Scoville Scale Explained

Scoville Scale Explained: How Hot Is Your Favorite Sauce?

If you've ever wondered how hot sauces get their fiery kick, you've probably come across the term "Scoville Heat Units" (SHU). The Scoville Scale is the universal way to measure spiciness, ranking peppers and sauces based on their capsaicin content—the compound responsible for heat. Let’s dive into the history, science, and how this scale helps you find the perfect heat level.

What is the Scoville Scale?

The Scoville Scale was developed in 1912 by Wilbur Scoville, a pharmacist who wanted to quantify the heat of chili peppers. Originally, he conducted the Scoville Organoleptic Test, diluting capsaicin with sugar water and giving it to taste testers. The more dilution required before the heat was no longer detected, the higher the SHU rating.

Today, we use high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to measure capsaicin levels more accurately, but the Scoville Scale remains the most widely recognized system for ranking spiciness.

Popular Peppers and Hot Sauces on the Scoville Scale

To put the heat into perspective, here’s how some common peppers and hot sauces compare:

Peppers Ranked by Heat

• Bell Pepper – 0 SHU (No heat)
• Jalapeño – 2,500 to 8,000 SHU (Mild to medium heat)
• Habanero – 100,000 to 350,000 SHU (Very hot)
• Ghost Pepper – 855,000 to 1,041,427 SHU (Insanely hot)
• Carolina Reaper – 1,500,000 to 2,200,000 SHU (Record-breaking heat)
• Pure Capsaicin – 16,000,000 SHU (Theoretical maximum heat)

Popular Hot Sauces on the Scoville Scale

• Frank’s RedHot – 450 SHU (Mild, perfect for wings)
• Tabasco Original – 2,500 to 5,000 SHU (Classic vinegar-based heat)
• Sriracha – 2,200 SHU (Smooth, garlicky heat)
• Cholula – 1,000 SHU (Mild, smoky, and flavorful)
• Tapatío – 3,000 SHU (A solid, medium heat kick)
• Dave’s Insanity Sauce – 180,000 SHU (Extreme heat warning!)
• The Last Dab (Hot Ones) – 2,000,000+ SHU (Insanely hot, made with Pepper X)
• Why the Scoville Scale Matters

The Scoville Scale isn’t just about numbers—it helps you choose the right sauce for your taste and tolerance. Whether you love a mild kick or crave intense heat, knowing SHU ratings lets you find the perfect balance between flavor and fire.

Where Anderson Pepper Co. Stands

At Anderson Pepper Co., we craft our hot sauces to hit the sweet spot between bold heat and rich flavor. Most of our sauces fall somewhere in the middle—hotter than Sriracha but won’t ruin your day. We believe in heat that enhances your food, not overpowers it.

Find Your Perfect Heat Level

Looking for a sauce that matches your spice tolerance? Explore our handcrafted hot sauces and experience heat the right way.