10 Sriracha alternatives ranked from worst to best

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If you’ve found yourself reading this article, you’re well aware of the Huy Fong Sriracha shortage that has plagued us on and off since the summer of 2022. 

I used to breeze through a 28-ounce bottle of this beloved sauce every month, drizzling it on nearly everything I ate. However, these days, it’s become an elusive treasure to find on store shelves, with most places being sold out for months and online prices soaring to exorbitant heights. 

Fear not, fellow Sriracha enthusiasts, for I have taken it upon myself to explore and rank 10 Sriracha alternatives from worst to best. 

I’m also working through a series of taste test first impressions of each of these sauces on YouTube, so be sure to subscribe and join me on this spicy adventure!

10. Food Club Sriracha (WORST)

Food Club Sriracha is the worst alternative to Huy Fong Sriracha that I have tried. This particular brand comes across as the epitome of a generic off-brand product. While I stumbled upon it at my local Woodman’s grocery store, it doesn’t seem to be available on Amazon — don’t worry, it doesn’t warrant a taste test.

Unlike its superior counterpart, Food Club Sriracha has a lighter and thinner consistency. It lacks the perfect balance of sugar and vinegar that makes the classic Sriracha from Huy Fong so satisfying, leaning in the direction of less sweetness and more sourness. In my opinion, it’s not even worth the effort of seeking out this subpar alternative.

9. Roland Sriracha Chili Sauce

Roland Sriracha Chili Sauce has been popping up in nearly every store lately, although I must admit, I hadn’t heard of this brand before. This one falls into the second-to-worst position of the ten Sriracha alternatives I’ve sampled. 

In terms of consistency, it closely resembles Huy Fong Sriracha, maintaining a similar thickness. However, its downfall lies in its overpowering saltiness. Unlike being excessively vinegary or acidic, the prominent flavor here is salt. 

If you prefer hot sauces with a saltier profile and less sweetness, Roland Sriracha Chili Sauce might appeal to your taste buds. Otherwise, you should skip this one.

8. Tabasco Sriracha

Tabasco brand Sriracha is one of the most recognizable alternatives because of the power of the Tabasco name. Unfortunately, it comes in as the third worst Sriracha alternative on my list. 

Its flavor lacks the same depth that makes Huy Fong Sriracha so remarkable, and the distinct garlic notes prominent in Huy Fong Sriracha are less noticeable in Tabasco’s version. 

Tabasco’s Sriracha is noticeably sweeter than the regular Huy Fong Sriracha. As a result, I find myself using this particular alternative primarily when combining it with other intense flavors to enhance its overall taste. However, it simply doesn’t stand on its own as a remarkable Sriracha alternative.

7. Melinda’s Sriracha Wing Sauce

Melinda’s Sriracha Wing Sauce may attempt to fill the shoes of a great Sriracha replacement, but it falls short in several aspects. 

While it shares a similar level of heat and garlickiness, it is almost overwhelmingly bright and vinegary, failing to deliver the same balance and flavor complexity as Huy Fong. 

In its own right, it’s not a bad sauce if you like hot sauces that are bright and vinegar-forward, but it simply cannot be considered a worthy contender when compared to the well-rounded balance of Huy Fong Sriracha.

6. Ox Brand Sriracha

Ox Brands Sriracha presents itself as a very thick and paste-like alternative, perhaps even thicker than the standard Sriracha. 

This brand strikes a peculiar balance between extreme saltiness and sweetness. The garlic flavor is more subtle, making its presence known a bit later in the taste experience. In terms of heat, it matches Huy Fong Sriracha in intensity. 

However, one notable difference is that Ox Brands Sriracha leans heavily towards a saltier profile, overshadowing other flavors. While it maintains some similarities to Huy Fong, the excessive saltiness is what kills it for me, leaving a distinct impression on the palate.

5. Badia Sriracha

Badia Sriracha distinguishes itself by incorporating red habanero and cayenne peppers instead of red jalapeños, resulting in a noticeably different flavor and heat profile. In terms of consistency, it is more liquid and less paste-like than Huy Fong Sriracha. 

To me, it tastes about 10-20% hotter than Huy Fong Sriracha, but I expected a bit more heat intensity out of it, considering that it uses red habaneros.

Additionally, Badia Sriracha leans towards a more vinegary taste, with less sweetness than its counterpart. The absence of the rounded sweetness characteristic of sriracha results in a sharper overall flavor. As a result of these differences, Badia Sriracha may not serve as a suitable one-to-one replacement for Huy Fong. 

4. Trader Joe’s Sriracha

Trader Joe’s Sriracha boasts a consistency closely resembling Huy Fong Sriracha, albeit slightly more liquid.

In terms of flavor, it captures a taste profile that is closer to Huy Fong than many other alternatives. However, it is worth noting that this particular brand is remarkably salty. 

The heat level remains similar to Huy Fong’s Sriracha, while the garlic flavor may have a slightly more pronounced presence. If you’re willing to embrace a slightly brighter and saltier experience, Trader Joe’s Sriracha can be a suitable substitute for Huy Fong Sriracha.

3. Yellowbird Blue Agave Sriracha

Yellowbird Blue Agave Sriracha stands out by utilizing blue agave as a sweetener, deviating from the conventional use of sugar or corn syrup. 

Although it incorporates tangerine and lime juice concentrate into its recipe, these flavors did not distinctly come through during my tasting. The consistency of Yellowbird Blue Agave Sriracha closely mirrors that of traditional Sriracha, avoiding a loose and runny texture. 

One notable aspect of this alternative is its well-balanced flavor profile, striking a harmonious blend of sweetness, saltiness, and vinegar. While it differs noticeably from Huy Fong Sriracha, I can’t quite put my finger on exactly why it tastes different. Regardless, Yellowbird Blue Agave Sriracha offers a unique and satisfying experience for those seeking an alternative to the classic.

2. Yellowbird Jalapeño Condiment hot sauce

Yellowbird Jalapeño Condiment hot sauce closely resembles the consistency of Huy Fong Sriracha, leaning towards a paste-like texture rather than being overly liquid. While it does not explicitly label itself as a Sriracha, it shares similarities in being a red jalapeno and garlic sauce, making it comparable in style. 

However, it does have some noticeable differences. Yellowbird Jalapeño Condiment hot sauce exhibits a slightly more pronounced sourness than Huy Fong Sriracha and is less sweet overall. In fact, it is significantly less sweet than Yellowbird’s Blue Agave Sriracha variation. 

The garlic level remains similar to that of Huy Fong Sriracha. Overall, Yellowbird Jalapeño Condiment hot sauce offers a well-rounded flavor profile, making it a versatile and enjoyable option in dishes where you usually add Huy Fong.

1. Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha (BEST!)

At the top of the list, we have the unique and flavorful Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha, although it can be debated whether it should be considered a true Sriracha due to its strong Korean influence. 

While it incorporates elements like fermentation, red chili, vinegar, and garlic, its style diverges significantly from the traditional Sriracha profile. In terms of similarity to regular Sriracha, it falls short, receiving a 2 out of 10 rating. However, it earns a solid 8 out of 10 when it comes to sheer deliciousness. 

Notably, Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha is noticeably sweeter than Huy Fong Sriracha, showcasing the distinct flavors of gochujang, a Korean fermented chili paste. It also tends to be milder in heat, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a milder spice level. 

While it may not match the typical Sriracha taste, Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha offers a delightful and uniquely Korean-inspired flavor experience.