Crystal Hot Sauce Vs Franks Red Hot: Which Is The Superior Choice?
What To Know
- On the Scoville scale, Crystal Hot Sauce measures in at 2,100 SHU (Scoville Heat Units), while Frank’s RedHot clocks in at 450 SHU.
- Crystal Hot Sauce is particularly popular in the South, while Frank’s RedHot has a strong following in the Northeast.
- If you prefer a tangy, slightly sweet sauce with a hint of smoke, Crystal Hot Sauce is a great option.
When it comes to buffalo sauces, two brands reign supreme: Crystal Hot Sauce and Frank’s RedHot. Both have their loyal followers, but which one is truly the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into the flavors, heat levels, ingredients, and origins of these two iconic sauces to help you make an informed decision.
Flavor Profiles
Crystal Hot Sauce boasts a unique blend of cayenne peppers, vinegar, and salt. Its flavor is described as tangy, slightly sweet, and with a hint of smoke. Frank’s RedHot, on the other hand, is made with cayenne peppers, vinegar, salt, and garlic powder. Its flavor is more acidic and has a pronounced garlic kick.
Heat Levels
Crystal Hot Sauce is considered to be slightly hotter than Frank’s RedHot. On the Scoville scale, Crystal Hot Sauce measures in at 2,100 SHU (Scoville Heat Units), while Frank’s RedHot clocks in at 450 SHU. However, the perceived heat level can vary depending on individual taste preferences.
Ingredients
Crystal Hot Sauce is made with a simple list of ingredients: cayenne peppers, vinegar, salt, and xanthan gum (as a thickener). Frank’s RedHot contains a few more ingredients, including water, paprika, garlic powder, and sodium benzoate (as a preservative).
Origins
Crystal Hot Sauce was created in 1923 by a Louisiana pharmacist named Alvin C. Martin. Martin had originally intended to create a cough syrup, but the mixture turned out to be too spicy. He decided to bottle it as a hot sauce instead, and the rest is history. Frank’s RedHot was created in 1920 by Frank E. Ficklen in Buffalo, New York. Ficklen’s goal was to create a hot sauce that would enhance the flavor of chicken wings.
Popularity
Both Crystal Hot Sauce and Frank’s RedHot are widely popular in the United States. Crystal Hot Sauce is particularly popular in the South, while Frank’s RedHot has a strong following in the Northeast. Both sauces are also exported internationally and have become favorites in many other countries.
Versatility
Crystal Hot Sauce and Frank’s RedHot are both versatile sauces that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are both excellent on chicken wings, but they can also be used to add heat to tacos, burgers, sandwiches, soups, and stews.
Final Thoughts: A Matter of Personal Preference
Ultimately, the choice between Crystal Hot Sauce and Frank’s RedHot comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a tangy, slightly sweet sauce with a hint of smoke, Crystal Hot Sauce is a great option. If you prefer a more acidic sauce with a pronounced garlic kick, Frank’s RedHot is the way to go.
Answers to Your Questions
- Which sauce is hotter? Crystal Hot Sauce is slightly hotter than Frank’s RedHot, measuring in at 2,100 SHU compared to 450 SHU.
- Which sauce is more versatile? Both sauces are versatile, but Crystal Hot Sauce is slightly more versatile due to its tangier flavor.
- Which sauce is more popular? Both sauces are popular in the United States, but Frank’s RedHot has a slightly larger market share.
- Which sauce is cheaper? Crystal Hot Sauce is generally cheaper than Frank’s RedHot.
- Which sauce is better for buffalo wings? Both sauces are great on buffalo wings, but Frank’s RedHot is the more traditional choice.
