When you’re craving some fast food nostalgia, Taco Bell’s signature sauces might come to mind. Recently, I picked up two of their popular sauces, Hot and Fire, at my local grocery store. While many fans rave about the elusive Diablo sauce, it was unfortunately out of stock, so I settled for these two.
Made by Kraft Heinz and imported into Canada, these sauces feature a blend of jalapeño and chili peppers, but their watery consistency and somewhat lackluster flavor left me feeling indifferent. In this review, we’ll dive into the details of both the Hot and Fire versions to see if they live up to the Taco Bell name or fall flat.
We will also include a recipe at the bottom of the post so you can make your own version of this hot sauce at home!
Introducing: Taco Bell Hot Sauce – Fire and Hot
The Taco Bell Hot and Fire sauces are the familiar, go-to condiments that many fans of the chain have come to know and love. The Hot version has a noticeable cumin flavor, with a heat level that’s comparable to Franks RedHot. Despite the long list of chemicals in the ingredients, it has a surprisingly pleasant taste.
The Fire version, however, doesn’t hold up quite as well. It has a musty flavor that makes it less than enjoyable, and there’s an overwhelming sense that it contains capsaicin oleoresin, giving it an almost artificial heat. While it does bring extra heat to the table, it’s the kind of heat that feels more chemical than natural, which can be off-putting.
Both of these sauces are available in Canadian grocery stores for $3-$5, but the old saying “you get what you pay for” really rings true here.
Manufacturer: Taco Bell
Made In: USA
Heat Rating: Hot – 2/10, Fire – 5/10
Size: 207mL
Price Range: $3-$5
Hot – Ingredients: Water, Tomato Paste, Vinegar, Jalapeno Peppers, Salt, Chili Pepper, Onion, Spices, Xanthan Gum, Natural Flavour, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Maltodextrin, Mono- and di-glycerides, yeast extract
Fire – Ingredients: Water, Tomato Paste, Jalapeno Peppers, Vinegar, Salt, Red Jalapeno Pepper Puree, Onion, Modified Corn Starch, Chili Pepper, Spices, Yeast Extract, Sugars (dextrose, maltodextrin), Xanthan Gum, Natural Flavour, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Acetic Acid, Mono- and Diglycerides, Garlic
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Appearance
Both the Taco Bell Hot and Fire sauces come in a unique bottle that’s characteristic of Taco Bell’s sauce line. These bottles are slightly larger than the standard woozy bottles, containing 207ml compared to the usual 150ml. The labels are fairly small, featuring the recognizable Taco Bell logo and the name of the sauce. The Hot version sports an orange label, while the Fire version is distinguished by a red label.
The sauces themselves look quite similar, with a slightly watery consistency, but the addition of xanthan gum makes them thick and viscous, giving them a ketchup-like texture. They pour easily, but also stick to the bottle and surfaces in the same way ketchup does.
The Hot version has a rusty red color with small flecks of onion floating throughout, while the Fire version is a similar shade of red, but with black flecks that likely come from charred jalapeños.
The overall appearance feels somewhat synthetic, and the heavy use of preservatives and chemicals, like sodium benzoate, is almost visible in the texture and consistency of the sauce. In terms of appearance, both sauces are pretty standard—nothing extraordinary, but they do the job.
Smell
When it comes to the smell, the Taco Bell Hot and Fire sauces have distinct aromas, but neither is particularly appealing.
The Hot version has a scent that strongly resembles the taco sauce you find in taco kits, with prominent notes of cumin and tomato. There’s no noticeable vinegar smell, and it doesn’t give off any spicy or tangy aroma. However, the scent lacks depth and is somewhat flat, leaving it feeling less inviting.
On the other hand, the Fire version has a much less pleasant smell. It’s musty and unmistakably reminiscent of capsaicin extract, which completely dominates the scent. While there’s a faint hint of cumin in the background, the chemical aroma of the extract overpowers everything else.
Overall, neither sauce has a particularly great smell, but the Hot version is definitely the lesser of two evils in this case.
Taste and Flavour
The Hot version starts with a watery base, dominated by the flavors of water and sodium benzoate. Once you get past that, the strong cumin flavor takes over, followed by a mild peppery taste and just a hint of heat. There are small chunks in the sauce that look like onion, but when you bite into them, they provide a bland, almost flavorless burst that doesn’t add much to the overall experience.
The Fire version is a different story. Its flavor is musty, with a prominent taste of pepper extract that completely overwhelms the sauce. The extract gives the sauce a harsh, artificial heat that feels more chemical than natural. The overall taste is unpleasant and lacks the balance found in the Hot version, leaving a more off-putting, synthetic flavor that makes it hard to enjoy.
Heat Level
The heat level of the Hot version is quite mild, coming in at around a 2 out of 10. It offers a subtle warmth that doesn’t really build, with no burn or sweat to speak of—just a slight tingle on the tongue. This is probably the perfect level of heat for most people looking for a light kick without overwhelming their taste buds.
The Fire version, on the other hand, is noticeably hotter, and I’d rate it around a 5 out of 10. Despite the fact that it seems to rely on some sort of extract, the heat comes through with a sharp burn that lingered for quite some time. It did manage to make me sweat a bit on my forehead, but the heat wasn’t particularly enjoyable. It felt more like a harsh burn that overshadowed the flavor, rather than a balanced heat that enhances the taste.
Conclusion: Overall Thoughts
Overall, I’m not impressed with these Taco Bell sauces. While they do capture the essence of the ones served at the restaurant, they fall well short for those who truly appreciate hot sauce.
Both versions are fairly bland, with a manufactured heat that feels more artificial than enjoyable. If you’re a hot sauce enthusiast, I’d recommend skipping these and investing a little more in something with more flavor and authenticity.
That being said, I know many people love these sauces, so maybe it’s time to get creative. Let’s try making our own version of the Hot Taco Bell Sauce—something with better flavor and a heat that’s worth savoring.
Please remember that taste is subjective and everyone will experience hot sauce uniquely. These reviews contain my own thoughts and opinions. If you think you’ll enjoy a hot sauce then you should definitely try it out.
Taco Bell Hot Sauce Recipe
Craving the familiar tangy and mild heat of Taco Bell’s Hot Sauce, but want a more flavorful, homemade version? Look no further! This easy-to-make recipe brings together the perfect balance of red jalapeños, spices, and tomato sauce to replicate the flavor you know and love.
With a hint of cumin, chili powder, and a touch of vinegar, this homemade Taco Bell Hot Sauce adds a zesty kick to tacos, burritos, or anything that needs a little spice. Ready to recreate this classic sauce in your own kitchen? Let’s get started!
The History Behind Taco Bell’s Iconic Hot Sauce
Taco Bell’s Hot Sauce has long been a fan favorite for those who crave a little extra heat on their fast food. While its exact origin remains a bit of a mystery, Taco Bell introduced it as part of their range of signature hot sauces in the 1980s.
Since then, it has become a staple for Taco Bell lovers, providing just the right amount of kick to complement the restaurant’s tacos, burritos, and other menu items. Over the years, the Fire Sauce and Diablo Sauce has developed a cult following, leading many home cooks to try and replicate its flavor in their own kitchens.
The Secret Ingredients of Taco Bell’s Hot Sauce
The magic behind Taco Bell’s Hot Sauce lies in its simplicity—just a few key ingredients come together to create a balanced, zesty sauce that packs a punch without overpowering the dish.
The base is a combination of red jalapeños, tomato sauce, and vinegar, with spices like chili powder, cumin, and cayenne providing depth and heat. The result is a tangy, smoky sauce that pairs perfectly with everything from tacos to grilled meats. But how do you recreate that signature flavor at home?
What You’ll Need to Make Taco Bell Hot Sauce
- 6-8 Red Jalapeños
- 8 oz Tomato Sauce
- 1/3 Cup Water
- 2 tsp Chili Powder
- 2 tsp Cayenne Powder
- 2 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 Cup Vinegar
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Sugar
Ingredient Substitutions
While this recipe closely mirrors the flavor profile of Taco Bell’s Fire Sauce, feel free to experiment with some ingredient substitutions based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For instance, if you don’t have red jalapeños, you can use green ones for a milder flavor or even mix in some serrano peppers for an extra kick.
If you prefer a less vinegary sauce, you can reduce the amount of vinegar or replace it with lemon juice for a different acidity. For a smokier flavor, you could swap the paprika for smoked paprika.
Just remember, these substitutions may change the overall taste, but will still yield a delicious homemade version of Taco Bell’s famous Fire Sauce.
How to Make Your Own Taco Bell Fire Sauce at Home
Making your own Taco Bell Fire Sauce is easier than you think! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can recreate the zesty, peppery sauce at home. The key is to blend the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring a smooth consistency that mimics the store-bought version. Simmering the sauce on the stove allows the flavors to meld together, giving it that rich, savory taste. Follow the step-by-step instructions below for the best results.
Simple Instructions for Creating Taco Bell Fire Sauce
- Wash and Roughly Chop the Jalapeño Peppers
Start by washing your red jalapeños and roughly chopping them. Removing the seeds is optional, depending on how much heat you prefer in your sauce. - Blend the Ingredients
Add all the ingredients—jalapeños, tomato sauce, water, chili powder, cayenne, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, vinegar, paprika, salt, and sugar—into a blender. Blend until smooth, adjusting the consistency by adding more vinegar or water to taste. - Transfer to a Pot
Pour the blended sauce into a stove pot and place it on medium-high heat. - Simmer the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low-medium. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. - Cool and Store
Once the sauce has simmered, pour it into a container and let it cool to room temperature before serving or storing in the fridge. The sauce can be stored for up to a week.
Delicious Dishes to Pair with Taco Bell Fire Sauce
Taco Bell Fire Sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. It’s perfect for topping tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, giving them an extra kick of heat. You can also use it as a dip for nachos or fries, or drizzle it over eggs for a spicy breakfast.
For a fun twist, try pairing it with grilled meats, especially chicken or steak, or even drizzle it on a bowl of chili for an added layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless—once you’ve made this homemade Fire Sauce, you’ll find yourself adding it to just about everything!
Home Made Taco Bell Hot Sauce
Equipment
- 1 Blender
- 1 Sauce Pan
Ingredients
- 6-8 Peppers Red Jalapeno Peppers
- 1 Can Tomato Sauce (8oz)
- 1/3 Cup Water
- 2 tsp Chili Powder
- 2 tsp Cayenne Powder
- 2 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 Cup Vinegar
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Sugar
Instructions
- Wash and rough chop the Jalapeno peppers
- Add all of the ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth (add more vinegar and water to taste if you need to thin the sauce)
- Add the contents of the blender to the stove pot
- Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce heat to low-medium and simmer for 5-10 minutes
- Pour into a container and let cool before serving or storing
Mike P
Welcome to The Hot Sauce Guy! I’m Mike, your guide to the spicy world of hot sauces and the creator of Spicy Riffs Hot Sauce. From Canada, I share the hottest reviews, pepper-growing tips, and sauce recipes with a touch of rock and roll.
My passion? Crafting the perfect blend of heat and flavor. Whether you’re here for the fire or the flair, get ready for a journey into the world of spicy delights.
Let’s turn up the heat together!
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