Fans of Huy Fong’s popular Sriracha sauce may notice grocery store shelves are bare amid an ongoing shortage. The Thai-style hot sauce with the green cap and rooster logo is America’s leading chili sauce–but it’s in short supply.
Since hitting the market in 1980, Huy Fong’s Sriracha has gained a cult following. The company sells millions of bottles every year, according to Quartz. It’s basically synonymous with Sriracha at this point.
But bottles of the famous sauce are getting harder to find due to production issues. The manufacturer has blamed a shortage of red jalapeño chili peppers from Mexico, caused by extreme weather conditions last spring. Now, hot sauce fans are looking for alternative brands to douse their eggs, stir fry, noodles, sandwiches, or wings.
Luckily, there are lots of versions on the market, and you may even find a new favorite sauce. So if you’ve noticed a bare spot in the aisles where the Huy Fong brand once was, here are 8 alternatives you could try amid the shortage.
If you’re looking for an authentic take on Sriracha, this is the OG spicy sauce made right in Si Racha, Thailand. With fresh red Thai chili peppers, this vinegar-forward classic has been sold for years in Thailand. It’s a more traditional version, so expect a runny, watery texture. That just means it’s a great complement to seafood or noodles.
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The California-based company behind this Sriracha had supplied Huy Fong Foods with the red jalapeños it used for its famous sauce for nearly 30 years. Now, following a major falling out and a lawsuit, Underwood Ranches is making its own Sriracha. Though some online reviewers say it’s not as spicy as the original and has a more BBQ-style flavor, others say they actually like it better than the original.
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Plant-based and gluten-free, this Sriracha has a fiery, rich and bold flavor. “It could easily replace my normal bottle of sriracha in my fridge from now on,” one reviewer wrote. (It’s also available in a green Sriracha flavor!)
Here’s another authentic Sriracha that’s made in Thailand. This one has a vinegary heat that brings to mind Tabasco sauce for some. Fresh and bright, Serious Eats ranked this as the number one Sriracha. “Not quite the same as Huy Fong if that’s what you’re into but has a nice, bright, spice to it,” one reviewer wrote. “Definitely better than most of the grocery store knockoffs.”
Kikkoman’s version has pretty rave reviews online. “The best on the market. We have tried so many,” says one online review. “Perfect amount of spice for any Asian dish. A little goes a long way.” Another reviewer liked it slightly more than the rooster sauce in a taste test. Snatch it up if you see it at the grocery store. It’s in short supply, too.
If you’re already a Trader Joe’s fan, this is worth a try on your next grocery run. Slightly more watery than Huy Fong, Trader Joe’s Sriracha offers moderate heat with a bit more garlicky taste and less vinegar. One reviewer gave it a solid six out of 10 on the spiciness scale.
Lee Kum Kee’s version is sweeter, more garlicky, and has a smoother consistency than Huy Fong. “I can literally drink this stuff it’s that good!” says one reviewer. If you’re a fan of the Sriracha at Panda Express, this would be a good bet—some reviewers swear it’s the exact same. (Jury’s out on that one.)
Gochujang lovers, this one’s for you. This Brooklyn-made sauce offers a nice twist on a classic Sriracha by adding the fermented complexity of gochujang chili paste. While it’s not a dupe for the popular rooster sauce (it’s not as spicy) this version has its own charm. “Without a doubt our family’s favorite hot sauce!” one reviewer writes. “We put it on everything from omelets and eggs to hot dogs and burgers, dip our fries in it and use it as a glaze for grilled meats.”
Emily Latimer
Emily Latimer is a freelance journalist with a passion for food and restaurants. Read more about Emily
