10 Things All Hot Sauce Fans Need to Know About Tapatío

If you love food with a kick, chances are you love the deliciously hot flavor of Tapatío. The Mexican-style hot sauce is a staple in many Hispanic homes in the US — and for good reason. Its flavors pair perfectly with everything from tacos to eggs and even pasta. But how much do you really know about the superior brand of spicy? Before you stock up on all its cool must-have merch or purchase a minibottle for your bag, read on for 10 superinteresting facts about Tapatío that will leave you wondering, Frank, who?

  1. Tapatío was founded in Maywood, CA, in 1971 by Mexico-born José-Luis Saavedra, Sr.
  2. It's produced in Vernon, CA.
  3. "Tapatío" comes from the word used to identify someone from Guadalajara, Mexico.
  4. The brand's slogan is "Es una salsa . . . Muy salsa!"
  5. Its ingredients include: water, red peppers, salt, spices, garlic, acetic acid, xanthan gum, and sodium benzoate.
  6. It's gluten-free, sugar-free, and MSG-free.
  7. Besides seven-gram packets you should keep everywhere in case of a hot sauce emergency, you can purchase it in five sizes: five-, 10-, or 32-fluid-ounce bottles and gallon containers!
  8. A new, brighter label was introduced in 1997.
  9. In the US, Doritos, Ruffles, and Fritos all come in a Tapatío flavor as of 2011.
  10. And, no, it doesn't need to be refrigerated.