Brown Bottles of Sriracha Are Showing Up on Iowa Store Shelves

If you're anything like me, you love to add a little spice to your cuisine. My copilot at all meals is Sriracha. While "Sriracha" is not a specific brand or even sauce, I am a fan of the (arguably) most popular version, made by Huy Fong Foods from Irwindale, California.

This past weekend, I popped by my local Hy-Vee in Cedar Falls, needing a new bottle to keep on my desk at work. I noticed that, while available, the bottle looked... different. No, not the design or logo. Not the trademark green bottle cap. The color of the Sriracha itself was... off.

Brown Sriracha is a Thing, But It's Not Supposed to Be

I bought a bottle after doing a quick Google search to make sure it wasn't deadly something was wrong with it.

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I am not used to brown Sriracha, after all, Huy Fong's is usually bright red, as are all the other brands you'll find. It's almost a signature of the product itself. A natural, bright red color...

So why did this run of bottle look brown? Oh, and not slightly brown either, we're talking a deep brown color. Look!

It turns out there's a good reason. I mean, not good for Huy Fong, but good enough to explain the deep brown as opposed to the eye-catching fire engine red we are used to seeing.

First off, Huy Fong has dotted the food news world a few times in the last few years. In 2022, the company confirmed they were going to have product shortages. They did. The massive lack of available product drove up prices of what was available online to crazy high amounts. That was blamed on the weather.

Going back even further, in 2017, the Huy Fong split with its pepper-producing partner Underwood Ranch. By the way, they have since started making their own Sriracha and it's mighty good!

But Why is it Brown Now?

As to why it's brown, the latest in Huy Fong drama, the chilis that have been most recently harvested were too green (less ripe). The company, clearly, still used a large number but has now confirmed they will (again) have to halt production.

This means we could see yet another Huy Fong Sriracha shortage, though it sounds like they hope to be up and running again after Labor Day. Let's hope they are because brown Sriracha is... offputting.

Oh, and if you're wondering about the taste, it's about the same but it's greatly lacking the heat I am used to. And, the main reason I buy the stuff. If you love that kick of heat, wait until the solid red color returns to the product.

I still love you, Huy Fong Sriracha! But man do you have a lotta drama in your 17-ounce life.

Grab your favorite hot sauces, and fill this amazing cabin with 'em!