A hot sauce shortage is upon us. Huy Fong Foods, makers of the popular rooster bottle Sriracha, just announced they're halting production until September due to a jalapeño snafu.
Pour one out for your spicy ramen and bao buns because we're about to see a Sriracha sauce shortage till the end of Summer! According to the New York Times, OG Sriracha sauce maker Huy Fong cited an issue with this year's jalapeño crop being too green, which impacts the signature red color of their sauce. No red peppers means no spicy Sriracha nirvana until the next jalapeño harvest after Labor Day! This isn't the first time Sriracha stans have faced a sauce drought. The company has been plagued by issues stemming from climate change, supplier disputes, and supply chain problems back to 2017. We're true-blue rooster-sauce fans here so what are we gonna do without our favorite crimson condiment?
While you panic-buy every bottle on the shelves, there are some Sriracha alternatives to tide you over. Texas Pete makes a Sriracha of their own, or you can grab a bottle of Tabasco's version. There are several substitute options in the short term, but they come up short of that slightly sweet, smoky, tangy original Sriracha sauce signature flavor. Looooong siiiiigh. If you're looking for that deep flavor and heat, try Indonesian sambal or Korean gochujang.
The shortage will be temporary so don't cry for Huy Fong yet. Come the end of the summer you should be able to find your favorite sauce at your local retailers again. We're crossing our fingers.