A man breathing fire

(Photo by FOTOKITA on Shutterstock)

For those who live life on the culinary edge, there’s a fiery world of hot sauces waiting to be explored. From mild tingles to face-melting infernos, the realm of spicy condiments has exploded in recent years, with artisanal makers and established brands alike pushing the boundaries of heat and flavor. As the demand for ever-hotter concoctions grows, so does the creativity of sauce makers, resulting in a dizzying array of options that range from everyday table staples to extreme challenges that come with their own warning labels. Whether you’re a seasoned chilihead or a curious newcomer looking to spice up your meals, join us as we dive into the world of the spiciest hot sauces, where Scoville units reign supreme and only the bravest dare to tread. Let us know your favorites in the comments below!

StudyFinds is a research-driven platform that analyzes and synthesizes expert recommendations from trusted sources. Rather than writing reviews ourselves, we meticulously compile consensus findings from leading industry experts and established publications to save consumers valuable research time. Each article represents hours of analysis across multiple authoritative sources to identify the most consistently recommended choices.

Spiciest Hot Sauces, According to Foodies

1. Wiltshire Chilli Farm Regret Hot Sauce

Wiltshire Chilli Farm Regret Hot Sauce- 60ml
Wiltshire Chilli Farm Regret Hot Sauce- 60ml

One of the singularly hottest sauces available, Wiltshire Chilli Farm Regret Hot Sauce is more of a novelty than a usable food additive, yet it can be considered a sauce because it contains ingredients beyond pure capsaicin. This fiery concoction has gained quite a reputation, but there’s often some confusion about just how hot it really is. Spicy Exchange clears things up, explaining that while Regret uses a 12 million Scoville oleoresin as its heat source, that doesn’t mean the sauce itself hits 12 million on the Scoville scale. The punch is diluted by other ingredients like tomato, cider vinegar, bourbon, and various peppers.

Even with that clarification, make no mistake – this sauce is seriously hot. Luxatic notes that even the label warns about its intensity. It’s a limited-edition offering that’s probably only appealing to the most extreme thrill-seekers out there. If you’re thinking of trying it, proceed with extreme caution!

For those brave souls who want to give it a go, ManOfMany suggests pairing it with dishes like Chili Con Carne, meatballs, or a fiery curry. They assure us it’s currently the hottest sauce on the market and sits at the top of Wiltshire Chilli Farm’s heat scale. But they also humorously advise leaving this one to the professionals – after all, with a name like Regret, you can probably guess how you’ll feel after trying it!

2. Mad Dog 357, No. 9 Plutonium, 9 million SHUs

Mad Dog 357 No. 9 Plutonium 9 Million Scoville Pepper Extract, 1oz
Mad Dog 357 No. 9 Plutonium 9 Million Scoville Pepper Extract, 1oz

One of the hottest products on the market today, Mad Dog offers several varieties of tongue-searing sauces. No. 9 Plutonium is one of their most intense products in terms of heat, and its recommended use is as a food additive. This stuff is no joke, folks. Luxatic tells us it clocks in at a mind-blowing 9 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU), with a whopping 60% pure capsicum content. It’s so potent that the label actually warns you not to consume it directly. Talk about a sauce that bites back!

Now, Pepper Geek points out something interesting about the packaging. It’s covered in disclaimers and warnings, almost like they’re trying to scare you off. And honestly, given its potency, that might not be a bad idea. They even question whether it can really be called a sauce at this point. It’s more like liquid fire in a bottle!

Howstuffworks describes this concoction as a “diabolical formula” from Ashley Food Company. They liken it to dropping a bomb on the Scoville scale, which seems pretty apt given its nuclear-inspired name. The retro, biohazard-style packaging is a fitting touch for something this dangerously spicy. If you’re thinking of trying this one, maybe have a fire extinguisher handy for your tongue!

3. The Source Hot Sauce, 7.1 million SHUs

The Source Hot Sauce, 7.1 Million Scoville Units
The Source Hot Sauce, 7.1 Million Scoville Units

Have you ever wanted to buy a bottle of hot sauce that will set you on fire if you try to consume it? If the answer is yes, then this pepper extract could be the ultimate experience for spicy connoisseurs. Parade points out that this sauce doesn’t scream “danger” with flashy colors or warning labels. In fact, you might walk right past it thinking it’s just another mild condiment. But don’t let that fool you – this unassuming bottle packs a whopping 7.1 million Scoville Heat Units (SHUs). Talk about a wolf in sheep’s clothing!

Truly adds an interesting tidbit about The Source’s packaging. Apparently, it looks more like a fancy book about Ancient Egypt than a hot sauce. But make no mistake, this is no bedtime story – it’s one of the hottest concoctions out there. They even slap a warning on the bottle telling you never to consume it directly. When a sauce comes with instructions to use it by the drop, you know it means business.

Now, Spicy Exchange clears up some confusion about The Source. While it’s sometimes mistakenly crowned as the world’s hottest hot sauce, it’s actually a pepper extract rather than a multi-ingredient sauce. At 7.1 million SHUs, it may not top the heat charts, but it’s still far hotter than most sauces you’ll find on the market.

4. CaJohns Get Bitten Black Mamba SIX, 6 million SHUs

Black Mamba 6 Get Bitten Hot Sauce
Black Mamba 6 Get Bitten Hot Sauce

When SHUs are measured in the millions, it can be difficult to taste anything beyond the burning sensation. It is worth noting that sauces of this intensity typically do not subside quickly; rather, they can burn for hours at a time. Grow Hot Peppers tells us this bad boy clocks in at a scorching 6 million Scoville Heat Units (SHUs). That’s not just hot; that’s “call the fire department” hot! It gets its kick from a potent combo of Chocolate Habaneros and a 6 million Scoville extract. Talk about a one-two punch to your taste buds!

Now, ManOfMany adds some interesting details about this fiery concoction. Apparently, it’s quite the trickster – it looks innocent enough, like a regular barbecue sauce. But don’t let that fool you! This sauce is on a mission to bring the pain, described as even hotter and more evil than its predecessor. It’s like a never-ending wave of venomous fire. Sounds like something you’d need a hazmat suit to handle!

CBS News chimes in with a word of caution that comes straight from the bottle. The warning reads like something you’d see on industrial-strength chemicals: avoid contact with eyes and sensitive areas, keep away from kids and pets, and use responsibly (with three exclamation points, no less). When a hot sauce comes with that kind of warning, you know you’re not dealing with your average table condiment. If you’re brave enough to try this one, maybe have a fire extinguisher and a signed waiver handy!

5. Smack My Ass and Call Me Sally Habanero Hot Sauce, 1.5 million SHUs

Smack My Ass and Call Me Sally Habanero Hot Sauce
Smack My Ass and Call Me Sally Habanero Hot Sauce

At 1.5 million SHUs this is one of the few items on this list that is a true sauce rather than a pepper extract. Though, to be fair, at this heat level, it may still be difficult for many consumers to experience anything other than the burn. With a name like that, you know you’re in for a wild ride! Extrabux gives us the lowdown, describing it as a versatile, full-flavored sauce that you can slather on just about anything. The label features a character named Chet, sporting a rather conspicuous red handprint on his rear end. Talk about truth in advertising!

Luxatic chimes in, admitting that the name is pretty darn catchy. They point out the crying man on the bottle, which they say speaks volumes about what you’re in for. Made with habanero peppers, this sauce apparently brings both the heat and the flavor. But they caution us to use it sparingly – seems like a little goes a long way with this one.

ManOfMany adds that if the name and the weeping cartoon character don’t give you pause, maybe the habanero pepper content will. It’s like they’re giving you a fair warning: this sauce means business! Between the cheeky name, the comical label, and the serious heat, Smack My Ass and Call Me Sally seems determined to leave an impression – both on your taste buds and your funny bone!

6. Da’ Bomb the Final Answer Hot Sauce, 1.5 million SHUs

RetailSource Da' Bomb the Final Answer Sauce, 6 Count
RetailSource Da’ Bomb the Final Answer Sauce, 6 Count

This righteously hot extract straddles the line between additive and table condiment. As with any sauce that is north of one million SHUs, extreme caution is needed. Luxatic gives us the scoop on this fiery concoction, describing it as a blend of habanero peppers, apricot nectar, spices, and extract. Now, don’t let that touch of sweetness fool you. This sauce might start off tangy, but with a whopping 1.5 million Scoville Heat Units (SHUs), it’s packing some serious heat!

According to Parade, it might not be as face-melting as some of the nuclear options out there like Mad Dog 357 No. 9 Plutonium, but it’s definitely not your run-of-the-mill hot sauce either. If you’re thinking this is just a step up from Frank’s Red Hot, you’re in for a spicy surprise!

Truly says the bottle looks like it came straight out of a cartoon, resembling a medicine bottle with a comedic label. But don’t let the playful appearance deceive you – this sauce might just make your head feel like it’s exploding, cartoon-style! The heat comes from habaneros, with that apricot nectar adding a sweet counterpoint. It’s like a rollercoaster ride for your taste buds – sweet, then scorching!

7. Blair’s Ultra Death Sauce, 1.1 million SHUs

Blair's Ultra Death Sauce 5 Oz - Habanero, Jolokia, Scorpion Peppers - 900x Hotter Than a Jalapeno! - Comes with Skull Key Chain
Blair’s Ultra Death Sauce 5 Oz

Coming in with a relatively low 1.1 million SHUs, this hot sauce is only deadly rather than straight-lethal. With this concentration, it is still recommended as an additive rather than a table sauce. Parade says this sauce lives up to its name! With a skeleton gracing the label, it’s clear this sauce isn’t messing around. Clocking in at a scorching 1.1 million Scoville Heat Units (SHUs), it’s a pepper party in a bottle, featuring cayenne, serrano, habanero, and the infamous Jolokia (ghost) peppers. Talk about a spice rack in liquid form!

Truly chimes in with more details about the packaging, and it’s as subtle as a bonfire. Picture this: flames, a skull, and the motto “FEEL ALIVE” plastered across the front. It’s like they’re daring you to try it! With 1.1 million SHUs, this sauce isn’t just talking the talk – it’s walking the walk, or should we say, burning the burn?

Now, Extrabux adds a word of caution straight from the source. Apparently, Blair’s Ultra Death Hot Sauce comes with a warning to dilute before use. Coming from the “master of burn,” that’s probably advice worth heeding. With ghost peppers in the mix, this sauce is like a blowtorch for your taste buds. If you’re brave enough to try it, good luck!

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.

About Alan Corona

Our Editorial Process

StudyFinds publishes digestible, agenda-free, transparent research summaries that are intended to inform the reader as well as stir civil, educated debate. We do not agree nor disagree with any of the studies we post, rather, we encourage our readers to debate the veracity of the findings themselves. All articles published on StudyFinds are vetted by our editors prior to publication and include links back to the source or corresponding journal article, if possible.

Our Editorial Team

Steve Fink

Editor-in-Chief

Sophia Naughton

Associate Editor

Leave a Reply

2 Comments

  1. N says:

    Seriously where is the Gator sauce made with Pepper X or the Last Dab on that list.

  2. Michael Wilkes II says:

    Pepper palace has the end flat line hot sauce it looks like black tar has 6 million shu and goes good with anything