All the answers to your El Yucateco Hot Sauce Questions
We know how it is.
You're sitting down to have your favorite meal along with your favorite El Yucateco Hot Sauce...and then, a question hitherto unspoken grows in the back of your brain. It speaks, over and over again - demanding an answer - "Why, oh why, is my Black Label Reserve Hot Sauce actually black?!"
And so begins your quest.
But fear not! We have all the answers right here at your fingertips. Okay maybe not all the answers, but we have the answers to our most frequently asked questions.
What’s the expiration date of my hot sauce?
On the neck of your bottle is a stamped lot code. The first two numbers are the year it was produced, the next letter is the month is was produced (A=Jan, B=Feb, C=March, etc.), then the next two numbers are the day of that month it was produced. Your sauce is good for 30 months from that date, unopened, stored in a cool, dry place. Once your sauce is opened, we recommend consuming it within 6 months, when stored in a cool, dry place. Our sauce does not need to be refrigerated.
As of 2023, our bottles will be changing to a new lot code system. To find the date your bottle was made, the first two numbers are the year it was produced (23=2023), and the next three numbers are the day of the year it was produced (001 = January 1st). The rest of the numbers are the plant, line, etc. it was produced on.
What’s the difference in the chile habanero hot sauce flavors?
We have 5 sauces made with the habanero pepper (chile habanero). Each has a different flavor and heat level based on the other key ingredients and the amount of habanero pepper flesh used in the recipe.
The heat level of each of our hot sauces is measured using The Scoville Scale. This heat is measured in “Scoville Heat Units”, based on the concentration of capsaicinoids from the peppers (Capsaicin is the predominant component that causes the sensation of heat in a pepper).
Scoville ratings are approximate and can vary from batch to batch.
Check out the flavor profiles of each sauce:
Classic Hot Sauces
Jalapeño Sauce - 1,500-1,900 on the Scoville Scale
Experience the authentic flavor of our Jalapeño sauce, crafted to perfection! We carefully select the freshest peppers to create a sauce that offers a mild heat with a delightful burst of flavor. Indulge in the subtle spiciness and rich taste of our finest creation.
Chipotle Hot Sauce - 1,900-2,300 on the Scoville Scale
Our Chipotle Hot Sauce is made from a rich blend of naturally smoked chipotle peppers. Its deep flavor takes hearty dishes to a whole new level! Get ready to savor the smoky notes and experience the perfect sweet heat it adds to grilled meats- let the flavor party begin!
Caribbean Habanero Hot Sauce - 6,300-7,700 on the Scoville Scale
A perfect blend of yellow habanero peppers and fresh carrots, this sauce offers a slightly sweet taste and mild heat, delivering the traditional flavors of Caribbean Cuisine.
Red Habanero Hot Sauce - 7,600-9,500 on the Scoville Scale
El Yucateco’s Red Habanero Hot Sauce is created with our classic recipe, a blend of habanero peppers, red tomatoes, select spices and seasonings. A favorite since 1968.
Green Habanero Hot Sauce - 7,700-8,800 on the Scoville Scale
Our Green Habanero Hot Sauce is made with another of our classic recipes. The freshest green habanero peppers, garlic and fine spices blend into a fresh, flavorful sauce.
Black Label Reserve Habanero Hot Sauce - 4,500-5,500 on the Scoville Scale
El Yucateco’s Black Label Reserve gets its color from fire-roasting our habaneros resulting in a deep, smoky, flavorful sauce. You'll enjoy this flavor packed sauce that will give you the perfect amount of smoke and heat!
XXXtra Hot Habanero Sauce - 10,000-12,500 on the Scoville Scale
We rescued this recipe from the culinary traditions of the ancient Mayan civilization, hence the name “Kutbil-Ik” - a Mayan word meaning “crushed chili”.
2023 Additions to the
El Yucateco Hot Sauce Lineup
Ghost Habanero Hot Sauce - 14,165 Scoville Units
Ghost Habanero Hot Sauce is a standout among spicy condiments. With El Yucateco's signature style, it brings the heat to a whole new level. If you're looking for flavorful spiciness, this sauce is a must-try.
Grilled Pineapple and Habanero Hot Sauce - 615 Scoville Units
Discover the perfect balance of sweetness and spice with Grilled Pineapple and Habanero Hot Sauce. This versatile sauce enhances meats, dips, and desserts, combining smoky grilled pineapple with a delightful habanero kick. Get ready for a culinary adventure as this flavorful explosion tantalizes your taste buds with a touch of tropical allure.
Coffee Habanero Hot Sauce - 1,106 Scoville Units
Experience the tantalizing blend of Coffee Habanero Hot Sauce, where the exquisite notes of coffee intertwine harmoniously with fiery habanero pepper. Elevate the flavors of steaks, ribs, chili, and even chocolate desserts. Perfect for home cooks and master chefs alike, this versatile sauce guarantees satisfaction.
Red Marisquera Hot Sauce - 1,398 Scoville Units
Red Marisquera Hot Sauce is a flavorful blend of peppers, including the fiery habanero. With its zesty taste, it adds a touch of heat to any dish. Perfect for seafood lovers, Marisquera enhances the flavors of seafood dishes.
Black Marisquera Hot Sauce - 2,046 Scoville Units
Marisquera Black is a umami-rich hot sauce that'll liven up any dish with its perfect blend of soy and spices. Whether you're enjoying Asian cuisine or Mexican delicacies, this hot sauce will take your meal to new heights. while it's traditionally used for seafood, your imagination is the limit on what foods you can use it on!
Chiltepin Habanero Hot Sauce - 1,885 Scoville Units
Experience the bold flavors and delightful heat of Chiltepin Habanero Hot Sauce. Made with the finest chiltepin peppers, this medium-heat sauce is a culinary masterpiece for spice enthusiasts. Taste the perfect balance of flavor and heat in every drop.
Are El Yucateco sauces gluten free?
Yes! All varieties of El Yucateco hot sauce are gluten free.
Are your sauces sugar free?
The Chipotle Sauce incorporates a small amount of sugar to enhance the pepper's natural sweetness. Our grilled pineapple, coffee, and ghost habanero sauces contain cane sugar.
Are your sauces vinegar based?
No. We want the flavor of the pepper to shine through, so we use minimal amounts of citric and acetic acid as a preservative.
Why is the Black Label Reserve Hot Sauce black?
We fire roast the habanero peppers to give them that beautiful smoke flavor. The black color is the natural charring of the pepper itself, blended into the sauce.
Where are your sauces made?
Our sauces are made on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, in the municipality of Kanasín.
Which flavors do not contain artificial coloring?
Chipotle, Caribbean, Black Label Reserve, and XXXtra Hot Kutbil-Ik hot sauces do not contain any artificial coloring. All of our new flavors are also naturally colored which include the Grilled Pineapple Habanero, Coffee Habanero, Ghost Pepper and Habanero, the Chiltepin and Habanero and both the Red and Black Marisquera sauces.
Should my El Yucateco Hot Sauce be refrigerated?
No. Refrigeration is not required either before or after opening.
Who do I contact for exports outside of the US and Canada?
Please email tienda@elyucateco.com
Where do I find recipes?
Check out our blog at kingofflavorsince1968.com, as well as our YouTube channel at youtube.com/elyucateco_hotsauce.
Why does my label look slightly different than the last time I bought it?
The FDA requires us to periodically update labels based on product information clarity. If your label has slightly changed, please know that the formula hasn’t changed, just the label.
I want to represent the brand as an influencer, ambassador, video creator, event promotion specialist, etc. Who do I contact for marketing opportunities?
Message us at marketing@padillaism.com
I’m a restaurant or a retailer – how do I purchase your products wholesale?
Message us at marketing@padillaism.com and we'll get you in touch with the correct division for your location and needs. Please note we are not accepting any wholesale accounts for Amazon or Walmart.com.
I heard you have lead in your hot sauce, is that true?
This idea arose from a study from UNLV released in July of 2013. We responded immediately to alert our customers that we were investigating and hired an independent lab to thoroughly test all our sauces and manufacturing facility. No measurable amounts of lead were detected in any of our sauces or ingredients used to make our sauces.
The safety of our customers and employees is our number one concern and we stand by the quality of our products. Please email us at marketing@Padillaism.com for a copy of the testing report and an in-depth FAQ for further information.
Where can I find El Yucateco products?
Check out our product locator: https://www.shopelyucateco.com/apps/store-locator. You can usually also find it at any Mexican Grocery store, in addition to being able to buy it at shopelyucateco.com.