Popeyes Sides Menu (2026): Every Side, Prices & Best Deals

Sides are a big part of the Popeyes experience. Most meals come with at least one regular side, and the 2026 value deals, such as the $6 Big Box and the $20 Family Meal, are built around them. This guide covers every side on the current menu, the limited-time sides from this year, and the confirmed 2026 prices for deals that include sides.

Popeyes Sides on the 2026 Menu

Side	Sizes	Good to Know
Cajun Fries	Regular, Large	Fries dusted with Popeyes’ Cajun seasoning
Red Beans & Rice	Regular, Large	A Louisiana classic and one of Popeyes’ oldest sides
Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy	Regular, Large	Creamy potatoes topped with peppery Cajun gravy
Coleslaw	Regular, Large	The only cold side, a good match for Spicy chicken
Homestyle Mac & Cheese	Regular, Large	Baked with a cheddar topping; usually costs extra in value deals
Buttermilk Biscuit	Single or in packs	Included with most combos, boxes and family meals

Confirmed 2026 Prices for Popeyes Sides

The cheapest way to get Popeyes sides in 2026 has been through value deals. These are the prices Popeyes announced this year:

Deal or Item	What You Get	Price	Status
$5 Faves: two regular sides	Any two of Cajun Fries, Red Beans & Rice, Mashed Potatoes or Coleslaw (Mac & Cheese extra)	$5	Offered January 5 to May 3, 2026; not in the summer lineup
$6 Big Box	2-pc chicken or 3 tenders, 2 regular sides, 1 biscuit	$6	Back since August 31, 2026, limited time
$20 Family Meal	9 pieces of chicken or tenders, 1 large side, 4 biscuits	$20	2026 value menu
Fried Pickles (with ranch)	Battered and fried pickle chips	$3.99	Limited time, returned February 16, 2026
Cheese Bites	Fried cheese curds with Blackened Ranch	$3.99	Limited-time add-on from July 2026

Outside these deals, a single regular or large side is priced by each restaurant. Open the Popeyes app and choose your store to see the exact price before you order.

Every Popeyes Side Explained

Cajun Fries

The most popular Popeyes side. The fries are coated in a peppery Cajun seasoning, so they have more flavor than plain salted fries. They are best eaten hot, because they soften quickly in a delivery bag. Read more in our Popeyes Cajun Fries guide.

Red Beans & Rice

Red beans cooked slowly with Cajun seasoning and served over white rice. It is the side most closely tied to Popeyes’ New Orleans roots. Note that it is not a vegetarian dish at every location, so check the allergen and ingredient information if you avoid meat.

Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy

Smooth mashed potatoes topped with Popeyes’ Cajun gravy, which is darker and more peppery than a typical chicken gravy. See our guides to Popeyes Mashed Potatoes and Cajun Gravy.

Coleslaw

A creamy, slightly sweet slaw of shredded cabbage and carrots. Because it is served cold, it balances the heat of Spicy chicken or Blackened tenders.

Homestyle Mac & Cheese

Popeyes’ baked-style mac and cheese has a golden cheddar topping over creamy noodles. It is the richest side on the menu, and in 2026 value deals such as the $5 Faves sides option it usually carried an extra charge.

Buttermilk Biscuit

Flaky and buttery, the biscuit comes with almost every Popeyes meal, including the Big Box and the $20 Family Meal (four biscuits). You can also buy biscuits on their own.

Limited-Time Sides in 2026

Both items are limited-time, so availability depends on your store. Check the app before you make a trip.

What Happened to Popeyes Cajun Rice?

Cajun Rice, once called Rice Dressing, was removed from the permanent menu in 2021. After fans complained, Popeyes brought it back for a short time in 2022 to mark its 50th anniversary, but it is not on the 2026 menu. If you liked it, Red Beans & Rice is the closest option still available.

Calories, Allergens and Special Diets

Popeyes publishes calories and allergens for every side in its official nutrition guide on popeyes.com. Mac & Cheese and biscuits contain wheat and milk, Coleslaw is made with a creamy dressing, and fried items share fryers with breaded products. For details, see our Popeyes Nutrition Guide, Allergen Menu and gluten-free guide.

💰 Tips to Get Popeyes Sides for Less

• Get the $6 Big Box when it’s running. Two regular sides plus chicken and a biscuit for $6 is cheaper than buying the sides alone at most stores.
• Feeding a group? The $20 Family Meal already includes a large side.
• Watch the $5 Faves menu. Two regular sides for $5 appeared twice in 2026 and could return.
• Order in the app, not on delivery apps. Third-party delivery prices are usually higher.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sides does Popeyes have in 2026?

Cajun Fries, Red Beans & Rice, Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy, Coleslaw, Homestyle Mac & Cheese and buttermilk biscuits. Fried Pickles and Cheese Bites appeared as limited-time items this year.

How much is a side at Popeyes?

Single-side prices are set by each restaurant. The best confirmed 2026 prices were two regular sides for $5 on the $5 Faves menu (January to May) and two regular sides inside the $6 Big Box.

Does Popeyes still have Cajun Rice?

No. Cajun Rice left the menu in 2021 and only returned briefly in 2022. It is not part of the 2026 menu.

Which sides come with the Big Box?

Any two regular sides. Homestyle Mac & Cheese may cost extra at some stores.

Are Popeyes Fried Pickles still available?

Fried Pickles are a limited-time item. They returned on February 16, 2026 at $3.99, so check the Popeyes app to see whether your store still has them.

More Popeyes guides: Full Popeyes Menu with Prices · Big Box · Combo Meals · $5 Faves · Sauces

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Sources: QSR Magazine (seafood menu and Fried Pickles, February 2026), QSR Magazine (Cheese Bites, July 2026), Nation’s Restaurant News ($6 Big Box and $20 Family Meal, August 2026) and Eat This, Not That! (Cajun Rice). MenusHouse is an independent website and is not affiliated with Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.