I tried 5 of the most popular hot sauce brands and Cholula had the perfect balance of spice and flavor (2024)

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Erin McDowell

I tried 5 of the most popular hot sauce brands and Cholula had the perfect balance of spice and flavor (1)

  • Hot sauce fanatics are passionate about which one is truly the best.
  • In order to find which hot sauce is worthy of being a staple in your pantry, I tried five popular hot sauce brands — Sriracha, Louisiana, Frank's RedHot, Texas Pete, and Cholula.
  • I found that Cholula had the perfect level of heat, good texture, and flavor.
  • Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

I tried 5 of the most popular hot sauce brands and Cholula had the perfect balance of spice and flavor (2)

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When it comes to hot sauce, spice fans will be outspoken about which one is truly best.

In order to find which hot sauce is worthy of being a staple in your pantry, I tried five popular hot sauce brands — Sriracha, Louisiana, Frank's RedHot, Texas Pete, and Cholula.

Here's a breakdown of each hot sauce's flavor notes as well as which dishes they'd make the perfect addition to, ranked in order of mildest to hottest on the Scoville scale.

I tried 5 of the most popular hot sauce brands and Cholula had the perfect balance of spice and flavor (5)

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The label on the bottle of Louisiana Hot Sauce stated that "one drop does it."

I tried 5 of the most popular hot sauce brands and Cholula had the perfect balance of spice and flavor (6)

However, the hot sauce only ranks at 450 Scoville heat units, making it one of the milder hot sauces on the market.

Louisiana Hot Sauce cost $2.89 for 12 fluid ounces at Stop and Shop.

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The Louisiana Hot Sauce was exceptionally watery.

I tried 5 of the most popular hot sauce brands and Cholula had the perfect balance of spice and flavor (7)

For the test, I tried to make each portion of hot sauce identical — three drops. However, the Louisiana hot sauce was so watery, it was hard to portion out an adequate serving onto the tortilla chip.

The flavor of the hot sauce was citrusy, acidic, and somewhat sweet. It wasn't spicy at all and didn't leave a burning sensation on my tongue.

For those looking to add a slight kick to tacos, aiolis, cooked meat, or other sauces, this mild hot sauce may fit the bill.

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Frank's RedHot is a classic hot sauce favorite and is commonly used in most recipes calling for Buffalo sauce.

I tried 5 of the most popular hot sauce brands and Cholula had the perfect balance of spice and flavor (8)

The original Frank's RedHot sauce lands at 450 on the Scoville scale, making it milder than other sauces.

Frank's RedHot sauce cost $4.89 for 12 fluid ounces at Stop and Shop.

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Frank's RedHot sauce provided a good balance between spice and flavor.

I tried 5 of the most popular hot sauce brands and Cholula had the perfect balance of spice and flavor (9)

It was spicy, but not too much to handle.

Frank's RedHot has a slight buttery flavor that makes it a perfect addition to Buffalo chicken dishes. It was on the thicker side, but not as thick as Sriracha.

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Texas Pete is another favorite among hot sauce fanatics.

I tried 5 of the most popular hot sauce brands and Cholula had the perfect balance of spice and flavor (10)

Texas Pete hot sauce is 747 on the Scoville scale, making it hotter than Louisiana Hot Sauce and Frank's RedHot.

Texas Pete hot sauce cost $2.39 for 12 fluid ounces at Stop and Shop.

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The Texas Pete hot sauce had a slight sweetness to it.

I tried 5 of the most popular hot sauce brands and Cholula had the perfect balance of spice and flavor (11)

It wasn't too watery or too thick but was slightly on the thinner side. It definitely tasted slightly more spicy than the last two, and the spice lingered on my tongue after I tried it, which the Frank's RedHot and Louisiana did not.

This is a great run-of-the-mill hot sauce — nothing more and nothing less than what you're looking for in a hot sauce. The texture and spice level was perfect, but I would have preferred the flavor to be a little stronger.

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Cholula is also adored by fans who love its chili flavor.

I tried 5 of the most popular hot sauce brands and Cholula had the perfect balance of spice and flavor (12)

Cholula comes in at around 1,000 Scoville heat units, making it one of the spicier sauces I tried.

Cholula hot sauce cost $4.19 for five fluid ounces at Stop and Shop.

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The sauce had a nice citrus element that gave it a bright, fresh flavor.

I tried 5 of the most popular hot sauce brands and Cholula had the perfect balance of spice and flavor (13)

Out of all the sauces I tried, this flavor was the most complex. I also enjoyed the texture — it was the perfect thickness, allowing the sauce to pack a lot of flavor in each drop without being overpowering. It was the perfect balance of strong heat and flavor.

If I had to choose one hot sauce to have in my pantry, it would be Cholula hot sauce. Whether it's on tacos, eggs, or even — yes, you heard this right – pizza, Cholula would make a great addition.

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Sriracha has gained a cult-like following of fans who love the chili sauce on pretty much anything.

I tried 5 of the most popular hot sauce brands and Cholula had the perfect balance of spice and flavor (14)

Sriracha's flavor is commonly described as smoky, and I find the sauce to be among the hottest on the market.

Sriracha is reportedly between 1,000 and 2,500 pointson the Scoville scale.

Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce cost $4.89 for 17 fluid ounces at Stop and Shop.

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Sriracha was thicker than the other hot sauces I tried.

I tried 5 of the most popular hot sauce brands and Cholula had the perfect balance of spice and flavor (15)

The sauce's spicy flavor sat on my tongue and felt sharp and slightly tangy. It tasted more distinctly of chili than the other sauces, which gave it a richer flavor.

However, I found Sriracha to be a little too spicy for my liking and felt that the other flavors were overpowered.

Sriracha makes a great addition to taco bowls, breakfast tacos, and other foods that have a lot of flavor and substance to counteract the sauce's spiciness.

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I tried 5 of the most popular hot sauce brands and Cholula had the perfect balance of spice and flavor (2024)

FAQs

I tried 5 of the most popular hot sauce brands and Cholula had the perfect balance of spice and flavor? ›

It was the perfect balance of strong heat and flavor. If I had to choose one hot sauce to have in my pantry, it would be Cholula hot sauce. Whether it's on tacos, eggs, or even — yes, you heard this right – pizza, Cholula would make a great addition.

Why is Cholula so popular? ›

Cholula is based on a 100 year old family recipe that has been passed down through generations. Crafted in Mexico, Cholula's balanced and approachable flavor, and signature wooden cap have made it a beloved staple all around the world.

Do Mexicans use Cholula? ›

Today Cholula is sold in Mexico and in over 20 countries internationally.

What is the most popular hot sauce in America? ›

Frank's not only the most popular hot sauce, but it's also the most uniquely popular hot sauce in most states with 16 states primarily in the North East buying it more than the national average. Whether it's party wings or pizza, we know Frank's can complement a lot,” Instacart said.

What is the most popular hot sauce in Mexico? ›

Amongst some of the most popular bottled hot sauces in Mexico, as well as in the US, are Valentina, Cholula, El Yucateco, and Salsa Búfalo.

What happened to Cholula hot sauce? ›

The sale of the brand from L Catterton to McCormick & Company was announced on November 24, 2020, and completed six days later on November 30.

Should Cholula hot sauce be refrigerated? ›

Does Cholula Hot Sauce Need to Be Refrigerated? Clear space in your cabinet because Cholula Hot Sauce does not need to be kept cool. Cholula Hot Sauce is best used within the first six months after opening.

What does Cholula mean in Mexico? ›

The name of Cholula comes from the Nahuatl word (Nahuatl languages: Cholōllān). Its etymology has been explained either as "where water falls," or "place of those who fled" or a combination of the two.

Is Cholula better than Tabasco? ›

Both brands have cultivated loyalty among consumers, yet personal preference plays a significant role; some prefer Tabasco's vinegar-forward taste and higher heat level, while others favor Cholula's subtler spice and richer flavor profile.

Which Cholula is mildest? ›

I'll always lean toward savory over sweet and this hot sauce has more sweet tones to it than savory or sour. The green, I was hoping, would be a little hotter than the “classic red” Cholula. But this green sauce is in fact much milder.

What is Texas favorite hot sauce? ›

The top hot sauce preferred by Texans is ” Sriracha," which is also the top hot sauce in 31 states, including the entire Western region.

What is the oldest hot sauce in the US? ›

One of the first commercially available bottled hot sauces in the United States appeared in 1807 in Massachusetts. However, few of the early brands from the 1800s survived to this day. Tabasco sauce is the earliest recognizable brand in the United States hot sauce industry, appearing in 1868.

What hot sauce do Southerners use? ›

Crystal Hot Sauce

It is the best-selling sauce in Louisiana, characterized by a reddish orange color, medium heat, and a milder flavor than the famous Tabasco sauce.

Why do Mexicans eat so much hot sauce? ›

It is not just the great growing conditions that have made spicy chili peppers so popular in Mexico for thousands of years, but also the many health benefits that they can provide. Eating spicy food typically makes most people sweat, and as sweat evaporates, the body's core temperature actually begins to cool down.

Are tapatio and Cholula the same? ›

Cholula hot sauce takes the winner's trophy for being the best when it comes to taste and nutrition. Between the top two hot sauces, Cholula scored extra points for having a lower sodium count than Tapatio (85 mg vs. 110 mg per serving). Dash some on at your next meal to rev up your metabolism and your taste buds, too.

What hot sauce is good with tacos? ›

Verde hot sauces

“Verde” sauces, or “green” sauces in Spanish, are almost always a good choice for your tacos. This has to do with the fact that these sauces almost always focus on a few ingredients you often see in tacos and many other typical Mexican dishes: Jalapeños, cilantro, tomatillo, lime, garlic and onion.

What is Cholula famous for? ›

Cholula is best known for its Great Pyramid, with the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios sanctuary on top, as well as its numerous churches. The city and district of Cholula are divided into two: San Pedro Cholula and San Andrés Cholula.

What is special about the Great Pyramid of Cholula? ›

According to the Guinness Book of Records, it is, in fact, the largest pyramid as well as the largest monument ever constructed anywhere in the world, with a total volume estimated at over 4.45 million cubic metres, even larger than that of the taller Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, which is about 2.5 million cubic ...

How popular is Cholula Hot Sauce? ›

From viral TikTok videos and designer co*cktails to desserts and even Beyoncé's handbag, Cholula Hot Sauce can be found everywhere. Despite only breaking into the US market 30 years ago, it's the third-most popular hot sauce in the country, where it sells more bottles than anywhere else in the world.

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