Is Original cayenne pepper sauce Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a hot sauce fits a vegan lifestyle, we look for hidden animal products like honey, dairy (whey or lactose), or non-vegan colorings like cochineal. The Original cayenne pepper sauce formula is remarkably clean and traditional.

The primary ingredient, aged cayenne red peppers, is simply the fruit of the Capsicum annuum plant. Aging them deepens the flavor without requiring animal products. The preserving agent, distilled vinegar, is made through the fermentation of grain alcohol and is universally accepted as vegan.

Finally, water, salt, and garlic powder are the remaining components. While salt is a mineral, some strict vegans avoid iodized salt because the iodine carrier (often derived from shellfish or animal by-products) can vary. However, in mass-produced hot sauces, the salt is standard food-grade and considered vegan-friendly. There are no thickeners like xanthan gum (which is microbial and safe) or emulsifiers derived from eggs.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Original cayenne pepper sauce is excellent for those managing their weight. It is exceptionally low in calories—often negligible—and contains virtually no fat or carbohydrates. The heat comes from capsaicin, a compound found in peppers that has been studied for its potential metabolism-boosting properties.

Because the sauce relies heavily on vinegar and peppers, it is naturally low in sugar, unlike BBQ sauces or ketchup. This makes it a guilt-free flavor enhancer for vegan diets. However, the sodium content can add up if you pour it liberally, so it is best used in moderation if you are monitoring blood pressure.