Here at Foodbeast one thing we’re always on the look out for are new sauces to try. A great sauce can be the difference between an okay meal and a mouthwatering one.
As a staple condiment, the land of sauce spreads far and wide, and without a guide, it can be hit or miss. Fortunately, I’ve taken the time to put together a list of recommendations. Since it’s Women’s History Month, I wanted to highlight women-owned sauce brands that are spicing up the food world.
From zesty barbeque to spicy Sichuan chili and even savory masala, the sauces below are sure to add major kick to your next bite.
Owner: Sarah Marshall
Started in her home kitchen, Marshall’s Haute Sauce is a Portland based sauce brand that offers a range of options. Flavors include tart and savory Red Chili Lime, spicy Smoked Habañero Barbeque, Habañero Carrot Curry which features an exotic blend of hot and sweet and lastly, the tangy spice of Serrano Ginger Lemongrass. With a farm-to-table ethos, they use produce from local farmer’s markets that they work at. All sauces are gluten free, vegan (some contain honey), and vegetarian.
You can find Marshall’s Haute Sauce online or at the outlets listed here.
Owner: Bobbie Rosenberg
It took three years for owner Bobbie Rosenberg to perfect her boat sauce, and her dedication resulted in not only one sauce, but two. It was concocted on a boat, hence the name, 1000 miles off the coast of Portland. A result of improvisation, Rosenberg thought up a complex mixture which includes tomato paste, lime, fish sauce, pickle brine and maple syrup to name just a few. The experiment would grant her access to flavor heaven and inspire her to share the discovery with the world.
Launched in 2018, Bobbie’s Boat Sauce packs a umami punch that goes well with everything. It’s now available throughout the Pacific Northwest and online here.
Owner: Jing Gao
The spicy flavors of this sauce brand were inspired by Chengdu, China, the hometown of owner Jing Gao. She wanted to capture the experience of her hometown’s hole-in-the-wall restaurants that attract hungry customers "like flies" — hence the name, Fly By Jing. The brand is setting tongues afire with its assortment of spicy offerings like their ultra popular, hot and savory Sichuan Chili Crisp as well as the umami-rich and versatile Zhong Sauce, which has a sweet and spicy tang.
Since their launch, Fly By Jing has expanded to spices and even dumplings. You can find them at a wide selection of stores and also on their website.
Owner: Hawa Hassan
These sauces hail from Seattle by way of East Africa and are made to pair well with pretty much everything. Basbaas was founded by Hawa Hassan in 2015, who lived in a Kenyan refugee camp as a child before relocating to the states at age seven. With her family unable to join her, she stayed with a family friend, eventually falling into a modeling career. Later, being reunited with her family would inspire Hassan to create Basbaas Foods, a way to show a positive side to Somali culture. Their sauces include a smokey, sweet and savory Tamarind Date Sauce and the Coconut Cilantro Chutney, which has a well rounded kick that compliments all dishes.
Explore the flavors of East Africa by visiting their website here.
Owner: Mary and Deborah Jones
Hailing from the heart of barbeque, Kansas City, this sauce has been satisfying hungry customers since 1970. The only secret behind its success is a family recipe, and of course, hard work and love. Two barbeque options will keep your mouth watering: Sweet & Tangy Sauce and Coconut Pineapple Sauce. Made from scratch, each pairs well with your choice of protein. In addition to sauce, Jones BBQ has a brick and mortar location in Kansas City, Kansas that’s quite well known.
You’re in luck if you don’t happen to live in Kansas, Jones BBQ is also available online here.
Owner: Stacy Moritz
Since its launch on the Portland scene in 2015, Secret Aardvark Trading Co has been making big splashes. Creator Scott Moritz started selling at local farmer’s markets before the sauce grew to the popularity it has today. After his passing in 2009, Moritz’ wife Stacy continued spreading the sauce across the states, growing their original flavors into a wide selection available today. Secret Aardvark has something for every type of sauce lover: Serrabanero Green Hot Sauce, Drunken Garlic Black Bean Sauce and the original Aardvark Habanero Sauce are just a few that’ll keep your tongue on the edge.
Secret Aardvark is widely available in retailers nationwide and also online here.
Owner: Julie Singer
Julz’s Creations is a hot sauce brand that hails from Durham, North Carolina. Owner Julie Singer transitioned from a psychology background to quite possibly the most unexpected career as a creator of quality sauces. She hand-makes everything from locally sourced produce along with the help of her husband. Her creations include carefully crafted Hot Sauce, BBQ Sauce and Mustard. Last year, her BBQ was awarded 1st place as Best Condiment by North Carolina’s Special Foods Association.
To check out North Carolina’s spin on barbeque, you can order directly from the site, or if you’re a local you can find available retailers here.
Owner: Erica Diehl
This sauce was born from trial, error, and a desire for sauce made without artificial ingredients. Queen Majesty creator, Erica Diehl, was inspired by her time in Brooklyn, NY listening to reggae music and learning about Caribbean culture. Her interests would lead her to become a DJ, aptly named Queen Majesty. Through her relationship with Caribbean culture she would discover its delicious cuisine. Experimenting with sauces, she eventually created her first; the rich and scintilating Scotch Bonnet & Ginger. The Jalapeño Tequila & Lime Hot Sauce with its refreshing kick and their hottest sauce, the Red Habanero & Black Coffee would soon follow.
In addition to online, Queen Majesty sauce can be found at many locations worldwide.
Owner: Chitra Agrawal
Indian culinary traditions inspired these assortment of sauces from Brooklyn Delhi. Since 2014 they’ve been sharing an Indian pantry staple called achaar, also known as Indian pickle. It’s flavorful as a sauce, made using vegetables, fruits, aromatic spices and chili peppers. It then serves as the base for Brooklyn Delhi’s products which updates the traditional flavor profile to compliment a wide array of foods like sandwiches, burgers and eggs. Owner Chitra Agrawal, who’s a chef and cookbook author, now offers a wide selection of Indian sauces like Golden Coconut Curry, Cashew Butter Masala and even Curry Ketchup.
To check out all of Brooklyn Delhi’s fantastic products, visit their website or your local retailer.
Owner: Kelis Rogers
Singer and celebrity chef Kelis Rogers believes everything is better smothered, dipped, and poured. As a Le Cordon Bleu graduate in 2008, she knew deep down she was saucier. Traveling worldwide allowed Rogers to create sauces that illustrate extensions of her experience. With a wide selection to choose between, Bounty & Full is sure to have something for everyone. Sauces include a sweet and hot Pineapple Turmeric Salsa, a savory Delicious Veggie Gravy and a sweet and tangy Organic Cranberry Sauce with Palm Sugar and Tangerine. Additional flavors are available as well.
Kelis’ Bounty & Full sauces can be purchased online here.
As you reflect and honor the contributions of Women this month, I definitely recommend giving some of these sauces a try. It’s a great way to support women entrepreneurs and liven your meals up for months to come.
