I remember loving spicy foods as a child. I like the taste even now. The problem is, really spicy and foods that pack a lot of heat do not seem to appreciate my appreciation for them. So this list is for my fellow heartburn sufferers and anyone else whose body can’t take the heat. 

Cholula Chili Lime

I love, love, love this sauce. It has some heat, but mostly it’s just good flavor. I can put this on tacos, burritos, in beans, in rice, dip chips in it, whatever. It enhances a dollop of sour cream. It’s just one of my favorites because the heartburn is small, but the flavor is excellent.

Valentina

This is another solid one. It doesn’t burn too much, but adds some good flavor. The original Valentina is a straight pepper sauce, so if you don’t want the infused flavors like the Cholula Chili Lime sauce, this is your jam. My tacos and nachos really enjoy this one.

Sriracha

There’s definitely a special place in my heart for the Rooster, even though this one burns a little more. I use it sparingly, mostly when I make ramen, but sometimes with fried rice too. If you find yourself eating cheap food, it’s not a bad “enhancer.” One time I took a bottle with me into Cici’s Pizza. Oh, and Sriracha salt has a nice little smokey flavor too.

Trader Joe’s Honey Aleppo Sauce

I love this one because it is sweeter than it is hot. This is not to say that it doesn’t have some kick. You get hold of a bit with a pepper chunk and you’ll still burn. This Honey Aleppo sauce goes great with Greek/Middle Eastern dishes since that is where the aleppo pepper is more abundant. Try it with charmoula chicken (link), or spice up your yogurt sauce (link).

Louisiana Hot Sauce

This is also one to which Brittany is partial. I like it with seafood. It’s great to add to your oysters or shrimp in particular. A squeeze of lemon, a few drops of Louisiana. I obviously can’t load it on because it’s from Louisiana and those folks like their heat. I’m not strong enough haha. But I appreciate the flavor and it gives you more of a classic hot sauce vibe.

Honorable Mention

Cholula Green Pepper Sauce

This one looks innocent, but has a bigger kick than the Chili Lime. I like the green though and I like to give it a few shakes over my tacos or nachos to add another layer of flavor. It doesn’t kill me if I have it with a bunch of fats. All the more reason to add extra cheese!

Regretsies

Trader Joe’s Truffle Hot Sauce

I want to like truffle hot sauce. It looks like a cool thing to like. I enjoy the funk of truffles. I like the orange of a classic American (I say “American” because it makes me think of Buffalo hot wings and Hooter’s wings … even though I never once entered a Hooter’s … and I don’t think I really support what the establishment was about … however, I always heard that the chicken wings were actually good and, for better or for worse, it’s a part of my childhood 90s pop culture that will likely forever be engrained in the memory bank) hot wing. This sauce almost glows. One dab on my tongue made me want to dramatically flail onto the floor though. I didn’t, I just coughed a bit and ate some bread. This stuff is HOT. However, I found that if I put a couple of drops in some ranch dressing and mix it really well, it makes a great flavor that doesn’t make me want to cry.