We Taste-Tested 5 Popular Hot Sauces, And This Was Our Favorite

Some like it hot. See how these popular hot sauces ranked in our editor taste test.

We drizzle our hot sauce over spaghetti, pour it over cornbread, sprinkle it over tacos, and even dribble it over scrambled eggs. Hot sauce—Southern folks can't live without it. We usually have a hidden stash in our purse, car, and workplace just in case the food is a little too bland. Most like it hot.

There's just one problem: too many choices. In a world where hundreds of hot sauces line the shelves of our local grocery stores, how can we possibly choose? Don't fret. The editors here at Southern Living have done all the work. We selected five of the most popular hot sauce brands and did a blind taste test. While some opinions differed, there was a clear winner.

Winner: Crystal Hot Sauce

Crystal Hot Sauce was the clear winner in the taste test. Our editors said its classic flavor would pair nicely with a variety of Southern cuisine. While it wasn't as hot as many of the other sauces, the heat seemed to linger long after the test was over. Interestingly, many folks said this hot sauce from Louisiana was a bit sweeter than what they were used to; it was a refreshing surprise.

Recipe for Crystal Hot Sauce: Nashville Hot Chicken

#2: Cholula Hot Sauce

Cholula Hot Sauce was a close second. Everyone agreed that it was the most unique of the bunch. Most folks said they noticed hints of cumin, garlic, and chili pepper in the Mexican-style sauce. This hot sauce would be the perfect choice for tacos, fajitas, and tamales.

Recipe for Cholula Hot Sauce: Skillet BBQ Chicken

#3: Frank's RedHot Sauce

Coming in at third place was Frank's RedHot Sauce. This was a crowd favorite because it wasn't too hot, and the Buffalo flavor was delicious without being overwhelming. In fact, this hot sauce's claim to fame is that it was used to invent Buffalo wings. Be sure to have this sauce on hand when preparing game-day food like wings, meatballs, and Buffalo chicken dip.

Recipe for Frank's RedHot Sauce: Buffalo Chicken Salad

#4: Texas Pete Hot Sauce

Texas Pete Hot Sauce took fourth place in our taste test tournament. Everyone agreed it was the spiciest by far. Just a few drops will do the trick. One of our editors said it "hits you right in the throat."

Recipe for Texas Pet Hot Sauce: Bloody Maria

#5: Louisiana Hot Sauce

Last but not least is Louisiana Hot Sauce. While no one particularly disliked this choice, the overwhelming vinegar flavor seemed to be the deciding factor. Most folks worried that the distinct taste would drown out the flavor of the food. However, one editor said that she would like it over collard greens because of the thin consistency.

Recipe for Louisiana Hot Sauce: Southern-Style Collard Greens

For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Southern Living.