This LA-born hot sauce is not just spicing up meals in California, but has also become the fifth most popular hot sauce across the United States, according to recent shopping data
Hot sauce, once an optional extra, has now become the centerpiece of our dining tables, playing a key role in our daily meals.
According to new data from Instacart, a leading grocery delivery service, we've uncovered which hot sauce brands are turning up the heat in the United States, especially in California, America's hot sauce hotspot.
Instacart's exhaustive analysis from April 2022 to March 2023 has revealed the most popular hot sauce brands across the nation.
This was determined by totaling the ounces of hot sauce delivered during the period.
The leading brand in California? Tapatío, a legend reborn.
Despite its Los Angeles roots dating back to 1971, Tapatío had long been eclipsed by California-based Huy Fong Sriracha.
But, according to Instacart's Trends Expert, Laurentia Romaniuk, there has been a switch in preferences from 2021 after an ongoing Sriracha shortage has prompted hot sauce lovers to seek alternatives.
Consequently, the iconic Tapatío brand has once again seized the limelight in the Golden State.
The Tapatío brand was born out of necessity when its creator, Jose Luis Saavedra, was laid off from his job in 1971.
So Saavedra began producing and bottling his own hot sauce, which eventually caught on in local East Los Angeles markets. A key ingredient remains a mystery, but speculation hints at a blend of red peppers, vinegar, and spices.
Pepper Scale estimates Tapatío's heat at about 3,000 Scoville units, slightly hotter than the original Tabasco Sauce and Sriracha. Despite the secret blend, Tapatío's popularity is surging, indicating America's hot sauce passion shows no signs of cooling down.
As we venture into 2023, the hot sauce industry remains fiery, teeming with varied flavors and intense competition.
Whether it's the scarcity of a well-loved brand or the resurgence of an old favorite, you can count on us to keep you posted on the spiciest hot sauce trends.
What do you think about this?
What do you feel about Tapatío Hot Sauce? How do you think it compares with other hot sauces? Do you prefer one over the other?
Feel free to share your honest thoughts in the comment section of this article and share them on social media with your friends and family if you like.
Disclaimer: This article is only for educational and informational purposes.
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