Apologies, Sriracha Enthusiasts, History Is Repeating Itself

Prepare for a scorching summer, but unfortunately, that heat wave won’t be felt in meals infused with the beloved Sriracha sauce. A scarcity of this chili-pepper-based condiment has made it increasingly difficult to find on store shelves. However, die-hard fans need not despair, as Huy Fong, the main manufacturer, offers the sauce for purchase online. But be prepared to dig deep into your pockets. CBS News reports that a 17-ounce bottle is being sold on eBay for nearly $40, while a 28-ounce bottle is fetching nearly $70. Alternatively, a four-pack of the larger size is available on Amazon for $200, offering a savings of $20 per bottle.

Meanwhile, a 17-ounce bottle of the Huy Fong Sriracha sauce typically retails for around $4 in grocery stores and other markets. Although it is unclear if anyone is actually willing to pay the exorbitant prices for the sauce, as summer progresses and cravings intensify, desperation may lead to wider wallets. “Unfortunately, we are still facing a shortage of raw materials,” explains a spokesperson for Huy Fong, acknowledging the ongoing struggle to source enough chile peppers for production. There is no definite timeline for when supplies will increase.

So, what has caused this shortage? According to the Los Angeles Times, Mexico, where Huy Fong obtains its chile peppers, has been plagued by heat waves and severe droughts, resulting in water scarcity and damage to crops. This issue is a consequence of climate change and experts warn that similar climatic events will become more frequent in the future. This is not the first time Sriracha enthusiasts have faced difficulties in obtaining their favorite sauce. Last year and two summers prior, Huy Fong issued warnings regarding chile pepper shortages. (Read more Sriracha stories.)