The 10 Most Popular Hot Sauces in the U.S., According to Grocery Shopping Data

Did your fave make the list?

I don’t know one hot sauce stan that doesn’t have a strong opinion on the best brand. Some “put that [stuff] on everything” and others carry it around with them at all times. We use this spicy condiment to add a little something extra to egg dishes, sandwiches, Buffalo wings, and on and on…So which bottle do you stock in your fridge? And are you ready to start a fan club with the rest of the U.S.?

Grocery delivery and pick-up service Instacart determined the most in-demand brands by summing up the total ounces of hot sauce delivered in the 12-month period between April 2022 and March 2023. We have the top 10 list here for you, plus a breakdown of which “hot” brands are flying off the shelves in your neck of the woods.

The Most Popular Hot Sauces

10. Crystal

Number 10 on the list but first for spice, Crystal has a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) score of 4,000. This fiery condiment is new to the roundup this year, bumping Heinz off the roster. We have more on that from a trend expert in a minute.

9. Valentina

This Mexican hot sauce has a secret blend of simple ingredients like water, chile pepper, vinegar, salt, and spices. At 900 SHU, it's a middle-of-the-road flavor bomb that many adore.

8. Louisiana Hot Sauce

Made with aged red peppers and a blend of spices, this bottle delivers a distinct Louisiana taste that packs a flavorful 450 SHU pop and complements a variety of dishes, from gumbo to jambalaya to sweet and spicy wings.

7. Burman’s

Aldi fans clearly throw down for Burman’s as their hot sauce of choice. We couldn’t find a SHU for this one, but since it seems to be an Aldi dupe for Frank’s, we can assume it’s similar on the Scoville heat scale. The ingredients are almost identical as well: aged cayenne peppers, distilled vinegar, salt, xanthan gum (the main difference), and garlic.

6. Tabasco

When I think of hot sauce, I think of Tabasco. This iconic accouterment has been peppering fried chicken, soups, dips, and breakfast sandwiches since 1868. Made from aged red peppers, salt, and vinegar, it delivers a simple yet bold (2,500 SHU) kick that is cherished by enthusiasts. Just ask anyone in New Mexico and Hawaii.

5. Tapatío

With a 3,000 SHU and a combination of spicy peppers, tangy citrus, and savory spices, Tapatío adds a delightful kick to a variety of dishes, making it a staple in many kitchens (especially on the West Coast) and a favorite on this list.

4. Texas Pete

Texas Pete is a classic go-to that has been enchanting taste buds for decades—especially in the South. With its medium 750 SHU intensity and tangy vinegar base, this hot sauce adds a zesty and flavorful punch.

3. Cholula

Second spiciest on the scale at 3,600 SHU but third on this list, the original Cholula is a tried and true condiment thanks to its signature mix of arbol and piquin peppers, salt, vinegar, garlic powder, spices, and more. This is the bottle I see most often out to eat on restaurant tables.

2. Huy Fong Sriracha

Sriracha has a fan base like no other. This condiment is a blend of chili, sugar, salt, garlic, distilled vinegar, and more. With a SHU of 2,200, it’s spicier than some but not at the tip-top of the scale for a wonderfully balanced heat. Sriracha is so beloved that we have several recipes that highlight this hot sauce as well as a homemade version to make yourself.

1. Frank's RedHot

Tangy and a bit buttery in flavor, Frank’s takes the top spot, stealing #1 from Sriracha this year. Its mass appeal might be due to the fact that it's one of the more mild condiments on the list. In fact, it’s tied with Louisiana for lowest (least spicy) at 450 SHU. Frank’s is my personal go-to, especially for the best chicken wings. It is the perfect combination of aged cayenne peppers, distilled vinegar, water, salt, and garlic powder that obviously resonates.

What Sauce Is the "Hottest" in Your Part of the Country?

As you can see on the map, Frank's holds a supermajority. Tabasco is the most popular in New Mexico and Hawaii, Tapatío is winning in California, Texas Pete is holding down Virginia and the Carolinas, and Iowa is rallying around Burman's. Louisiana Hot Sauce is the go-to choice in its namesake Louisiana, but also in a few of the bordering states as well. And Huy Fong Sriracha, last year's most popular country-wide, still holds true in the Pacific Northwest.

More on Hot Sauce Trends in 2023

This is an updated lineup from a previous Instacart poll, pulling December 2020 through November 2021 data. We talked with Laurentia Romaniuk, Instacart’s Trends Expert, to get some more insight into this round of favorites and the changes from the last time around.

Why do you think Frank’s and Sriracha swapped spots for number 1 between the last poll and this more current one?

“I’m personally of the belief that the ongoing Sriracha shortage has caused a ripple effect in the hot sauce world, likely influencing the shift in top choices across various states. With the limited availability of the fiery red chili sauce, many hot sauce enthusiasts have sought out alternatives, potentially contributing to the rise of Frank's RedHot as a frontrunner in states that previously favored Sriracha.”

Any surprises on the top 10 hot sauces? (Seems maybe Crystal came for Heinz?)

“Crystal Hot Sauce has now earned a place among the top 10 most popular choices, which was a nice surprise. With its tangy heat and vibrant flavor, Crystal is winning over hot sauce enthusiasts across the country who appreciate its distinctive character and how well it pairs with Cajun and Creole cuisine, among other things.”

Any hot sauces we should look out for or that you think should have been on there?

“One spicy topping folks should have on their radar is chili crisp hot sauce, which has experienced significant growth over the past year. This surge in popularity can be attributed to various factors, including viral TikTok trends showcasing different uses like frying eggs in chili crisp oil or dousing it on just about everything—from noodles to ice cream. Additionally, the internet has played a role in recognizing and celebrating this mouthwatering condiment and all its umami and spicy glory, further fueling its ascent. As more and more home chefs experiment with chili crisp, we believe it’ll continue to climb the ranks.”