Mexican | Jamaican | Asian | Hot Pepper | Vinegar-Based

Top Mexican hot sauce brands

#1. Cholula

The Brand: Cholula began in Mexico. The hot sauce continues to be manufactured and bottled in Jalisco. Tequila brand José Cuervo licenses this product. McCormick, a spice company, owns the brand.

Need to Know: Cholula hot sauce ranks 1,000-2,000 on the Scoville scale for hotness. Many consumers consider the taste mild. Cholula is made from Arbol and Pequin peppers for an original flavor that is not too spicy. Cholula hot sauce is now available in more flavors including chili lime, sweet habanero, and green pepper.

#2. Tapatío

The Brand: Tapatío is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. In 1971, the company was started by immigrants from Mexico and Central America. The brand name references people from Guadalajara, including the founders. This popular and inexpensive brand of hot sauce is enjoyed across North America.

Need to Know: You won’t feel the burn with this brand of hot sauce. Tapatío is ranked 3,000 on the Scoville scale. The flavorful sauce is meant to add a touch of heat rather than presenting a spicy challenge. This brand is commonly used on eggs and breakfast dishes where it helps people wake up in the morning.

#3. Valentina

The Brand: Tradition is everything with Valentina. The company’s recipe has hardly changed in the past 70 years. Valentina is made of puya chilis sourced from Jalisco, Mexico. The parent company is Salsa Tamazula and is based in Mexico.

Need to Know: Valentina comes in two flavors: hot and extra hot. The hot version is quite mild and appeals to those who prefer a less spicy taste. The extra hot version ranks at 2,100 on the Scoville scale. Both varieties are considerably less spicy than many alternatives. Valentina is frequently used to flavor Mexican street foods and tacos.

#4. El Yucateco

The Brand: In 1968, Priamo Gamboa developed a spicy sauce blended from a variety of peppers, and El Yucateco was born. Since that time the company has remained a family-owned enterprise based on traditional values.

Need to Know: The Gamboa family’s collection of recipes has been turned into a huge line of delicious sauces. The brand offers mild jalapeño, smoked chipotle, green extra hot, and the sweet Caribbean in addition to the original salsa chili habanero. Fans of scorching hot flavor will crave Black Label Reserve or Kutbil-Ik XXXtra Hot varieties.

#5. La Victoria

The Brand: La Victoria was founded in 1917. Salsa Brava remains the top-selling product. Megamex Foods currently owns the brand. The company also owns Herdez and Chi-Chi’s.

Need to Know: People who love to cook can pair their favorite La Victoria hot sauce with other La Victoria products. The company sells salsas, cooking sauces, and canned vegetables for easy meal creation. Red jalapeños remain the top ingredient in all Megamex Mexican food products.

Top Jamaican hot sauce brands

#6. Winfresh

The Brand: The Windward Islands Banana Growers Association was formed in 1961. The company originally focused on bananas, but later expanded into peppers and a variety of other fruits and vegetables. The Winfresh brand is part of Vincyfresh Ltd, the new name of the Windward Islands Banana Growers Association, and is produced in Saint Lucia.

Need to Know: Winfresh sells sauces in a variety of enticing flavors. Favorites include Hot Caribbean Pepper, Sweet & Spicy Tamarind, and Sweet Ginger hot sauce.

#7. Pain Is Good

The Brand: The Pain Is Good label is owned by Spicin’ Foods. The company started in 1999 under the name Original Juan and changed its name in 2018. Spicin’ Foods also owns American Stockyard, Gojo, and Tradicíon Tapas.

Need to Know: Unlike many brands on this list, Pain is Good’s Jamaican Style #114 hot sauce is not manufactured in Jamaica. It is produced in Kansas City, Kansas. This sauce is considered very hot and is made from habanero, pineapple juice, and jerk sauce for added sweetness. Many reviewers cite extreme reactions and a very pleasant flavor.

#8. Walkerswood

The Brand: Walkerswood is a Jamaica original and still prepared on-site in Saint Ann and Kingston, Jamaica. The brand began in 1978 with an original product line-up of jerk seasoning. They have now expanded into a variety of authentic products including hot sauces, canned fruits, and marinades.

Need to Know: Anyone who enjoys hot sauce will find a Walkerswood product suited to their tastes. Favorites include the Jonkanoo, which is made of red Scotch Bonnet peppers, and their Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce, featuring milder – though still intense – yellow Scotch Bonnet peppers.

#9. Pickapeppa

The Brand: Founded in 1921, Pickapeppa is still made locally in Shooter’s Hill, Jamaica. The company vows to use only natural ingredients and avoids heavily processed additives and preservatives. It is an ideal choice for anyone looking to eat clean while enjoying the good flavor.

Need to Know: Pickapeppa makes many different flavorful options. The original Pickapeppa sauce is made with cane vinegar, yellow Scotch bonnet, onion, tomato, and cloves for a strong heat and mild sweetness. Their Gingery Mango variety is significantly sweeter though still packs a spicy punch.

#10. Grace Foods

The Brand: Grace Foods started life in New York City in 1922 when W.R. Grace & Company decided to sell the Caribbean branch of their enterprise. Since that time the company has been based in Kingston, Jamaica, where they produce a variety of products, including hot sauces.

Need to Know: The company’s most popular product is the Scotch Bonnet Hot Pepper Sauce. This variety is intense and fiery, made from red Scotch Bonnet peppers. Other varieties are smoother and milder, including the Green Scotch Bonnet and Sweet & Spicy Pepper Sauce. Most reviewers note a satisfying flavor profile and say this brand tastes good in addition to providing heat.

Top Asian hot sauce brands

#11. Huy Fong

The Brand: Huy Fong products are found in many restaurants and homes, a testament to their popularity. The company is based in California and was begun in 1980 by a Chinese-Vietnamese immigrant named David Tran. The brand is very well-known and widely recognized, often referred to as Rooster Sauce because of the bottle logo.

Need to Know: The Sriracha Sauce (Tương Ớt Sriracha) is by far the most popular product made by Huy Foods. It ranks 1,000-2,500 on the Scoville scale. The sriracha peppers in the product are all grown in California on land owned by Huy Fong. This method helps the company maintain quality and assure freshness. Huy Fong’s Vietnamese Chili Garlic and Sambel Oelek are also quite popular.

#12. Sambel Cap Jembol

The Brand: Sambel Cap Jembol is based in Jakarta, Indonesia, and was founded in 1974. The brand commits to all-natural, healthy cuisine. Sambel Cap Jembol products are free from artificial dyes and most preservatives. They are also verified Kosher.

Need to Know: The brand’s top seller is Sambel Asli, a moderately spicy sauce made from red chiles and bird’s eye chili peppers. It contains very little vinegar and is not sweetened, allowing the pungent pepper flavor to emerge. The company also makes Hot & Sweet, Vegetarian, and Sea Food varieties intended to compliment the flavors of specific dishes.

#13. Bushwick Kitchen

The Brand: In 2014, Casey Elsass and Morgan Newman founded MixedMade, a company specializing in hot honey. In 2016, they rebranded as Bushwick Kitchen. The company now sells a variety of flavorful products to bring you a perfectly seasoned meal. Top sellers include flavored honey, hot sauce, and pancake syrup.

Need to Know: Hot sauce lovers who crave original flavors love the many recipes delivered by Bushwick Kitchen. Add a unique taste with Strawberry Jalapeno, Peach Mango Scotch Bonnet, or the signature Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha. The company has repeatedly made headlines and attracted a celebrity fanbase, making their sauces not only delicious but glamorous.

#14. Bibigo

The Brand: Korean-based Bibigo started in May of 2010. It was founded in Seoul, South Korea, by the CJ Group. The company now has an international reach with offices in China, Indonesia, and the United States. Other brands owned by Bibigo include Schwan’s and Kahiki.

Need to Know: Bibigo’s Gotchu Korean hot sauce comes in original and is extra spicy for those who need more heat. Both contain authentic gochujang red chili paste and red jalapeno. The company markets many food products including mandu, soup dumplings, and potstickers.

#15. Seed Ranch

The Brand: Dave Delcourt and Joshua Onysko founded Seed Ranch in 2017. The company is based in Boulder, Colorado. Seed Ranch makes a special effort to be involved on social media and targets primarily a young audience. Their products are geared toward hot sauce lovers and people who crave authenticity.

Need to Know: Seed Ranch sells many types of hot sauces that will satisfy all tastes. Their Umami Everyday version appeals to people who want a flavorful impact without the heat. It is made from tamari, shiitake mushroom, and red miso. The brand’s Hot Thai Green was featured on the show Hot Ones and is made with lime, Thai Ginger, Carolina Reaper peppers, and lemongrass.

Top hot pepper sauce brands

#16. Crystal

The Brand: Alvin Baumer founded Crystal in 1923 and the brand has been a New Orleans favorite since then. The company has a very strong commitment to ethical action and relies on the slogan “Make it right, always” to guide them. Fans of the brand point to their community action during WWII and Hurricane Katrina as signs of their commitment to the New Orleans area.

Need to Know: The original Crystal hot sauce is made from aged cayenne peppers, vinegar, and salt. The brand relies on simple, clean ingredients and makes products suitable for clean eaters and health-conscious buyers. New additions to the product catalog include Extra Hot, Garlic, and a new line of wing sauces.

#17. Mike’s Hot Honey

The Brand: Mike Kurtz founded Mike’s Hot Honey in 2010. The company is still based in Brooklyn, New York. Unlike most hot sauces on this list, Mike’s strays far from tradition with a honey-based mixture loaded with peppers. However, the heat and flavor have made Mike’s Hot Honey an addictive taste with fans across the country and Mike’s deserves a place on our list.

Need to Know: Mike’s makes an original and extra-spicy variety that fans use on everything from pizza to ice cream. The zesty and sweet profile pairs well with a variety of meats and can be used in many different recipes.

#18. Melinda’s

The Brand: Melinda’s is headquartered in Irvine, Texas. The company prides itself on the ability to pair heat with delicious flavor. All sauces start with a base of carrot, onion, and lime for a gentle umami start.

Need to Know: Melinda’s offers an array of sauces to suit any palate and dish. Their Original Habanero is very light on heat but full of taste. On the hot end of the product line-up, Melinda’s Trinidad Moruga Scorpion sauce rates 2 million on the Scoville scale. Those who prefer a moderate heat will enjoy the Chipotle sauce, which is sweetened with papaya and lime.

#19. Matouk’s

The Brand: Matouk’s hot sauce is made on-site in Trinidad and provides very little information about their founding and business. Despite this, the elusive company has a cult following.

Need to Know: Matouk’s sauces come in many different varieties so everyone can enjoy them. Their Calypso sauce ranks between 50,000-250,000 Scoville and contains pickled Scotch bonnet peppers. Their West Indian hot sauce is much milder and is sweetened with papaya. A hotter variety is Trinidad Scorpion which features scorpion peppers and Scotch bonnets.

#20. Truff

The Brand: Truff provides a unique alternative to conventional hot sauce. The brand infuses all peppery sauces with rich truffle oil to create a delightful and savory flavor sensation. Nick Guillen and Nick Ajluni founded Truff in late 2017 out of a desire for something original.

Need to Know: The inclusion of truffle oil elevates Truff hot sauces and turns the condiment into a special event. The sauces are ideal for both casual and upscale dining. Truff’s Original is made with black truffle oil. Truff White Heat is made with white truffle oil. Both come in “hotter sauce” versions for those who want more peppery heat.

Top vinegar-based hot sauce brands

#21. Tabasco

The Brand: Tabasco has been around since 1868. Edmund McIlhenny’s company began producing its signature sauce on Avery Island, Louisiana and Tabasco are still made there today.

Need to Know: Tabasco gets its signature kick from distilled vinegar, which adds acidity and intensity. The tabasco pepper sauce is aged in white oak barrels for up to 3 years, ensuring a high-quality finish. Tabasco is a favorite around the United States and is seen all over the world. Alongside original Tabasco, there are now many more varieties, including mild Green Jalapeno, extra mild Sweet & Spicy, and their hot Scorpion Sauce.

#22. Frank’s Red Hot

The Brand: Frank’s Red Hot has a dedicated fan base who refuse to use any other sauce. The company was created in Louisiana in 1920 by Adam Estilette and Jacob Frank. The brand became a sensation in the 1960s after the Anchor Bar & Grill invented buffalo wings, using Frank’s as a key ingredient.

Need to Know: Frank’s is made from cayenne peppers and distilled vinegar for a sharp bite and medium heat. Other varieties include Chili n’ Lime, Sweet Chili, and Hot Buffalo sauce. The brand also makes several wing sauces and marinades as well as a line of frozen foods.

#23. Tiger

The Brand: For those who love sweet heat, Tiger Sauce corners the market. The company’s mysterious origins trace back to 1864 when the sauce was marketed by Woodruff & Co. In 1914, Grover Davis started Davis Manufacturing Company and began marketing the sauce under the TryMe brand name. In 1989, Reily Foods acquired the label.

Need to Know: Tiger sauce combines cayenne, vinegar, and crushed red peppers with herbs for complexity, tamarind for sweetness, and anchovy for umami. The result is a strong piquant flavor that adds depth to any dish. Tiger sauce fans use it in many recipes as well as for dipping.

#24. Louisiana

The Brand: Louisiana Hot Sauce started in Louisiana in 1928. Originally, the brand fell under the Bruce Foods umbrella. In 2015, it was sold to Summit Hill Foods. The original sauce recipe has not been changed.

Need to Know: The company ferments cayenne peppers with aged vinegar to create a moderate sear and pleasant taste. The simple, wholesome ingredients appeal to customers who avoid dyes and preservatives. New flavors include the 1928 Bourbon Barrel Aged, Wasabi Pepper, Horseradish Pepper, and Smoky Chipotle.

#25. Texas Pete

The Brand: Sam Garner and his sons developed Texas Pete in North Carolina in 1929. The name comes from the state of Texas, which has strong associations with spicy Tex-Mex cuisine, and Sam Garner’s grandson, Pete Garner. In 1946, the family-owned company began trading under the name the T.W. Garner Food Company. Texas Pete is still produced in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Need to Know: Original Texas Pete is made from cayenne and tabasco peppers that have soaked in vinegar to bring out the flavor. It ranks 300 on the Scoville scale. Their bottled pepper sauce, which is whole peppers soaked in vinegar brine, rates 770. The brand also offers Sabor, a Mexican-style garlic habanero sauce, and Cha, a Sriracha variety.

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