Arby's Steak Nuggets Are Back in 2026: Complete Price, Bowl, and Party Pack Guide ✦ Published August 28, 2026 · Verified Nationwide
Steak Nuggets returned to Arby's on August 24, 2026 with an improved cut, a brand new Horsey Ranch dipping sauce, and two hearty bowl options. Here is every price, size, and ordering detail you need before you visit.
Are Arby's Steak Nuggets Available Right Now?
Yes. Arby's Steak Nuggets returned to participating locations nationwide on August 24, 2026 for a limited time. You can order them in the restaurant, at the drive thru, online, or through the Arby's mobile app. Availability continues into fall 2026 while supplies last.
The August 2026 return is the second run for Steak Nuggets, which originally launched in October 2025 as one of Arby's biggest limited time hits. Chief marketing officer Jeff Baker confirmed that the 2026 version uses an improved cut of steak, and the launch is paired with a brand new dipping sauce called Horsey Ranch.
What Are Arby's Steak Nuggets Made Of?
Arby's Steak Nuggets are hand cut, bite sized pieces of 100% real steak seasoned with garlic and black pepper, then seared and smoked until juicy. They contain no breading, no fillers, and no chicken. Each nugget delivers around 3 grams of protein and roughly 68 calories on average.
The key thing to know: these are not chicken nuggets in a beef shape. They are actual pieces of steak, unbreaded, seasoned simply, and cooked until the outside is seared while the inside stays tender. The garlic and pepper seasoning is the only rub used, which lets the beef flavor lead.
How Much Do Arby's Steak Nuggets Cost in 2026?
Prices start at $5.49 for the 5 count and go up to $21.99 for the digital only 20 count Party Pack that includes two large Curly Fries. The 9 count runs $9.49 to $9.99, and both bowls (Steak 'n Potato and Steak 'n Mac) cost around $9.99. Actual prices vary by location.
| Steak Nuggets Item | Starting Price | Cost Per Nugget | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Count | $5.49 to $5.99 | ~$1.10 each | Snack size, solo protein hit |
| 9 Count | $9.49 to $9.99 | ~$1.05 each | Full lunch portion |
| 20 Count Party Pack | ~$21.99 | ~$1.09 each (plus 2 large fries) | Sharing, 3 to 4 people |
| Steak 'n Potato Bowl | $9.99 | N/A (bowl format) | Full meal, no side needed |
| Steak 'n Mac Bowl | $9.99 | N/A (bowl format) | Comfort food, cheese lovers |
The 9 count is the sweet spot at roughly $1.05 per nugget. The Party Pack saves almost nothing on a per nugget basis, so only order it when you actually need the two large fries for sharing. If you just want the most nuggets for the money, order two 9 counts instead of one Party Pack.
What Is the Difference Between the Two Steak Nugget Bowls?
The Steak 'n Potato Bowl uses chopped Potato Cakes with herb butter and white American Cooper cheese as the base. The Steak 'n Mac Bowl uses white cheddar macaroni and cheese with crispy fried onion strings on top. Both cost $9.99 and both are topped with Steak Nuggets.
| Feature | Steak 'n Potato Bowl | Steak 'n Mac Bowl |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Chopped Potato Cakes | White cheddar mac and cheese |
| Sauce or Cream | Herb butter sauce | Cheddar cheese sauce (in the mac) |
| Cheese | White American Cooper | White cheddar |
| Topping | Steak Nuggets | Steak Nuggets + crispy onion strings |
| Price | $9.99 | $9.99 |
| Best For | Classic steak and potatoes fans | Comfort food, mac and cheese lovers |
Why Is the 20 Count Party Pack Digital Only?
Arby's kept the 20 count Party Pack limited to app and online orders because it comes with two large Curly Fries at a bundle price, and controlling that offer through digital ordering prevents cashiers at busy drive thru windows from ringing it up incorrectly. It also drives app downloads for the Rewards program.
Bottom line: if you want the 20 count with two large fries at the bundle price, you must open the Arby's app or arbys.com. The drive thru menu board does not show it, and staff at some locations will not know to ring it up manually.
What Is Horsey Ranch and How Does It Compare to Horsey Sauce?
Horsey Ranch is Arby's newest dipping sauce, launched August 24, 2026 with the Steak Nuggets return. It combines classic ranch dressing with Arby's original Horsey Sauce (horseradish and mayo cream). The result is creamier and less sharp than Horsey Sauce alone, and more flavorful than plain ranch.
Compared to the original Horsey Sauce, which hits with a strong horseradish kick right away, Horsey Ranch balances that heat with cool buttermilk ranch. Guests who found plain Horsey Sauce too intense often prefer this new version.
Steak Nuggets vs Chicken Nuggets: Which Delivers More Protein Per Dollar?
Arby's Steak Nuggets deliver roughly 17 grams of protein per 5 count for around $5.49, which works out to about 3.1 grams of protein per dollar. Standard fast food chicken nuggets typically deliver 4 to 5 grams of protein per dollar. Steak Nuggets cost more but offer premium beef quality.
- Protein per dollar winner: Chicken nuggets, by roughly 40%
- Meat quality winner: Steak Nuggets, hand cut whole muscle beef
- Calorie efficiency winner: Chicken nuggets, less fat per gram of protein
- Flavor winner: Subjective, but steak carries more natural umami
- Sodium loser: Steak Nuggets, at 670mg per 5 count
How Does the 2026 Steak Nugget Compare to the 2025 Version?
Arby's chief marketing officer Jeff Baker confirmed that the 2026 Steak Nuggets use an improved cut of steak compared to the 2025 launch. The seasoning stays the same (garlic and pepper), but the pieces are more consistent in size, and the default dipping sauce switched from Hickory BBQ to the new Horsey Ranch.
| Detail | 2025 Launch (October) | 2026 Return (August 24) |
|---|---|---|
| Steak Cut | Original | Improved cut, more consistent size |
| Seasoning | Garlic and pepper | Same, garlic and pepper |
| Default Sauce | Hickory BBQ | Horsey Ranch (new) |
| Format Options | 5 count, 9 count, sandwich, mac bowl | 5 count, 9 count, 20 count, potato bowl, mac bowl |
| Sandwich Version | Available | Not returning in 2026 |
| Party Pack | Not offered | Digital only 20 count with 2 large fries |
What Are the Best Sauces to Pair with Steak Nuggets?
Horsey Ranch is the recommended pairing since it launched with the Steak Nuggets. Solid backups include Horsey Sauce for a sharper horseradish kick, Arby's Sauce for tangy sweetness, Bronco Berry for sweet heat, and Hickory BBQ for a smokier profile. Ranch and Buffalo also work well.
- Best overall: Horsey Ranch (creamy, balanced, launched with the nuggets)
- Best for horseradish fans: Original Horsey Sauce
- Best for tang: Arby's Sauce
- Best for sweet heat: Bronco Berry
- Best for BBQ lovers: Hickory BBQ (the 2025 default)
- Skip: Honey mustard (too sweet for the pepper seasoning)
How Long Will Steak Nuggets Stay on the Menu?
Arby's confirmed Steak Nuggets are back for a limited time and did not commit to a permanent slot. Based on the 2025 pattern, expect the run to last roughly 10 to 14 weeks, meaning Steak Nuggets should stay available at participating locations through approximately mid November 2026 while supplies last.
Where Should You Order Steak Nuggets to Save the Most Money?
The Arby's app is your best bet. It unlocks the digital only 20 count Party Pack, applies the weekly 20% off Rewards discount to any Steak Nuggets order, and lets you stack the free delivery Monday promo. In restaurant ordering does not qualify for these app exclusive savings.
Full list of active Arby's coupons and app deals that stack with Steak Nuggets orders in August 2026:
- Weekly 20% off one order (Sunday reset)
- Free delivery every Monday
- Free Classic Roast Beef with first Rewards order
- 2 for $6.99 mix and match (separate transaction, not combinable)
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Arby's Steak Nuggets come back in 2026?
Arby's Steak Nuggets returned to participating locations nationwide on August 24, 2026. They are back for a limited time in 5 count, 9 count, and a digital only 20 count Party Pack format.
How much protein is in a 5 count of Steak Nuggets?
A 5 count of Arby's Steak Nuggets contains roughly 17 grams of protein and 340 calories, based on the 2025 launch data. Nutrition details for the 2026 improved cut version should be similar since the seasoning and preparation match the original.
Are Steak Nuggets breaded like chicken nuggets?
No. Arby's Steak Nuggets have no breading. They are hand cut pieces of real steak seasoned with garlic and pepper, then seared and smoked. This is what sets them apart from breaded chicken nuggets and gives them their meat forward flavor.
Can I only get the 20 count Party Pack through the app?
Yes. The 20 count Party Pack with two large Curly Fries is digital only. You must order through the Arby's mobile app or arbys.com. It is not available at the drive thru menu board or in restaurant counter ordering.
What sauce comes with Steak Nuggets in 2026?
Horsey Ranch is the recommended and default sauce paired with Steak Nuggets in 2026. It is a new sauce that mixes classic ranch with Arby's original Horsey Sauce. You can also request other sauces at no extra charge.
Are Steak Nuggets keto friendly?
Yes, à la carte Steak Nuggets are keto friendly. A 5 count has roughly 5 grams of carbs, mostly from the seasoning and any dipping sauce. Skip the bowls if you are strict keto, since both bowls use potatoes or macaroni as the base.
How long will Arby's Steak Nuggets be available?
Steak Nuggets are back for a limited time. Based on the October 2025 launch pattern, expect them to run for roughly 10 to 14 weeks, meaning availability should last through approximately mid November 2026 at participating locations while supplies last.
Is the Steak Nugget Sandwich coming back in 2026?
No. The 2025 Steak Nugget Sandwich with Havarti cheese, crispy onions, pickles, and Horsey Sauce did not return with the 2026 lineup. Arby's replaced it with the new Steak 'n Potato Bowl instead. The 2025 sandwich may return in a future rotation.
Are Steak Nuggets available at every Arby's location?
Steak Nuggets are available at participating US locations only. Not every Arby's franchise carries them. Use the Arby's app or arbys.com store locator to confirm your specific location before driving over, since availability varies by franchise owner.
Which Steak Nuggets bowl is better, Potato or Mac?
Both bowls cost $9.99. The Steak 'n Potato Bowl (chopped Potato Cakes, herb butter, Cooper cheese, nuggets) is better for classic steakhouse fans. The Steak 'n Mac Bowl (white cheddar mac, crispy onions, nuggets) is better for comfort food lovers who want a richer, cheesier experience.
The Steak 'n Potato Bowl uses Arby's beloved Potato Cakes as the base. Since Potato Cakes are now a permanent menu item as of February 2026, you can also order a side of them separately alongside your 9 count Steak Nuggets for a similar experience at a lower price. For the full current Arby's lineup with prices, see the complete Arby's menu 2026.
