10 Sriracha alternatives ranked from worst to best

Due to chili pepper supply shortages, Huy Fong has been struggling to keep up with the demand for its famous Sriracha since the summer of 2022.

I used to go through a 28-ounce bottle every month, using it on almost everything I ate. However, with store shelves often empty and online prices skyrocketing, finding a bottle of Huy Fong Sriracha has become a real challenge.

If you’re missing that familiar spicy kick and looking for an alternative, I’ve taken the time to test and rank ten Sriracha alternatives. Below, I’ll share my findings, ranking them from the least to most satisfying substitutes.

Article update: As of August 2024, Huy Fong Sriracha seems to be pretty well stocked at most grocery stores and online.

Note: This article contains affiliate links, which means that if you click and purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our content!

10. Food Club Sriracha (WORST)

Starting with the least impressive option, Food Club Sriracha is an off-brand product that fails to match the quality of Huy Fong Sriracha. I found this particular brand at my local grocery store, Woodman’s, but it’s not available on major online platforms like Amazon, which might be for the best.

Food Club Sriracha has a lighter and thinner consistency compared to Huy Fong’s version. The sauce lacks the perfect balance of sweetness and vinegar that makes the original so enjoyable. Instead, it leans more towards sourness with minimal sweetness, which detracts from the overall experience. If you’re seeking a Sriracha alternative, this one is not worth the effort.

9. Roland Sriracha Chili Sauce

Next on the list is Roland Sriracha Chili Sauce. Although it has become more widely available recently, this brand was unfamiliar to me before I started this taste test. In terms of texture, it’s similar to Huy Fong Sriracha, maintaining a comparable thickness. However, its flavor profile is dominated by saltiness, rather than being excessively vinegary or sweet.

If you prefer hot sauces with a salty taste, Roland Sriracha Chili Sauce might be worth considering. However, for those who enjoy the balanced sweetness and acidity of the original Huy Fong Sriracha, this alternative is likely to disappoint.

8. Tabasco Sriracha

Tabasco is a well-known brand in the hot sauce market, but its Sriracha variant falls short of expectations. While it might be more familiar to many, it ranks as the third worst Sriracha alternative on my list.

The flavor of Tabasco Sriracha lacks the depth that makes Huy Fong Sriracha stand out. The garlic notes, which are a key component of the original sauce, are less pronounced in this version. Additionally, Tabasco Sriracha is noticeably sweeter, which makes it less versatile. I’ve found that it works best when mixed with other strong flavors but isn’t satisfying on its own as a Sriracha replacement.

7. Melinda’s Sriracha Wing Sauce

Melinda’s Sriracha Wing Sauce offers a similar level of heat and garlickiness to Huy Fong Sriracha, but it falls short in other areas. The sauce has a brighter, more vinegar-forward flavor that lacks the complexity and balance of the original.

If you enjoy hot sauces with a strong vinegar flavor, Melinda’s Sriracha Wing Sauce might appeal to you. However, it doesn’t measure up to the well-rounded taste of Huy Fong Sriracha, making it an underwhelming alternative.

6. Ox Brand Sriracha

Ox Brand Sriracha is another alternative that tries to mimic the original but doesn’t quite hit the mark. This sauce is thicker and more paste-like than Huy Fong Sriracha, which some might prefer, but its flavor is where it falls short.

The sauce strikes an odd balance between extreme saltiness and sweetness. The garlic flavor is subtle and takes time to develop on the palate. While the heat level is comparable to Huy Fong Sriracha, the overwhelming saltiness detracts from the overall experience, making this a less desirable option.

5. Badia Sriracha

Badia Sriracha takes a different approach by using red habanero and cayenne peppers instead of the traditional red jalapeños. This results in a distinct flavor and heat profile that sets it apart from the original Huy Fong Sriracha.

In terms of consistency, Badia Sriracha is more liquid and less paste-like. It’s also hotter than Huy Fong Sriracha, though the heat isn’t as intense as you might expect from a sauce made with habaneros. The flavor leans more towards vinegar, with less sweetness, giving it a sharper taste overall. While it’s a decent hot sauce, it doesn’t serve as a direct replacement for Huy Fong Sriracha due to these differences.

4. Trader Joe’s Sriracha

Trader Joe’s Sriracha is a closer match to Huy Fong Sriracha in terms of flavor and consistency, though it is slightly more liquid. The taste profile is similar, but this version is notably saltier.

The heat level of Trader Joe’s Sriracha is on par with Huy Fong’s version, and the garlic flavor is slightly more pronounced. If you don’t mind a bit more saltiness and brightness, this could be a reasonable substitute for the original Sriracha.

3. Yellowbird Blue Agave Sriracha

Yellowbird Blue Agave Sriracha stands out for its use of blue agave as a sweetener, instead of the more common sugar or corn syrup. This gives it a unique flavor profile that is different from traditional Sriracha sauces.

The sauce also includes tangerine and lime juice concentrate, though these flavors are subtle and don’t dominate the taste. The consistency is similar to Huy Fong Sriracha, with a well-balanced blend of sweetness, saltiness, and vinegar. While it doesn’t taste exactly like the original, Yellowbird Blue Agave Sriracha is a satisfying alternative that offers a unique twist on the classic flavor.

2. Yellowbird Jalapeño Condiment hot sauce

Yellowbird Jalapeño Condiment Hot Sauce is another strong contender, closely resembling the consistency and style of Huy Fong Sriracha. Though it doesn’t label itself as a Sriracha, it shares many characteristics, including the use of red jalapeños and garlic.

This sauce has a more pronounced sourness and is less sweet compared to Huy Fong Sriracha. It’s also significantly less sweet than Yellowbird’s Blue Agave Sriracha variation. The garlic flavor is similar, making this a well-rounded and versatile option for those who enjoy the original Sriracha’s heat and garlic kick.

1. Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha (BEST!)

At the top of the list is Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha, though it’s important to note that this sauce is quite different from traditional Sriracha. It incorporates elements of Korean gochujang, a fermented chili paste, giving it a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from the other alternatives.

While Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha includes familiar ingredients like red chili, vinegar, and garlic, the fermentation process and gochujang influence create a distinct taste. The sauce is sweeter than Huy Fong Sriracha and has a milder heat level, making it a good option for those who prefer a less intense spice.

Although it doesn’t match the typical Sriracha taste, Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha offers a delicious, Korean-inspired flavor that makes it a standout choice. It’s not a direct replacement for Huy Fong Sriracha, but it’s a unique and enjoyable sauce in its own right.

---

Finding a good Sriracha alternative can be challenging, especially with so many options on the market. While none of these substitutes perfectly replicate the original Huy Fong Sriracha, some come closer than others.