Whether you’re seeking an extra kick of flavour or simply want some zing in your meals, nothing beats a good hot sauce.
The perfect condiment to an array of foods, a good hot sauce can easily bring any boring meal to life or even work wonders alongside your favourite dish.
Keep reading below to find out our favouritesWith an extensive selection of sauces available on the market, it can be quite a hefty task to figure out which ones work for you and your palette.
So, to take some of the guesswork out of the equation, we’ve tried a vast selection of hot sauces to determine which ones are the best in their respective categories.
From mild and flavourful additions, to the sweat-inducing sauces guaranteed to humble even the most experienced spice seekers – we’ve tried it all.
So, grab a glass of milk, and let’s dive into the world of hot sauce.
How we tested
To test our selections, we ensured that each hot sauce was tasted at least three times, including once on its own to judge the nuances of the flavours.
In addition to evaluating the taste, we also considered the spice level, consistency and types of dishes the sauce best pairs well with.
Each hot sauce was then awarded a rating out of five to determine whether it deserves that coveted spot on your fridge shelf.
Best hot sauces at a glance
Best overall hot sauce: Cholula Original Hot Sauce Best hot sauce for eggs: Flying Goose Sriracha Hot Chilli Sauce Best tasting hot sauce: Raja Bonnet Sauces Spiciest hot sauce: Tropical Sun Carolina Reaper SauceFlying Goose Sriracha Hot Chilli Sauce
Flying Goose Sriracha is perfect for sandwiches, eggs and plenty of Asian dishesFlying Goose Sriracha Hot Chilli Sauce, £3.60
BUY HEREPros: Great for an array of dishes, aromatic spice, nice and garlicky
Cons: Not massively spicy, fairly salty
Rating: 4/5
Inspired by a recipe produced in 1931 by a native of Si Racha, Thailand, Flying Goose Sriracha might just be one of the most recognisable hot sauces on the planet.
Coming in at around 3,000 Scoville units, this sauce certainly won’t ruin your day, but it will deliver a nice kick where needed.
Made from sun-ripened chillies, this sauce has a fairly thick consistency with sweet, garlicky and salty notes found in each hit.
This is a mainstay in my cupboard, and I find this sauce pairs well with many dishes, particularly East Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine, due to the flavour profile.
Overall, if you’re looking for a solid all-rounder that will pair nicely with just about any food, the Flying Goose Sriracha will likely be right up your alley.
Size455mlScoville rating (SHU)3,000Country of originThailandIngredientsChilli (61%), Sugar, Water, Salt, Garlic, Flavour Enhancer (E621),Stabilizer (E415),Acidity Regulators (E260, E330),Preservative (E202)Cholula Original Hot Sauce
Cholula is a zingy sauce that works great with eggs and sandwichesCholula Original Hot Sauce, £2.50
BUY HEREPros: Effectively calorie-free, balanced taste, goes well with almost anything
Cons: Very mild heat, a bit runny
Rating: 4.5/5
Next up on the list is yet another icon within the hot sauce world.
Hailing from Mexico, Cholula is a mild and peppery hot sauce that balances citrusy flavours with a balance of chilli, vinegar and salt.
Coming in at around 1000-2000 Scoville units, this sauce is very mild, but what it lacks in spice, it more than makes up for in flavour.
One of the more interesting qualities about Cholula is the fact that it’s effectively calorie-free due to the main ingredients being water, chilli peppers, salt, vinegar, and spices
Meaning that it’s perfect for those trying to lose weight who don’t want to compromise on flavour.
Cholula pairs well with just about any cuisine, but it works especially well with eggs.
Versatile, tasty and affordable, Cholula has rightfully earned its space in my fridge at all times.
Size150mlScoville rating (SHU)1,000-2000Country of originMexicoIngredientsWater, Chili Peppers (5.0%) (Arbol & Piquin), Salt, Vinegar Blend (Spirit Vinegar, Cider Vinegar), Spices, Stabiliser (Xanthan Gum)Frank’s RedHot Sauce Original
Frank’s RedHot was a key ingredient in the OG Buffalo sauce recipeFrank’s RedHot Sauce Original, £2.70
BUY HEREPros: Tangy and garlicky, great with eggs, fries and sandwiches
Cons: Very mild, vinegar taste can be overpowering
Rating: 3.5/5
Despite the name, Frank’s RedHot Sauce is quite the opposite of what it claims to be.
Dating back to 1920, this iconic sauce is arguably one of the most well-known condiments on the planet (it has even featured in collaborations with chains like McDonald’s).
At only 500 Scoville units, this sauce is among the mildest on this list, which is great if you’re extremely sensitive to spice.
If you’re not keen on vinegary hot sauces, however, this addition certainly won’t be for you.
Underneath a sweet, citrusy and buttery taste, you’ll find a heavy vingery undertone, which undoubtedly explains its runny consistency.
That said, Frank’s RedHot Sauce seems to work well with eggs, fries, sandwiches and wings.
It’s even widely considered to be the inspiration behind Buffalo wings since it was a key ingredient in the original recipe.
Size148mlScoville rating (SHU)500Country of originUSAIngredientsDistilled Vinegar, Aged Cayenne Peppers (27%), Salt, Water, Canola oil, Paprika, Stabiliser: Xanthan Gum, Natural Flavouring, Garlic PowderEl Yucateco Salsa Kutbil-ik-de Chile Habanero XXXTRA HOT sauce
This sauce feels a lot hotter than its 11,000 SHU ratingEl Yucateco Salsa Kutbil-ik-de Chile Habanero XXXTRA HOT SAUCE, £5.89
BUY HEREPros: Very spicy, fresh tomato and onion taste, a small dab goes a long way
Cons: Feels way hotter than its Scoville rating
Rating: 4/5
Founded in Mexico’s Yucatan area during the late ’60s or early ’70s (depending on who you ask), El Yucateco is now one of the country’s most popular hot sauce brands.
Dedicated to the production of habanero pepper sauces, El Yucateco crafts tasty yet incredibly spicy sauces, with few being as renowned as its Salsa Kutbil-ik-de Chile Habanero XXXTRA HOT SAUCE.
Having travelled to Mexico earlier in the year, I picked up a bottle of this sauce in the airport, expecting it to be light work, but I was very wrong.
This sauce itself clocks in around 11,000 SHU on the Scoville scale, but truthfully, it feels much, much hotter.
After dousing some rice I was having with this sauce, I had tears streaming down my face within minutes, but despite the pain, I was also a big fan of the taste.
The sauce has a smoky tomato and onion base with plenty of garlic and habanero spice (of course).
After learning how to use this sauce sparingly, I really did enjoy its flavour, and I found it to be particularly delicious with sandwiches, tacos, and other Mexican dishes.
Size120mlScoville rating (SHU)11,000Country of originMexicoIngredientsHabanero peppers (40%), water, tomato, salt, onion, acidity regulator (acetic acid) (E-260), partially hydrogenated canola vegetable oil, spices, antioxidant (citric acid) (E-330) preservatives (sodium benzoate) (E-260), stablizer (xantahn gum) (E-415)Tropical Sun Hot Sauces
Each of Tropical Sun’s flavours is delicious in its own wayTropical Sun Hot Sauces, various prices
BUY HEREPros: Something for everyone within the range, rich and flavourful, delicious taste
Cons: Some bottles can be runny
Rating: 5/5
While many might know the Tropical Sun brand for its extensive selection of Caribbean and African-inspired foods, few people are aware of its range of hot sauces.
Having got our hands on a selection of the brand’s offerings, it’s safe to say the Tropical Sun range is nothing short of impressive.
Each bottle comes with a classic blend of Caribbean flavours, with the Bajan Hot Pepper Sauce and the Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce firmly cementing themselves as favourites among the group.
Make no mistake about it, the majority of these sauces are not for the faint-hearted.
The Caribbean boasts a wide variety of hot peppers, many of which fall within the 100,000 to 350,000 Scoville heat range.
This means many of these sauces will certainly leave your taste buds tingling, even if you’re an experienced spice connoisseur.
However, if you are seeking something a bit more on the extreme side, the brand also offers its very own Carolina Reaper sauce.
At around 60% Carolina Reaper pepper, this sauce will clock in at around 1,200,000 Scovilles, meaning it’s really not to be messed with.
Ideal for an array of Caribbean dishes and rice-based plates, the Tropical Sun’s range is undoubtedly worth your time.
Size120ml – 170mlScoville rating (SHU)30,000 – 1,200,000Country of originJamaicaIngredientsIngredients vary between productsBrewdog Hot Sauces
Brewdog’s Wingman Buffalo Sauce was a clear favourite among the teamBrewdog Hot Sauces, various prices
BUY HEREPros: Nice level of heat on both sauces, great flavours, the Buffalo sauce is fantastic
Cons: Elvis Juice sauce had a mixed reception, sauces can shoot out quickly
Rating: 4/5
Next on the agenda were two sauces courtesy of beer experts, BrewDog.
Designed to be paired with its beers, we sampled its Wingman Buffalo Sauce and the Elvis Juice Hot Sauce.
The Wingman Buffalo Sauce got a big thumbs up all around, with everyone who tried it loving its buttery and tangy taste.
The Elvis Juice Sauce, on the other hand, received a slightly mixed reception, with many of us likening it to a spicier version of ketchup.
Either way, both sauces were very enjoyable and certainly on the milder side (probably under 1,000 Scovilles).
In terms of pairing, like most Buffalo sauces, we can certainly see the Wingman Buffalo Sauce working great with wings, while its Elvis Juice counterpart will undoubtedly work well with fries.
Size240mlScoville rating (SHU)Under 1,000 (estimated)Country of originUKIngredientsIngredients vary between productsLee Kum Kee WOW Chilli Sauce Range
The Sesame Chilli sauce had a delicious nutty tasteLee Kum Kee WOW Chilli Sauce Range, £1.95
BUY HEREPros: Affordable, sesame chilli sauce has a lovely taste, great for dipping
Cons: None of the sauces are spicy, the Makrut Lime Leaf sauce has an overpowering taste, Yuzu sauce isn’t very nice
Rating: 3/5
Next up were three sauces from Lee Kum Kee‘s range of affordable options, perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with flavours.
The Sesame Chilli Sauce was a clear favourite, with its lovely taste and versatility making it ideal for dipping or drizzling over dishes.
Its balanced flavour made it an easy crowd-pleaser.
The Makrut Lime Leaf Sauce, however, left a less favourable impression.
While unique, its overpowering limey taste dominated dishes rather than complementing them, making it difficult to pair effectively.
Lastly, the Yuzu Sauce failed to impress, with many of us finding its flavour unappealing and not up to the mark compared to the other options.
None of the sauces were particularly spicy, which might disappoint those seeking a fiery kick.
However, their mild profiles make them accessible to a wider audience.
Size135gScoville rating (SHU)Under 1,000 (estimated)Country of originChinaIngredientsIngredients vary between productsChilli No. 5 Passport Piccanté Sauce Set
This kit offers a great variety of flavours, ideal for people getting into spicy saucesChilli No. 5 Passport Piccanté Sauce Set, £40
BUY HEREPros: Great variety of flavours on offer, ideal for those wanting to try new sauces, tasty flavours
Cons: Not much spice, expensive
Rating: 4/5
We tried Chilli No.5’s Passport Picante hot sauce gift set, which offers a globe-trotting selection of sauces featuring flavours from places such as Louisiana, Mexico, Thailand, and India.
The set impressed with its great variety, making it ideal for those looking to explore new and diverse sauces.
Each bottle came beautifully presented, adding an elegant touch whether gifting or adding to your own collection.
The flavours themselves were tasty and enjoyable, with plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free ingredients catering to a range of dietary preferences.
The Louisiana BBQ, Sriracha and Phaal flavours were particularly delicious, so it’s no wonder that this kit has won Great Taste Awards in the past.
One downside is that spice lovers might be disappointed, since none of the sauces packs much heat.
Additionally, the set is on the pricier side, which may put off some buyers despite its award-winning quality.
Overall, it’s a stylish and flavourful collection that’s perfect for those wanting to experiment with new tastes, though not the best choice for those seeking a fiery kick or a budget-friendly option.
Size12 x 25mlScoville rating (SHU)Under 1,000 (estimated)Country of originUKIngredientsIngredients vary between productsYoYo Laos Hot Sauces
The Yoyo Ginger Chilli sauce is a National Chilli Award winnerYoYo Laos Hot Sauces, from £5.95
BUY HEREPros: bold and exciting flavours, great heat levels that cater to spice lovers, award-winning quality
Cons: the Pineapple Chilli sauce is hard to pour due to its thick consistency, the Luang Prabang Special might be too hot for some
Rating: 4.5/5
Yoyo’s range of chilli sauces proved to be an exciting discovery, offering bold flavours and impressive heat levels across the board.
The Yoyo Ginger Chilli was the undeniable star, delivering fiery flavour and great heat.
It’s easy to see why this sauce earned the title of overall winner at the National Chilli Awards in 2022.
The Yoyo Pineapple Chilli with Roasted Pepper offered a fantastic balance of heat and flavour, though its thicker consistency made it a bit difficult to pour, a small flaw in an otherwise excellent sauce.
The Yoyo Luang Prabang Special took things up a notch with its intense, immediate heat.
Despite the fiery punch, the flavour was once again outstanding, rounding off this exceptional trio.
Yoyo’s sauces are perfect for those seeking a combination of bold flavours and serious heat, with each bottle offering a unique and satisfying experience.
Size150mlScoville rating (SHU)3,000 – 15,000 (estimated)Country of originLaosIngredientsIngredients vary between productsThe Sauce Shop sauces
You can find Sauce Shop products at supermarkets across the countryThe Sauce Shop sauces, from £2.99
BUY HEREPros: Affordable, easy to find, tasty flavours
Cons: Not much kick behind some of the sauces
Rating: 4.5/5
Sauce Shop has become a household name across the country, with its distinctive bottles lining supermarket shelves and offering a wide range of creative and exciting flavour combinations.
We tried four flavours in total, each bringing something different to the table.
Starting with the Pineapple Habanero sauce, this had a pleasant tropical note but didn’t quite deliver the bold flavour we were expecting.
Its runny consistency and mild spice level make it more suited for those who prefer subtle heat.
The Buffalo sauce stood out as a highlight, offering a delicious and classic Buffalo flavour that’s sure to please fans of this style and undoubtedly work well with wings.
But for me, the Honey Sriracha Drizzle stole the show – it’s versatile, packed with flavour, and quickly became one of our favourites.
Perfect for Asian rice and meat dishes, it’s a sauce we’ll be reaching for again and again.
Finally, the OG Hot Sauce delivered exactly what you’d expect from a classic hot sauce, a reliable and tasty option that works well with almost anything.
Size160mlScoville rating (SHU)Under 2,000 (estimated)Country of originUKIngredientsIngredients vary between productsTracklements hot sauces
Tracklements Sriracha was a clear favouriteTracklements hot sauces, from £4.10
BUY HEREPros: Decent depth of flavour in the Rocket Hot Sauce, nice smoky taste in the Smokin’ Chipotle, delicious flavour in the Sriracha.
Cons: One of the sauces is very runny and a tad vinegary, Smokin’ Chipotle lacks richness, and Sriracha is very thick and not particularly spicy.
Rating: 3/5
Tracklements is a well-known British brand, celebrated for its artisan condiments that can be found in shops across the country.
We tried three of their hot sauces, each offering a unique flavour profile.
The Rocket Hot Sauce stood out for its extremely runny consistency and vinegary, cidery taste.
While it did offer a tasty, decent depth of flavour, the texture and sharpness might not appeal to everyone.
The Smokin’ Chipotle sauce had a pleasant smoky flavour but lacked the richness and heart you’d expect from a truly standout sauce.
The Sriracha sauce was the favourite of the trio, delivering a delicious flavour that’s hard to fault.
However, its very thick consistency and mild heat made this one a bit of a challenge.
Overall, the team certainly enjoyed Tracklements’ hot sauces; however, with the low heat, they did feel a little more like tomato and BBQ sauce variants rather than hot sauces.
Size150mlScoville rating (SHU)Under 1,000 (estimated)Country of originUKIngredientsIngredients vary between productsRaja Bonnet Sauces
These sauces are delicious, with a spicy Indian flairRaja Bonnet Sauces, £17 (for the trio)
BUY HEREPros: Downright delicious, amazing Indian flair, tasty and has a great kick
Cons: The lime flavour wasn’t a group favourite, but it was still enjoyable
Rating: 5/5
Founded in South London in 2016, En Root began as a vibrant, Indian-inspired vegan concept, and in 2018, they introduced Raja Bonnet Sauce.
Each sauce blends Indian spices with Scotch Bonnet peppers to create a fusion of flavour that truly wowed us all.
Curious to try the range, I picked up three of their sauces expecting a tasty addition to my meals, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Raja Bonnet Sauce OG is a great all-rounder, combining spicy and tangy notes with a depth of flavour that works beautifully on wraps, in curries, and pretty much anything else.
Fyra Fyra, on the other hand, turns up the heat, offering a fiery kick that doesn’t skimp on rich, layered flavours, perfect for those who love a bit of spice that lingers.
Lime & Ginger Kicker, while still enjoyable, felt a bit too lime-heavy for my liking, with the ginger taking more of a backseat than I’d hoped.
After experimenting with these sauces, I found them to be versatile and full of character, particularly the OG and Fyra Fyra.
En Root’s Raja Bonnet Sauce range is a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their dishes with bold Indian flavours.
Size250mlScoville rating (SHU)2,000 – 6,000 (estimated)Country of originUKIngredientsIngredients vary between productsWoolf’s kitchen chilli crunch
This sauce has a garlicky kick and a subtle spiceWoolf’s kitchen chilli crunch, £6.44
BUY HEREPros: Nice mellow spice, great garlicky touch
Cons: Could do with a touch more flavour
Rating: 3.5/5
Founded with a love for bold, natural flavours, Woolf’s Kitchen has made a name for itself with its Chilli Crunch.
Having heard plenty about this intriguing condiment, I decided to give it a try, expecting something fiery and intense.
What I got instead was a mellow chilli flavour that doesn’t overwhelm, paired with a satisfying garlic kick that takes centre stage.
I first tried it spooned over some fried rice, and while it didn’t set my mouth ablaze, the flavour was addictive enough that I kept going back for more.
If you’re expecting a fiery condiment, this won’t be for you.
But if you are after a way to add some depth of flavour to rice, dumplings, noodles and much more, you can’t go wrong.
Size190mlScoville rating (SHU)2,000 (estimated)Country of originUKIngredientsIngredients vary between productsFor more sports, health and fitness content and buying guides, check out our dedicated talkSPORT shopping hub.
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