At least, that’s what home grocery shopping service Instacart says… Its most-ordered Hot Sauce threepeated for 2025. And an old, standard favourite was pushed way down the list. The ‘survey’ was based on Instacart grocery ordering activity…
Yes… Frank’s Red Hot Sauces were once again declared the most popular hot condiments in the US last year. I was shocked that some foundational hot sauces were not even in the top 10. But the ratings are rally just a measure of what Instacart users were buying…
The hat trick
That’s what they call it when a spores star scores three goals / baskets / touchdowns in a row. And that’s what we’ll dub Frank’s third Instacart triumph in as many years.
There are good reasons why Frank’s leads the hot sauce parade. First, no other brand advertises as much, nor does any other participate in so many collaborations with other food ‘names’.
But there’s another factor we must consider…
Myriad flavours
Frank’s is also noted for its vast array of hot sauce varieties stemming from its original Cayenne pepper version. According to Google Search, Franks covers the board with a dozen versions, “catering to different heat levels and tastes from mild to extra hot.”
Choose from: X-tra Hot, Buffalo Wings, Sweet Chili, Sriracha, Stingin’ Honey Garlic, Hot Honey, Mango Habanero, Buffalo ‘n Ranch, Buffalo ‘n BBQ, and Garlic Parmesan.
There’s also a menu of ‘Fire-Roasted Jalapeño & Smoked Chipotle Craft Sauces’ featuring smoky and complex profiles. Plus a range of dry rub / sprinkles such as Chipotle and Jalapeño.
The Top 10 list
The Instacart Top 10 list , as a whole, suggested some additional survey results…
The stark reality that Hot Sauce pioneer Tabasco had been relegated to 7th place on the list was hard enough to take. But to find that Asian sauce fave, cult-inspiring Huy Fong Sriracha couldn’t muster any better than second place floored me. But that’s just me…
I was also struck by the predominance of ‘newer’ brands in the Top 10. I’m thinking this reflects a more adventurous bent among hot sauce lovers. Perhaps also a growing number of new, younger, more curious fans.
While The original hot sauces ere universally based on a few types of pepper, notably Tabasco and Cayenne, the hot sauce market has expanded across a full range of pepper varieties, blends and variations. Which suggests to me that a lot of folks who don’t use hot sauce now will be adding it to their condiment repertoires in future…
My take
Polaris Market Research reports: “The global hot sauce market was valued at (US)$3.61 billion in 2024,” and is expected to grow at a rate of 7.8 percent annually between now and 3034. “The rise in popularity and better customer preference for strong flavors across the board is anticipated to fuel the expansion of the hot sauce market during the anticipated period.”
So analyzing hot sauce sales could actually be a pretty accurate way to gauge the mood of the dining public…
Maggie J.