Why is there a Sriracha shortage? Here's what we know

We explain those empty shelves...

Bottles of Sriracha on a shelf in a store
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Ellie Hutchings
By Ellie Hutchings
published

Shoppers all over the US are wondering why there is a Sriracha shortage.

Over the past few months, extreme weather, pandemic supply chain probelms, the cost of living crisis and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have all taken their toll on food production, resulting in fruit and veg shortages - especially a shortage of peppers  - and a potential rice shortage too.

Sriracha has been in short supply since summer 2022, and while production briefly resumed in the fall, the popular hot sauce is now missing from shelves once again. Here's what we know about the Sriracha shortage - including some delicious alternatives to try...

Why is there a Sriracha shortage?

The Sriracha shortage was caused by extreme weather and drought in Mexico last summer. Huy Fong Foods Inc., producer of Sriracha hot sauce, said they were experiencing a shortage of the red jalapeño peppers used to make the condiment.

The company first suspended production of Sriracha in April 2022, when it published a letter reading: "Currently, due to weather conditions affecting the quality of chili peppers, we now face a more severe shortage of chili. Unfortunately, this is out of our control and without this essential ingredient we are unable to produce any of our products." Production resumed in September 2022, but with supply still limited the Sriracha shortage is ongoing.

How long will the Sriracha shortage last?

It is not known how long the Sriracha shortage will last. Though production resumed in the fall, Huy Fong Foods has warned it is now experiencing an "unprecedented inventory shortage" and it doesn't know when it will end.

The company said in a statement: "Although some production did resume this past fall season, we continue to have a limited supply that continues to affect our production. At this time, we have no estimations of when supply will increase."

With limited supplies, some retailers are rationing how many bottles shoppers can buy.

Is Sriracha being discontinued?

No, Sriracha is not being discontinued. The reason for the shortage is to do with the supply issues, not because Huy Fong Foods has decided to stop making the hot sauce.

Though the company has offered "no estimations of when supply will increase," and do not know which outlets have the product in stock, they have said they are "working on trying to avoid future shortages."

Where to buy Sriracha

Depending on your location, you may be able to buy Sriracha at your local grocery store or online, if it is in stock.

Here you can check Walmart, Target, Kroger and Umami Cart to see if they have any of the hot sauce available. You may also be able to find bottles of Sriracha on Amazon, but be aware that there are several sellers price-gouging the product. 

Alternatives to Sriracha

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Ellie Hutchings
Ellie Hutchings
Family News Editor

Ellie is GoodtoKnow’s Family News Editor and covers all the latest trends in the parenting world - from relationship advice and baby names to wellbeing and self-care ideas for busy mums. Ellie is also an NCTJ-qualified journalist and has a distinction in MA Magazine Journalism from Nottingham Trent University and a first-class degree in Journalism from Cardiff University. Previously, Ellie has worked with BBC Good Food, The Big Issue, and the Nottingham Post, as well as freelancing as an arts and entertainment writer alongside her studies. When she’s not got her nose in a book, you’ll probably find Ellie jogging around her local park, indulging in an insta-worthy restaurant, or watching Netflix’s newest true crime documentary.

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