As the popularity of spicy food continues to grow, so does the demand for versatile hot sauces.
Among the most beloved of these is Sriracha, a type of hot sauce or chili sauce made from a paste of chili peppers, distilled vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt.
However, variations of this classic sauce have begun to emerge bringing new flavors and options for consumers.
One such variation is Blue Agave Sriracha which offers its unique spin on the traditional recipe.
In this article, we will be comparing Blue Agave Sriracha with traditional (Huy Fong) Sriracha in terms of their origins, ingredients, taste profile, heat level, size options and cost-effective aspects.
Furthermore, we’ll also delve into their suitability for dietary preferences like Gluten Free, Halal, Vegan and Whole 30.
What Is it, Who Founded It, And Where Is The Headquarters Based: Blue Agave Sriracha vs Sriracha
Blue Agave Sriracha is a unique, spicy condiment brought to market by the Yellowbird brand. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Marcos, Texas, Yellowbird’s mission was to produce sriracha with a distinct “Texas twist”. Known for its deep and complex flavors, this company has gained popularity thanks to its one-of-a-kind “classic blue agave sriracha”, a sauce that has garnered rave reviews from hot sauce enthusiasts.
On the other hand, Sriracha, often referred to as Rooster Sauce due to the rooster logo on its bottle, is the product of Huy Fong Foods. The company was founded by David Tran in Los Angeles, California in 1980. Named after the ship that carried Tran out of Vietnam during the fallout from the Vietnam War, Huy Fong Foods quickly built a devoted following for their fiery yet balanced version of this traditional Thai sauce. Today, this iconic red condiment with a green cap is recognized and loved worldwide.
What Does It Contain And What Does it Taste Like: Blue Agave Sriracha vs Sriracha
Blue Agave Sriracha is made with a blend of Red Jalapeño Peppers, Organic Blue Agave Nectar, Distilled Vinegar, Garlic, Salt, Tangerine Juice Concentrate, and Lime Juice Concentrate. The inclusion of blue agave nectar and citrus fruit juices gives this sriracha a slightly sweet and tangy twist. But it’s not just about the sweetness; this sriracha offers a mellow heat that slowly builds on the palate. It also boasts a complex depth of flavor thanks to its unique ingredient list which makes it a great pairing with dishes like Ramen, Pizza, and Stir Fry.
Sriracha, specifically the popular Huy Fong brand version, traditional sriracha is made using Chili, Sugar, Salt, Garlic, Distilled Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate (a preservative), Sodium Bisulfite (a preservative), and Xanthan Gum (a thickening agent). The taste profile of Huy Fong’s sriracha leans more towards the spicy side with a hearty garlic punch. There’s a hint of sweetness that attempts to balance out the heat but it’s undeniably firey. This bold flavor has found its place in many dishes around the world where it’s used as both an ingredient and a condiment.
Which Is Spicer: Blue Agave Sriracha vs Sriracha
When comparing the spiciness of Blue Agave Sriracha and Sriracha, the Blue Agave Sriracha has a Scoville Heat Unit Rating (SHU) between 1,325 – 2,650, indicating it has a mellow heat level. The heat in this sauce is not immediate but rather, it builds gradually allowing you to appreciate the other flavor notes.
Sriracha, in contrast, is known for its fiery kick. While the exact Scoville ratings can vary between different brands and batches, Huy Fong’s Sriracha sauce is generally accepted as being significantly hotter than the Blue Agave version. Its heat is more immediate and pronounced which spice lovers all around the world have come to love.
Therefore, if you prefer a more balanced and milder hot sauce that slowly builds its heat as you eat, go for Blue Agave Sriracha. But if your palate craves an instant and intense burst of spice, traditional Sriracha might be your preferred choice.
What Are The Different Size Options: Blue Agave Sriracha vs Sriracha
Blue Agave Sriracha is available in four different sizes to cater to all types of consumers. These options include a 2.2 oz travel size bottle for those who want their favorite hot sauce on-the-go, a mid-sized 9.8 oz pantry bottle for regular users, a larger 19.6 oz tabletop size for frequent users or families, and a gallon size option which is ideal for bulk use in large households or food establishments.
On the other hand, Sriracha, specifically the Huy Fong brand, is predominantly found in its classic 17 oz squeeze bottles which are perfect for home use. For more generous usage or commercial purposes like restaurants and catering, there’s also a larger 28 oz bottle available. Huy Fong also offers smaller 9 oz bottles which are portable and convenient for individuals who desire their Sriracha fix on-the-move.
Both brands offer versatility when it comes to size options but Blue Agave Sriracha appears to edge out with an additional bulk offering.
Which Is More Cost Effective: Blue Agave Sriracha vs Sriracha
To determine which sauce is more cost-effective, we need to look at the price per ounce or milliliter. However, prices can vary significantly depending on the location, store, and any ongoing promotions or discounts.
Generally speaking, Blue Agave Sriracha tends to be priced higher than traditional Sriracha. This can be attributed to its unique blend of ingredients like organic blue agave nectar and citrus juice concentrates. Furthermore, the fact that it’s non-GMO and gluten-free might also contribute to its premium pricing.
Sriracha, particularly Huy Fong’s version, owing to its mass production and widespread availability tends to be cheaper per ounce. It’s a staple in many households and food establishments due to its affordable price point.
While both sauces offer great value in terms of flavor and versatility, if cost is a significant factor for you, traditional Sriracha would likely be the more economical choice.
Is It Gluten Free, Halal, Vegan and Whole 30: Blue Agave Sriracha vs Sriracha
For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, the choice between Blue Agave Sriracha and Sriracha might be clearer.
Blue Agave Sriracha from Yellowbird is non-GMO, vegan, and certified Gluten-Free. This makes it a great option for those who are monitoring their gluten intake or follow a vegan lifestyle. As of now, there is no information available about whether it is Halal certified or suitable for the Whole 30 diet.
On the other hand, Huy Fong’s Sriracha does not contain any animal-derived products in its ingredients list which would suggest that it might be suitable for vegetarians. But it’s important to consider that Huy Fong uses sugar that’s refined with bone char in making their Sriracha sauce. This process involves burning animal bones to filter and whiten sugar. Because of this, the sugar used in Huy Fong Sriracha is considered non-vegan and non-vegetarian by many consumers.
This means if you strictly adhere to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, Blue Agave Sriracha could be a better choice for you. As for halal, and Whole 30, there isnt any certification on the label for huy fong sriracha.
As always, if there are any concerns about specific dietary restrictions it’s best to reach out to the manufacturer directly or consult with a professional.
