BAUCE BROTHERS PRESENTS

SAUCE AWARDS

Welcome to the 2024, Sauce Awards keep scrolling to discover the Bauce Brothers picks of the Top 25 hot sauces we tried this year.

AWARDS TIMELINE

ENTRIES

This year, we recieved hundreds of hot sauces, and narrowing them down to just 25 for our judges to sample was no easy task. Each year, we're blown away by the creativity from the makers—whether it's a clever twist on a classic or something entirely new, they never fail to surprise us.

JUDGES

On Sunday, 13th October, we'll be joined by five special guest judges. Each judge will be tasked with ranking five hot sauces based on three key features that we believe make a standout sauce: heat balance, flavour, and artwork. They'll rate each one from 1 to 5 in these categories.

winners

The winners from each category will be featured in a Sauce Awards winners' box on our website, immortalised in hot sauce history with limited edition fact cards. They’ll also secure a lasting place in the hearts of sauce fiends everywhere, with bragging rights to match.

WILD CARD

Sriracha Caramel by Chimac

Chimac’s Sriracha Caramel is here to blow your mind! This isn’t your typical condiment; it’s a magical fusion of sweet caramel, fresh garlic, and spicy Sriracha that’s perfect for elevating any dish. The combination of rich caramel sweetness with the kick of Sriracha creates a flavor explosion that’s both addictive and totally distinctive.

This sauce shines on Korean fried chicken, but don’t stop there! It’s fantastic drizzled over pancakes for a sweet-and-spicy breakfast twist, used as a marinade for pork or bacon, or even sipped straight from the bottle (we won’t judge!). Plus, it’s vegan and plant-based, making it a guilt-free treat for everyone.

Pair with: Korean fried chicken, pancakes, marinated meats, or as a fun dipping sauce for snacks.

Hot Curry Ketchup by Singularity

Singularity nailed it with Hot Curry Ketchup, and it was worth the wait! After years of tweaking, they brought in some insider knowledge from a family friend to get the onions, garam masala, and cooking techniques just right. The result? A warm, flavorful curry ketchup with a little heat, a touch of sweetness from date syrup, and a lovely hum from nigella seeds.

This sauce is pure comfort in a bottle. It’s perfect for satisfying those late-night curry cravings and goes hard on anything potato or bread-related. They knew 150ml wasn’t going to cut it, so they packed it in a 250ml bottle—and trust me, you'll need every drop.

Pair with: Fries, Glizzys, samosas, or slather it on naan or a sandwich for an instant flavor boost.

Pickle Juice Buffalo Sauce by Heriot Hott

Pickle Juice Buffalo Sauce by Heriot Hott

Heriot Hott’s Pickle Juice Buffalo Sauce takes your classic buffalo sauce and gives it a tasty twist! By replacing vinegar with zesty pickle juice, they’ve created a sauce that’s not just spicy but also packs a tangy punch that’ll make your taste buds dance. It’s the same great buffalo flavor you love, but with that extra pickle flair that makes it all the more addictive.

This sauce is a total crowd-pleaser and perfect for spicing up just about anything. Toss it on wings for a tangy kick, drizzle it over fries This should be a staple at yo table.

Pair with: Chicken wings, fries, burgers, or as a fun dip for veggies and snacks.

Rhubarb & Ginger Sweet Chilli Sauce by DevilDog Sauces

DevilDog Sauces has put a fun spin on a classic with their Rhubarb & Ginger Sweet Chilli Sauce! This isn’t just your average Thai sweet chilli sauce; the addition of tart rhubarb and zesty ginger gives it a unique flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more. It’s not the spiciest sauce in their lineup, but the delicious flavor combination makes it a standout and a best-seller both online and at the markets.

This sauce is super versatile and can elevate a wide range of dishes. It’s perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken, dipping spring rolls, or even mixing into a salad dressing. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a hit!

Pair with: Grilled chicken, spring rolls, fish, or drizzled over salads. It’s a great addition to any meal!

Fear Garden by Emerald Ire

Fear Garden by Emerald Ire
This sauce is nothing short of liquid gold! Imagine it’s golden hour in your favorite beer garden, surrounded by good vibes, great friends, and ice-cold pints. This sauce captures that perfect summer experience with every drop. Made with premium Irish IPA, it kicks off with the juicy sweetness of stone fruits like nectarine and peach, followed by a warm heat from golden habaneros. Basil and garlic tie everything together for a flavor that’s fresh and vibrant.

This seasonal gem is all about celebrating summer, making it the perfect partner for those warm nights and hot pizza from the corner pub. Whether you’re drizzling it on your food or mixing it into a summer cocktail, it’s a delightful addition to your table.

Pair with: Pizza, grilled meats, summer salads, or even as a zesty addition to cocktails. It’s the taste of summer in a bottle!

special guest judge (wild card)

Sophie Wyburd is a recipe developer and presenter. Formerly Food Lead at Mob, Sophie recently embarked on her freelance career, and you'll find her cooking at a variety of pop-ups, sharing deliciously hearty recipes on her social media and co-presenting I'll Have What She's Having, a podcast on food, wine and everything in-between.

Sophie's approach to cooking is rooted in comfort, simplicity and sharing. She is known for championing fridge raid dinners and store-cupboard ingredients, perfectly in tune with the appetite to cook more sustainably (and to a budget).

CALIENTE

Jim REAPER by Haskhells

Get ready to meet your new favorite sauce: Jim REAPER by Haskhells! This fiery creation is a collaboration with DJ Jimi Needles and features the finest black garlic, zesty sumac, and rich Brazilian coffee from Lost Horizon. The Carolina Reaper chillies bring the heat, but don’t be fooled—this sauce is packed with flavor, too!

With Turkish and Cypriot vibes, it’s the perfect companion for kebabs, gyros, or anything sizzling on the BBQ. Plus, it’s a sauce that does good: for every bottle sold, Haskhells donates £1 to Fareshare Southwest, a fantastic food redistribution charity.

So, if you’re looking to spice things up while supporting a great cause, grab a bottle of Jim REAPER and let the flavor journey begin!

Pair with: Kebabs, gyros, BBQ meats, or even drizzled on roasted veggies for an extra kick. It’s a delicious way to give back!

Carolina Reaper Hot Stuff (Banana Ketchup) by Mr Vikkis

Get ready to spice up your life with Carolina Reaper Hot Stuff (Banana Ketchup) by Mr Vikkis! This isn’t your average ketchup; it’s a delightful Filipino twist inspired by the creator’s wife, who wanted to bring a taste of home to the table. With the fiery Carolina Reaper chillies, this banana ketchup delivers a sweet, spicy kick that’s absolutely delicious!

It's a unique blend that captures the essence of the Philippines, combining that classic banana flavor with the intense heat of the Reaper. Whether you’re using it as a dip, a marinade, or just pouring it over your favorite dishes, it’s sure to bring the flavor and the heat!

Pair with: Fried foods, grilled meats, rice dishes, or as a zesty dip for spring rolls. This sauce is a fun and fiery addition to any meal!

Belfast Banshee by Little Flame Hot Sauces

Prepare yourself for a warm slap in the face with Belfast Banshee from Little Flame Hot Sauces! This fiery vixen features a hefty 30% ghost pepper, delivering a serious kick that heat seekers will love. But it’s not just about the heat; this sauce shines thanks to flame-blackened, slow-roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and confit garlic, creating a fantastic balance of sweet, savory, and spicy.

With its layered flavors, Belfast Banshee is super versatile, making it perfect for cooking or as a table sauce for those who can handle the heat. It’s great on everything from tacos to grilled meats, or even drizzled over pizza for an extra zing.

Pair with: Tacos, grilled meats, pizza, or use it as a spicy addition to soups and stews. Get ready to embrace the heat!

Antidote by Dorset Chilli Shop

Meet Antidote, the award-winning hot sauce from Dorset Chilli Shop that’s sure to light up your taste buds! This powerhouse blend features Carolina Reaper and Scorpion chillies, delivering an intense and flavorful experience. But don’t worry—these superhots are nicely balanced by roasted red peppers, which mellow the heat just enough to let the flavors shine through.

With a mix of onions, garlic, and North African spices, every drop of Antidote packs a punch without sacrificing taste. It’s the kind of sauce that’ll have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds) while you savor that spicy goodness.

Pair with: Tacos, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a zesty addition to soups and stews. This sauce is a must-have for anyone looking to add some serious flavor to their meals!

Scorpion by South Devon Chilli Farm

Get ready to unleash the beast with Scorpion by South Devon Chilli Farm! This spicy sauce cranks the heat up to eleven, featuring a whopping 60% fresh scorpion chillies. Crafted through a fermentation process, it’s rich in flavor and packs a serious punch, making it perfect for those who live for the thrill of heat.

This wing sauce is not for the faint-hearted—only the bravest of the brave need apply! With just three ingredients—fresh scorpion chillies, spirit vinegar, and salt—this sauce is all about showcasing that fiery goodness without any frills.

Pair with: Wings, grilled meats, or as a daring drizzle on pizza and tacos. If you’re ready for a wild ride, Scorpion is the sauce for you!

SPECIAL GUEST JUDGE (CALIENTE)

Since commencing his music journey some 15 years ago, Grim Sickers, born Paul Dowman, has become one of the most revered rappers to come out of the UK. 

Through a relentless commitment to his craft, the Birmingham-based artist has achieved a monumental level of commercial success across genres. Tracks such as “Kane” and “Open The Till” will forever be etched in the Grime history books, but it is Sickers’ commanding presence in 140 that sees him travelling the world as a genre-leading vocalist.

Beyond the music, Grim Sickers is known for his larger-than-life TikTok presence, accumulating millions of views and frequently going viral with his content. Recent high-profile placements, such as voicing Oscar The Tiger in the Fortnite video game, have demonstrated Sickers’ creativity and set the pace for the next chapter in the Grim Sickers’ story.

FERMENT

Miso Naga by Lazy Scientist

Miso Naga by Lazy Scientist
Prepare your taste buds for a flavor adventure with Miso Naga by Lazy Scientist! This sauce is an umami bomb that packs a serious punch. The combination of fermented red chillies, Aka miso, sesame, and nori seaweed creates a rich and complex flavor profile that’s perfect for enhancing any Asian dish.

But don’t stop there! Drizzle it over your next batch of chicken wings, and you’ll be blasted into the stratosphere by the fiery kick from those big-hitting naga chillies. It's a fantastic way to elevate your meals and add a unique twist to your favorites.

Pair with: Chicken wings, stir-fries, sushi, or as a dipping sauce for spring rolls. This sauce is a must-have for anyone looking to amp up their umami game!

Fermented Hot Sauce by Spenglers

Get ready to meet your new go-to condiment: Fermented Hot Sauce by Spenglers! This sauce is a celebration of flavor and health, made with the finest Scotch Bonnet chillies and a medley of fresh vegetables. The fermentation process not only adds depth to the flavor but also packs in probiotics, making it a tasty and gut-friendly choice.

What sets this sauce apart is its natural preservation—no vinegars or additives here, just pure, unadulterated goodness. Whether you’re drizzling it over your favorite dish or using it as a marinade, this hot sauce brings a vibrant kick without sacrificing quality.

Pair with: Tacos, grilled meats, eggs, or as a zesty addition to soups and stews.

Birds Eye Shatta by Fil

Say hello to Birds Eye Shatta by Fil, the upgraded twist on your traditional shatta! This original recipe is packed with the fiery punch of bird’s eye chilies, delivering a perfect balance of subtle sweetness, medium spiciness, and fresh flavors. It’s the kind of sauce that enhances everything it touches without overwhelming your taste buds.

Whether you’re drizzling it over eggs, slapping it on pizza, stirring it into tomato pasta, or tossing it into Asian curries, Birds Eye Shatta is a versatile companion that complements any dish beautifully.

Pair with: Eggs, pizza, pasta, or in your favorite Asian curries. This sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Louisiana Seoul by Little Flame Hot Sauces

Get ready for a flavor fusion with Louisiana Seoul by Little Flame Hot Sauces! This unique sauce combines the best of both worlds: homemade kimchi and a classic Louisiana-style hot sauce. The result? A double fermented masterpiece that’s bursting with tangy goodness and a kick of heat.

The rich, tangy flavor from the kimchi adds an extra layer of complexity to the sauce, making it a perfect companion for all sorts of dishes. Whether you’re looking to spice up your fried chicken or give a boost to your ramen, Louisiana Seoul brings a delightful twist that will keep you coming back for more.

Pair with: Fried chicken, ramen, grilled meats, or as a zesty topping for tacos. This sauce is a must-try for anyone looking to mix things up in the kitchen!

Gold Lion Sriracha by Easton Chilli

This sauce fucking slaps! The sauce features fruity yellow habaneros that are expertly fermented with garlic and whole lemons, creating a funky, zesty flavor that’s out of this world. With a sprinkle of Sichuan peppercorns thrown in for good measure, it delivers a delightful tingle alongside the searing heat.

This vibrant sriracha is incredibly versatile and adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Whether you’re drizzling it over noodles, tossing it in stir-fries, or slathering it on your favorite BBQ, Gold Lion Sriracha will elevate your meals to new heights!

Pair with: Noodles, stir-fries, BBQ meats, or as a zesty kick for dips. This sauce is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

special guest judges (ferment)

Founded by chef Ben Lippett and designer Jamie Kaye, the idea for Dr. Sting’s Hot Honey started in Brooklyn, New York. Ben tasted it all over the city and got hooked real quick. He started experimenting a few years later and showed his pal Jamie. He got hooked real quick too. They hatched a plan, drew a picture of a cartoon bee, and Dr. Sting’s was born. Dr. Sting’s is a no-bullshit hot honey. No chilli extracts, no added sugar, no stabilisers or thickeners. Just 100% blossom honey, organic chillies, and high-quality apple cider vinegar. Our honey is different; it’s got a proper sting. Every bottle is small batch brewed, filtered, filled, and sealed by hand in SE London. All delivered nationwide.

COLLAB

Fermented Sriracha Honey by Easton Chilli

Easton Chilli’s Fermented Sriracha Honey is the perfect mashup of sweet and heat. It starts with some top-notch wildflower honey from Somerset’s Summer 2024 batch, which is then fermented with bird's eye chillies and garlic for a month. The result? A flavor explosion that’s sweet, a little funky, with just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.

This sauce is a game-changer for just about anything. Drizzle it over pizza for that sweet-spicy combo, add a kick to your salad, or, if you’re feeling bold, pour it over vanilla ice cream. Trust me, it works!

Pair with: Pizza, salads, vanilla ice cream, grilled veggies, or even cheese boards.

Feel the Burn by Lazy Scientist

Lazy Scientist isn’t messing around with Feel the Burn. This sauce is like a spicy science experiment gone wild, created with Newfoundland Diagnostics to mimic that "ouch" sensation of a UTI (yep, you read that right). They’ve packed scotch bonnets, naga, and Carolina reapers into this bottle, so the burn hits hard and sticks around. But don't worry—there’s a twist. Star anise, cranberry, and pomegranate sneak in to give you a little sweetness when you least expect it.

This one's for the heat seekers out there. Throw it on wings, spice up your burger, or kick up the heat in a marinade. Just be ready for the burn!

Pair with: Wings, burgers, tacos, or mixed into marinades for that extra fire.

'Stevie, Please Mix Me' Mojito Sour Chilli Sauce by DevilDog Sauces

DevilDog Sauces brings the party with 'Stevie, Please Mix Me' Mojito Sour Chilli Sauce. This one’s all about capturing that classic mojito vibe—zesty lime, fresh mint, and just the right amount of sour, thanks to the addition of a sour beer base. It’s bright, refreshing, and finished with a gentle tickle of chilli heat that won’t knock you out but will keep you coming back for more.

This sauce is perfect for adding a fun, tangy twist to anything you want to liven up. Splash it on grilled fish, tacos, or use it as a funky dip. It’s basically summer in a bottle!

Pair with: Grilled fish, shrimp tacos, salads, or as a zesty dip for chips.

Fermented Hot Sauce by Third Culture

Third Culture’s Fermented Hot Sauce is a flavor bomb that takes its time—fermented for over 6 months in collaboration with Kimchi Radish, this sauce is all about depth. Fresh chillies bring the heat, while smoked beetroot and smoked red peppers add an earthy, sweet, and smoky twist. The long fermentation process gives it that tangy, funky punch you’d expect from something that’s been patiently brewing to perfection.

This sauce is great for adding some serious flavor to whatever you’re cooking up. Toss it on roasted veggies, mix it into marinades, or just splash it on your eggs for an instant upgrade.

Pair with: Roasted veggies, grilled meats, eggs, or mixed into sauces and marinades for extra depth.

Fuego De Cerveza by Singularity Sauce

Singularity’s Fuego De Cerveza is like the "Breaking Bad" of hot sauces—bold, unpredictable, and totally addictive. Created with Fierce Beer to pair perfectly with their Cerveza Lager, this sauce takes inspiration from classic Mexican chamoy but cranks it up a notch. Furious amounts of yellow habaneros bring the heat, balanced by sweet agave nectar, tangy lime juice, and a punch of salt. The twist? They threw in Mexican oregano and their secret weapon: a malic acid solution that adds a unique sour kick.

It’s a wild ride of flavors—spicy, sweet, salty, and sour all in one—and it’s perfect for adding a fun twist to anything you’re eating (especially if there’s beer involved).

Pair with: Tacos, nachos, grilled chicken, or as a spicy-sour dip for chips. Perfect with an ice-cold lager!

SPECIAL GUEST JUDGE (collab)

Charles Brafman is the co-founder of &Dine; an online food marketplace connecting passionate makers and independent food businesses with customers by delivering authentic (and delicious) handmade food.

Their mission is to encourage people to start their own food business and enhance creativity and community throughout their platform.

CLASSICO

Playboy Piri Piro by Top Shelf Sauces

Meet Playboy Piri Piro, your new go-to all-purpose Piri Piri table sauce from Top Shelf Sauces! This classic sauce is bursting with flavor and is perfect for drizzling, dipping, or marinating. With its vibrant blend of spices and zesty notes, it’s designed to complement just about any dish you throw its way.

Whether you're livening up grilled chicken, adding a kick to roasted vegetables, or giving your fries a spicy makeover, Playboy Piri Piro brings that signature Piri Piri flair that everyone loves. It’s versatile, delicious, and ready to take your meals from ordinary to extraordinary!

Pair with: Grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, fries, or as a dip for snacks. This sauce is a must-have for flavor lovers!

Original Habanero Hot Sauce by Masa Tortillas

Get ready to spice things up with Original Habanero Hot Sauce by Masa Tortillas! This versatile sauce is the second addition to their lineup and strikes the perfect balance between heat and flavor. With fruity habanero heat, a mellow carrot base, and a zesty squeeze of lime, it’s a flavor experience that’s hard to resist.

Once you crack this bottle open, it’ll quickly make itself at home on your dining table. Start with tacos and quesadillas, and before you know it, you’ll be drenching everything from mac & cheese to pizza in this delicious sauce. It’s the kind of hot sauce that turns ordinary meals into flavor-packed adventures!

Pair with: Tacos, quesadillas, mac & cheese, or pizza. This sauce is a must-have for anyone looking to add some serious zest to their meals!

Buffalo by Thiccc Sauce

Deepthroat some of that good Buffalo by Thiccc Sauce! This sauce brings you straight-up Louisiana-style Buffalo hot sauce, delivering a tangy and spicy punch that’s sure to elevate your meals. It’s the perfect companion for wings, ribs, or even as the ultimate dipping sauce for a meaty sandwich!

Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving something delicious, Buffalo sauce is here to make your taste buds dance. So grab your favorite snacks, pour on the heat, and get dunkin’—this sauce is all about that flavorful fun!

Pair with: Wings, ribs, sandwiches, or as a zesty addition to burgers. It’s a must-have for spice lovers looking to kick things up a notch!

Hot Sauce by Bella Pepper

Introducing Hot Sauce by Bella Pepper, inspired by the vibrant spirit of Portobello Road, affectionately known as "Bella" to generations of locals! This fruity Scotch bonnet sauce is irresistibly moreish and complements just about anything you throw at it. And hey, even Paul Weller is a fan!

With a clean ingredient list featuring tomatoes, Scotch bonnets, organic apple cider vinegar, onions, lime, salt, and rapeseed oil, you can trust there’s nothing nasty added. This means that while the consistency might vary from batch to batch and some separation is normal, you’re getting a genuine, delicious sauce every time.

Pair with: Tacos, grilled meats, eggs, or even drizzled over salads. It’s a versatile companion that adds a fruity kick to all your favorite dishes!

Easton Chilli by Sunray

Get ready to turn up the heat with Easton Chilli by Sunray! This sauce is all about being extra hot, fresh, and fruity without leaning on garlic, vinegar, or sugar for flavor. Instead, it features deliciously zesty kumquats, which are used whole to create a unique citrus punch.

Paired with fresh yellow habaneros and Scotch bonnets, this bright and fiery hot sauce balances those bold flavors with a splash of lime juice and just a touch of vinegar. The result? A vibrant sauce that’s perfect for those who crave a kick without compromising on taste.

Pair with: Grilled chicken, seafood, tacos, or even as a zesty drizzle over salads. Easton Chilli is sure to add a fresh burst of flavor to all your favorite dishes!

special guest judges (ralphs pj)

Meet Ben & Kingsley two thirds of the power house Ralph's Pepper Jelly

Their trio of mates turned their friendship into a jar of pure flavour. From university meetups to serving up street eats, their bond grew stronger through a shared love of bold, tantalizing tastes.

At Ralph’s, their pepper jelly isn't just a condiment; it’s a flavour-packed tribute to their friendship. Every jar captures the essence of their adventures and flavour-filled quests.

Videos from last year