Frequently Asked Questions

I couldn't find the kind of hot sauce I actually wanted to use—most were too vinegary, too fermented, or all burn and no flavor. I wanted something fresher and brighter that worked with food, not against it, so I started experimenting in my kitchen. Years (and many scorched taste buds) later, Salamander Sauce was born. Read the complete origin story of Salamander Sauce →

Every bottle is built with flavor in mind: clean ingredients, real balance, and heat that respects the dish. No harsh vinegar blast, no filler—just fire with purpose that makes food better, not just hotter. Learn what craft really means and why it matters →

Salamanders are creatures born in fire, not destroyed by it. Just like our sauces, they don't run from heat—they come through it with something to show for it. The mythology of creatures that thrive in fire perfectly captures our philosophy of flavor that survives the heat. What's the story behind the name "Salamander Sauce"? →

Anything you want to make better—eggs, tacos, pizza, wings, pasta, chowders, you name it. Start with complementary flavors: fruity sauces with grilled meats, smoky sauces with BBQ, citrus-forward sauces with seafood. It also plays well in cocktails, dressings, and marinades. Complete food pairing guide without overpowering your dish →

Yes, all of them. No animal products, no gluten, no weird hidden stuff—just real ingredients and flavor that stands up.

We don't use nuts in our recipes; however, our sauces are made in a facility that also processes nuts for other products. They take precautions by producing those items late in the day followed by thorough cleaning, but we cannot guarantee there's no cross-contamination.

Hot sauce typically lasts 2-5 years unopened and 6-12 months after opening when refrigerated. Salamander Sauce has a 2-year shelf life when unopened. Our sauces aren't vinegar bombs—you get depth and brightness, but not indefinite shelf life. If it's bubbling, hissing, or smells like straight vinegar, it's probably gone off. Complete guide to hot sauce shelf life and spoilage signs →

Unopened, store in a cool, dark spot. Once opened, keep it refrigerated to preserve the flavor—especially important with sauces like ours that aren't loaded with preservatives. Everything about proper hot sauce storage and preservation →

True craft hot sauce prioritizes quality ingredients, small-batch production, and complex flavor profiles over mass production. It's about care, not cutting corners, and staying close to the process—focusing on enhancing food rather than just adding heat. Learn what craft really means and why it matters for quality →

Most hot sauces contain 50-200mg of sodium per teaspoon—significantly less than many other condiments. The sodium serves both as seasoning and natural preservation, making hot sauce one of the healthier condiment choices. Detailed sodium analysis and why it matters for your health →

A woozy bottle is the classic narrow-necked glass bottle designed to control portion size and prevent contamination. The shape allows precise pouring while the narrow opening minimizes air exposure, preserving flavor and extending shelf life. Everything about woozy bottles and hot sauce packaging →

Hot sauce preservation relies on three key factors: low pH (high acidity), salt content, and often pasteurization. These create an inhospitable environment for harmful bacteria while maintaining flavor integrity. Most craft producers avoid chemical preservatives in favor of these natural methods. Deep dive into hot sauce preservation techniques →

Cholula contains 110mg sodium per teaspoon and includes processed ingredients like xanthan gum, making it moderate in terms of health impact. While it provides beneficial capsaicin, there are cleaner alternatives with lower sodium and fewer additives available. Complete health analysis of Cholula and better alternatives →

Starting a hot sauce company requires perfecting your recipe, understanding food safety regulations, finding a licensed co-packer, and developing your brand story. The key is focusing on what makes your sauce unique rather than just following trends. Complete guide to launching your hot sauce business →

We offer returns on unopened bottles within 30 days of delivery. Upon receipt and inspection of eligible returns, we provide a 50% refund of the original purchase price. Return shipping is at customer expense and must include tracking coverage. Contact info@salamandersauce.com with your order number for return authorization. Complete return and refund policy details →

We've got you covered. Email us at info@salamandersauce.com within 7 days of delivery with photos of the damaged bottle(s) and shipping packaging, plus your order number and delivery date. We'll get a replacement out to you right away.

Our sauces use premium, often locally-sourced ingredients in small batches, with each 8oz bottle containing significantly more product than typical 5oz bottles. The cost reflects quality ingredients, artisanal production methods, and true value per serving. Why Salamander Sauce is actually great value →