We Tried Three Fan-Fave Spicy Toppings — See Which One Brought the Heat

Welcome to Savored, a new series where we put trending food and drink items to the test. Check out all of our episodes right here.

On today's menu...

We tapped "Spice Spice Baby" cookbook author, Kanchan Koya (@chiefspicemama), and theSkimm’s branded content writer and spice novice, Alessandra Rey, to help us savor three spicy toppings. Here are their honest, unfiltered thoughts. Gallon of milk not pictured. 

Jalapa Jar's Sweet & Heat Mild Salsa 🔥

Consider this your new favorite chip-dip. (Jalapa Jar, $6)

• Features hints of...pineapple, roasted tomatoes, and garlic.

• Pairs well with...tortilla chips, your best friends, and the sweet scents of summer.

• Tastes best...served cold, as a poolside snack. Psst…you can find it in the refrigerator aisle at your local grocery store.

• Switch it up by...adding some to your breakfast burrito or scrambled eggs. 

Trader Joe's Zhoug Sauce 🔥🔥

Yep, it’s viral for a reason. (Trader Joes, $3.69)

• Features hints of...cilantro, cilantro, and cilantro. (But also chile flakes, cardamom, jalapeño peppers, and cumin seeds.)

• Pairs well with...pita bread and fresh, raw veggies. Or, according to Kanchan, everything in her fridge.

• Tastes best...on anything you'd top with chimichurri sauce. It's also known as 'Middle Eastern pesto'. Hummus bar, anyone?

• Switch it up by...smearing it on a sandwich or drizzling it over a grilled cauliflower steak or your favorite baba ganoush recipe. (We love this one.)

Fly By Jing's Sichuan Chili Crisp 🔥🔥🔥

It’s part chili flake, part oil, full one-dip wonder. (Fly By Jing, $34 for 2)

• Features hints of...Sichuan peppercorn, garlic, and vinegar.

• Pairs well with...steamed veggie potstickers.

• Tastes best...as a drizzle on anything from avocado toast to smash burger tacos.

• Switch it up by...using it as an ice cream topping. (Yes, way.) Dairy's fat and creaminess compete with spices for the same receptors on your tongue and eventually balance each other out.

theSkimm

Whether you’re looking to zhuzh up your breakfast or stock up on a new poolside favorite, these three sauces will take you on a (delicious) trip around the world. 

Meet our taste experts...

Kanchan Koya, Ph.D. - Kanchan (@chiefspicemama) is a content creator, author, and podcast host. You can add her cookbook, “Spice Spice Baby,” to your cart right here. 

Alessandra Rey - Alessandra (@alealessandra29) is a writer, brand strategist, and self-proclaimed foodie, thanks to her Texan roots and Peruvian blood.