Hot sauces are a great way to add flavor and heat to a dish, and once you start, you may not be able to stop! Even if you're a hot sauce veteran, there may be some kinds you haven't tried before, like sriracha, harissa, gochujang, and more. Whether you just want a slight bit of spice or to really feel the burn, there are plenty of flavorful hot sauces out there for you.
To help you find a hot sauce you will enjoy, we've found the top 10 hot sauces available online. Many of these fiery condiments go far beyond adding heat. So read on to our guide which will help you navigate the exciting world of hot sauce, helping you find the perfect flavor and spice level to take your meals to the next level.
Quick List - Top Hot Sauce
McCormick & Company, Inc.
Best Balanced Sauce With Aged Cayenne Peppers
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Table of Contents
The fiery world of hot sauces thrives on a single element: heat. But how hot is hot enough? This seemingly subjective question has an objective answer, thanks to the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) scale, invented by Wilbur Scoville in the early 1900s. This scale measures the concentration of capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers spicy.
In short, the higher the SHU rating, the hotter the pepper (and, consequently, the hot sauce made from it). From mild jalapenos to eye-watering ghost peppers, the SHU scale provides a roadmap for exploring the fiery frontiers of flavor. So, as you embark on your hot sauce journey, remember the answer to "How hot is hot enough?" depends entirely on your tolerance and sense of adventure.
There are a ton of hot sauces that you can choose from. We recommend paying attention to its spice level and flavor profile.
When it comes to heat, choosing the right pepper for your hot sauce is key. While peppers are mixed with different ingredients that can neutralize the spice in hot sauces, using the Scoville Scale (SHU) as a reference can help you find a sauce that meets your desired heat level.
Heat preference is personal. Start slow and explore different peppers to find the perfect level of spice that hits all the right notes for you.
Craving a hot sauce that excites your taste buds without exactly setting your mouth on fire? Look no further than the humble jalapeno, cayenne pepper, and tabasco peppers. They form the foundation of many mild hot sauces, offering a touch of heat that complements rather than overpowers the other flavors.
Jalapenos, with their grassy freshness and lively kick, are a great starting point for beginners, clocking in at 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
Cayenne peppers pack a slightly more intense punch, ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 SHU, but they're still approachable for those who want to build their spice tolerance.
And of course, there's the tabasco pepper, the fiery heart of Tabasco sauce itself, typically around 30,000 to 50,000 SHU. These peppers deliver a subtle to moderate heat, perfect for creating mild hot sauces that add a gentle warmth without scorching your palate.
Ready to turn up the heat? Habanero peppers are your fiery friends. These vibrant orange powerhouses pack a serious punch, clocking in at 100,000 to 350,000 SHU, making them significantly hotter than jalapenos.
The habanero's heat is distinct, offering a scorching kick alongside a complex fruity aroma and flavor. This tropical twist makes habanero-based hot sauces a favorite among adventurous palates. Be warned, a little goes a long way with habaneros. Their heat builds steadily, so start with a small amount and taste as you go to avoid a fiery surprise.
If you enjoy a good sweat with your meal, habanero hot sauces are the perfect way to add an intense, unforgettable spiciness to your culinary adventures.
For those seeking the ultimate fiery experience, look for ghost peppers and Carolina Reapers. These exotic peppers are the undisputed heavyweight champions of the heat world.
Ghost peppers, clocking in at 800,000 to 1,000,000 SHU, can be up to 100 times hotter than a jalapeno!
Carolina Reapers take the heat even further, reaching a fiery 1.5 to 2.2 million SHU.
Be warned, these peppers are not for the faint of heart. Their intense heat builds slowly, leaving a long-lasting impression on your taste buds. If you're a spice aficionado looking to push your limits, ghost pepper and Carolina Reaper hot sauces offer a thrilling, unforgettable adventure for your palate.
Hot sauce isn't all about the burn! Beyond the fiery factor, a world of flavor awaits. From smokey barbeque to sweet and fruity options, the variety of hot sauces is vast. Let's explore the different flavor profiles that can take your taste buds on a delicious adventure.
For a taste of pure, fiery heat, look no further than traditional hot sauces. These sauces rely on a simple approach, letting the peppers take center stage. Chiles, vinegar, and salt form the holy trinity of traditional hot sauces, creating a potent and unadulterated flavor profile.
The choice of pepper determines the spice level, while the vinegar adds a necessary tang to balance the heat and cuts through any richness. This basic formula allows the natural essence of the peppers to shine, making traditional hot sauces a great choice for those who appreciate pure, unadulterated heat.
A classic example is Tabasco sauce, which uses the Tabasco pepper, a variety of chili pepper, vinegar, and salt for its signature fiery flavor.
Barbecue hot sauce isn't your average sauce. It encompasses a range of flavors from sweet and smoky (think brown sugar) to tangy and spicy (vinegar with jalapenos or habaneros).
Heat levels range from mild to scorching, perfect for basting, dipping, or adding a spicy finish to your barbecue masterpiece. Experiment with flavor profiles to match your meat (tangy for brisket, sweet for chicken) and explore regional styles for a unique twist!
Classic staples like garlic and onion form the savory base of many hot sauces that go great with barbeque. Thyme and oregano, allspice, and cloves are popular choices that can add complexity.
Cuisines around the world boast their own unique spicy flavors. These hot sauces are crafted to complement the regional dishes and traditions.
Mexico's ubiquitous Cholula offers a balanced heat with tangy and garlicky notes, perfect for tacos. Venture to Asia for the sweet, savory, and spicy world of Korean gochujang. Don't forget the ubiquitous Sriracha, a Thai hot sauce with a balanced heat and a touch of sweetness. Jamaican Pickapeppa sauce offers a complex and moderately spicy option for marinades and condiments.
Next time you're making international cuisine, look to hot sauce to compliment your dish and add a touch of fiery authenticity.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||||
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Heat Level | Pepper Types | Flavor Characteristic | Cuisine Style | Barbecue Sauce | Servings | Serving Size | Cost per Serving | |||||
1 | McCormick & Company, Inc. Frank's RedHot|Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce | ![]() | Best Balanced Sauce With Aged Cayenne Peppers | Mild | Cayenne | Sour, Savory | Buffalo | 75 servings | 1 teaspoon | About 0.05$ | ||
2 | Sauce Ventures, LLC TRUFF|Original Hot Sauce | ![]() | Best for Truffle Lovers With a Taste for Spice | Medium Heat | Red Chili | Savory, Sweet | New American | 34 servings | 1 teaspoon | 0.44$ | ||
3 | Mike's Hot Honey Inc. Mike's Hot Honey|The Original | ![]() | The Original Sweet Heat Sensation | Mild | Chili | Sweet | New American | 13 servings | 1 tablespoon | 0.64$ | ||
4 | Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp | ![]() | A Classic, Flavorful Chili Oil with Mild Crunch | Medium Heat | Chili | Savory, Salty | Chinese | About 12 servings | 1/4 cup | 1.04$ | ||
5 | RealStuff Inc. Yellowbird|Classic Sriracha | ![]() | Best Sweet and Spicy Sriracha | Medium Heat | Jalapeno | Sweet | Texan | About 55 servings | 1 teaspoon | 0.15$ | ||
6 | Schwan's Company Bibigo|Gochujang Sauce Hot & Sweet | ![]() | Best for a Sweet and Spicy Korean Twist | Mild | Red Pepper | Sweet, Savory | Korean | About 8 servings | 2 tablespoons | 0.50$ | ||
7 | McIlhenny Company Tabasco|Original Red Sauce | ![]() | Best for Bringing Flavors to a Variety of Foods | Hot | Red Pepper | Savory, Salty | Cajun | About 29 servings | 1 teaspoon | 0.22$ | ||
8 | Elijah's Xtreme Gourmet Sauces Elijah's Xtreme|Xtreme Regret Hot Sauce | ![]() | Best for Fiery Flavor with a Punch | Very Hot | Trinidad Scorpion, Carolina Reaper | Garlic, Savory | Carolina | 30 servings | 1 teaspoon | 0.40$ | ||
9 | Huy Fong Foods Inc. Huy Fong|Sriracha | ![]() | Best Sriracha for Everyday Use | Hot | Chili | Sweet, Savory | Asian | 158 servings | 1 teaspoon | 0.05$ | ||
10 | McCormick & Company, Inc. Stubb's|Jalapeno & Honey Barbeque Sauce | ![]() | Best Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce | Mild | Jalapeno | Sweet, Smoky | Barbeque, Texan | About 14 servings | 2 tablespoons | 0.27$ |
Heat Level | Mild |
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Pepper Types | Cayenne |
Frank's is a well-known hot sauce, and that's for a good reason! This simple formula highlights the flavor of aged red cayenne peppers rather than heat, so you get a full-bodied sauce that won't set your mouth on fire. There's a slight tartness from the vinegar, too.
This versatile sauce complements a wide range of dishes, from buffalo wings and chicken sandwiches to eggs and tacos. Frank's RedHot boasts a smooth consistency, making it easy to drizzle or dip. While not the hottest sauce on the market, Frank's RedHot Original packs enough heat to satisfy casual heat seekers, and the flavor profile makes it accessible for those new to hot sauce.
Barbecue Sauce | |
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Servings | 75 servings |
Serving Size | 1 teaspoon |
Cost per Serving | About 0.05$ |
Heat Level | Medium Heat |
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Pepper Types | Red Chili |
This black truffle hot sauce boasts a unique combination of heat and luxury. The sleek black bottle with gold accents hints at the gourmet experience within. The truffle scent is strong, and some might find it overpowering. Pouring the sauce reveals a dark red color with flecks of black truffle. The consistency is thin and easy to drizzle.
For those who enjoy truffles, this sauce offers a delicious way to incorporate the luxurious ingredient into everyday dishes. The heat level is moderate, making it accessible to a wider audience. Overall, this is a unique and flavorful hot sauce that is sure to turn heads at the dinner table. Be aware of the prominent truffle flavor and spiciness level before purchasing.
Barbecue Sauce | |
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Servings | 34 servings |
Serving Size | 1 teaspoon |
Cost per Serving | 0.44$ |
Heat Level | Mild |
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Pepper Types | Chili |
Mike’s Hot Honey is a pioneer in the hot honey category, blending 100% pure honey with chili peppers to create the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Its smooth texture and versatile flavor make it a favorite for drizzling over pizza, fried chicken, and even ice cream. Whether you're looking to enhance your charcuterie board or spice up a cocktail, this hot honey delivers just the right amount of heat with a lingering sweetness.
Barbecue Sauce | |
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Servings | 13 servings |
Serving Size | 1 tablespoon |
Cost per Serving | 0.64$ |
Heat Level | Medium Heat |
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Pepper Types | Chili |
Barbecue Sauce | |
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Servings | About 12 servings |
Serving Size | 1/4 cup |
Cost per Serving | 1.04$ |
Heat Level | Medium Heat |
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Pepper Types | Jalapeno |
The thin, pourable consistency makes it easy to drizzle over rice bowls, noodles, or stir-fries. The heat level leans towards moderate, offering a pleasant tingle without overpowering other flavors.
Barbecue Sauce | |
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Servings | About 55 servings |
Serving Size | 1 teaspoon |
Cost per Serving | 0.15$ |
Heat Level | Mild |
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Pepper Types | Red Pepper |
The vibrant red paste comes in a convenient squeezable container, perfect for adding dabs to soups, stews, marinades, or using as a dipping sauce for meats and dumplings. This gochujang is vegetarian and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wider range of diets. If you're looking for a versatile and flavorful way to add a Korean twist to your dishes, Bibigo Gochujang is a worthy option to consider.
Barbecue Sauce | |
---|---|
Servings | About 8 servings |
Serving Size | 2 tablespoons |
Cost per Serving | 0.50$ |
Heat Level | Hot |
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Pepper Types | Red Pepper |
The original Tabasco sauce packs a punch with just three simple ingredients: aged red peppers, vinegar, and salt. This minimalist approach lets the fiery pepper flavor shine through. The heat level is moderate, offering a pleasant tingle without overpowering other tastes.
A splash of Tabasco adds a welcome kick to eggs, soups, stews, and countless other dishes. While it lacks the complex flavors of some gourmet hot sauces, Tabasco's simplicity and versatility make it a kitchen staple.
Barbecue Sauce | |
---|---|
Servings | About 29 servings |
Serving Size | 1 teaspoon |
Cost per Serving | 0.22$ |
Heat Level | Very Hot |
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Pepper Types | Trinidad Scorpion, Carolina Reaper |
Beyond the heat, the sauce offers a balance of sweet and savory flavors thanks to included lemon juice, passion fruit, and garlic. This complexity keeps the experience interesting, even as the fiery heat takes hold. The included carrots and tomatoes add a touch of body to the sauce, keeping it from being all spice and no substance.
Barbecue Sauce | |
---|---|
Servings | 30 servings |
Serving Size | 1 teaspoon |
Cost per Serving | 0.40$ |
Heat Level | Hot |
---|---|
Pepper Types | Chili |
It's versatile and can be used as a condiment, dipping sauce, or cooking ingredient. The lid can be messy at times, dispensing more sauce than intended. Overall, this is a popular and affordable Sriracha that delivers a crowd-pleasing sweet, spicy, and garlicky flavor.
Barbecue Sauce | |
---|---|
Servings | 158 servings |
Serving Size | 1 teaspoon |
Cost per Serving | 0.05$ |
Heat Level | Mild |
---|---|
Pepper Types | Jalapeno |
Love sweet heat? Stubb's Jalapeño & Honey Legendary Bar-B-Q Sauce infuses your grilling with bold Texas flavors. Jalapeños deliver a kick balanced by organic honey, making it perfect for ribs, chicken, or veggies.
This versatile, high-quality sauce, free from artificial ingredients and gluten, is ideal for any grilling occasion. Stubb's continues C.B. Stubblefield's tradition with a unique twist, making it the best BBQ sauce for sweet heat lovers.
Barbecue Sauce | |
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Servings | About 14 servings |
Serving Size | 2 tablespoons |
Cost per Serving | 0.27$ |
You can never have enough condiments -- well, you can have as many as your fridge can handle. Here are some other sauces to jazz up your meals.
No. 1: McCormick & Company, Inc.|Frank's RedHot|Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce
No. 2: Sauce Ventures, LLC|TRUFF|Original Hot Sauce
No. 3: Mike's Hot Honey Inc.|Mike's Hot Honey|The Original
No. 4: Lao Gan Ma|Spicy Chili Crisp
No. 5: RealStuff Inc.|Yellowbird|Classic Sriracha
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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