.S. locations. Your nearest Arby’s may charge slightly more or less depending on local operating costs. Always confirm through the Arby’s app before ordering.
Arby’s Curly Fries
Arby’s Curly Fries are the most popular item on the entire sides menu and one of the most recognized fast-food sides in the country. They’re made from real potatoes cut into a signature spiral shape, then seasoned with Arby’s proprietary spice blend that includes garlic, onion, paprika, and other savory seasonings before being fried to a golden crisp. The curly shape is not just aesthetic, it actually helps the seasoning coat the fry more thoroughly, which is why every bite hits with more flavor than a standard straight-cut fry.
A small order comes in at 250 calories and $2.79. A medium is 410 calories and roughly $3.49, while a large reaches 550 calories at around $4.29. The calorie jump from small to large is significant, so if you’re watching your intake, the small paired with a sandwich is usually enough for most people. Curly Fries are available all day during standard Arby’s operating hours and can be ordered as a combo side or individually.
Best for: Anyone who wants the classic Arby’s side experience. Curly Fries pair with every sandwich on the menu and are the default combo side for good reason. Order small if you want to keep calories in check, or go medium for a proper meal-sized portion.
Arby’s Crinkle Fries
Crinkle Fries are Arby’s straight-cut alternative to the Curly Fries, designed for customers who prefer a thicker, more classic fry with a crispier edge. They’re cut with an accordion-style ridged blade that creates the crinkle texture, then lightly seasoned with fine kosher salt before frying. The ridged shape helps them hold dipping sauces better than a smooth-cut fry, making them a great choice if you plan to use the Arby’s Sauce, Horsey Sauce, or a cheese dip.
Crinkle Fries contain 250 calories in a small, 370 in a medium, and 620 in a large, notably fewer mid-size calories than Curly Fries. The price is the same as Curly Fries across all sizes, so the choice really comes down to personal taste. Many customers prefer Crinkle Fries alongside the Classic French Dip & Swiss because they hold up better when used for dipping into the au jus alongside the sandwich.
Best for: Customers who want a thicker, more satisfying fry with a clean potato flavor. Crinkle Fries are the better dipping fry — their ridged edges hold sauce well, making them ideal alongside the French Dip & Swiss or with a side cup of Cheddar Sauce.
Arby’s Potato Cakes
Arby’s Potato Cakes are one of the most talked-about items on the sides menu, and for good reason. They’re made from shredded potato formed into flat oval patties and fried until golden brown on the outside with a soft, tender interior, basically a hash brown but available all day, not just at breakfast. The texture is distinctly different from any of the fry options: crispy and lacy on the edges, dense and potato-forward in the middle.
A 2-piece order is 250 calories and $2.79, the same price entry point as the small fries. You can also order 3-piece ($2.99–$3.59, 370 cal) or 4-piece ($3.49–$4.29, 490 cal) depending on your appetite. Potato Cakes are technically classified as a side item but many customers order them as a snack on their own, especially during Arby’s Happy Hour when select sides drop to $1. Availability can vary by location, some franchise restaurants carry them consistently while others stock them seasonally, so checking the app first is worth it.
Best for: Customers who want something different from standard fries, or anyone who enjoys hash-brown-style potato textures. Potato Cakes are especially satisfying alongside a Classic Roast Beef or Beef ‘n Cheddar, where the mild potato flavor complements rather than competes with the sandwich.
Arby’s Mozzarella Sticks
Arby’s Mozzarella Sticks are one of the most popular snack-style sides on the menu, and they consistently get strong reviews from customers. Each stick has a crispy, seasoned breadcrumb exterior that gives a satisfying crunch, while the inside is stretchy, fully melted mozzarella cheese. They’re served with a marinara dipping sauce, which adds a tangy, herby balance to the richness of the cheese.
The 4-piece order comes in at 440 calories for $4.59, and the 6-piece at 650 calories for $5.59. Both sizes are worth it depending on how many people are sharing, but the 4-piece is the right call for a solo order alongside a sandwich. These are one of the few sides on the menu that double easily as a shared snack, they work well at the table for a group who wants something to pick at while waiting or alongside lighter sandwich choices.
Best for: Cheese lovers, shared snacking, and anyone who wants a more indulgent side beyond fries. Mozzarella Sticks are also a popular inclusion in the Meat & 3 Box deal, so they’re one of the few sides you might get as part of a bundle without paying separately.
Arby’s Jalapeño Bites
Jalapeño Bites are Arby’s spicy snack side and one of the more unique offerings on the sides menu. Each bite is a jalapeño half filled with cream cheese, coated in a seasoned crispy breading, and fried until golden. They come with Bronco Berry Sauce on the side, which is Arby’s sweet-and-tangy pepper sauce that does a great job cooling the heat from the jalapeño while adding a fruity, slightly smoky contrast.
A 5-piece order is 290 calories for $4.49, which makes it one of the lighter sides despite feeling quite filling. The 8-piece is 470 calories at roughly $5.49. The heat level is genuine but not overwhelming, the cream cheese filling does a lot of work moderating the jalapeño’s spice, so even customers who are mildly sensitive to heat can usually handle the 5-piece without issue. The Bronco Berry Sauce is a must-use with these, it’s specifically designed as the pairing and makes a noticeable difference to the overall flavor.
Best for: Customers who want spice and crunch alongside a richer sandwich like the Smokehouse Brisket or Beef ‘n Cheddar. The contrast of spicy-creamy Jalapeño Bites against a smoky or cheesy main works well. Always use the included Bronco Berry Sauce — it’s the right pairing and helps balance the heat.
Arby’s White Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese
White Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese is the most indulgent item on the Arby’s sides menu and also the highest-calorie one at 1,120 calories for a single order. It’s made with pasta in a rich, creamy white cheddar cheese sauce that’s noticeably sharper and more complex than standard fast-food mac and cheese. This one leans into comfort food territory hard, it’s dense, filling, and satisfying in a way that most fast-food sides aren’t.
At $4.99, it sits at the same price as Chicken Tenders 2PC and is competitively priced for what you get. Keep in mind that 1,120 calories is a significant number, this is more calories than some full sandwiches on the menu. It’s best suited as a shareable side for two people, or ordered solo when you plan to keep the rest of the meal lighter. White Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese is also part of the Quarter Pound BBQ lineup as a bowl base, which is worth checking if it’s currently available at your location.
Best for: Comfort food cravings, sharing between two people, or pairing with a lighter main like the Ham Slider or a Classic Roast Beef when you want the side to be the star. If you’re watching calories, this one is worth skipping or splitting.
Arby’s Chicken Tenders 2PC (Side)
The Chicken Tenders 2PC occupies an interesting spot on the sides menu, it’s technically listed there, but at 160 calories for two tenders and $4.99, it functions more like a small protein add-on than a traditional side. The tenders are the same all-white-meat, hand-breaded chicken pieces used in the main Chicken Tenders 3PC and 5PC orders, just portioned as a two-piece for smaller orders or as a complement to another item.
This is the lowest-calorie option on the sides menu, making it useful for customers who want to add some protein to their meal without committing to a full chicken sandwich. It also works well for kids who want something simple alongside a slider. The tenders come with your choice of dipping sauce, and Honey Mustard or Ranch are the most popular pairings.
Best for: Adding protein to a lighter order, feeding kids who want chicken tenders without a full kids’ meal, or pairing with a side salad for a lower-calorie lunch combination.
Arby’s Sides Nutrition & Allergen Information
Here is the complete nutrition and allergen breakdown for every item on the Arby’s sides menu. These figures are based on the standard serving sizes listed on Arby’s official nutrition guide. Checking these before ordering helps you make better choices based on your dietary preferences. For the full Arby’s nutrition and allergen PDF, visit our Arby’s Nutrition & Allergen page.
| Item | Size | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Key Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curly Fries | Small | 250 | 13 | 560 | 29 | 3 | Wheat, Soy |
| Curly Fries | Medium | 410 | 21 | 920 | 47 | 5 | Wheat, Soy |
| Curly Fries | Large | 550 | 29 | 1,250 | 63 | 7 | Wheat, Soy |
| Crinkle Fries | Small | 250 | 11 | 440 | 34 | 3 | Soy |
| Crinkle Fries | Medium | 370 | 16 | 650 | 51 | 4 | Soy |
| Crinkle Fries | Large | 620 | 27 | 1,090 | 85 | 7 | Soy |
| Potato Cakes | 2 piece | 250 | 14 | 480 | 28 | 3 | Soy |
| Mozzarella Sticks | 4 piece | 440 | 22 | 850 | 44 | 18 | Milk, Wheat, Soy |
| Mozzarella Sticks | 6 piece | 650 | 33 | 1,270 | 65 | 28 | Milk, Wheat, Soy |
| Jalapeño Bites | 5 piece | 290 | 17 | 480 | 27 | 5 | Milk, Wheat, Soy, Egg |
| Jalapeño Bites | 8 piece | 470 | 27 | 770 | 44 | 8 | Milk, Wheat, Soy, Egg |
| White Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese | Regular | 1120 | 62 | 1,790 | 108 | 38 | Milk, Wheat |
| Chicken Tenders 2PC | 2 piece | 160 | 7 | 500 | 11 | 15 | Milk, Wheat, Soy |
Best Dipping Sauces for Each Arby’s Side
Most Arby’s sides come with a designated dipping sauce, but you can request any available sauce at the counter. Choosing the right sauce makes a real difference to the overall flavor of the side. Here’s what works best with each item.
| Side Item | Included Sauce | Best Pairing | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curly Fries | None (choose your own) | Arby’s Sauce or Horsey Sauce | Arby’s Sauce adds a tangy-sweet hit; Horsey Sauce’s horseradish sharpness cuts through the seasoning perfectly |
| Crinkle Fries | None (choose your own) | Cheddar Sauce or Ranch Dip | Crinkle Fries’ ridged texture holds thick sauces better; Cheddar Sauce turns them into loaded fries territory |
| Potato Cakes | None (choose your own) | Arby’s Sauce or Ketchup | Mild potato flavor of the cakes benefits from tangy sauces; classic ketchup works perfectly too |
| Mozzarella Sticks | Marinara Sauce | Marinara Sauce (included) | The tangy tomato balances the richness of molten mozzarella; it’s the designed pairing |
| Jalapeño Bites | Bronco Berry Sauce | Bronco Berry Sauce (included) | The sweet-fruity sauce cuts the jalapeño heat and cream cheese richness simultaneously |
| White Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese | None | None needed | Rich enough on its own; a few dashes of Arby’s Sauce on top can add a tangy contrast |
| Chicken Tenders 2PC | Choose your own | Honey Mustard Dip or Ranch Dip | Classic tenders-and-honey-mustard pairing; Ranch works equally well for a cooler, creamier contrast |
Best Sandwich & Side Pairings at Arby’s
Not every side works equally well with every sandwich. Matching the right side to your main makes the whole meal feel more intentional and satisfying. Here are the pairings that work best based on flavor profiles.
🥩 Classic Roast Beef or Beef ‘n Cheddar
Curly Fries are the natural default and they work for a reason, the seasoning complements the beef without overpowering it. Potato Cakes are an underrated alternative here; the mild potato flavor lets the sandwich do the talking.
🔥 Smokehouse Brisket or BBQ Items
Crinkle Fries or Jalapeño Bites work best with smoky, BBQ-forward mains. The Crinkle Fries provide a neutral contrast, while the spicy-sweet Jalapeño Bites complement the smoke and char flavors in the brisket.
🍗 Crispy Chicken or Chicken Bacon Swiss
Mozzarella Sticks or Curly Fries are both excellent here. The cheesy, stretchy Mozzarella Sticks add indulgence alongside a chicken main, and Curly Fries keep the meal feeling balanced and satisfying.
🥙 Greek Gyro or Corned Beef Reuben
Crinkle Fries are the better match for these deli-style builds — they’re simpler and don’t clash with the Mediterranean or Eastern European flavors of the Gyro and Reuben. Curly Fries also work, but are more dominant in flavor.
🐟 Fish Sandwiches (Seasonal)
Crinkle Fries with the Crispy Fish Sandwich is a classic combination for a reason. The neutral, lightly salted Crinkle Fries echo the seaside, classic fish-and-chips energy without competing with the tartar sauce or fish flavor.
🤏 Sliders or Kids Meals
Small Curly Fries or Potato Cakes are the right size for lighter orders. The 2-piece Chicken Tenders also pairs well alongside sliders when you want a protein-forward snacking combo without committing to a full meal.
Are Arby’s Fries Vegan?
This is one of the most commonly searched questions about Arby’s sides, and the answer requires a little nuance. Arby’s Curly Fries contain a seasoning blend that includes natural flavors derived from chicken, this means they are not vegan despite being a potato product. Arby’s officially lists chicken as an ingredient in the Curly Fry seasoning on their nutrition documentation.
Crinkle Fries, on the other hand, are lightly salted with no additional seasoning blend and do not list any animal-derived ingredients in the standard preparation. They are the better option for customers avoiding animal products, though Arby’s kitchens are not certified vegan or vegetarian, and shared fryers mean cross-contamination with meat products is possible. Potato Cakes are cooked in the same fryer oil and do not contain animal-derived ingredients in their base formulation, but again, shared fryer cross-contamination applies.
Quick Vegan / Vegetarian Side Guide
- Crinkle Fries — no animal-derived ingredients in standard preparation
- Potato Cakes — no animal-derived ingredients in base formulation
- Curly Fries — seasoning blend contains chicken-derived natural flavors (NOT vegan)
- Mozzarella Sticks — contain dairy (milk/cheese) and egg (not vegan or dairy-free)
- Jalapeño Bites — contain dairy (cream cheese) (not vegan)
- White Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese — contains dairy (not vegan)
- All fried sides share fryer oil with meat products — cross-contamination is possible at all locations
How to Order Arby’s Sides
Arby’s sides can be ordered as part of a combo meal, as a standalone item, or as an add-on to any order. Ordering through the app gives you the clearest picture of what sides are available at your specific location and lets you access any current deals.
Arby’s App / Website
Best option for confirming local availability, some sides like Potato Cakes and Mac ‘n Cheese vary by location. App also shows current deals and lets you earn Rewards points on every order.
Drive-Thru
Quick and convenient for standard orders. All standard sides are available through the drive-thru at any open Arby’s location during regular operating hours (typically 10:00 AM–10:00 PM or later).
Dine-In
Good option if you want to review the menu board before deciding. Counter staff can advise on which sides are currently available at that location and suggest dipping sauce options.
Delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub)
Available at most locations. Note that delivery prices are typically higher than ordering direct, and fried sides like fries and Potato Cakes may not hold texture as well by the time they arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sides does Arby’s have in 2026?
Arby’s currently offers seven items on its sides menu: Curly Fries, Crinkle Fries, Potato Cakes, Mozzarella Sticks, Jalapeño Bites, White Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese, and Chicken Tenders 2PC. Availability of individual items can vary by location, so checking the Arby’s app before visiting is recommended.
How much do Arby’s sides cost?
Arby’s sides range from $2.79 for a small Curly or Crinkle Fries, up to $5.59 for a 6-piece Mozzarella Sticks order. Most standard sides fall between $2.79 and $4.99. Prices vary slightly by location since most Arby’s restaurants are franchise-owned.
What is the most popular side at Arby’s?
Arby’s Curly Fries are consistently the most popular side on the menu. They’re the default combo side and widely recognized as one of the most iconic fast-food side dishes in the country. The Mozzarella Sticks and Jalapeño Bites are the most popular snack-style options after the fries.
Are Arby’s Curly Fries vegan?
No. Arby’s Curly Fries are not vegan because their seasoning blend contains chicken-derived natural flavors. Crinkle Fries and Potato Cakes do not list animal-derived ingredients in their base formulations, making them the better option for customers avoiding meat products, though shared fryer cross-contamination applies to all sides.
Does Arby’s have loaded fries?
Arby’s does not currently have a dedicated loaded fries item on its standard menu. However, you can create a loaded fry experience by ordering Curly Fries or Crinkle Fries and requesting a side cup of Cheddar Sauce and asking for extra toppings like bacon bits at the counter. Some limited-time menu items in the past have included topped fry variations, so checking the current limited-time menu is always worth a look.
Does Arby’s still have Potato Cakes?
Yes, Arby’s Potato Cakes are currently on the menu in 2026. They were removed from some locations in previous years, which caused significant customer pushback. Arby’s has since brought them back as a standard menu item, though availability can still vary by franchise location. Check the Arby’s app for your specific store to confirm.
How many calories are in Arby’s Curly Fries?
A small order of Arby’s Curly Fries is 250 calories. A medium is 410 calories, and a large is 550 calories. These counts are for the fries alone, before any dipping sauces are added.
What dipping sauce comes with Arby’s Mozzarella Sticks?
Arby’s Mozzarella Sticks come with a marinara dipping sauce. The tangy tomato-herb marinara is the designed pairing for the rich, stretchy mozzarella and does a good job balancing the richness of the cheese. You can also request other sauces at the counter at most locations.
Does Arby’s have steak bites?
Yes, Arby’s offers Steak Nuggets, which are bite-sized pieces of seasoned, smoked steak served in 5-piece or 9-piece portions. These are listed under the Steak Nuggets section of the Arby’s menu rather than the standard Sides & Snacks category, and they’re also available as a sandwich and a bowl. See our Arby’s Steak Nuggets guide for full details.
What is the healthiest side at Arby’s?
Chicken Tenders 2PC at 160 calories is the lowest-calorie item on the Arby’s sides menu, making it the best choice for calorie-conscious customers. Small Curly Fries, Crinkle Fries, and Potato Cakes are all 250 calories and are the lightest traditional side options. Jalapeño Bites at 290 calories for a 5-piece are also a reasonable choice if you want something more snack-style.
Final Thoughts
Arby’s sides menu covers more ground than most people realize. Curly Fries remain the go-to for good reason, the signature seasoning and crispy spiral texture are hard to beat as a sandwich companion. But the Mozzarella Sticks, Jalapeño Bites, and Potato Cakes all deserve more attention, especially if you’re looking for something beyond standard fries. White Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese is the wildcard, best shared or ordered solo with a lighter main.
Before you visit, use the Arby’s app to check which sides are available at your location, look for any active deals (Mozzarella Sticks regularly show up in the Meat & 3 Box bundle), and check if Potato Cakes are currently in stock. Matching the right side to your sandwich takes about ten seconds of thought and makes the whole meal significantly better.
