In the world of spicy condiments, Sriracha holds a special place.

The fiery red sauce, with its unique blend of chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt, has gained a cult following across the globe.

But not all Sriracha sauces are created equal.

In this article, we’ll be comparing two popular brands: Kikkoman Sriracha and Huy Fong Sriracha. Both have their unique attributes and distinct flavors that make them beloved by fans worldwide.

Throughout this comparison guide, we’ll delve into their histories, ingredients, varieties, taste profiles, levels of spice, sizes available and cost-effectiveness.

If you are gluten intolerant or follow a halal or vegan diet or even Whole 360, good news too! We will also discuss these aspects for both Kikkoman Sriracha and Huy Fong sriracha.

What Is it, Who Founded It, And Where Is The Headquarters Based: Kikkoman Sriracha vs Huy Fong

Kikkoman Sriracha is a popular hot chili sauce made by Kikkoman Corporation, a Japanese food manufacturer that has grown into a global entity since its establishment in 1917. Kikkoman’s headquarters is located in Noda, Japan. The company is well-known for its soy sauce, but its Sriracha has also gained a loyal following.

On the other hand, Huy Fong Sriracha, otherwise known as the ‘rooster sauce’ due to its iconic label design, was founded by David Tran in Los Angeles, California in 1980. Named after the freighter that carried Tran out of Vietnam during the war, Huy Fong Foods Inc.’s headquarters are still based in California today.

What Does It Contain: Kikkoman Sriracha vs Huy Fong

The ingredients used in these sauces play a crucial role in their flavors, and each brand has its unique recipe.

Kikkoman Sriracha is made with chili pepper, vinegar, garlic, sugar, salt, water, natural flavors, xanthan gum. To ensure the sauce stays fresh and safe to consume over time, it contains less than 0.1% potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate as preservatives. One standout ingredient of Kikkoman Sriracha is the Kikkoman® Gluten-Free Tamari Soy Sauce which adds an umami flavor to the sauce.

On the other hand, Huy Fong Sriracha’s ingredients list reads a bit different. It is made with chili, sugar, salt, garlic, distilled vinegar, potassium sorbate and sodium bisulfite as preservatives and xanthan gum. This sriracha prides itself on not using any artificial colors or flavors; instead, its rich red color comes naturally from ripe red jalapeño chili peppers.

How Many Varieties Of Sriracha Sauce Does Kikkoman Offer?

Kikkoman, while offering an extensive range of sauces and cooking ingredients, offers only one variety of Sriracha sauce – the Kikkoman® Gluten-Free Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce. This gluten-free spicy condiment is not just for those with celiac disease or those who prefer to avoid gluten in their diets; it’s for anyone who loves a beautiful balance of heat and sweetness.

The Kikkoman sriracha sauce is made using the famous Kikkoman® Gluten-Free Tamari Soy Sauce, adding a dash of umami flavor to the traditional sriracha taste. A noteworthy point is that this product is kosher certified, providing another level of dietary consideration for consumers.

Which Tastes Better: Kikkoman Sriracha vs Huy Fong

Taste, as we all know, is subjective. What one person might find delicious, another might not. That being said, both Kikkoman Sriracha and Huy Fong Sriracha have their unique flavor profiles and appeal to different palates.

Kikkoman Sriracha offers a balanced heat level with a hint of sweetness and an added dash of umami flavor thanks to the inclusion of their Tamari Soy Sauce. Those who prefer a mildly spicy sauce with a complex flavor profile may find Kikkoman Sriracha more appealing.

On the other hand, Huy Fong Sriracha provides a fresher, more robust heat due to its use of fresh red jalapeño chili peppers. There’s also a substantial amount of garlic in their recipe, which adds depth and complements the spiciness. If you’re into bold, bright flavors and more prominent heat, then Huy Fong might be your pick.

Which Is Spicer: Kikkoman Sriracha vs Huy Fong

When comparing the spice levels of Kikkoman Sriracha and Huy Fong Sriracha, it’s important to note that personal tolerance to heat can greatly affect one’s perception.

For those who prefer a milder kick, Kikkoman Sriracha might be a better choice. This sauce offers a less aggressive heat level than some other brands, making it suitable for those who like their food spicy but not overwhelmingly so. The blend of chili peppers, alongside the smoothness of soy sauce and hints of garlic, strikes a balance between providing enough heat to satisfy without overpowering the underlying flavors.

However, if you’re someone who loves a strong punch of spiciness, Huy Fong Sriracha may well be your preferred choice. Made with fresh red jalapeño chili peppers and ample amounts of garlic, this sauce is renowned for its robust spiciness. It doesn’t shy away from delivering a strong heat level which lingers on the palate.

So in terms of spiciness, Huy Fong Sriracha would generally be considered the hotter sauce out of the two.

What Are The Different Size Options: Kikkoman Sriracha vs Huy Fong

When you’re a fan of a particular sauce, availability in different sizes can be advantageous. This helps cater to both occasional consumers and those who love to slather their meals with the spicy condiment.

Kikkoman Sriracha is available for purchase in a 10.6-ounce bottle. This size is suitable for those who enjoy the sauce occasionally, or for small households.

On the other hand, Huy Fong Sriracha comes in several different sizes, making it more versatile based on how much you use. It’s available in 9-ounce, 17-ounce, and 28-ounce bottles. In addition to this, Huy Fong offers a handy 9-ounce squeezable bottle for those who like their sriracha on-the-go.

Is It Gluten Free, Halal, Vegan and Whole 360: Kikkoman Sriracha vs Huy Fong

Dietary restrictions can sometimes limit the options available for consumers. However, both Kikkoman and Huy Fong have made strides to make their products more accommodating to various dietary needs.

Kikkoman Sriracha is gluten-free, making it a suitable choice for those with celiac disease or anyone following a gluten-free diet. The sauce is also certified Kosher. However, there is no official word from the company on whether it’s vegan or halal.

On the other hand, Huy Fong Sriracha claims to be gluten-free and safe even for people with celiac disease because it’s crafted without any gluten ingredients and produced in a dedicated factory that ensures things stay gluten-free.

However, when it comes to veganism or vegetarianism, the choice becomes trickier due to the sugar they use in making their Sriracha sauce. Huy Fong uses sugar that’s refined with bone char – a substance made by burning animal bones. For this reason, despite not directly containing any animal products, the process of refining sugar might make it unsuitable for vegans or vegetarians avoiding any form of animal exploitation.

Unfortunately, neither of these sauces currently claim to be halal certified or compatible with Whole 360 diets.