Hot sauce is more than just a condiment; it's a global obsession among culinary enthusiasts and chileheads alike. From its humble beginnings to becoming a staple in kitchens and restaurants around the world, hot sauce has undergone an incredible transformation. Specifically in the US, we've gone from a few major brands offering their hot sauces to hundreds of locally owned craft hot sauce makers sprouting up all over the country.
According to the IBISWorld's statistic, it shows that as of 2024 there are 361 enterprises in the Hot Sauce Production industry, an increase of 4.64% from 2023. However, if you're a hot sauce fanatic like us, you know there are much more than just that.
With that being said, here are some top hot sauce facts and statistics that will make you appreciate this fiery condiment even more!
Hot Sauce Facts You Should Know
Hot sauce originated in Central and South America over 6,000 years ago when the Mayans and Aztecs used chili peppers for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
Chili peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin C, surpassing the amount found in an orange. Additionally, they have a higher content of Vitamin A than carrots, making hot sauce a healthy choice for those looking to enhance their diet.
The first hot sauce to be mass-produced was Tabasco Sauce in 1868 by Edmund McIlhenny on Avery Island, Louisiana. It is still one of the best-selling hot sauces in the world.
The worlds largest unofficial hot sauce collection is in High Point, NC and owned by chili head Vic Clinco
There are many different types of hot sauce, including vinegar-based, tomato-based, and mayonnaise-based.
The first commercially available hot sauce similar to the ones we use today was introduced in 1807. It was called "cayenne sauce"
Hot sauce gets its heat from a chemical compound called capsaicin, which is found in chili peppers. The higher the concentration of capsaicin, the hotter the hot sauce will be.
Our favorite condiment can be used for more than just spicing up food. Hot sauce can be used for a sore throat and sinus congestion. Its heat can also provide temporary pain relief.
North Dakota, New Mexico, Colorado, California, and North Carolina buy the most hot sauces at all of the states.
Hawaii, Iowa, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and, Rhode Island buy the least amount of hot sauces.
The Scoville Scale is the measurement used to determine the hotness of a chili pepper. The higher the number, the hotter the pepper.
The best selling hot sauce in the US is debated between Tabasco, Franks RedHot, Cholula, and Siracha. However, Frank’s RedHot was the leader in terms of sales.
There are tons of hot sauce festivals celebrated each year around the world.
Generally speaking, red chili peppers tend to be hotter than green chili peppers.
The hottest chili pepper is Smokin Ed's 'Pepper X', grown by Ed Currie of the PuckerButt Pepper Company in South Carolina.
Hot Sauce Statistics You Should Know
Around 62% of U.S. consumers use hot sauce on a weekly basis according to Gitnux.
In 2019, Sriracha sauce's retail sales in the United States reached an impressive total of approximately $194.2 million.
In 2021, there was an 11.7% increase in hot sauce purchases per customer compared to 2020, and a 21.6% increase from 2019.
68% of people who use hot sauce have two or more different brands at home.
In 2020, Louisiana contributed to 2.8% of the U.S. market's revenue from spicy/hot sauce sales.
45% of consumers express a preference for food with a "hot" or "spicy" flavor, indicating a significant market potential for hot sauce products.
A survey conducted by Instacart reveals that 45% of respondents use a couple of dashes of hot sauce on their meals at least once a week. And 67% of those say they are passionate about their favorite hot sauce brand.
From December 2020 to November 2021, Instacart customers bought a staggering 444,854 gallons of hot sauce.
In another survey, Instacart found that 46% of people prefer “regular hot” hot sauce and 14% go for “as hot as it gets.”
The most popular pairings with hot sauce are tacos at 66%, burritos at 60%, and meat at 57%.
For non-traditional foods, the most popular hot sauce pairings were chips at 30%, popcorn at 17%, and ice cream at 8%.
Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 2.5% over the past five years, to reach an estimated $2.6bn in 2023.
According to Furtune Business Insights, the hot sauce industry is expected to expand from $3.09 billion in 2023 to $5.98 billion by 2032, experiencing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.70% throughout the forecast period.
The leading four companies contribute to less than 40% of the industry's total revenue.
According to Tastewise.io, 16.89% restaurants offer Hot Sauce on their menus.
Turning Up the Heat on Future Trends
Hot sauce is more than just a condiment. It has a rich history, surprising health benefits, and a widespread market impact. Whether you're a fan of the mild heat or crave the hottest peppers in the world, hot sauce is enjoyed by many around the globe.
So next time you reach for that bottle of your favorite hot sauce, remember these interesting facts and statistics. And who knows, maybe you'll discover a new brand to add to your collection or a unique way to incorporate hot sauce into your meals.
If you enjoyed these facts and statistics about hot sauces, make sure to check out the top trends for spicy food and chili peppers in 2024.
Did we miss any facts or stats you think should be included? Let us know in the comments so we can add and share them.