This summer, Huy Fong Foods announced that there would be a shortage of their famous hot chili sauce. The company has gone through this before in 2020 after facing a shortage of ingredients used to make the sriracha sauce. In April 2022, they went through another supply shortage after poor climate conditions damaged their chile pepper supply. The hot sauce provider uses 50,000 tons of chile peppers yearly. Due extreme drought conditions in Mexico, there simply aren’t enough peppers to make the hot sauce.

When did the drought begin?

On January 15, the National Water Commission (CONAGUA) released their reports on the drought in Mexico. Many states recorded over 70% of their municipalities were affected by the dry weather. In March, sixteen states were without water in all their municipalities.

“A large part of the Mexican Republic has moderate to severe drought and mainly the states of the center, west, south, north, and northeast of the country. This moderate drought is characterized by damage to crops and pastures, there is a high risk of forest fires, and there are low level sin rivers, streams, reservoirs, dams, and any other body of water.”

Rafael Trejo, Deputy Manager of Weather Forecasting at the National Water Commission

With the weather phenomenon known as El Nina, residents of areas in extreme drought are hoping for some relief. The drought has lowered bodies of water so drastically that the usually partially submerged church in Chiapas, the Dominican Temple of Quechula, is completely exposed. Folks can easily access the church by simply driving across the once filled lake. The weather has been devastating for the fishing and agriculture industries in Mexico. This results in shortages of materials for everyone who relies on them.

“Unfortunately, we are still experiencing a shortage of raw material. Although some production did resume this past fall season, we continue to have a limited supply that continues to affect our production. At this time, we have no estimations of when supply will increase.”

Huy Fong Customer Service Agent

The effects of the sriracha shortage

Grocery stores are already feeling the effects of the sriracha shortage. Some stores have been sold out for two to three months. Stores that do sell the sauce have had to raise the price significantly. The 28 oz bottle usually costs $5.99 at most, but this year can be purchased for $29.99 in select areas. Even online stores like Amazon are listing the bottle for $47.45. And there’s only twenty bottles left. Jubilee Grocery has raised the price to $900.00.

Stores that are carrying Huy Fong’s chili sauce are putting a limit on how many you can buy. Some restaurants are reporting people stealing the bottles of hot sauce they put out. Other restaurants are using substitute sauces and have commented that customers don’t notice the difference.

If you don’t know how to survive without Huy Fong’s sauce this summer, here’s a few alternatives that will satisfy your taste buds. Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha Hot Sauce replicates Huy Fong’s iconic green tipped bottle but contains a twist on the flavor that has you asking for more. You can fine their sauce in stores or online for $10.99. Badia Chili Hot Sauce is available on Amazon for $6.99. Another alternative is making your own chili sauce. While you may not be able to get a hold of Huy Fong’s chili sauce, there are plenty of other options that are just as delicious.

Thank you so much for reading this article about the current sriracha shortage! If you’d like to read more about trending food topics or find recipes, be sure to subscribe below. Let me know in the comments any alternatives to Huy Fong’s Chili Sauce you recommend!