This Chain Restaurant's Chicken Is Beloved But Its Coleslaw Divides Fans

A scoop of coleslaw to go with your sandwich is just about always a good idea — but according to some customers, that's not always the case at Popeyes. You may go to the restaurant for one of its delicious chicken sandwiches, but many customers suggest skipping out on its coleslaw. People claim the chain's coleslaw is a hit-or-miss item.

Some reviews noted that the slaw has an odd consistency and overall bad taste. "It just has a weird flavor I couldn't put my finger on and the texture seems off," wrote one Redditor in r/Popeyes. There are many complaints online from customers who were unsatisfied with the slaw's watery consistency. A good coleslaw is supposed to be creamy and crisp, and customers say Popeyes's slaw is practically soup. Another Redditor noted, "It's never been good. Don't recommend ever getting it."

That said, others say they find Popeyes's coleslaw (a mixture of cabbage and carrots with a tangy mayonnaise dressing) to be a tasty side. Redditors mentioned enjoying the slaw as a contrast to spicy sandwiches, and it's still a popular item on the menu despite the varied opinions on it. There are even copycat recipes out there for it, and in Chowhound's ranking of Popeyes's side dishes, our own reviewer recommended it for coleslaw fans. But for those not willing to take a risk on such mixed reviews, it may be best to stay away from this side. 

The coleslaw didn't quite make our list of Popeyes's menu items to avoid, but its unpredictability still raises concerns. The reason it's so unpredictable could be due to many factors. Some customers speculated that Popeyes might combine old and new batches of coleslaw to avoid waste resulting in the strange runny texture. Others suggested it could just be a bad batch from improper storing. However, one customer on Facebook called Popeyes to complain about the texture. They said, "[the employee] said it's always like that." So that texture might just be the chain's standard.

The cause behind the side dish's texture and how often you'll receive watery coleslaw when you order will probably remain a mystery. Customers particularly grossed out by the soupy texture probably won't want to take their chances by ordering but others say it's perfectly fine to eat, enjoy the flavor, and point to a simple solution. "It's just runny," one Popeyes fan wrote in response to the Facebook post. "You can drain some of that off." 

If you want to give Popeyes's coleslaw a chance, you could always try to jazz it up with seasonings at home or add it on top of your chicken sandwich. You could add a bit of onion powder or Dijon mustard to amp up the taste, but aside from draining excess liquid, there's not much to be done about the poor consistency. Ultimately, if you're a coleslaw fan, the decision to order it comes down to whether you're willing to take the risk of not liking it, because it could definitely go either way.