Sriracha sauce, a type of hot sauce that originated from Thailand, is well-known across the globe for its unique combination of spiciness, sweetness, and tanginess.
While there are numerous brands producing this popular sauce, two of the most notable companies are Ox Brand Sriracha and Huy Fong.
Both brands have garnered a considerable following among hot sauce enthusiasts due to their distinct flavors and ingredients.
This article will explore both brands in depth, comparing their origins, ingredients, spice levels, size options, cost-effectiveness, and dietary considerations like gluten-free or vegan status.
What Is it, Who Founded It, And Where Is The Headquarters Based: Ox Brand Sriracha vs Huy Fong
Ox Brand Sriracha is a brand of hot sauce that originates from Thailand.
This Thai Sriracha sauce is known for its thick and smooth consistency and a balance between moderate spice, tanginess, and sweetness — what the Asians call the real and authentic sriracha.
The company that produces the sauce is Penta Impex Co., Ltd (www.pentaimpex.com) with headquarters in Bangkok,Thailand, and they adher to the traditional recipes and methods of the region.
On the other hand, Huy Fong is probably the most recognized sriracha sauce worldwide.
Founded by David Tran in 1980, this Vietnamese-American hot chili sauce brand is based in Irwindale, California.
The name “Huy Fong” comes from the Panamanian freighter that Tran used to immigrate to the United States.
This sriracha sauce offers a unique blend of spiciness and garlic-infused flavor that has become almost synonymous with the term “sriracha” in many parts of the world.
Compared to the ox brand variety however, many Asians dont think this brand levels up quite well as it hits you with the heat upfront instead of gradually releasing it.
What Does It Contain: Ox Brand Sriracha vs Huy Fong
When it comes to ingredients, both Ox Brand Sriracha and Huy Fong use a similar base but differ in certain aspects that contribute to their unique flavors and consistencies.
Ox Brand Sriracha’s primary ingredients include chili, water, sugar, and garlic. It also contains salt, modified tapioca starch, an acidity regulator (acetic acid), paprika extract, and preservatives (sodium benzoate and sodium metabisulphite). These additional elements contribute to the sauce’s thick consistency and a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
On the other hand, Huy Fong’s sriracha sauce consists of chili, sugar, salt, garlic, distilled vinegar, potassium sorbate, sodium bisulfite as preservatives, and xanthan gum. The inclusion of distilled vinegar gives Huy Fong’s sriracha a tangier profile compared to Ox Brand Sriracha.
These ingredients’ combinations result in distinct tastes for each brand – Ox Brand being milder and sweeter while Huy Fong offers a stronger heat with a pronounced garlicky flavor.
How Many Varieties Of Sriracha Sauce Does Ox Brand sriracha Offer?
Unlike some other hot sauce brands that offer a range of different flavors and heat levels, Ox Brand focuses on perfecting a single product – its signature Sriracha sauce. This focus allows the company to ensure consistent quality and taste across all its products.
Which Is Spicer: Ox Brand Sriracha vs Huy Fong
The spice level of a hot sauce is often measured by Scoville heat units (SHU), which determine the concentration of capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spicy sensation.
Ox Brand Sriracha is estimated to have a Scoville rating ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 SHU. This range suggests a milder heat level compared to other hot sauces in the market. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a less intense but flavorful kick.
On the other hand, Huy Fong’s Sriracha Sauce packs more heat with its higher Scoville rating. While the exact SHU rating for Huy Fong’s sriracha isn’t explicitly stated by the company, it is generally perceived as spicier than Ox Brand Sriracha by consumers. It delivers a robust punch that spicy food lovers appreciate.
So if you prefer a stronger, more fiery hot sauce, Huy Fong’s Sriracha Sauce might be your go-to. However, if you’re someone who enjoys milder heat and a sweeter profile, Ox Brand Sriracha would be an ideal choice.
What Are The Different Size Options: Ox Brand Sriracha vs Huy Fong
Both Ox Brand and Huy Fong offer their sriracha sauces in various size options to cater to different consumer needs.
Ox Brand Sriracha is typically available in a standard 18.25 oz (515g) bottle. This size is convenient for home use, providing a substantial amount of sauce that should last a while, even with frequent usage.
On the other hand, Huy Fong’s Sriracha Sauce offers more variety in terms of packaging sizes. The most common sizes are the 17 oz and 28 oz bottles, but you can also find it available in larger gallon-sized containers or smaller 9 oz bottles. This wide range of size options makes Huy Fong’s Sriracha Sauce suitable for various uses, from individual households to large restaurants or food service operations.
The availability of different sizes allows consumers to choose based on their level of consumption and storage capacity, making both brands flexible for various types of users.
Which Is More Cost Effective: Ox Brand Sriracha vs Huy Fong
When comparing the cost-effectiveness of Ox Brand Sriracha and Huy Fong, the price can vary widely depending on factors such as location, retailer, and bottle size among others.
Generally, a 29.25 oz (828g) bottle of Ox Brand Sriracha costs anywhere from $3.99 to $8.99. This makes it quite affordable, especially considering the high quality and well-balanced flavor of the sauce.
Huy Fong’s sriracha sauce, being a more recognized brand especially in the United States, may command slightly higher prices compared to Ox Brand. The price for a 17 oz bottle can range from around $3 up to $5 or more.
While Huy Fong’s unit price may be higher than that of Ox Brand due to its brand recognition and widespread availability, both sauces provide good value for money given their distinctive flavors and uses in enhancing dishes.
It’s important to note that individual preferences for flavor profile should also be a considerable factor when choosing between these two brands. Value is not only about cost but also about satisfaction derived from taste and overall experience.
Is It Gluten Free, Halal, Vegan and Whole 360: Ox Brand Sriracha vs Huy Fong
When it comes to dietary considerations, both Ox Brand Sriracha and Huy Fong have attributes that cater to different dietary needs.
Ox Brand Sriracha is gluten-free, which makes it suitable for those with celiac disease or a sensitivity to gluten. It is also vegan certified. However, the company has not officially stated whether its product meets Halal or Whole 360 guidelines. If these aspects are crucial for your diet, it’s recommended to reach out directly to the manufacturer or check the product package for any certification logos.
On the other hand, Huy Fong’s sriracha sauce is also gluten-free but not entirely vegan friendly, making it unsuitable for a vegan diet. Similar to Ox Brand Sriracha though, no specific declarations regarding Halal or Whole 360 compliance are provided by Huy Fong on their official website or product packaging at this time.
For those who strictly adhere to dietary guidelines like Halal, or Whole 360; while there aren’t explicit certifications from either brand at present; their simple ingredient lists suggest potential compatibility. Always remember to check the most recent product information or contact the manufacturer directly if you have particular dietary requirements.
