Are you considering buying or trying Valentina sauce but want to know what this sauce contains before you do so? Well, here are all the ingredients that go into it!
So, what is Valentina sauce made of? Valentina sauce is made from six different ingredients. These are Water, Chili Peppers, Vinegar, Salt, Spices, and 0.1% Sodium Benzoate (which acts as a Preservative).
As you can see, this Mexican hot sauce is made from minimal ingredients.
But that doesn’t mean that this Salsa Picante does not boast a lot of flavor!
But have you noticed there are actually two different Valentina sauces – red and black label?
Are you wondering how the ingredients differ between the two?
Let’s find out!
Contents
What Are The Ingredients In Valentina Sauce?
The ingredients in Valentina sauce are the same in both their red and black label products. Water, Chili Peppers, Vinegar, Salt, Spices, and 0.1% Sodium Benzoate are the only ingredients used.
That being said, the black label Valentina sauce is the hotter sauce of the two.
It has been designed that way and is hence otherwise known as their ‘extra-hot’ version.
Now the only difference here is the quantity of the chili peppers used.
That is what gives the sauce additional heat.
We’ll look at the types of peppers used in the next section.
Regarding the other ingredients, you’ll find that this sauce is mostly made up of water (it’s the first listed ingredient, after all).
This gives this sauce its runnier consistency and helps the sauce to pour.
From there, you’ll also find vinegar which gives the sauce a subtle tang. It’s not considered as extreme as other hot sauces, but there’s enough there to notice.
Salt and spices are the next ingredients you’ll find. Both are important flavorings although the exact spices that are used are not disclosed.
Lastly, the Sodium Benzoate is likely added to increase the acidity and boost the sauce flavor, while also helping to preserve the sauce and ensure it lasts.
What Kind Of Peppers Is Valentina Sauce Made From?
Valentina sauce is made from puya peppers. These are Mexican peppers that are somewhat sweet in flavor with a hint of tanginess.
Puya peppers are considered somewhat low in heat and spiciness.
On the Scoville Heat Scale (the widely accepted measurement of heat for chili peppers and hot sauces), they typically score in the 5,000-8000 SHU (Scoville Heat Unit) range.
Nevertheless, due to the inclusion of other ingredients and natural dilution, the average bottle of Valentina sauce typically scores around 900 Scoville Heat Units when analyzed.
The Extra Hot version is naturally hotter, with a SHU score of ~2,000 units.
Valentina Sauce Nutrition
Below you can find the nutritional information for both Red Label and Black Label Valentina Sauce (they share the same nutritional profile).
| Name | Total |
| Calories | 0 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0g |
| – of which sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 64mg |
Read more: Valentina Hot Sauce Nutrition
Finally
Valentina sauce is one of the best-selling hot sauces in Mexico. It’s also become a global product and brand, and it comes as no real surprise.
This hot sauce packs a lot of flavor and a nice heat level.
While many consider it the Mexican equivalent of Tabasco, this sauce offers something a little different and is certainly worth a try.
If you can get your hands on it, at least.
Just remember, the Black Label Valentina sauce is the hotter of the two. In fact, it is typically 2-3x as hot as the red label version.
Of course you can always make it at home. Here’s how you can do so: Valentina Hot Sauce Recipe.
And if you like your hot sauces, you may be interested in checking the ingredients of the following brands:
Hello. I’m Jeremy – an experienced saucier who has worked in some of the top kitchens over the last few decades. With a love for sauces, food, and nutrition, I decided to create WeWantTheSauce. Here I share my knowledge and expertise; from ingredients and recipes to storage all the way through to recommendations for every sauce imaginable.