Popular Sriracha Sauce to Cut Production This Summer

The great Sriracha shortage could be returning to stores this summer.

This summer, a popular Sriracha sauce made by Huy Fong Foods will be scarce on store shelves. Production of the rooster-adorned, green-capped bottle will reportedly be halted until after Labor Day.

Per USA Today, the company that makes the wildly popular condiment is blaming the production stoppage on a problem with the sauce’s primary ingredient. Reportedly, the red jalapeño chile peppers that are the base of the mixture just aren’t red enough for production, according to the company.

Huy Fong Foods said in a statement, “After reevaluating our supply of chili, we have determined that it is too green to proceed with production as it is affecting the product’s color. We regret to inform you that we have decided to halt production until after Labor Day, when our next chili season starts.” The company says its chili garlic sauce and Sambal Oelek, along with the Sriracha sauce, are also affected.

Huy Fong Foods says it has halted Sriracha production, sparking fears of another shortage. The California hot sauce maker is having pepper problems. https://t.co/ifAG9qXavB

— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) May 3, 2024

Customers who placed orders beginning on May 6, 2024, had their status changed to pending until after Labor Day. The company told USA Today they “have no comment” about the production issues.

The Washington Post reports that the recent halt in Sriracha production could be linked to a significant drought affecting northern Mexican states where jalapeño crops grow. The severe drought in Mexico prevents peppers from properly ripening on the vine and is most severe in northern Mexico, where most peppers are grown. 

Huy Fong Foods’ condiment is made with sun-ripened red peppers seasoned with vinegar, salt, sugar, and garlic. During the last shortage, condiment bottles were once sold for double and triple the price on Amazon and Facebook Marketplace.

Earlier shortages of red jalapeños created a demand for the famous red sauce in 2023. Customers who enjoy spice had to temporarily use other well-known brands, such as Tabasco, Tapatio, or Louisiana Hot Sauce in Sriracha’s place.