14 Mouth Watering Keto Hot Sauces for Every Occasion (Ranked)

When seeking out the finest keto hot sauce, examining the serving size and carbohydrates per serving reveals that many hot sauces are low carb. Thus, the decision often hinges on which offers the richest flavor, the level of spiciness, and how well it complements different dishes and occasions.¹

Below is 14 mouth watering hot sauces to choose from and they’re ranked by the Scoville scale to indicate which are mild, and which will leave your mouth on fire.

However, it’s important to note that buffalo sauce oftentimes has extra ingredients that can result in more carbs so there is also a low-carb/keto buffalo sauce recipe to try at home.

Best Keto Hot Sauce for Every Occasion (Ranked)

When you’re not fully satisfied with the keto options at Wingstop or feel like whipping up your own fiery wings or burgers, understanding the flavor profiles and heat intensities of your hot sauce choices, along with their nutritional content, can be quite beneficial.

Hot sauce isn’t just beneficial for weight loss, it can also help curb hunger and fulfill cravings for spiciness. Something to be aware of when choosing a hot sauce and checking the Scoville rating is that hot sauce and other spicy food increases hyperuricemia risk, meaning that it elevates uric acid levels in the blood; the more spicy or pungent the food or sauce, the higher the risk of developing hyperuricemia.²

Source: Shyam via Unsplash³

Thankfully, further research determined that BMI works as a mediator between spicy foods and hyperuricemia, indicating that the healthier one’s BMI the less risk factor there is and that consuming spicy foods will be less likely to cause increased uric acid in the blood of those with a healthy body mass index.⁴

Those unfamiliar with the Scoville scale should know that this is a spice level index to gauge how hot various foods, sauces, spices, and peppers are. The Scoville scale has an incredibly wide range from zero on up, with bell peppers ranking around 100, most hot sauces falling in the 400-300,000 range, and pure capsaicin from chili peppers hitting 16 million.

The Scoville levels are distinguished below and measured by Scoville Heat Units (SHUs).

• Mild (100 to 2,500 SHUs)
• Medium (2,500 to 30,000 SHUs)
• Hot (30,000 to 100,000 SHUs)
• Extra Hot (100,000 to 300,000 SHUs)
• Extremely Hot (300,000 to 1,000,000 SHUs)
• Flaming Hot (1,000,000 SHUs and Above)

Having explored the Scoville system, let’s now delve into some of the most popular and delicious hot sauces suitable for various occasions, ranked accordingly for the keto diet.

14. Texas Pete’s Original Hot Sauce

Texas Pete offers the mildest hot sauce on our list with just enough spice and tanginess to add some kick to a meal without setting your taste buds on fire.

Scoville Ranking: 340-740 (Mild)

Flavor: Bursting with tangy pepper taste that neutralizes quickly

Ingredients: Vinegar, Aged Peppers, Salt, Water, Xanthan Gum, and Sodium Benzoate

Serving Size: 1 Tsp

• 0 Calories
• 0g Net Carbs
• 0g Fat
• 0g Protein
• 115 mg Sodium

Texas Pete’s available here

13. Frank’s Original RedHot Sauce

Frank’s brings just the right combination of flavor and heat to any meal, side, or snack with their premium aged cayenne pepper sauce.

Scoville Ranking: 450 (Mild)

Flavor: Savory with low level heat that will add both flavor and a kick

Ingredients: Distilled Vinegar, Aged Cayenne Red Peppers, Salt, Water, Canola Oil, Paprika, Xanthan Gum, Natural Butter Type Flavor and Garlic Powder

Serving Size: 1 Tsp

• 0 Calories
• 0g Net Carbs
• 0g Fat
• 0g Protein
• 200 mg Sodium

Find Frank’s Original RedHot here

12. Louisiana Hot Sauce

A more savory and salty hot sauce, Louisiana still packs plenty of spiciness to add complexity to any burger, popcorn, or soup.

Scoville Ranking: 450 (Mild)

Flavor: Initial burst of heat, then a more subtle and savory taste

Ingredients: Aged Peppers, Vinegar, and Salt

Serving Size: 1 Tsp

• 0 Calories
• 0g Net Carbs
• 0g Fat
• 0g Protein
• 200 mg Sodium

Get your own bottle of Louisiana hot sauce here

11. Tia Lupita

Tia Lupita’s hot sauce is well-rounded and complex in flavor, great for anything from sandwiches, fried chicken, tacos, and anything else that would be complemented by some spiciness. Tia Lupita has honed her recipe and includes no binders, preservatives, added sugar or gluten; this hot sauce is also all natural, non-GMO, and has minimal salt.

Scoville Ranking: Unlisted Ranking (Mild)

Flavor: Deep, rich, complex flavor

Ingredients: Red Jalapenos, Water, Organic Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Garlic, Oregano, Black Pepper, Cumin

Serving Size: 1 Tsp

• 0 Calories
• 0g Net Carbs
• 0g Fat
• 0g Protein
• 25 mg Sodium

Purchase Tia Lupita’s hot sauce here

10. Trappey’s Red Devil Cayenne Pepper Sauce

Trappey’s Red Devil cayenne pepper sauce has a big name and great taste but perhaps a milder heat than you’d expect with that name. Rest assured that this hot sauce still offers a kick of medium heat and no shortage of flavor for your taste buds to enjoy.

Scoville Ranking: 800-1200 (Mild)

Flavor: Predominantly vinegar flavor with some subtle heat that follows

Ingredients: Distilled Vinegar, Water, Red Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Ascorbic Acid

Serving Size: 1 Tsp

• 0 Calories
• 0g Net Carbs
• 0g Fat
• 0g Protein
• 150 mg Sodium

Trappey’s Red Devil hot sauce can be found here

9. Valentina Salsa Picante

Thicker than Tabasco but with a less vinegar-centric taste, Valentina’s hot sauce has just the right amount of zest. Made in Guadalajara, Mexico, Valentina is free of carbohydrates, fat, and cholesterol and goes perfectly with burritos, eggs, tacos, elote, and more.

Scoville Ranking: 900 (Mild)

Flavor: Zesty with a slight vinegar taste

Ingredients: Water, Chili Peppers, Vinegar, Salt, Spices, Sodium Benzoate

Serving Size: 1 Tsp

• 0 Calories
• 0g Net Carbs
• 0g Fat
• 0g Protein
• 64 mg Sodium

Check out Valentina Salsa Picante here

8. Cholula

This popular hot sauce is often served in restaurants and pubs, and it’s also available in convenient travel-sized containers. Another notable option is Cholula, a Mexican hot sauce, which is suitable for various trending diets as it’s sugar-free, carb-free, gluten-free, vegan, paleo, and ketogenic.

With a mild spice level and mouthwateringly savory taste, you can’t go wrong with Cholula.

Scoville Ranking: 2000 (Mild)

Flavor: Mild spiciness, savory

Ingredients: Water, Peppers (Arbol & Piquin), Salt, Vinegar, Garlic Powder, Spices, and Xanthan Gum

Serving Size: 1 Tsp

• 0 Calories
• 0g Net Carbs
• 0g Fat
• 0g Protein
• 110 mg Sodium

Purchase your own travel size or full size Cholula

7. Sriracha

Sriracha is another very commonly found hot sauce in diners and households; with a full and tangy flavor and some heat from the sun-ripened chili peppers used, Sriracha is always a great go-to for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Scoville Ranking: 1000-2500 (Mild)

Flavor: Salty and vinegary undertones with a kick of spicy peppers

Ingredients: Chili, Sugar, Salt, Garlic, Distilled Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Bisulfate, Xanthan Gum

Serving Size: 1 Tsp

• 5 Calories
• 1g Net Carbs
• 0g Fat
• 0g Protein
• 80 mg Sodium

Sriracha hot sauce available here

6. Tabasco Original Flavor Pepper Sauce

Tabasco’s original hot sauce is vegetarian, non-GMO, and easy to transport with several size varieties. Tabasco pepper sauce has a very balanced and well-rounded flavor profile combining sweet and spicy perfectly.

Scoville Ranking: 2500-5000 (Medium)

Flavor: Tangy, salty, sweet, and spicy

Ingredients: Distilled White Wine Vinegar, Red Peppers, and Salt

Serving Size: 1 Tsp

• 0 Calories
• 0g Net Carbs
• 0g Fat
• 0g Protein
• 45 mg Sodium

Get your personal bottle of Tabasco here

5. Tapatío

Extra warm, full, and savory flavors can be found in each bottle of this hot sauce due to the delicious combination of red peppers and garlic. Tapatio has a unique smoky taste that makes it feel extra authentic.

Scoville Ranking: 3000 (Medium)

Flavor: Tangy, salty, and smoky

Ingredients: Water, Red Peppers, Salt, Spices, Garlic, Acetic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate

Serving Size: 1 Tsp

• 0 Calories
• 0g Net Carbs
• 0g Fat
• 0g Protein
• 110 mg Sodium

Find Tapatio hot sauce here

4. Bravado Spice Company’s Pineapple & Habanero Hot Sauce

The Bravado Spice Company has several amazing flavors to choose from and their pineapple and habanero hot sauce is a great place to start. The pineapple perfectly balances the heat from the habanero for a tangy sweet yet spicy taste you won’t forget.

Gluten-free, vegan, low-carb, paleo, and all natural, this sauce goes best with mild dishes to really enjoy the flavor.

Scoville Ranking: Unlisted Ranking (Medium)

Flavor: Bursting with tropical notes and well-balanced by the spicy habanero

Ingredients: Pineapple, Habanero, Bell Pepper, Garlic, Vinegar, Sea Salt, Distilled Vinegar

Serving Size: 1 Tsp

• 0 Calories
• 0g Net Carbs
• 0g Fat
• 0g Protein
• 15 mg Sodium

Try Bravado’s bottled tropic heat

3. Bravado Spice Company’s Crimson Hot Sauce

Bravado Spice Co offers a more original type of hot sauce with their crimson sauce that’s all natural and both gluten-free and vegan. Getting up there in heat, the spice is paired nicely with garlic and vinegar to provide a fuller flavor.

Scoville Ranking: 10,000-50,000 (Hot)

Flavor: Bold, powerful jalapeno flavor that packs a punch

Ingredients: Arbol Chilis, Red Jalapenos, White Wine Vinegar, Garlic, Sea Salt, and Sugar

Serving Size: 1 Tsp

• 5 Calories
• <1g Net Carbs
• 0g Fat
• 0g Protein
• 55 mg Sodium

Check out Bravado’s Crimson hot sauce here

2. Bravado Spice Company’s Black Garlic Carolina Reaper

Our second-hottest sauce is Bravado’s black garlic and carolina reaper flavor duo; this sauce is vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free and very low in sodium. Bravado pairs well with anything from lo mein and fried chicken to steak or pork chops–as long as you can handle the heat.

Scoville Ranking: 70,000 (Hot)

Flavor: Rich and savory with a higher spice level, mellowed just enough by the garlic

Ingredients: Vinegar, Red Serrano Peppers, Carolina Reaper, Roasted Garlic, Maple Syrup, Black Garlic, Black Pepper, Sea Salt

Serving Size: 1 Tsp

• 0 Calories
• <1g Net Carbs
• 0g Fat
• 0g Protein
• 20g Sodium

Test your taste buds with Bravado

1. Dave’s Gourmet Original Insanity Hot Sauce

Featured on the first season of Hot Ones, Dave’s gourmet hot sauce is truly insane with by far the highest Scoville ranking of all of our reviewed hot sauces. Dave’s includes not just hot peppers but hot pepper extract as well to really turn up the heat.

Low-fat, gluten-free, and ketogenic, we recommend giving Dave’s Insanity Hot Sauce a try with a glass of milk on hand to tame the fire. Moreover, it’s an ideal distraction from hunger, as the sensation of a burning tongue becomes your primary focus!

Scoville Ranking: 180,000 (Extra Hot)

Flavor: Balanced flavors of spices, peppers, vinegar, and garlic with a major kick of heat

Ingredients: Tomato Sauce, Onions, Hot Pepper Extract, Hot Peppers, Vinegar, Spices, Soy Oil, Garlic, Salt

Serving Size: 1 Tsp

• 5 Calories
• 0g Net Carbs
• 0g Fat
• 0g Protein
• 55 mg Sodium

Singe your tongue with Dave’s Insanity hot sauce

Best Low Carb Hot Sauces for Each Occasion

Before delving into the best keto hot sauce for each occasion, let’s check out a couple of health benefits of hot sauce.

Research done on the impact of chili peppers on dietary intake came out with differing reviews on whether or not spicy foods affected satiety, but capsaicin–a component of chili peppers–was proven to increase calorie burning. Chili peppers therefore may be effective in weight regulation if consumed regularly.⁵

Capsaicin can also provide relief for neuralgia (nerve pain), muscle strains, and pain linked to rheumatoid arthritis and may promote vascular and metabolic health including reducing the likelihood of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver, and stroke.⁶

Those who enjoy dousing everything they eat with hot sauce will likely be pleased to learn that research done on Chinese adults indicates that spicy food consumption and GI cancer risk have a negative relationship–meaning that the more spicy food consumed, the lower the risk of gastrointestinal cancers-especially in those who refrained from smoking and drinking often.⁷

Additionally, chili peppers may promote longevity when regularly integrated into one’s diet–a study on over half a million people throughout various countries indicated that those who did not regularly consume chili peppers had a lower likelihood of dying of cardiovascular disease (by 26%), cancer (by 23%), or other causes (by 25%).⁸

With the importance of capsaicin, chili powder, and general spiciness being clear, let’s check out which hot sauce to go with depending on the snack or meal.

Source: Dolores Preciado via Unsplash⁹

• Top Hot Sauce to Add Some Kick to Your Burrito: Bravado Spice Co.’s Black Garlic Carolina Reaper and Valentina Salsa Picante are our top choices for burritos due to their complementary flavors that bring the perfect amount of heat.
• Take Tacos to the Next Level With This Hot Sauce: Tapatio, Cholula, and Trappey’s Red Devil sauces are all great low-carb options for spicing up any taco without overpowering it and adding just the right amount of savory flavor.
• Bring Bangin’ Burgers to the BBQ Accompanied by This Hot Sauce: Bravado’s Pineapple & Habanero hot sauce is our top choice for adding a perfect duo of sweet and spicy for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
• #1 Hot Sauce to Spice Up Chicken Wings: If you can handle the heat, give your taste buds a shock with some Dave’s Insanity sauce glazed over chicken wings. If you’ve never tried Dave’s and are worried about the heat level, put it in a side dish for dipping instead or mix it with some low-carb ranch to neutralize the kick.
• Drizzle This Hot Sauce to Add Some Heat to Your Sandwich or Sub: If mustard and mayo aren’t cutting it, your sandwich will be far from bland after squirting some of Tia Lupita’s jalapeno-infused hot sauce. Sriracha and Louisiana hot sauces are the runners-up for this category.
• Best Hot Sauce to Fold Into Scrambled Eggs: Cholula has our vote for best hot sauce to start your day with an extra kick; add a few drops to your scrambled eggs to wake up your taste buds. Frank’s RedHot pairs well with breakfast quiches or eggs as well.
• Top Hot Sauce to Drizzle Over Popcorn: Buttery popcorn is great but when you’re craving that extra zing, Sriracha is the way to go; the sun-ripened chilis will add an amazing savory flavor to already delicious popcorn.
• Best Hot Sauce to Heat Up a Cocktail Sauce: Cocktail sauce could always use some added heat or tanginess and our favorite option for hot sauce is Valentina’s salsa picante with some bursting vinegar, salt, and chili pepper notes combining into a mouthwatering sauce.
• Prime Hot Dog Hot Sauce: Don’t forget to bring Texas Pete’s out to the grill when preparing hot dogs this summer. This subtly spicy sauce won’t burn your taste buds but will give them a little zest.
• Our second choice is Frank’s for your franks.
• Ideal Hot Sauce to Toss With Roasted Cauliflower: Trappey’s Red Devil sauce is the best hot sauce to toss in with roasted cauliflower for a healthy yet flavorful snack; with mild heat and fantastic flavors of red cayenne pepper, salt, and vinegar, this combo will bring just the right level of heat.
• Mix This Hot Sauce Into a Spicy Cream Cheese Dip: Louisiana hot sauce pairs excellently with keto low-carb cream cheese, crafting a savory dip perfect for chips, veggies, or any other desired accompaniments. Bravado’s pineapple habanero sauce is another good choice for upping the flavor and providing a complex taste.
• Most Flavorful Hot Sauce to Lather on Kebabs: Grab a bottle of Bravado’s crimson hot sauce and head outside to grill up some incredible tasting kebabs with bell peppers, meats, onions, tomatoes, pineapple, or anything else you’re craving.
• Great Flavor Hot Sauce for Elote: If you prefer your elote or street corn a bit on the spicy side, opt for Frank’s RedHot sauce; it will bring just the right amount of tang and spice and complements the corn flavor well.
• Kickin’ Hot Sauce for Dippin’ Fries, Celery & More: Fries tend to be perfect as they are, but if you like a little added kick of flavor, Tabasco or Tia Lupita are incredibly savory and give just the right amount of zing; put a little of either these in a small serving cup for the easiest dipping sauce preparation.

Avoid These Hot Sauces on Keto

Hot sauce not only contributes to weight loss, but it also offers fantastic taste—just ensure that the varieties you choose are ketogenic. When seeking the finest keto-friendly hot sauce, always scrutinize nutrition labels to confirm the carb content and serving size.

Strive to keep carbs as close to zero as possible, because the more carbs per serving, the more likely just a few servings can bump you out of ketosis. Be sure to avoid these hot sauces on keto and always ensure to check nutritional information before opening a bottle.

Source: Fabienne Hübener via Unsplash¹⁰

Good & Gather’s Sweet Chili Thai Sauce has a complex and tangy flavor that can be enjoyed on other weight loss diets but is unfit for keto due to its high 5g net carbs per teaspoon and 4g added sugars.

Harissa is a much thicker consistency and is native to the Maghreb of northwest Africa. Made with serrano peppers, oil, coriander, cumin, caraway, and garlic, unfortunately this sauce is 2g net carbs per teaspoon so should be avoided or had in moderation.

Bone Suckin’ Honey and Habanero Sauce contains both honey and molasses which can get dangerous for those trying to maintain ketosis. Just a teaspoon has more than 2g net carbs and 2g sugar so should be enjoyed only occasionally and in small servings if at all.

Low Carb Keto Buffalo Sauce Recipe

The keto diet may lower health risks–namely the risk factors of cardiovascular disease and cancer, but also includes decreasing likelihood of hypertension, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

This may occur because of the ketogenic diet helping suppress inflammation and oxidation; however, it has only been studied in the short-term and it remains to be determined if the ketogenic diet can have a long-term positive impact on decreasing risk of these health issues but results are promising.¹¹

Aside from these health benefits, those who are thinking I will never lose weight can be comforted in knowing that the keto diet is also very helpful in both losing weight and maintaining that weight loss in addition to being easily combined with other weight loss solutions.

For those considering weight loss strategies for summer, experimenting with our ketogenic buffalo hot sauce recipe could be beneficial.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 10 Minutes

Serving Size: 1 Tbsp

Recipe Yields: 16 Servings

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Stick Salted Butter
• 1/2 Cup Trappey’s Red Devil Hot Sauce
• 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
• ½ Tbsp Xylitol
• 1 Tsp Chili Powder
• 1 Tsp Paprika
• 1 Tsp Sea Salt
• ½ Tsp Black Pepper

Step 1: Melt stick of butter in a pan on the stovetop

Step 2: Turn heat to low once butter is melted and slowly stir in all other ingredients

Step 3: Enjoy paired with your dish of choice

Although most store-bought hot sauces are low-carb or completely carb-free, some ingredients can be problematic–especially when multiple sweeteners are included. Always ensure to inspect the ingredients and nutrition label, or whip up your own keto hot sauce using your preferred spices.

Frequently Asked Questions