I don’t know about you, but I’ve gotta have it. You might even say I am addicted to hot sauce. In fact, I won’t even make or order eggs for breakfast if there isn’t any to be found. (I mean really—why bother?) I actually have something in common with the amazing Beyoncé—she feels the same way I do about hot sauce! She always carries hot sauce in her bag wherever she goes.

Doing a little bit of research on the huge and fiercely loyal following that hot sauces have leads me to believe that this isn’t a fad that is going away any time soon. I think it’s more of a cultural influence on how all of our tastes are becoming more global. Think about it, have you ever heard of a chipotle pepper in mainstream America 20 years ago? Now it is reported that over 50% of all American households currently have a bottle of some brand of hot sauce.

I read somewhere that Tabasco is the “Kleenex brand” of hot sauces and although Louisiana-style hot sauces are most common, what has really taken off in the hot sauce market are ones with ethnic influences and wider ranges of flavors. Sriracha is a good example. It’s not only a new condiment that the restaurant industry had to make room for on their tables, it’s the trending flavor for the snack aisle in grocery and convenience stores. You can find it on popcorn, crackers, and all sorts of other items.

Right now if you opened my fridge at home, I think I have 5 kinds. I like to use different ones depending on what I am cooking or eating. Tabasco for eggs, Crystal for seafood, Sriracha to kick anything up a notch, Schultz’s for anything Buffalo-style, and Gochujang to help add a warm, slightly smoky depth to sauces and soups.

What’s your favorite hot sauce?

Here Are Some of Our Favorite Hot Sauce Varieties:

1. Crazy Uncle Jester’s Jamaican Hellfire
Dayton-based, award-winning sauce with tropical flavor and heat. Pear purée combines with habaneros, serranos, jalapeños, and sweet bell peppers.

2. Bravado Spice Co. Pineapple & Habanero
This hot sauce has the perfect balance as it’s sweet and spicy, packed with real chilies and fruit.

3. Fix Sriracha
Inspired by a trip to Vietnam, Fix Sriracha was born. It’s simple, clean, and authentic, making it the perfect addition to your bowl of pho.

4. Dave’s Gourmet Insanity Sauce
Kick things up a notch! Add an insane boost to soups, burritos, burgers, and more with this intensely hot sauce.

5. TRUFF Hot Sauce
Crowned with a “truffle” cap, it’s a blend of ripe chili peppers, organic agave nectar, black truffle, and savory spices.

6. Cholula Green Pepper Hot Sauce
Uncap flavor with this zesty combo of jalapeño and poblano peppers in this medium heat sauce.

7. Chilau Original Pepper Sauce
Paying homage to his grandmother’s Crab Chilau recipe, Michael Anderson created this all-natural pepper sauce.

8. Uncle Snorey Taste Bud Annihilator
Locally made in Hamilton, Ohio, you’ll find all-natural ingredients and the ultimate combination of heat and flavor.