The Scoville Scale
A scale developed by Wilbur Scoville in 1912. The Scoville Scale is a measurement of the pungency (spiciness or “heat”) of chili peppers, as recorded in Scoville Heat Units (SHU). It is based on the concentration of capsaicinoids, capsaicin being the predominant component.
A lot of people ask what the Scoville ratings for our sauces are. We don’t list the Scoville score for every hot sauce because we simply don’t have the information from our suppliers.
A hot sauce producer has to get their sauce officially tested for SHU (Scoville Heat Units) to know what the Scoville score is, and most brands don’t do that.
It can be a costly process, but it’s also because the heat of a sauce can vary per batch. Peppers are a natural product and for lots of different reasons, one harvest can be hotter than another.
We have our products listed in Heat Levels. Hopefully that helps to make your choosing easier. Tabasco would likely be around number 4 on our scale.
Perfect for everyday flavor. The classic Bell Pepper sits at zero, while the slightly zesty Banana Pepper or mild Pimento adds just a hint of warmth.
The 'entry-level' for chili lovers. This is the domain of the Jalapeño and the smoky Chipotle. Expect a noticeable tingle that complements rather than overpowers.
Now we're talking. The Serrano and Cayenne peppers live here. These peppers provide a sharp, clear heat that lingers on the palate.
Approach with caution. The Thai Bird's Eye pepper and the Malagueta offer a significant kick that will make most people break a sweat.
Serious heat for the brave. The legendary Habanero and Scotch Bonnet peppers are found here, often accompanied by fruity or floral notes underneath the fire.
The danger zone. From the Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) to the record-breaking Carolina Reaper, these peppers contain massive amounts of capsaicin and should be handled with extreme care.
Handle with Care
When dealing with superhot peppers and sauces, remember that capsaicin is an oil. Always wear gloves, avoid touching your eyes, and keep some milk or bread handy to tame the fire!