mybest
Hot SaucesHelping You Find the Best
mybest
Hot SaucesHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Hot Sauces  (Tabasco, Elijah's Xtreme, TRUFF) 1
  • 10 Best Hot Sauces  (Tabasco, Elijah's Xtreme, TRUFF) 2
  • 10 Best Hot Sauces  (Tabasco, Elijah's Xtreme, TRUFF) 3
  • 10 Best Hot Sauces  (Tabasco, Elijah's Xtreme, TRUFF) 4
  • 10 Best Hot Sauces  (Tabasco, Elijah's Xtreme, TRUFF) 5

10 Best Hot Sauces (Tabasco, Elijah's Xtreme, TRUFF)

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.

Last updated 07/08/2024

Quick List - Top Hot Sauce

1

McCormick & Company, Inc.

Frank's RedHotOriginal Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce
Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce

Best Balanced Sauce With Aged Cayenne Peppers

2

Sauce Ventures, LLC

TRUFFOriginal Hot Sauce
Original Hot Sauce

Best for Truffle Lovers With a Taste for Spice

3

Mike's Hot Honey Inc.

Mike's Hot HoneyThe Original
The Original

The Original Sweet Heat Sensation

4

Lao Gan Ma

Spicy Chili Crisp
Spicy Chili Crisp

A Classic, Flavorful Chili Oil with Mild Crunch

5

RealStuff Inc.

YellowbirdClassic Sriracha
Classic Sriracha

Best Sweet and Spicy Sriracha

mybest US Editors
Guide
Editing Dept.
mybest US Editors

mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.

mybest US Editors's Profile
…Continue reading

Table of Contents

The Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) Scale - How Hot is Hot Enough?

The Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) Scale - How Hot is Hot Enough?

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) scaleinvented 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.

How to Choose Hot Sauce

There are a ton of hot sauces that you can choose from. We recommend paying attention to its spice level and flavor profile.

1

For the Perfect Level of Heat, Pick Sauces Based on a Pepper's Scoville Scale (SHU) Level

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.

Mild to Medium Heat: Jalapeno, Cayenne, and Tabasco (2,500 - 50,000 SHU)

Mild to Medium Heat: Jalapeno, Cayenne, and Tabasco (2,500 - 50,000 SHU)

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.

Spicy: Habanero (100,000 - 350,000 SHU)

Spicy: Habanero (100,000 - 350,000 SHU)

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.

Next-Level Spice: Ghost Peppers and Carolina Reapers (800,000 - 2.2 Million SHU)

Next-Level Spice: Ghost Peppers and Carolina Reapers (800,000 - 2.2 Million SHU)

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.

2

Consider Flavor Profile for Different Uses

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 Versatile Hot Sauce, Look for Simple Ingredients

For a Versatile Hot Sauce, Look for Simple Ingredients

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.

For Barbeques, Look for Sweet Tangy Sauces with Herbs

For Barbeques, Look for Sweet Tangy Sauces with Herbs

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. 

3

Running Out of Hot Sauces to Try? For Something Different, Check Out International Hot Sauces

Running Out of Hot Sauces to Try? For Something Different, Check Out International Hot Sauces

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.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Hot Sauce Ranking

In search of the perfect fiery kick? Explore our list of the top 10 hot sauces from popular sites online, ranked according to mybest's Buying Guide, to find the ideal heat level for your taste buds.
Popularity
Filter
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
Details
Heat Level
Pepper Types
Flavor Characteristic
Cuisine Style
Barbecue Sauce
Servings
Serving Size
Cost per Serving
1

McCormick & Company, Inc.

Frank's RedHotOriginal Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce

McCormick & Company, Inc. Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce 1

Best Balanced Sauce With Aged Cayenne Peppers

Mild

Cayenne

Sour, Savory

Buffalo

75 servings

1 teaspoon

About 0.05$

2

Sauce Ventures, LLC

TRUFFOriginal Hot Sauce

Sauce Ventures, LLC Original Hot Sauce 1

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 HoneyThe Original

Mike's Hot Honey Inc. The Original 1

The Original Sweet Heat Sensation

Mild

Chili

Sweet

New American

13 servings

1 tablespoon

0.64$

4

Lao Gan Ma

Spicy Chili Crisp

Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp  1

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.

YellowbirdClassic Sriracha

RealStuff Inc. Classic Sriracha 1

Best Sweet and Spicy Sriracha

Medium Heat

Jalapeno

Sweet

Texan

About 55 servings

1 teaspoon

0.15$

6

Schwan's Company

BibigoGochujang Sauce Hot & Sweet

Schwan's Company Gochujang Sauce Hot & Sweet 1

Best for a Sweet and Spicy Korean Twist

Mild

Red Pepper

Sweet, Savory

Korean

About 8 servings

2 tablespoons

0.50$

7

McIlhenny Company

TabascoOriginal Red Sauce

McIlhenny Company Original Red Sauce 1

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 XtremeXtreme Regret Hot Sauce

Elijah's Xtreme Gourmet Sauces Xtreme Regret Hot Sauce 1

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 FongSriracha

Huy Fong Foods Inc. Sriracha 1

Best Sriracha for Everyday Use

Hot

Chili

Sweet, Savory

Asian

158 servings

1 teaspoon

0.05$

10

McCormick & Company, Inc.

Stubb'sJalapeno & Honey Barbeque Sauce

McCormick & Company, Inc. Jalapeno & Honey Barbeque Sauce 1

Best Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce

Mild

Jalapeno

Sweet, Smoky

Barbeque, Texan

About 14 servings

2 tablespoons

0.27$

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

McCormick & Company, Inc.
Frank's RedHotOriginal Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce

Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce 1
Source:amazon.com
Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce 2
Source:amazon.com
Lowest price
$3.24
Lowest price
$3.24
Heat LevelMild
Pepper TypesCayenne
Flavor Characteristic
Sour, Savory
Cuisine Style
Buffalo

Best Balanced Sauce With Aged Cayenne Peppers

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
Servings75 servings
Serving Size1 teaspoon
Cost per ServingAbout 0.05$
Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Sauce Ventures, LLC
TRUFFOriginal Hot Sauce

Original Hot Sauce 1
Source:amazon.com
Original Hot Sauce 2
Source:amazon.com
Lowest price
$14.99
High Mid
Lowest price
$14.99
High Mid
Heat LevelMedium Heat
Pepper TypesRed Chili
Flavor Characteristic
Savory, Sweet
Cuisine Style
New American

Best for Truffle Lovers With a Taste for Spice

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
Servings34 servings
Serving Size1 teaspoon
Cost per Serving0.44$
No.3

Mike's Hot Honey Inc.
Mike's Hot HoneyThe Original

Reference price
$10.68
Mid
Heat LevelMild
Pepper TypesChili
Flavor Characteristic
Sweet
Cuisine Style
New American

The Original Sweet Heat Sensation

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
Servings13 servings
Serving Size1 tablespoon
Cost per Serving0.64$
No.4

Lao Gan Ma
Spicy Chili Crisp

Lowest price
$12.80
Mid
Heat LevelMedium Heat
Pepper TypesChili
Flavor Characteristic
Savory, Salty
Cuisine Style
Chinese

A Classic, Flavorful Chili Oil with Mild Crunch

Lao Gan Ma’s Spicy Chili Crisp has become a staple in kitchens worldwide, known for its signature balance of oil, spice, and rich umami flavor. Combining fried garlic, soybeans, and chili flakes, this chili oil offers a satisfying crunch alongside moderate heat, making it versatile for enhancing any meal without overpowering it. This traditional condiment adds a savory depth, perfect for topping noodles, dumplings, stir-fries, and even sandwiches. Its approachable spice level and rich texture have made it a go-to for chili oil enthusiasts and newcomers alike, bringing authentic, bold flavor to everyday dishes.
Barbecue Sauce
ServingsAbout 12 servings
Serving Size1/4 cup
Cost per Serving1.04$
No.5

RealStuff Inc.
YellowbirdClassic Sriracha

Reference price
$30.00
High
Heat LevelMedium Heat
Pepper TypesJalapeno
Flavor Characteristic
Sweet
Cuisine Style
Texan

Best Sweet and Spicy Sriracha

Yellowbird's Blue Agave Sriracha offers a unique twist on the classic Sriracha sauce. This sauce utilizes blue agave nectar for a touch of sweetness that balances the fiery kick of the chili peppers. While it retains the familiar garlicky and tangy notes of traditional Sriracha, the agave nectar adds a subtle depth of flavor. 

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
ServingsAbout 55 servings
Serving Size1 teaspoon
Cost per Serving0.15$
No.6

Schwan's Company
BibigoGochujang Sauce Hot & Sweet

Reference price
$5.49
Low Mid
Heat LevelMild
Pepper TypesRed Pepper
Flavor Characteristic
Sweet, Savory
Cuisine Style
Korean

Best for a Sweet and Spicy Korean Twist

Bibigo Gochujang is a Korean chili paste that offers a balanced blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. It contains gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), fermented soybeans, and rice, creating a complex depth of taste. Compared to other gochujang options, Bibigo's version leans slightly sweeter, making it potentially more approachable for those new to the condiment. 


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
ServingsAbout 8 servings
Serving Size2 tablespoons
Cost per Serving0.50$
No.7

McIlhenny Company
TabascoOriginal Red Sauce

Lowest price
$13.00
High Mid
Heat LevelHot
Pepper TypesRed Pepper
Flavor Characteristic
Savory, Salty
Cuisine Style
Cajun

Best for Bringing Flavors to a Variety of Foods

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
ServingsAbout 29 servings
Serving Size1 teaspoon
Cost per Serving0.22$
No.8

Elijah's Xtreme Gourmet Sauces
Elijah's XtremeXtreme Regret Hot Sauce

Lowest price
$11.99
Mid
Heat LevelVery Hot
Pepper TypesTrinidad Scorpion, Carolina Reaper
Flavor Characteristic
Garlic, Savory
Cuisine Style
Carolina

Best for Fiery Flavor with a Punch

Elijah's Xtreme Regret Hot Sauce lives up to its name with a fiery blend of Carolina Reaper and Trinidad Scorpion peppers. The advertised Scoville Heat Units (SHU) reach over 800,000, placing it firmly in the extreme heat category. A single drop packs a serious punch, so proceed with caution. 


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
Servings30 servings
Serving Size1 teaspoon
Cost per Serving0.40$
No.9

Huy Fong Foods Inc.
Huy FongSriracha

Lowest price
$7.04
Mid
Heat LevelHot
Pepper TypesChili
Flavor Characteristic
Sweet, Savory
Cuisine Style
Asian

Best Sriracha for Everyday Use

The 9-ounce bottle of Huy Fong Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce features a simple ingredient list of chili peppers, garlic, sugar, salt, and distilled vinegar. This Sriracha sauce offers a balanced flavor profile with a medium spiciness that builds gradually. 


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
Servings158 servings
Serving Size1 teaspoon
Cost per Serving0.05$
No.10

McCormick & Company, Inc.
Stubb'sJalapeno & Honey Barbeque Sauce

Lowest price
$3.49
Heat LevelMild
Pepper TypesJalapeno
Flavor Characteristic
Sweet, Smoky
Cuisine Style
Barbeque, Texan

Best Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce

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
ServingsAbout 14 servings
Serving Size2 tablespoons
Cost per Serving0.27$

Top 5 Hot Sauce

No. 1: McCormick & Company, Inc.Frank's RedHotOriginal Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce

No. 2: Sauce Ventures, LLCTRUFFOriginal Hot Sauce

No. 3: Mike's Hot Honey Inc.Mike's Hot HoneyThe Original

No. 4: Lao Gan MaSpicy Chili Crisp

No. 5: RealStuff Inc.YellowbirdClassic Sriracha

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

Most Viewed
Featured Rankings Similar to Hot Sauces

Coconut Aminos

10 Best

Search by category

mybest

We connect users with the best tried and true products,
tested by our in-house guides and backed by expert insight.

Copyright mybest All Rights Reserved.