The indigenous peoples of Mexico domesticated the chili pepper some 9,000 years ago and along the way, invented hot sauce. According to advertisements in newspapers in 1807, Massachusetts was the first state in America to produce hot sauce, sold as “Cayenne sauce”.
Massachusetts boasts many options, made locally by small family-owned food businesses across the state. There is fruit based, Caribbean, and Celtic inspired choices to add exciting flavors to any meal, appetizer, or snack. Explore an industry flavored by diversity, innovation, and heat. Most hot sauces are naturally gluten free, but not all are certified gluten free.
Interested in flavor without the heat? Massachusetts’ cooking sauces, BBQ sauces and condiments present an array of familiar and authentic global flavors ranging from mole, ginger/garlic, curry and marinara. Some use locally grown ingredients. For a flavorful and foolproof meal, check out these products available via ecommerce.
List of companies
Hot Sauces
Gluten Free, Kosher, Keto, Vegan
Big Rich's Gourmet Hot Sauce and Marinade
Hot & BBQ sauces, many recipes.
Supports fire-fighter non-profit
Award winning, some fruit-based choices
Marinara sauce, vegan options
Fermented hot sauce, sauerkraut and kimchi, woman run, small batch, probiotic rich, sources local organic ingredients
Hot and BBQ sauces, no preservatives, locally sourced peppers
Contender for hottest hot sauce in America
Hot sauce, salsa, and pepper jelly, own farm grown peppers including rare varieties
Caribbean inspired hot sauce
Hand-made in small batches
Many hot sauce options, some Celtic inspired
Hot sauce, vegan options
Caribbean inspired hot sauces and marinades, official hot sauce of the Boston Red Sox
Fermented siracha, salsa, tomato puree, seasonings, made with own farm’s organic produce
Cooking Sauces
Finishing sauces, many other products, recipes
Asian inspired, low sodium, low calorie, vegan options, no preservatives, recipes
Curry sauces, chutney, 2020 Sofi Bronze award winner
Fruit based glaze and cooking sauces, USDA certified organic, low calorie, low sodium
Marinara sauce, small batch, big flavor, no preservatives, no added sugar, recipes
Certified gluten free Italian sauces, dips, no preservatives, shelf-stable options
BBQ
Ethical sourcing and local ingredients, BBQ, tomato sauce, salsa, salad dressing and more, certified gluten free options, low sodium
Teriyaki & rib sauce
Family owned over 30 years, grilling sauce, Teriyaki, marinades, salsa
Healthy BBQ, saute, and pan fry sauces
Condiments
Horseradish based, no preservatives, made in small batches.
