![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/instacart-hot-sauce.jpg\" "\\"Spicy")
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masa44 \/\/ Shutterstock<\/p>\n
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As 2026 heats up, Instacart<\/a> is once again diving into the data to uncover the sauciest trends showing up in kitchens in California and across the U.S. for National Hot Sauce Day (Jan. 22). From classic cayenne favorites to the rising stars of the chili world, this year\u2019s hot sauce landscape is full of bold comebacks, regional standouts, and creative product mashups that prove America\u2019s love of all things spicy is stronger than ever.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s break down what\u2019s hot\u2014and what\u2019s getting hotter.<\/p>\n Instacart Hot sauce loyalty is deeply regional, the favorite hot sauce in California is Tapatio, and our map reveals some clear state-level passions:<\/p>\n Frank\u2019s RedHot dominates\u00a0coast to coast as the most purchased hot sauce on Instacart, taking the top spot in 31 states, including large portions of the Midwest, Northeast, and Mountain West. Instacart California orders 26.6 ounces of hot sauce a year, ranking as the #3 most among all states. Hot sauce consumption varies widely across the country and, measured by ounces purchased per customer, New Mexico once again tops the list as the most heat-loving state, followed by Alaska and California. Meanwhile, states with perhaps the mildest taste buds include Alabama, Arkansas, and North Dakota. This heat map reinforces the fact that the Southwest and West Coast are hot sauce powerhouses, amping up the heat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!<\/p>\n Instacart Frank\u2019s RedHot leads as the most-purchased hot sauce on Instacart. Huy Fong Foods remains a major force, claiming the #2 spot. Rounding out the top five are Taco Bell, Cholula, and Texas Pete, each with devoted regional fan bases and national appeal.<\/p>\n Instacart This year\u2019s growth leaders include the classics in addition to exciting newer names. Leading the list is Huy Fong Foods, followed by strong performances from Taco Bell, Mike\u2019s Hot Honey, Melinda\u2019s, and Texas Pete. These brands reflect a broadening interest in both traditional and globally inspired heat.<\/p>\n One of the biggest flavor trends we\u2019re seeing this year is the rapid rise of hot honey. This shows that consumers are increasingly thinking about how to balance their meals\u2019 spice profile with sweet flavors, drizzling hot honey on everything from pizza to roasted veggies. Its surge in popularity demonstrates that people are always looking for new ways to feel the heat.<\/p>\n Instacart Hot sauce isn\u2019t just a condiment anymore \u2014 it\u2019s an ingredient fueling product innovation across categories. Instacart data reveals a wide assortment of items featuring hot sauce flavors, which are particularly popular in infused condiments like mayo and ketchup, a variety of crunchy chips, and several savory canned fish products.<\/p>\n Instacart One of the biggest flavor trends of the past year originated with a viral home-cooking sensation: Hot Honey Beef Bowls<\/a>.<\/p>\n By tracking orders containing ground beef, sweet potatoes, avocado, cottage cheese, and hot honey, Instacart<\/a> uncovered explosive growth. In March 2025, these ingredients took off in carts, reflecting a growing appetite for sweet-heat fusion and simple, protein-forward meals.<\/p>\n Wrapping Up: A Year of Bold Heat and Flavor Exploration<\/p>\n From America\u2019s enduring love of Frank\u2019s RedHot to the explosion of hot sauce in new categories, one thing is clear: we can\u2019t resist spicing up our meals. Whether we\u2019re drizzling, marinating, dipping, or cooking, heat isn\u2019t just a trend \u2014 it\u2019s a big part of the way we eat.<\/p>\n This story<\/a> was ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3-most-popular-hot-sauce-by-state.png\" "\\"State-by-State")
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\nState-by-State Spice: Which Hot Sauce Reigns Supreme In California?<\/p>\n
\nLouisiana Brand Hot Sauce\u00a0rules the South, particularly Louisiana (naturally!), Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee.
\nHuy Fong Foods\u00a0stands strong across the West, especially in states like Idaho, Kansas, New Mexico, Texas, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
\nTapat\u00edo\u00a0claims the top spot in California \u2014 no surprise there, given the brand was founded in the Golden State.
\nTexas Pete\u00a0leads in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Virginia \u2014 a clear Southeastern favorite but not in its namesake Texas!<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4-ounces-per-state-with-values.png\" "\\"How")
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\nHow Does California Rank In Orders For Hot Sauce?<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1-top-hot-sauce-brands-of-2025.png\" "\\"Top")
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\nTop Hot Sauce Brands of 2025<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-top-hot-sauce-brands-by-growth.png\" "\\"The")
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\nThe Spice Is Back: Fastest-Growing Hot Sauce Brands<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/5-top-ten-hot-sauce-infused-products.png\" "\\"Hot")
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\nHot Sauce Beyond the Bottle: The Rise of Hot Sauce-Infused Products<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/6-hot-honey-ground-beef-bowl-ingredients-over-time-without-values.png\" "\\"Trend")
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\nTrend Alert: The Hot Honey Beef Bowl Trend<\/p>\n
produced by
Instacart<\/a> and reviewed and
distributed by Stacker<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769248089_976_pixel.gif\"){kind=tracking}
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