Since its fiery debut in 2008, Flamin' Hot Cheetos has melted the boundaries of what we consider a snack, but just how hot are they according to the Scoville scale?
The Scoville scale is a measurement of the pungency (spiciness) of chili peppers and other spicy foods. It's most often used when talking about chili peppers and hot sauce, but can be used for just about anything spicy.
Flamin' Hot Cheetos actually do not contain any real chili peppers, but likely a blend of powder concentrate of chili peppers, seasoning, and spices. As such, they do not have an official Scoville rating. However, there is a way to estimate their spiciness on the scale based on the ingredients used in the seasoning.
With that being said, let's look at how Scoville Scale Units (SHU) work and then talk about the estimated SHU rating of Xxtra Flamin' Hot Cheetos.
The Scoville Scale
The Scoville scale was created by pharmacist Wilbur Scoville to measure the heat level of chili peppers. It works by diluting a pepper's extract with sugar water and then having taste testers determine at what point they no longer feel any heat. The more it has to be diluted, the higher its rating on the Scoville scale.
Introduced in 1912, it's more than a century-old method for quantifying capsaicin concentration, the compound responsible for spiciness. The hotness is recorded in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), ranging from zero for the bell pepper to over two million for the fearsome Carolina Reaper (and now even more for the newest hottest chili pepper... Pepper X).
Scoville Rating of Xxtra Flamin' Hot Cheetos
As mentioned earlier, Xxtra Flamin' Hot Cheetos do not have an official Scoville rating. This is most likely due to the company not wanting to give an official statement or provide the exact ingredient.
However, based on the ingredients listed on the packaging and some research, unnamed "experts" have estimated that Xxtra Flamin' Hot Cheetos could have a Scoville rating of around 50,000 SHU.
This places them at a similar heat level to cayenne pepper. When pitted against the Carolina Reaper, they might seem modest, yet for a snack, they pack a serious punch.
It's also important to note that these hot Cheetos are spicier than any others offered by Frito-Lay.... Well that is until most recently when they launched a limited edition; Flamin Hot Sweet Carolina Reaper Cheetos.
Reddit threads and amateur spice enthusiasts often talk about having a clear answer, however, the responses can differ significantly, failing to offer a definitive solution.
Fun Facts About Flamin' Hot Cheetos
Flamin' Hot Cheetos aren’t just a snack; they've sparkled cultural phenomena!
Flamin' Hot Cheetos were invented by a janitor and became the company's EVP.
Fan don't just eat them, they love mixing bizarre food combinations with Hot Cheetos.
Some schools decided to ban them completely.
One Cheeto that looked like Harambe sold for $99,000 on eBay.
The Washington Post once described them as "something of a cultural phenomenon".
Mikey's Favorite Hot Chip Sauce
For those that are oppressed with the amazing flavor and heat of Xxtra Flamin' Hot Cheetos, there is officially a craft hot sauce now made with Xxtra Flamin' Hot Cheetos.
Mikey's Favorite Hot Chip Sauce blends the heat of traditional spices with the iconic flavor of Xxtra Flamin' Hot Cheetos, creating an explosion of taste that is both familiar and uniquely thrilling. Perfect for drizzling over tacos, mixing into mac and cheese, or as a bold dipping sauce.
The Lasting Legacy of Xxtra Flamin' Hot Cheetos
Flamin' Hot Cheetos have become more than just a snack. They are a language of their own, speaking the bold notes of spice to an enthusiastic audience. They've inspired memes, food combinations, and even a craft hot sauce.
With no official Scoville rating, their spiciness may always be up for debate. But one thing is for sure, they have made their mark in the world of spicy snacks and show no sign of cooling down anytime soon.
If you love Flamin' Hot Cheetos, make sure to check out Mikey V's hot sauce made with Xxtra Flamin' Hot Cheetos!