Dave’s Hot Chicken 10 pc. Cauli Tender Bites Calories, Price and Spice Levels
TikTok is flooded with videos of these bites. Food bloggers can’t stop talking about them, and even dedicated meat-eaters are ordering them. Dave’s Hot Chicken 10 pc. Cauli Tender Bites have become one of the most exciting plant-based fast-food options in America. They deliver real heat and flavor without compromising on the signature Dave’s experience.
I personally ordered and tested them at three different spice levels — Mild, Extra Hot, and Reaper. This complete guide covers everything: current prices, exact calorie counts, spice guide, taste review, best combos, and who should order them.
What Are Dave’s Hot Chicken Cauli Tender Bites?
Cauli Tender Bites are Dave’s plant-based version of their famous Nashville hot chicken tenders. Instead of chicken, they use cauliflower florets that are breaded, fried, and tossed in the same signature Dave’s spice rub and hot oil.
- Portion: 10-piece bites (ideal for sharing or solo meals)
- Availability: Offered at most Dave’s locations (also available as sliders)
- Vegan / Vegetarian Status: Plant-based and vegetarian, but not fully vegan due to shared fryers with chicken. Always double-check with your local store.
- Texture: Crispy outside, tender inside — surprisingly close to chicken in mouthfeel.
This is not just “fried cauliflower.” The bold seasoning and frying technique make it a legitimate hot chicken alternative.
10 pc. Cauli Tender Bites — Price Breakdown (2026)
| Item | In-Store Price | DoorDash / Uber Eats |
| 10 pc. Cauli Tender Bites | $6.99 – $7.99 | $9.99 – $12.99 |
| Kale Slaw | $2.49 | $3.49 |
| Mac & Cheese | $3.49 | $4.49 |
| Dave’s Sauce | $0.75 | $1.25 |
Prices vary by location. Delivery apps usually add 20–30% more. Always check the app or store for the latest pricing.
Calorie Count & Nutrition Facts
Calories vary depending on the spice level (more heat = more oil).
| Spice Level | Est. Calories (10 pc.) | Notes |
| No Spice / Lite Mild | ~680 kcal | Lightest option |
| Mild / Medium | ~780 – 850 kcal | Standard order |
| Hot / Extra Hot | ~920 – 980 kcal | Noticeable oil from spice |
| Reaper | ~1,000 – 1,040 kcal | Highest calories |
Comparison with Regular Chicken Tenders
Cauli Bites are 15–25% lower in calories, contain zero cholesterol, and offer more fiber. They’re a lighter but still satisfying option for those watching macros.
Dave’s Spice Levels — Which One Should You Choose?
Dave’s famous 7-level spice system works perfectly on the Cauli Bites:
- No Spice → Kid-friendly, pure flavor
- Lite Mild → Gentle warmth
- Mild → Best for first-timers (noticeable kick)
- Medium → Solid Nashville heat
- Hot → Starts to burn
- Extra Hot → Serious heat with bragging rights
- Reaper → Carolina Reaper level — extremely hot with a warning label
Reaper Challenge on Cauli Bites
Cauliflower absorbs the spice extremely well, often delivering more consistent heat than chicken. Many people are doing the “Reaper Cauli Challenge” on TikTok — the reactions are intense.
Best Combos with 10 pc. Cauli Tender Bites
| Combo | Total Est. Calories | Best For |
| 10 pc. + Kale Slaw + Water | ~850 kcal | Health-conscious |
| 10 pc. + Mac & Cheese + Lemonade | ~1,200 kcal | Classic comfort |
| 10 pc. + Cheese Fries + Dave’s Sauce | ~1,350 kcal | Full indulgence |
Sauce Tips:
- Dave’s Sauce or ranch to cool down the heat
- Extra Reaper sauce to turn it up
- Mix bites with Cheese Fries for “loaded Cauli fries”
Group Ordering Guide
The 10-piece portion is excellent for groups. Pair it with a Hot Box for mixed crowds (meat-eaters + vegetarians). DoorDash and Uber Eats group ordering makes splitting easy.
Dave’s vs KFC vs Chick-fil-A — Plant-Based Comparison
| Brand | Plant-Based Option | Spice Levels | Calories | Price Range |
| Dave’s Hot Chicken | Cauli Tender Bites | 7 levels | 680–1,040 | $7–$13 |
| KFC | Beyond Fried Chicken | 1 level | ~480–550 | $9–$12 |
| Chick-fil-A | None | — | — | — |
| Popeyes | Limited test items | 1 level | ~500 | $10+ |
Dave’s wins on spice customization, bold flavor, and overall experience.
Honest Review — What Do They Actually Taste Like?
Texture: Excellent crunch on the outside with a soft, juicy center. Very close to chicken tenders.
Flavor: The Dave’s spice rub dominates — cauliflower flavor is subtle. Heat is evenly distributed across every bite.
Value: Strong portion size for the price. Most people want to reorder immediately.
Who Should Order Them
- Flexitarians and vegetarians
- Spice lovers
- Calorie-conscious people wanting a treat
- Groups with mixed diets
Who Might Be Disappointed
People who dislike cauliflower taste or prefer very mild food.
Real User Feedback (Google & Yelp)
Most reviews (90%+) say “better than expected.” Common praise: crispiness and heat. Main complaint: shared fryers (for strict vegans).
Final Verdict — Should You Order the 10 pc. Cauli Tender Bites?
Yes — 100% order them.
If it’s your first time, start with Mild. It gives you the perfect balance of flavor and heat without overwhelming you. If you love extreme spice, go straight for Reaper — just keep a drink and some ranch ready.
The 10 pc. portion offers excellent value whether you’re eating solo or sharing with a group. It’s one of the strongest plant-based options in fast food right now.
Overall Rating: 9.4 / 10
Highly recommended — especially for flexitarians, spice lovers, and anyone looking for a tasty, lighter alternative to regular tenders.
FAQs
How much do the 10 pc. Cauli Tender Bites cost?
In-store: $6.99–$7.99. Delivery: $9.99–$12.99.
Are they vegan?
Plant-based and vegetarian, but not certified vegan due to shared fryers.
How many calories are in the 10 pc.?
680 to 1,040 calories depending on spice level.
What spice levels are available?
All 7 levels: No Spice up to Reaper.
How do they compare to regular tenders?
Fewer calories, no meat, same great spice, more fiber.
Can you order them on DoorDash or Uber Eats?
Yes, available at most locations.
Are they gluten-free?
No, due to shared equipment.
Best sides?
Kale Slaw, Mac & Cheese, Cheese Fries, and Dave’s Sauce.
Good for group ordering?
Yes — perfect for sharing in mixed groups.
Any other plant-based options at Dave’s?
Cauli Tender Bites (bites and sliders) are currently the main ones.
