Hot Sauce

Sauce And CondimentSauceChileSpicyTangyVinegaryGarlickySmokyUmami

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories: 20
Protein (g): 1
Fat (g): 0.2
Carbs (g): 4
Fiber (g): —
Sodium (mg): —

Sodium and sugar levels vary widely by style and brand; vinegar-based sauces are typically very low in calories.

Storage

Room temp: up to 365 days
Refrigerated: up to 180 days
Frozen: up to 0 days

Hot sauce is a thin, pourable condiment made from chiles blended with vinegar, salt, and seasonings. Heat ranges from gentle to searing, with bright acidity that wakes up fried foods and stews; common styles include vinegar-fermented Louisiana-style, thicker chile-garlic blends, and fruit-forward versions used to finish tacos, spike marinades, or whisk into dressings.

Chile-based sauces emerged in Mesoamerica and spread globally after the Columbian exchange, developing distinct regional styles across the Caribbean, Mexico, Southeast Asia, and the southern United States. Commercial bottling expanded availability in the late 19th and 20th centuries.