Our 10 Best Hot Sauce Brands, Compiled By Spice-Savvy Editors

The sizzling world of hot sauces can be a daunting one to the uninitiated. In contrast, if you consider yourself a hot sauce pro, you might find yourself caught in a rut, shopping for your go-to hot sauce brand over and over again.

Whatever your situation, we thought it was high time to compile a list of our favourite hot sauce brands here at DMARGE, written by guys who’ve been devouring and dissecting hot sauce for well over a decade.

Here are our no-frills thoughts on the best hot sauce brands out there for adding some spice to your life this year. Scorchio!

What We’re Looking For

When it comes to choosing the perfect hot sauce, there are a couple of things you’ll want to keep in mind. Here’s what I think is worth considering:

Spice Level: The big question here is, how much heat are you ready to handle? Are you looking for a mild, flavour-boosting sauce that won’t set your mouth on fire? Or are you feeling adventurous, ready for that full-blown, “I need a glass of water” kind of fire? Hot sauces come in all sorts of heat levels, usually measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), so you have to match your heat preference.

Flavour Adventure: Here’s the thing, It’s not just about the heat. Hot sauces bring a whole carnival of flavours to the table. Some are smoky, some are tangy, and a few even flirt with sweetness or a zesty burst of citrus. It’s time to think about what your taste buds are craving and how these flavours will interact with your favourite dishes.

Ingredients: Are you all about that natural, farm-to-table stuff, or are you up for a flavour rollercoaster with some extra ingredients thrown in? Some hot sauces focus on specific chilli peppers, while others throw fruits, herbs, or even a dash of coffee into the mix. 

Price Point: I’ve learned that there’s a middle ground where you can get fantastic quality without breaking the bank. It’s all about setting your budget beforehand and exploring the sauces that comfortably fit within that range. Trust me, there’s a hot sauce out there for every budget, so you can savour the heat without any financial scorches.

Culinary Compatibility: Let’s talk food chemistry. I’m always down for an all-purpose sauce that can jazz up everything from tacos to pizza. You might have a special dish in mind that’s just begging for the perfect sauce companion. Some hot sauces are like culinary chameleons, while others are tailor-made for specific cuisines.

The Salt & Vinegar Check: If you’re watching your salt or acidity intake, keep an eye on those sodium and vinegar levels. Some hot sauces can be a bit heavy-handed with these, so it’s probably good to know what you’re getting into.

Dietary Harmony: If you’ve got dietary preferences or restrictions, make sure to look for labels like “gluten-free,” “vegan,” or “no artificial preservatives.

Brand Insights: While sticking to familiar brands can be comforting, don’t be afraid to uncover hidden gems. Take a peek at reviews and connect with fellow hot sauce enthusiasts. You might just stumble upon some lip-smacking discoveries.

Our Favourites

Frank’s RedHot

It’s one of those sauces that seems to have found its way into just about every kitchen. I’ve got some mixed feelings about it, to be honest. On the bright side, it’s got a moderate heat level that’s pretty approachable. It gives your food a pleasant kick without turning every bite into a blazing inferno. The tangy, slightly vinegary taste with a touch of garlic is a flavour profile that can work well with a range of dishes. I’ve drizzled it over my chilli, used it for Buffalo wings, and even as a dip for fries. It’s been a pretty reliable companion in the flavour department.

But, here’s where things get a bit iffy for me. Frank’s RedHot can lean on the salty side, which might not be ideal if you’re trying to watch your sodium intake. And if you’re someone who craves that intense, sweat-inducing heat, you might find Frank’s a bit lacking in that department. It’s not exactly the kind of sauce that’s going to make your eyes water or leave you reaching for a tub of ice cream.

So, while it’s a dependable choice for certain dishes and folks who prefer milder heat, it might not satisfy those who are on the hunt for an extreme heat experience. In the end, it’s a bit of a mixed bag – good for some occasions, but not necessarily a hot sauce superstar.

Cholula

This Mexican classic dates back to the 1800s, and it’s easily recognizable by that round bottle topped with a charming wooden cap. Cholula offers a bunch of flavours, but I’ll focus on the classic, Original. It’s not the kind to set your mouth on fire, what it does is add a gentle warmth to your dishes. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, there are other flavours like Chipotle, Chili Garlic, and Green Pepper, each with its own unique twist. 

What I really appreciate about Cholula is its simple and authentic approach. No artificial stuff here, just a nice blend of arbol and piquin peppers, spices, and vinegar. It’s all about making your food taste better, whether it’s eggs in the morning, tacos for lunch, or pasta for dinner. Some folks even use it for marinating or mixing up cocktails like the “Cholula Michelada.” But if you’re chasing intense heat, Cholula might not be your best bet.

It’s more about flavour than fire. It might not have the fanciest bottle design, but it’s dependable, easy to find, and offers different bottle sizes to fit your needs. So, next time you’re shopping for hot sauce, give this classic a try – it’s a favourite for a reason.

El Yucateco

This is a Mexican hot sauce brand that’s come a long way since its beginnings in 1968. It strikes a remarkable balance between flavour and heat. With habaneros, tomatoes, and seasonings, it delivers a robust taste with a hint of tang and a touch of roasted goodness, even though there’s no actual roasting involved. 

With a flexible heat range of between 1,500 and 12500 Scoville units, it’s quite versatile and packs a punch without overshadowing the dish. The XXXtra Hot Habanero Sauce is hands down my top pick among all their tantalizing flavours.

I’ve found myself drizzling it on everything from tacos to spaghetti sauce, and it never fails to deliver that thrilling kick I crave. It also has a wallet-friendly price tag of just a few bucks a bottle.

Valentina

Valentina Hot Sauce, with its roots tracing back to Guadalajara, Mexico, has been a beloved staple since its inception by Don Manuel Maciel Mendez in 1960. With a Scoville rating of 900, it avoids overwhelming spiciness and offers an affordable choice, often priced around a dollar at Walmart. Valentina does not depend on heat, it’s about balance.

The magic lies in the harmony between chilli peppers, vinegar, salt, spices, and a touch of sodium benzoate. It doesn’t steal the spotlight from your dishes, it enhances them with a mild kick and a subtle vinegar tang. While it may not claim the throne as the ultimate hot sauce, it has certainly earned its place as a dependable condiment in your meals.

Valentina stays true to itself, proudly boasting a grand total of… well, one variant. That’s right, there aren’t a gazillion options to choose from. Crafting its signature sauce with puya chilli peppers since 1954, the brand’s slightly thicker texture and mild heat have won over a loyal following. It adapts effortlessly to various cuisines, from classic Mexican dishes to unexpected pairings like watermelon.

It’s a trusted classic that infuses dishes with the ideal mix of sweet chilli pepper goodness and a delightful touch of tang. Perfect, whether I’m starting my day with a zesty breakfast or adding some flavour to dinner.

Tapatio

Tapatío Hot Sauce, despite its Californian roots, is a taste of Mexico in a bottle. Created in Vernon, California, by Jose-Luis Saavedra Sr., whose Mexican heritage shines through in its flavour. While the label keeps the exact pepper variety a mystery, it still adds a delightful surprise to every bite. Tapatío’s balanced heat and hints of garlic bring together this savoury punch that improves any meal you’re eating.

It’s not just for Mexican cuisine, I think it pairs beautifully with eggs, pizza and even salads – you name it. The moderate spiciness, around 3,000 Scoville heat units, strikes the perfect balance, ensuring it’s enjoyable for everyone. So, next time you spot that iconic Tapatío label, don’t hesitate to give it a try – we say it might just become your new favourite hot sauce!

Louisiana

This hot sauce had a unique charm that kept me reaching for it time and again. It doesn’t blast my taste buds with overwhelming heat but offers a delightfully tangy and umami flavour. Originating in New Iberia, Louisiana, in 1928, this hot sauce has a legacy that’s hard to ignore. Despite changing ownership, it’s still crafted in the same place, preserving that authentic Louisiana taste. 

While it works really well with Cajun dishes, I’d say it pairs well with a surprising array of foods, from chilli to seafood, creating a delicious combination of flavours. Louisiana hot sauce, with its range of options like Garlic Lovers and Smoked Chipotle, isn’t just a one-note wonder. It adapts to different palates. So, if you’re looking for a hot sauce that’s more about adding character than just heat, I highly recommend making room for Louisiana hot sauce in your kitchen.

Tabasco

Tabasco, the OG hot sauce from way back in 1868 was born on Avery Island, Louisiana and carries with it a rich tradition and unique flavour profile. Crafted from just three simple ingredients – tabasco peppers, salt, and vinegar – it offers a unique blend of heat and tang. The Tabasco peppers provide a moderate kick, with a Scoville rating ranging from 2500 to 5000, placing it ahead of many other pepper sauces. This heat, however, is well-balanced by the vinegar’s acidity, creating a signature tang that adds bite to the sauce. 

Beyond its Southern charm, Tabasco has a global presence, reaching over 195 countries and territories, making it even more widespread than McDonald’s. Whether you’re seasoning your gumbo or spicing up your pizza, the distinct flavour and heat make it a favourite of millions worldwide.

Secret Aardvark

This was a tasty addition to my hot sauce collection. The Secret Aardvark hot sauce has a fantastic blend of ingredients, combining roasted tomatoes, habanero peppers and a dash of white wine vinegar. It has this tangy (yet spicy) symphony that’s borderline addictive, and it goes hard on tacos and salads with that perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

And for those watching their salt intake, it’s a healthier choice with only 35 mg of sodium. Plus, let’s not forget the quirky aardvark label that adds a fun touch to my kitchen and always gets the guests talking. With a heat level that’s around 5,000 to 7,000 SHU, it’s spicy but not over-the-top, making it versatile enough to pair with everything from eggs to even desserts. 

The packaging is practical too, with a precision tip for controlled pouring. All in all, it is a flavour-packed and downright delightful condiment that deserves a permanent spot on any hot sauce lover’s shelf.

Texas Pete

Texas Pete hot sauce may not originate from the Lone Star State, but it packs a punch of excitement in its own right. Originating from a restaurant specializing in barbecue back in 1929, the brand’s journey took an intriguing turn, shifting its focus to jarred products, including the now-iconic Texas Pete Hot Sauce.

The sauce achieves a consistency that’s neither overly watery nor excessively thick, hitting the Goldilocks zone of texture. When it comes to heat, It’s like a friendly kick in the taste buds, nothing too wild, more of a mild to low-medium heat kind of deal. The spiciness does linger on the tongue, a sensation not typically experienced with the likes of Frank’s RedHot and Louisiana Hot Sauce. 

It’s that go-to hot sauce, perfect for drizzling over pizza, pasta, fried chicken, or even meatballs. This sauce has won my heart. Affordable and bursting with flavour, it’s simply a must-have in your pantry for those flavour-packed moments.

Huy Fong Sriracha

We all love Huy Fong Sriracha, you know, the one with the cool rooster logo. It keeps things simple with chilli, sugar, salt, and garlic. The chilli’s gentle heat dances with the sweet sugar and the warm hug of garlic, creating a flavour combo that’s seriously impressive. It doesn’t go overboard with tanginess, Sriracha keeps it mellow, letting its natural ingredients shine.

The heat, coming from red jalapeños, is just right – about 1,000 to 2,500 SHU. That means it’s friendly for the whole family. And when it comes to what you can do with it? Well, the possibilities are endless. It jazzes up veggies, takes your steak to the next level, and yes, believe it or not, it’s even awesome with ice cream. A bottle of Huy Fong Sriracha costs around $15, and it’s widely available in most grocery stores and online retailers. In my kitchen, Sriracha rules the roost, proving it’s timeless and unbeatable in the flavour department.

How We Tested

To determine the best hot sauce brands, I and the team did a comprehensive testing process.

Taste Tests – We conducted some blind taste tests, savouring each hot sauce to get better insight into its flavour profile, uniqueness, and overall taste experience.

Cooking Adventures: We added each product into various recipes to check out how they performed in different dishes.

Consumer Insights: We tapped into the hot sauce community, gathering valuable input and preferences from fellow enthusiasts to consider their favourites.

Ingredients: We had to do some research on the ingredient lists to identify any additives or preservatives. This made it easier to highlight sauces with natural and wholesome ingredients.

Affordability and Affordability: Finally, we also considered the cost and availability of these brands, checking local stores and online marketplaces.

After thorough hands-on testing, we’ve selected the best hot sauce brands based on flavour, spice, versatility and overall value to help you discover your perfect match.

Why Trust Us

• Our seasoned team of food enthusiasts and hot sauce experts brings years of knowledge and (some good and bad) experience to the table.
• We conduct impartial assessments, so they’re from any external influences like sponsorships, so you have genuine recommendations to work with.
• We did a lot of comprehensive testing, including ingredient analysis, budgets, and taste trials, all of which provided some reliable insights.
• We prioritize transparency by sharing our testing methods and selection criteria, so you can understand our conclusions.
• We’re here to help you in your search for the perfect condiments to suit your hot sauce needs, so your trust is our ultimate reward.

Our Experts

When it comes to selecting the best hot sauces, we didn’t rely on guesswork. Our team of experts bring a wealth of knowledge and a passion for all things spicy to the table.

• Luc Wiesman – Luc brings over 30 years of experience from exploring Mexican and Asian restaurants. Plus, he’s no stranger to whipping up his own spicy creations in the kitchen.
• Finlay Mead – A true hot sauce aficionado. His love for hot sauce runs deep, and he doesn’t hold back, adding it to almost every meal. When it comes to spotting the best hot sauce, Finlay’s got it down pat.

FAQs

1. What makes a hot sauce “hot”?

Hot sauce gets its “hotness” from a natural compound called capsaicin found in chilli peppers. The more capsaicin a hot sauce contains, the spicier it will be. Capsaicin interacts with the receptors in our mouths, creating that fiery sensation we associate with hot sauces.

2. Are there health benefits to consuming hot sauce?

Hot sauce, when enjoyed in moderation, can offer potential health benefits. It can aid in weight management, provide pain relief, and contribute to heart health due to the capsaicin content. It also supports digestion and gut health. However, excessive consumption should be avoided to prevent digestive discomfort.

3. Is there a difference between hot sauce and hot pepper sauce?

Hot sauce is a broader category that includes various types of spicy condiments made from hot peppers, vinegar, and other ingredients. Hot pepper sauce, on the other hand, specifically refers to a sauce primarily made with hot peppers and vinegar. While both add heat to dishes, hot pepper sauce tends to have a more intense and direct peppery flavour, while hot sauce often incorporates a wider range of ingredients for a more complex taste.

4. Is hot sauce vegan-friendly?

Yes, hot sauce is generally vegan-friendly ranging from mild to extremely spicy options. It is typically made from plant-based ingredients like hot peppers, vinegar, and spices, which do not involve animal products. However, it’s important to check the specific brand and product label, as some variations or specialty hot sauces may include ingredients that are not vegan-friendly, like honey.