Lately, whispers of a Huy Fong Sriracha sauce shortage have been spreading like wildfire, causing a bit of a frenzy among its devoted fans. Everyone’s asking the same question: “What’s going on with the sauce?”
Well, buckle up, because in this article, we’re diving into the details of why this beloved sauce is running low on the shelves and what it means for the future.
If Sriracha is your culinary sidekick, you’ll want to read on to get the scoop!
Is Huy Fong Out Of Business?
Huy Fong Foods out of business? Nah, don’t sweat it; they’re still in the game!
But you might’ve heard about that temporary pause on their Sriracha production, and it’s all because those precious chili peppers were playing hard to get.
Mother Nature had a big part in it, causing a “severe shortage of chili” in the areas where they’re grown.
Here’s the good news: they’re back, baby! Well, sort of – limited production has started up again, but we’re still waiting for those peppers to roll in after Labor Day.
In a heartfelt letter back in April, the company even sent out a thanks to their loyal fans for hanging in there.
And, yeah, the Sriracha drought did cause a bit of a frenzy.
People started rationing like it was liquid gold, and some stores jacked up their prices. But don’t be afraid, Huy Fong is definitely on its way back, but just maybe a bit longer than you’re expecting.
When Will Huy Fong Sriracha Be Back In Stock?
Sorry to break it to you, but it’s not as simple as circling a date on the calendar.
You see, the company’s been all optimistic, eyeing Labor Day (that’s September 5, 2023) to get the production rolling again.
But here’s the catch – it all depends on those pesky chili peppers. They’ve gotta be just right, available in all their red-hot glory, and top-notch quality.
If the stars (or should I say peppers?) align, we might be in for a fruitful fall season, dousing our dishes in Sriracha once again.
But don’t go planning your Sriracha-themed party just yet. If those chilies decide to be a no-show or fall short of what’s needed, well, we might be playing the waiting game till next year.
How Many Huy Fong Sriracha Factories Are There?
One factory to rule them all – that’s the story of Huy Fong Foods and their Sriracha sauce. Nestled in Irwindale, California, this lone factory is like the Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory for hot sauce lovers.
Let me paint the picture: a sprawling 23 acres, filled with 26,000 square feet of office space, a whopping 150,000 square feet just for production, and a 480,000-square-foot warehouse. Can you imagine the hustle and bustle going on in there? They can whip up 20 million bottles of that fiery goodness every year. That’s a lot of spice!
And here’s the fun part – they throw open their doors to the public!
Yep, free tours from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., except for those pesky holidays.
You can walk through and see the magic happening, all the way from fresh chili peppers to that iconic red sauce. Oh, and don’t miss the gift shop. You might snag a bottle or two, if you’re lucky.
Huy Fong Sriracha Alternatives
There are many alternatives you can try when you don’t have Huy Fong Sriracha.
First off, if you’re a true sriracha lover, why not check out other brands?
Many of them do a stand-up job with the stuff.
If you want something close to the original Thai version, you could try Sriraja Panich or Sky Valley. Shark Brand, Polar, Kikkoman, Lee Kum Kee, and Flying Goose are also bringing the heat. I mean, who said Huy Fong has a monopoly on spice?
Now, let’s take a little detour into other spicy realms:
Sambal Oelek: This thick and chunky chili paste is like sriracha’s sibling, also made by Huy Fong. It’s a little less sweet, a bit more spicy, and just as delicious. Give it a try, especially if you’re looking to kick the heat up a notch.
Harissa: If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try this North African red pepper paste. With roasted red peppers, garlic, spices, and olive oil, it adds a smoky complexity to dishes. Trust me; it’s a journey you’ll appreciate.
Gochujang: Say hello to Korean cuisine’s spicy superstar! Made from chili powder, glutinous rice, soybeans, and salt, it’s a sweet and savory flavor bomb that might just become your new addiction.
