Tabasco – the sauce almost everyone knows
Tabasco is a big brand. For many Pikantistas that makes it a no-go. But you have to admit: the product is natural, despite the size of the company. Hardly any additives, and what they promise is what's in the bottle.
My take
Tabasco is not my favourite sauce. But it has its place: it sometimes fits really well, and it keeps forever. The company shaped the market, there is more variety today, and some varieties are a bit hotter. Tabasco is part of the Pikantista family.
One name, three meanings
Tabasco is the name of a chilli and of a region in Mexico. The sauce itself comes from Avery Island in Louisiana, from the McIlhenny Company, for more than 150 years. The Original is made of chilli, vinegar and salt. More on the history on the Scoville page.
The varieties
How hot each variety is can be found on the page Tabasco Scoville Scale. Here are the varieties we carry:
| Variety | Made with | Heat | To the product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Habanero 150 ml | habanero chillies | Scoville | Tabasco Habanero |
| Scorpion 60 ml | Trinidad Scorpion chillies, the peak of the range | Scoville | Tabasco Scorpion 60 ml |
| Scorpion 148 ml | Trinidad Scorpion chillies | Scoville | Tabasco Scorpion 148 ml |
| Chipotle 150 ml | smoked jalapeños | Scoville | Tabasco Chipotle |
| Jalapeño 150 ml | green jalapeños | Scoville | Tabasco Jalapeño |
| Garlic Pepper 150 ml | garlic | Scoville | Tabasco Garlic Pepper |
| Gift box 5 x 60 ml | five varieties | Scoville | Tabasco Gift box |
If you want more variety
Tabasco is just one of many brands. On Pikantista you will also find Valentina, Frank's Red Hot, Fuego and Da'Bomb. Pikantista is not affiliated with Tabasco or the McIlhenny Company.
FAQ — Frequently asked questions about Tabasco
Who makes Tabasco?
Tabasco is made by the McIlhenny Company on Avery Island in Louisiana, for more than 150 years.
Where does the name Tabasco come from?
Tabasco is the name of a chilli and of a region in Mexico.
Is Tabasco a natural product?
The Original is made of chilli, vinegar and salt. Despite the size of the company there are hardly any additives, and what they promise is what's in the bottle.
How hot is Tabasco?
Tabasco Original is around 2,500 to 5,000 Scoville. All varieties compared on the page Tabasco Scoville Scale.
About the Author
Fabian Rueda alias Pikantista — Founder of Pikantista, at chilli festivals since 2015 and in the hot sauce world with Chili Mafia since 2019. Every sauce personally tested, every heat level experienced first-hand.