This is Why You Can’t Find Sriracha Hot Sauce Right Now

We don’t want to get all doom and gloom on everyone but with extreme weather and heat events becoming increasingly frequent and severe in recent years, there have been significant challenges to sustaining the global food supply chain.

The pepper shortage is a specific example of how extreme weather affects global food shortages. Califonia-based Huy Fong Foods, the maker of Sriracha hot sauce, has issued a warning regarding the shortage of its popular condiment due to weather conditions affecting the quality of chili peppers in a single region of Mexico. The shortage can be attributed to unexpected crop failure from the spring chili harvest, which has been happening since last year and has worsened this year. The company sent an email to distributors across America in July 2020, warning of a shortage of chili peppers, and in April 2022, it sent another email informing customers of an even more severe shortage. The company stated that “currently, due to weather conditions affecting the quality of chili peppers, we now face a more severe shortage of chili.”

The pepper shortage has increased demand for alternative products among hot sauce lovers, retailers and restaurants that can be used as a substitute for huy fong’s sriracha. For example, some consumers have turned to other hot sauces or spices to replace Sriracha hot sauce much to the dismay of sriracha maker huy fong foods. The increased demand for alternative products is likely to lead to increased prices for these products.

To mitigate the impact of extreme weather on the global food supply chain, and to help solve issues like the ongoing chili pepper shortage it is crucial to invest in climate-smart agriculture and adaptation strategies. This includes promoting sustainable farming practices that conserve water, improve soil health, and enhance crop resilience to extreme weather conditions. Investing in agricultural research and development can also help develop climate-resilient crop varieties and technologies. Furthermore, improving early warning systems and disaster preparedness can help farmers and communities better anticipate and respond to extreme weather events.

But don’t you worry spice lovers, we have you covered. Here are some sauces that are similar to Sriracha sauce and should hold you over until the chili shortage ends.

Several alternatives to Sriracha sauce can be used in cooking. Here are some options:

Sweet chili sauce: This is an Asian condiment that is commonly made with rice wine vinegar, hot chili peppers, and a sweetening agent. It has a sweeter and more garlicky taste than Sriracha and can lend spiciness to food without the heat.

Sambal Oelek: This is a traditional Indonesian chili sauce that can be used as a one-for-one substitute for Sriracha. This hot sauce maker uses shrimp paste, ginger, and lime juice, and has a similar consistency to Sriracha.

Tabasco sauce: This is a runnier sauce made simply of red Tabasco peppers, distilled vinegar, and salt. It is absent of thickeners and has a hotter taste than Sriracha.

Harissa: This is a North African hot sauce made with chili peppers, garlic, and spices. It has a smoky flavor and can be used as a substitute for Sriracha in many recipes.

Gochujang: This is a Korean hot sauce made with chili peppers, rice, and fermented soybeans. It has a sweet and spicy taste and can be used as a substitute for Sriracha in many recipes.

Chili garlic sauce: This is a Chinese hot sauce made with chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. It has a chunky texture and can be used as a substitute for Sriracha in many recipes.

It’s important to note that while these sauces can be used as substitutes during the Sriracha shortage, they may not have the exact same flavor. We recommend that true sriracha lovers try to experiment with different sauces to find the one that works best for whatever application they need it for.

Does sriracha go bad?

If you have a bottle or two of the famous rooster sauce, hold on tight because with spicy sauce production at an all-time low, sriracha prices are at an all-time high. You might even be able to sell your bottle to fans who’ve searched grocery store shelves and came up empty-handed.

But if you plan to keep on of US’s most beloved condiments, don’t worry Sriracha sauce has a long shelf life and can last for several years if stored properly. The capsaicin in the peppers helps to keep the sauce safe from spoiling. An unopened bottle of Sriracha can last for up to two years past its Best By date, while an opened bottle can last for at least six to nine months at room temperature and more than a year if refrigerated. However, the quality of the sauce may degrade over time, and it may lose its flavor and spiciness. It is recommended to store the sauce in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain its quality. In summary, Sriracha sauce can go bad, but it takes a long time, and it is safe to consume as long as it looks, smells, and tastes normal.