Is Huy Fong Sriracha Vegan?

A lot of people seem to think Huy Fong Sriracha is vegan, but there’s a bit of a stir about the issue, especially when it comes to the sugar involved.

In the following article, we’ll go into the key ingredient that’s causing the debate around Huy Fong Sriracha’s vegan status and get to the bottom of whether or not it fits the vegan bill.

Is Huy Fong Sriracha Vegan And Vegetarian?

Here’s the thing: Huy Fong uses sugar that’s refined with bone char in making their Sriracha sauce. 

If you’re not familiar with bone char, it’s a substance made by burning animal bones, and it’s used to filter and whiten sugar. 

It might seem like a small thing, but it’s actually a big deal if you follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.

Because of this, the sugar in Huy Fong Sriracha is considered non-vegan and non-vegetarian. 

Even though it doesn’t directly contain animal products, the process of refining the sugar with bone char is a no-go for those avoiding any kind of animal exploitation or usage.

Is Huy Fong Sriracha Gluten Free?

From the get-go, Huy Fong Sriracha is crafted without any gluten ingredients, and it’s made in a dedicated factory that keeps things gluten-free. 

That means it’s considered safe even if you have celiac disease. 

The ingredients list, which includes chili, sugar, salt, garlic, distilled vinegar, potassium sorbate, sodium bisulfite, and xanthan gum, is all clear of wheat, barley, or gluten.

But wait, before you squeeze it all over your favorite dish, there’s something you should know, especially if you’re a super sensitive person, Huy Fong does mention the possibility of “unforeseen” allergens in their products. You can even find this info right on their homepage.

Vegan Sriracha Brands

Here are some vegan sriracha brands to get you started:

1. Flying Goose Sriracha: Hailing from Thailand, this one’s a big name in the sriracha game. Certified vegan and made from sun-ripened chili, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt, you can get it in all kinds of flavors and heat levels. Some of the vegan-friendly options are even marked on their site, so that’s handy!
2. Sky Valley Sriracha: Made in the good ol’ USA, Sky Valley offers a sriracha that’s organic, gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan. It’s crafted from jalapeño pepper puree, vinegar, cane sugar, garlic, salt, and xanthan gum. Expect a rich, fiery kick with a hint of garlic and vinegar. Yum!
3. Sriraja Panich Sauce: Want to taste the original sriracha recipe? Sriraja Panich Sauce has you covered. Created by Thanom Chakkapak in Si Racha, Thailand, it’s made from fresh Thai chilies, garlic, sugar, vinegar, and sea salt. The fermented complexity and balanced sweetness and spiciness give it a unique flair.
4. Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha: If you’re looking for a Brooklyn twist on sriracha, check out Weak Knees. Combining classic sriracha with the complexity of gochujang chili paste, it has a sweet and spicy taste with depth and smooth texture. Definitely something different!
5. Yellowbird Organic Sriracha: Last but not least, Yellowbird is shaking things up down in Austin, Texas. It’s organic, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and even keto-friendly. With ingredients like jalapeños, vinegar, garlic, dates, raisins, tangerine juice, and lime juice, you’ll find a sweet and garlicky taste with medium heat.
6. Kitchen Garden Farm Organic Sriracha Chili Sauce: Coming at ya from Massachusetts, this one’s USDA certified organic and made from sun-ripened chili peppers fermented right on the farm. The flavors are bright and fruity with a punch of garlic. Like it hot? They’ve got original, extra-hot habanero, and super-hot ghost pepper. Pow!
7. Natural Value Organic Sriracha Chili Sauce: Born in the USA, this one’s organic, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. It’s got a rich, fiery flavor with a touch of garlic and vinegar, thanks to jalapeño pepper puree and other good stuff.
8. Jojo’s Sriracha Chili Sauce: Made in Brooklyn, NY, Jojo’s sauce is all about wild fermented chili peppers. Expect a bold and complex taste with smooth texture. Four varieties include original, green, unicorn blend, and a 1.5-year barrel-aged option. Talk about gourmet!
9. NHL Foods Fix Sriracha: Straight from Vietnam and certified vegan, this brand has a sweet and spicy taste with a real kick. There are four flavors: signature, lemongrass, habanero ginger, and hoisin. Yum!
10. Waitrose Sriracha: Hailing from the British supermarket chain Waitrose & Partners, this one’s tangy and hot with a surprising depth. It’s a great option if you’re looking for medium heat with a twist.
11. Blue Dragon Hot Sriracha: This Thai original is certified vegan by the company. It’s sweet and tangy with different flavors and heat levels to jazz up any dish. Blue Dragon Hot Sriracha won’t let you down if you’re looking to kick things up a notch.
12. Sauce Shop Sriracha: Made in the UK, this organic, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO sriracha comes packed with jalapeño pepper puree, garlic, and vinegar. Expect a rich and fiery flavor, with that classic hint of garlic and vinegar. I see it got mentioned twice, so it must be pretty darn good!
13. Eaten Alive Smoked Sriracha: Also from the UK, this one’s a wild ride with fermented chili peppers that are oak-smoked. The smoky, rich, and tangy taste is paired with just the right amount of chili kick. And hey, it’s vegan, natural, and bio live. This one seems to have a double shout-out too. Must be something special!
14. Ninja Squirrel: Sold by Whole Foods Market, this red jalapeño and chili blend is vegan and GMO-free. With ingredients like garlic puree and habanero pepper powder, you’re in for a bold and complex flavor with a smooth texture. Sneaky good, just like a ninja squirrel, I’d say!