The Cholula Food Company Inc

The Story Behind Cholula

Cholula's Flavorful Fire finds its roots in a well-guarded recipe that's over 100 years old. This recipe blends pequin peppers, red peppers and spices in a delicate process that produces a perfect balance between flavor and heat.

Cholula Hot Sauce was named after the 2,500 year old city in Mexico. The term Cholula is derived from the pre-Hispanic word "Chollollan" meaning "the place of the retreat." Cholula's wooden cap and distinctive yellow label represent the care and quality tradition of Mexican artisanship. Cholula's intriguing packaging has become a quality icon, a symbol recognized by millions.

What was started as a local favorite soon gained international acclaim. Bottles of the zesty, delicious hot sauce began popping up in restaurant kitchens and retail stores all over North America.


Facts about Cholula

Where does the name Cholula come from?
It is named after "Cholula", the oldest inhabited city in Central America. It is a 2,500 year old city in Mexico and famous for its 365 churches. The term Cholula is derived from the pre-Hispanic word "Chollollan" meaning "the place of retreat".

What is the difference between Cholula Hot Sauce and other hot sauces?
Flavor! Cholula perfectly balances flavor with just the right amount of heat. We're not trying to blow-up any mosquitoes! Cholula's special blend of red peppers, piquin peppers and spices is a zesty and intriguing complement to all your favorite foods or in your signature recipes. It's an enhancing experience, not a blasting experience!


How hot is Cholula?
Cholula is flavor with a strong character. Capsaicin is the "heat" substance in a pepper. In 1912, Wilbur Scoville developed a test to measure heat in a pepper. Bell peppers range from 0-100 Scoville units, pure Capsaicin ranks at about 15,000,000. Habenaros, a very hot pepper used by some other hot sauces, ranks between 200,000-300,000 Scoville units. Pequin and Arbol peppers, used in the delicate yet robust potion that is Cholula, rank about 40,000 to 60,000 Scoville units on the scale. When our peppers are combined with our flavorful spices and other ingredients, Cholula delivers a palatable 1,000 Scoville units. We like to think it's the perfect amount of heat and flavor for your tastebuds to enjoy.

Where is Cholula Hot Sauce made?
Cholula Hot Sauce is made in Chapala, which is a one hour drive from the city of Guadalajara, a five hour drive from Mexico City, a four hour flight from Los Angeles, 1,000 miles from Dallas, TX and a long way from New York City.

How long has Cholula Hot Sauce been available?
Cholula has been in existence for at least three generations; it has been commercially available in the United States for over 20 years.

Where can I find Cholula?
At your favorite restaurant, if not, tell them to get it - or just bring your own until they do. Otherwise, try your favorite grocery store. Still can't find it? Visit our online store.

Where can I find Cholula dry seasonings?
We apologize for the inconvenience but Cholula dry seasonings are no longer available.

Is Cholula Hot Sauce good for my health?
It improves your looks, helps attract the chicks and you will live to be a very old person. All kidding aside, Cholula doesn't make any health claims but we've heard rumors that peppers are believed to have many health benefits.


Is Cholula Gluten-Free?
Yes.

What is the code on the bottle?
The code on the bottle is a production code not an expiration date. The first two digits are the year, the next three are the day and the next four is the time. For example; 1011414:36 translates to 2010, on the 114 day at 2:36. A lot code appears below the production date.