Sriracha and Cholula are two popular hot sauces in the world, and for good reason. Both sauces are delicious, versatile and affordable. But which one is better?
In this article, we’ll compare and contrast Sriracha and Cholula on a number of factors, including:
- Heat level
- Flavor profile
- Consistency
- Versatility
- Price
We’ll also provide our own personal recommendations for which sauce to choose in different situations.
Quick Table Of Comparison
| Feature | Sriracha | Cholula |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Thailand | Mexico |
| Manufacturer | Huy Fong Foods | McCormick & Company |
| Heat level | Hotter | Mild to medium |
| Flavor profile | Garlicky, tangy, and slightly sweet | Smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy |
| Consistency | Thick and creamy | Thin and runny |
| Common uses | Asian-inspired dishes, such as pho, pad thai, and stir-fries | Mexican-inspired dishes, such as tacos, burritos, and enchiladas |
What Is it, Who Founded It, And Where Is The Headquarters Based: Sriracha Vs Cholula
Sriracha is a type of hot sauce or chili sauce that originated from Thailand. Its name is borrowed from the coastal city of Si Racha, where it was first created. The sauce became increasingly popular in the United States thanks to David Tran, a Vietnamese immigrant who started Huy Fong Foods as a small family business in Los Angeles in the early 1980s. Today, Sriracha is made and sold by Huy Fong Foods with its headquarters based in Irwindale, California.
On the other hand, Cholula hot sauce originates from Mexico and is named after the 2,500-year-old city that is recognized as the oldest inhabited city in North America. Unlike Sriracha which has one primary manufacturer, Cholula has been produced by multiple producers over time. Currently, it’s produced by McCormick & Company and their headquarter is located in Stamford Connecticut.
These two famous sauces hail from different corners of the world but have both found a home and popularity amongst food lovers globally. Their distinct origins contribute greatly to their unique flavor profiles which we will delve into next.
What Does It Contain: Sriracha Vs Cholula Original
One of the key factors that contribute to the unique taste and consistency of any hot sauce is its list of ingredients.
Sriracha is made using red jalapeño peppers, which brings a moderate level of spiciness to the sauce. In addition to this, it contains sugar and garlic, which contribute to its slightly sweet, garlicky flavor. The sauce also contains distilled vinegar, which adds a tangy twist that complements the sweetness and heat in Sriracha.
On the other hand, Cholula Original derives its characteristic taste from arbol and piquin peppers—two pepper varieties well-known in Mexican cuisine for their robust flavor. Unlike Sriracha, Cholula does not contain garlic or sugar. Instead, it sports a blend of spirit vinegar and cider vinegar that gives it a unique tanginess.
These components form the very heart and soul of both sauces and play a crucial role in determining not just their distinct flavors but also how they interact with various dishes.
How Many Varieties Of Products Does Cholula Offer?
While Sriracha mainly sticks to its original flavor, Cholula pride itself on offering a range of different flavors to cater to a variety of taste buds.
The Cholula lineup includes:
| Cholula Sauce | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Original | Piquin peppers, arbol peppers, vinegar, water, salt, spices |
| Chili Garlic | Piquin peppers, arbol peppers, vinegar, water, salt, spices, garlic |
| Chipotle | Piquin peppers, arbol peppers, vinegar, water, salt, spices, chipotle peppers |
| Green Pepper | Piquin peppers, arbol peppers, vinegar, water, salt, spices, green jalapeño peppers |
| Sweet Habanero | Piquin peppers, arbol peppers, vinegar, water, salt, spices, habanero peppers, sugar |
| Smoked | Piquin peppers, arbol peppers, vinegar, water, salt, spices, smoked jalapeño peppers |
| Chili Lime | Piquin peppers, arbol peppers, vinegar, water, salt, spices, lime juice |
| Chamoy | Piquin peppers, arbol peppers, vinegar, water, salt, spices, dried apricots, hibiscus flowers |
| XX Hot | Piquin peppers, arbol peppers, vinegar, water, salt, spices, ghost peppers, habanero peppers |
This wide array of options makes Cholula hot sauce versatile in its usage and allows it to cater to individual preferences more than Sriracha does. Whether you’re whipping up Mexican dishes or simply want to add some flavor to your pizza, there’s a Cholula variety available for you!
Which Tastes Better: Sriracha Vs Cholula Original
Taste is highly subjective and largely depends on individual preferences. However, there are certain flavor profiles that characterise each of these sauces.
Sriracha has a bright, garlicky flavor and a hint of sweetness from the sugar, which nicely complements its moderate heat. The end result is a deep, intensely savory, and spicy sauce that adds both heat and complexity to dishes. This balance makes it popular among those who enjoy Asian cuisine or prefer a mix of sweet and spicy in their food.
Cholula Original, in contrast, offers a deeper, somewhat smoky flavor due to the arbol and piquin peppers used in its making. The addition of spirit vinegar and cider vinegar provides an appealing tanginess that pairs well with the mellow heat of the sauce. Cholula is often described as having a complex flavor that enhances rather than overshadows the taste of food it’s paired with.
In terms of popularity, while Sriracha’s distinctive taste has made it a staple in many kitchens worldwide, Cholula’s well-rounded flavors allow it to pair seamlessly with a wide range of dishes—especially Mexican cuisine—and be welcomed by various palates. Therefore, your preference between Sriracha or Cholula will likely lie in your personal flavor preferences and the particular dishes you’re looking to enhance.
Which Is Spicer: Sriracha Vs Cholula Original
When comparing spiciness, it’s important to note that the heat level of a sauce is typically measured using the Scoville scale. This measures the concentration of capsaicin, the chemical compound that gives chili peppers their characteristic heat.
Sriracha, made from red jalapeño peppers, usually ranges between 1000-2500 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Its spiciness can be described as moderate – noticeable but not overpowering. This allows other flavors in Sriracha, like its sweetness and tanginess, to shine through.
On the other hand, Cholula Original has a similar range but tends to lean towards the milder end, with its SHU often falling between 1000-2000. Arbol and piquin peppers used in Cholula offer a mellower heat profile compared to jalapenos used in Sriracha.
While both sauces deliver evident heat, Sriracha generally comes across as slightly spicier than Cholula Original. If you’re sensitive to spice or prefer a milder kick in your food, Cholula would be an excellent choice. However, if you favor more pronounced heat with your meals then Sriracha might fit your palate better.
What Are The Different Size Options: Sriracha Vs Cholula Original
Both Sriracha and Cholula offer a variety of bottle sizes, catering to different consumption needs.
Sriracha is typically available in three main sizes: 9 oz, 17 oz, and 28 oz. This allows you to choose based on how frequently you use the sauce or the number of spice lovers in your household.
On the contrary, Cholula Original offers an even wider variety of bottle sizes. You can get it in mini packets for single-use or travel purposes. For regular home usage, it’s available in bottles of 0.75 fl oz, 2 fl oz, and 5 fl oz. And for those who can’t get enough of the hot sauce, larger sizes like 12 fl oz and 64 fl oz are also available.
The availability of various package sizes offers flexibility for consumers based on their usage patterns and preferences.
Which Is More Cost Effective: Sriracha Vs Cholula Original
Evaluating cost-effectiveness isn’t just about comparing price tags. It also involves considering factors like flavor strength, versatility, and serving size.
On a general note, Sriracha tends to be less expensive than Cholula Original. However, keep in mind that Sriracha’s potent flavor means a little goes a long way. So even a smaller bottle can last for quite some time, especially if you’re using it sparingly.
Cholula Original, while often priced higher, delivers a more complex flavor profile and offers more variety in terms of flavors and bottle sizes. This makes it an excellent choice for those who value flavor variation and want to experiment with different heat levels and tastes.
While cost is an essential factor to consider, remember that the best value often lies in choosing a sauce that you enjoy most. After all, the ultimate goal is to enhance your meals and elevate your culinary experience!
Is It Gluten Free, Halal, Vegan and Whole 30: Sriracha Vs Cholula Original
For individuals following specific dietary restrictions or preferences, it’s always important to check if your favorite hot sauce fits the bill.
Both Sriracha and Cholula Original can proudly claim to be gluten-free which makes them a safe choice for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
As for being vegan-friendly, only Cholula seems to qualify since it doesn’t contain any animal products or by-products, making it suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle. As for huy fong, there’s a bit of controversy.
In terms of Halal certification, Huy Fong Foods has confirmed that their Sriracha sauce is made with 100% halal ingredients. However, they do not have official Halal certification. On the other hand, it appears that Cholula does not have an official Halal certification either.
When it comes to complying with the Whole30 program – a diet plan that eliminates sugar, dairy, legumes and grains – only one of these sauces fits the guidelines. Since Sriracha contains sugar, it does not comply with Whole30 dietary restrictions. Cholula Original is free from added sugars thus falls within Whole30 guidelines.
To sum up, while they are similar in many respects in terms of dietary requirements and restrictions, there are slight differences between Sriracha and Cholula Original that could influence your decision depending on your personal dietary preferences.
