In recent months, there has been a growing interest in Sriracha sauces from smaller, independent brands due to how unstable the availability of big brands of sriracha are.
One such brand is Uni Eagle Sriracha. But exactly how good is it?
In this article, we will take a closer look at the sauce and determine whether or not it is your time and money.
We will also compare it to other popular Sriracha sauces on the market such as Flying Goose and Huy Fong.
What Is Uni Eagle Sriracha And Where Is It Made?
Uni Eagle Sriracha is a variety of sriracha sauce crafted from sun-ripened chilies married with sugar, garlic, salt, water and vinegar, along with other ingredients that contribute to its signature taste and consistency.
The mastermind behind Uni Eagle Sriracha is Uni-Eagle Foods Co., Ltd. – an eminent entity reigning from Thailand.
The company specializes in creating and exporting a variety of sauces and seasonings from Asia to the rest of the world.
Founded in 1998, Uni-Eagle has dedicated over two decades to perfecting its products while ensuring quality standards.
Testament to their commitment is the range of certifications they hold including ISO 9001:2000, HACCP, GMP and HALAL.
What Are The Ingredients In Uni Eagle Sriracha Sauce?
Uni Eagle Sriracha Sauce has a careful mix of ingredients that each playing their part in creating its distinctive flavor and texture.
Let’s break down the components and see how they all fit together:
- Chilli (56%): Being the primary ingredient, chilli brings the heat and spiciness (as well as color) that Sriracha sauce is known for. At 56%, it ensures that the sauce has a strong chili flavor to add that fiery kick.
- Garlic: Garlic adds depth and a pungent, aromatic flavor that complements the chili. It’s a common ingredient in many Asian sauces, contributing to the complex taste profile.
- Sugar: Sugar is used to balance the heat from the chili, adding sweetness that rounds off the spiciness. It brings a harmonious blend of sweet and hot, creating a more nuanced flavor.
- Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor, making the other ingredients more pronounced. It adds a savory touch that binds all the flavors together.
- Acidity Regulators (E260, E330): These regulators control the pH level of the sauce, maintaining its acidity. They help preserve the sauce’s color, flavor, and texture, providing that tangy note that is often associated with Sriracha. In most sriracha, vinegar is used, but for Uni-Eagle, they’ve opted for these instead.
- Water: Water is used to achieve the desired consistency. It ensures that the sauce isn’t too thick or too thin, allowing it to coat food evenly.
- Preservative (Potassium Sorbate (E202)): Potassium Sorbate helps in preserving the freshness of the sauce, extending its shelf life. This means you can enjoy the sauce over a more extended period without worrying about it going bad.
- Stabiliser (Xanthan gum (E415)): Xanthan gum helps in maintaining the texture of the sauce. It prevents the ingredients from separating, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture throughout.
- Flavor Enhancer (E621): This ingredient is added to heighten the existing flavors in the sauce. It amplifies the taste of the other components, making the sauce even more flavorful.
What Does Uni Eagle Sriracha Taste Like Compared To Original Sriracha?
Uni Eagle Sriracha carves out a distinct place in the flavor spectrum compared to what is often recognized as the original sriracha sauce, a category usually embodied by brands such as Huy Fong or Flying Goose.
While chili is a key player in both formulations, Uni Eagle Sriracha features a reduced chili content.
This difference dials down the spiciness, setting it apart from the original sriracha varieties that pack a more potent punch.
This moderated heat may translate to a taste that some perceive as more muted or gently spicy, contingent on individual flavor preferences.
The restrained spice and noticeable sweetness of Uni Eagle Sriracha have led some to liken it to a spicy ketchup.
On the flip side, original sriracha sauce often waltzes through a more vibrant flavor profile, marked by the usual tangy zing infused with garlic.
Uni Eagle Sriracha Scoville
On the Scoville scale, Uni Eagle Sriracha falls between 1,000 to 2,500 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
Now put that into perspective.
Compared to its counterparts such as Tabasco Sriracha which ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 SHU or Marie Sharp’s Fiery Hot Sauce that kicks it up a notch at 6,775 SHU, we can safely say that Uni Eagle Sriracha brings a low-to-medium level of heat.
What Is Uni Eagle Sriracha Sauce Good For?
Here’s a look at what it can be good for:
- Sriracha Chicken Wings: Add a tangy and spicy kick to your chicken wings by mixing Uni Eagle Sriracha with honey, soy sauce, and lime juice. The result? Crispy, sticky wings that pair perfectly with crunchy celery sticks and a cool blue cheese dip.
- Sriracha Fried Rice: Spice up a classic fried rice dish with a splash of Uni Eagle Sriracha. Mixed with eggs, peas, carrots, scallions, and soy sauce, it elevates the ordinary to extraordinary, adding a hint of heat and zest.
- Sriracha Roasted Cauliflower: Want to make your cauliflower more exciting? Toss it with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Sriracha, then roast until tender and charred. The Sriracha adds a touch of warmth that makes this side dish or snack stand out.
- Sriracha Peanut Sauce: Blend Uni Eagle Sriracha with peanut butter, lime juice, honey, and soy sauce to create a creamy and flavorful dipping sauce. It’s perfect for spring rolls, skewers, or fresh veggies, marrying the rich nuttiness of peanut butter with the mild heat of Sriracha.
- Sriracha Chocolate Truffles: Who said Sriracha is only for savory dishes? Melt dark chocolate with heavy cream, butter, Sriracha, and vanilla extract to create an unexpected and delightful treat. The Sriracha adds a hint of warmth to the chocolate, creating truffles with a surprising and delightful twist.
Uni Eagle Sriracha Nutrition Label
Here is a table showing the nutritional profile of Uni-Eagle Sriracha.
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g serving |
|---|---|
| Energy | 348 kJ or 83 kcal |
| Fat | 1.5g |
| Saturated fat | 0.3g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Dietary fiber | 1.7g |
| Protein | 2.4g |
| Sodium | 4.8g |
From the table above, you can tell that Uni-Eagle Sriracha stands out as a condiment that’s relatively low in calories and fat while being high in fiber.
Yet, it’s worth noting that it does carry a relatively high sodium content.
So, if keeping an eye on your sodium intake is part of your dietary considerations, this aspect of Uni-Eagle Sriracha is something you’ll want to be mindful of.
How Much Does Uni Eagle Sriracha Cost? And Is It Cost Effective?
In the UK, a 430 ml bottle of Uni Eagle Sriracha, is priced around £3.15.
Craving more heat? A 740 ml bottle is yours for just £4.09.
But is it a bargain?
Well, when we stack it up against well-known brands like Flying Goose and Huy Fong, often considered the gold standard in the UK, Uni Eagle Sriracha emerges as a more budget-friendly option.
This appealing price point might just catch the eye of those wanting to spice up their meals without burning a hole in their wallet.
Especially when compared to Huy Fong’s hefty price tag of £25.97 for a 17 oz bottle, Uni Eagle Sriracha’s affordability becomes even more evident.
While its flavor might not be a carbon copy of the other brands, it still delivers a satisfying kick that most heat-seekers will enjoy.
Do take note, though, if you’re someone who seeks that specific Sriracha heat and fragrance, Uni Eagle might come across as slightly milder unless you opt for their super-hot variety.
But for those who enjoy a gentler warmth or aren’t too fussed about exact levels of spiciness, Uni Eagle Sriracha might just be the perfect sauce for you!
