Hailey
As National Hot Sauce Day arrives on January 22, 2026, one thing is clear—America’s love for spicy food is not slowing down. From fiery breakfasts to bold dinners, hot sauce has become a daily habit in many homes.
According to fresh shopping data from Instacart, kitchens across Missouri and the rest of the U.S. are getting hotter, more creative, and more adventurous than ever.
From classic red sauces to sweet-and-spicy blends like hot honey, people are no longer using hot sauce just as a topping. It is now a key ingredient in meals, snacks, and even viral food trends.
Let us take a closer look at what Missouri shoppers love, how the state compares nationally, and which spicy trends are taking over in 2026.
State-by-State Spice Wars: Missouri’s Favorite Hot Sauce
Hot sauce choices often depend on where you live, and Missouri is no exception. Based on Instacart order data, Frank’s RedHot is the most popular hot sauce in the state.
Most Loved Hot Sauce Brands by Region
- Frank’s RedHot dominates the country and is the top-selling sauce in 31 states, including Missouri.
- Louisiana Brand Hot Sauce rules the Southern states like Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee.
- Huy Fong Foods is a favorite in many Western states, including Texas, Oregon, and Washington.
- Tapatío leads in California, where it was first created.
- Texas Pete is popular in the Carolinas and nearby Southeastern states, but interestingly, not in Texas.
This shows that while Americans love spice everywhere, regional loyalty plays a big role in what ends up on the table.
How Much Hot Sauce Does Missouri Really Use?
When it comes to quantity, Missouri sits right in the middle of the pack.
Missouri Hot Sauce Consumption Snapshot
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Average yearly purchase | 21.3 ounces per customer |
| National rank | #24 among all U.S. states |
| Top heat-loving states | New Mexico, Alaska, California |
| Mild-spice states | Alabama, Arkansas, North Dakota |
The data clearly shows that Southwestern and West Coast states love heat the most, adding hot sauce to almost every meal of the day.
Top Hot Sauce Brands of 2025
Some brands continue to stay strong year after year. In 2025, the most purchased hot sauce brands on Instacart were:
- Frank’s RedHot
- Huy Fong Foods
- Taco Bell sauces
- Cholula
- Texas Pete
These brands succeed because they balance flavor, heat, and trust, making them easy choices for both beginners and spice lovers.
Fastest-Growing Hot Sauce Trends in 2026
While classic sauces remain popular, newer ideas are growing fast. One of the biggest stars right now is hot honey.
Brands like Mike’s Hot Honey are gaining attention because they mix sweet and spicy flavors. People are pouring hot honey over pizza, vegetables, chicken, and even breakfast foods. This trend shows that shoppers want balanced heat, not just extreme spice.
Other fast-growing brands include Melinda’s and Texas Pete, proving that both old and new names can grow when flavors feel exciting.
Hot Sauce Beyond Bottles: Infused Foods Take Over
Hot sauce is no longer limited to glass bottles. Instacart data shows a rise in hot sauce–infused products, such as:
- Spicy mayonnaise and ketchup
- Crunchy hot-flavored chips
- Savory canned fish with chili flavors
This proves that spice has become part of everyday food, not just a topping added at the table.
Trend Alert: The Viral Hot Honey Beef Bowl
One of the biggest food trends of 2025 and early 2026 is the Hot Honey Beef Bowl. This viral meal includes:
- Ground beef
- Sweet potatoes
- Avocado
- Cottage cheese
- Hot honey
Instacart noticed a sharp rise in orders for these ingredients starting in March 2025. People love this bowl because it is simple, filling, and full of sweet heat. It also fits well with protein-focused eating habits.
America’s Love for Heat Is Stronger Than Ever
From Missouri kitchens to homes across the country, hot sauce is more than a trend—it is a lifestyle. Whether people stick to trusted classics like Frank’s RedHot or explore new ideas like hot honey bowls, one thing is clear: Americans enjoy adding heat in creative ways.
With new infused products, viral recipes, and bold flavor mixes, 2026 is shaping up to be another exciting year for spice lovers. No matter how mild or fiery your taste is, there is a hot sauce style waiting for you.
FAQs
Why is Frank’s RedHot so popular in Missouri?
It has a balanced flavor that works well with many foods, making it a favorite for everyday cooking.
What is hot honey and why is it trending?
Hot honey mixes sweetness with chili heat, making meals tasty without being too spicy.
Which states love spicy food the most?
New Mexico, Alaska, and California rank highest in hot sauce purchases per customer.