Buyer's Guide to Your Perfect Hot Sauce
According to Spice Level – Find Your Comfort Zone
Beginners (5K-50K SHU):It starts withDOCTOR SALSAS JalapeñoeitherCRAZY BASTARD Jalapeño Date– they introduce you to spicy food without trauma.ACHILIPUWith their Andalusian and Tropical varieties, they are perfect for exploring without risk.
Intermediate Level (100K-500K SHU):You've got it under control and you're looking for more excitement. Try it.BUTXI Habanero Orange,DOCTOR SALSAS Habanero MangoeitherCRAZY BASTARD Habanero Tomatillo.CHEF JOE BUTVILU Red Habanero(level 2) offers clean spiciness with European touches.
Advanced (500K-1M SHU):We entered Ghost Pepper and Scorpion territory.CHILI MAFIA Killer Scorpion,BUTXI Trinidad Scorpion YelloweitherCRAZY BASTARD Trinidad Scorpion ClementineThey raise the stakes without losing flavor.
Extreme (1M-2.2M SHU):For insiders only.DA BOMB Beyond Insanity,KARMA Burn After Eating,CRAZY BASTARD Superhot Reaper,BAD COUNTRY Dark ReapereitherDOCTOR SALSAS HellThey are the Everest of spicy food.
How to Choose Your Hot Sauce? The Scoville Scale is Your Best Ally
If you arebeginnerIn the world of spice, start with sauces of 5,000-50,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units), such as those made with jalapeño or chipotle. They'll give you that touch of heat without overwhelming you. For discerning palatesintermediateFor those already familiar with the territory, habanero or ghost pepper sauces (100,000-1,000,000 SHU) offer that addictive high without losing flavor nuances. And if you're aextremophileFor the heat, go for Carolina Reaper, Trinidad Scorpion, or Moruga (1,000,000-2,200,000 SHU) – but be warned, these are no joke. The key is knowing your limit and increasing the heat gradually: spice is a journey, not a race. Also, pay attention to ingredients beyond the chili: vinegar, tropical fruits, or black garlic can completely transform the flavor profile of a sauce.
And if you're looking for a more subtle touch of fire to season pizzas, pasta, or salads, check out our collection ofspicy oils.