Quick Answer
Yes, Cholula chipotle hot sauce is gluten-free. Cholula hot sauce does not contain any wheat, barley, rye or other gluten-containing ingredients. The company confirms that all Cholula hot sauce varieties, including the chipotle flavor, are gluten-free.
Ingredients in Cholula Chipotle Hot Sauce
The main ingredients in Cholula chipotle hot sauce are:
- Water
- Pepper, chipotle
- Vinegar
- Salt
- Sugar
- Spices and natural flavor
- Garlic
- Xanthan gum
None of these ingredients contain gluten.
The xanthan gum is added as a thickening agent. Xanthan gum is a popular gluten-free thickener made from fermented sugars. It is not derived from wheat or other gluten grains.
So Cholula chipotle hot sauce does not contain any ingredient sources linked to gluten.
Cholula Hot Sauce Brand
Cholula is a popular Mexican hot sauce brand. It was originally made in Mexico but is now produced in the USA.
Cholula makes a range of hot sauce flavors, including original, green pepper, chili garlic, chili lime and chipotle. They are all gluten-free.
The Cholula website has a gluten-free FAQ page that confirms all their hot sauces are gluten-free:
“Yes, all Cholula Hot Sauce varieties are gluten-free. Cholula Hot Sauce does not contain wheat, rye, barley, oats or any other gluten containing grain.”
So the brand clearly states that Cholula chipotle hot sauce, along with all their other hot sauces, is certified gluten-free.
No Risk of Cross-Contamination
In addition to not containing gluten ingredients, Cholula chipotle hot sauce is also at very low risk for cross-contamination with gluten.
Cross-contamination occurs when gluten-free foods come into contact with foods that contain gluten.
However, hot sauces are naturally gluten-free. The main ingredients – peppers, vinegar, water and spices – do not typically contain gluten.
The Cholula factory where the hot sauces are produced does not also process any wheat or gluten grains on the same equipment.
So there is very minimal chance of the chipotle hot sauce having traces of gluten transferred from other products. This makes it a very safe gluten-free option.
Certified Gluten-Free Labels
Cholula chipotle hot sauce does not have one of the official gluten-free certification labels from GFCO, NSF or Coeliac Sprue Association.
However, this does not indicate it is not gluten-free. These third-party audits are voluntary and many brands opt not to undergo the certification process.
Cholula clearly advertises their hot sauce as gluten-free across their website and packaging. So there is no need to doubt their gluten-free status just because it lacks a certified label.
Can Celiacs Safely Eat Cholula Chipotle Hot Sauce?
Yes, people with celiac disease can safely consume Cholula chipotle hot sauce without risk of gluten exposure.
Celiacs must avoid all foods and products that contain gluten. Even tiny traces of gluten can cause intestinal damage and adverse symptoms in celiacs.
Cholula chipotle hot sauce has a very low risk of gluten cross-contamination. The ingredients and manufacturing process are gluten-free.
So people who need to follow a strict gluten-free diet can eat Cholula chipotle hot sauce. It will not cause problems or symptoms in those sensitive to gluten.
Of course, anyone with celiac disease should check the bottle themselves to verify it is produced in a gluten-free facility and double check the ingredients.
Cholula Chipotle Hot Sauce Nutrition
Here is the nutrition information for a 1 teaspoon serving (5g) of Cholula chipotle hot sauce:
- Calories: 5
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 55mg
As you can see, it is very low in calories, fat, carbs and sugar.
The main nutrient to be aware of is the sodium content. The recommended limit for sodium is 2300mg per day.
Cholula chipotle hot sauce provides 55mg sodium per teaspoon. So you can easily fit it into a low-sodium diet by using small servings.
Overall the nutrition profile is quite healthy and pairs well with a balanced gluten-free diet.
Taste and Heat Level
Cholula original hot sauce rates about a 3 on a spice scale of 10. It provides a mild heat along with sweet, tangy and smoky flavors.
The chipotle flavor bumps up the spiciness slightly thanks to the smoky chipotle peppers. It rates around a 4-5 out of 10 on the heat index.
So Cholula chipotle hot sauce provides a nice mild-medium spicy kick. It’s hot enough to give dishes a real chili flavor without being overly fiery or intolerable for those sensitive to spice.
In addition to the heat, you get a rich blend of flavors like garlic, vinegar and sweetness. Many fans love the complex taste and say it’s addictively good on everything from eggs to tacos.
Uses for Cholula Chipotle Hot Sauce
You can use Cholula chipotle hot sauce in any recipe that calls for a chili pepper seasoning or hot sauce. It works well to add heat and flavor to:
- Tacos
- Burritos
- Quesadillas
- Nachos
- Chili
- Soups and stews
- Eggs
- Burgers
- Pizza
- Fajitas
- Casseroles
- Rice and beans
- Dips and dressings
- Pulled pork or chicken
You can also use it straight up as a condiment or dipping sauce. Drizzle it over finished dishes or serve it alongside foods like omelets, sandwiches, french fries and more.
A few drops add a nice subtle heat, or you can pour on more to really turn up the spice level.
Where to Buy Cholula Chipotle Hot Sauce
Cholula chipotle hot sauce is sold at most major grocery stores in the Mexican food aisle or condiment section. Stores like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway and more carry it.
You can also find Cholula chipotle hot sauce at retailers like these:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Publix
- HEB
- Food Lion
- Shoprite
- Stop & Shop
- WinCo Foods
- Harris Teeter
It’s usually in stock at hot sauce specialty stores as well.
You may be able to find it locally at Mexican grocery stores, spice shops or farmers markets too.
Cholula offers a store locator on their website to help find places that sell it near you.
Online stores like Amazon, Walmart and Instacart let you order it for delivery if you can’t find it locally. So it’s easy to get your hands on this gluten-free chipotle hot sauce no matter where you live.
Price of Cholula Chipotle Hot Sauce
Cholula chipotle hot sauce typically costs between $2-4 USD for a 5 ounce bottle.
The best values are usually the multi-packs with 2-3 bottles. This brings the per-bottle price down and allows you to stock up.
Here are some examples of standard Cholula chipotle hot sauce prices:
- 5 ounce bottle – $2.48
- 2 pack of 5 ounce bottles – $5.98 ($2.99 per bottle)
- 3 pack of 5 ounce bottles – $8.47 ($2.82 per bottle)
Sales and coupons can also help get it for less. So watch for discounts and deals from grocery stores.
Overall it’s very affordable, especially when purchased in multi-packs which lower the cost per bottle.
Cholula Chipotle Hot Sauce Recipes
Cholula chipotle hot sauce is delicious in all kinds of gluten-free recipes like these:
Chipotle Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients:
- Shrimp
- Corn tortillas
- Diced tomato
- Shredded cabbage
- Cholula chipotle hot sauce
- Lime juice
- Cilantro
Instructions:
- Saute shrimp in a skillet with salt, pepper and lime juice
- Warm corn tortillas
- Fill tortillas with shrimp, tomatoes, cabbage, cilantro and a drizzle of Cholula chipotle hot sauce
Spicy Chicken Chili
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cholula chipotle hot sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Chicken broth
- Spices like cumin, oregano, chili powder
Instructions:
- Saute onion and garlic
- Add chicken and brown it
- Pour in tomatoes, broth and spices
- Simmer until chicken is cooked through
- Stir in Cholula chipotle hot sauce to taste before serving
Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Ingredients:
- Mayonnaise
- Buttermilk
- Cholula chipotle hot sauce
- Dried parsley
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Mix together mayonnaise, buttermilk, Cholula chipotle hot sauce and seasonings
- Refrigerate for flavors to blend
- Pour on salads, use as a veggie dip or drizzle on sandwiches
Is Cholula Hot Sauce Vegan?
No, standard Cholula hot sauce is not vegan.
It contains small amounts of milk, cheese and whey. These are animal-derived ingredients.
However, Cholula makes a dedicated vegan variety. The vegan hot sauce does not contain any animal products or byproducts.
So if you need a vegan hot sauce, be sure to look specifically for the Cholula vegan formula rather than the original.
But the regular Cholula chipotle hot sauce is still lacto-ovo vegetarian friendly. It just is not 100% plant-based vegan due to the dairy.
Is Cholula Hot Sauce Keto?
Yes, Cholula chipotle hot sauce can fit into a keto diet.
It’s very low carb with only 1g net carb per serving. The carbs are from small amounts of added sugars.
With minimal carbs and no fat or protein, this hot sauce won’t affect ketosis or knock you out of fat burning mode.
Cholula chipotle hot sauce adds great flavor to keto staples like grilled meat, veggies, eggs and more. It can make meals more exciting when you’re restricting carbs.
Just be mindful of servings since the sodium is moderately high. Overall it’s a good keto-friendly condiment choice.
Is Cholula Hot Sauce Whole30 Approved?
Cholula chipotle hot sauce is not Whole30 approved due to containing added sugars.
Whole30 has strict rules that prohibit added sugars during the program. The only sweeteners allowed are small amounts of fruit juice and pure maple syrup.
Cholula does have around 1g of sugar per serving. So it doesn’t align with the no added sugar rule of Whole30.
However, if you’re just looking for gluten-free sauces in general beyond Whole30, then Cholula is a good option. It’s gluten-free and suitable for paleo and keto diets thanks to minimal carbs.
Conclusion
Cholula chipotle hot sauce is a delicious gluten-free condiment. It provides a nice mild-medium heat along with smoky and tangy flavors.
This Mexican-style hot sauce does not contain any gluten ingredients. The company confirms that all Cholula varieties, including chipotle, are gluten-free.
It’s also at very low risk for cross-contamination with gluten. Cholula chipotle hot sauce is produced without wheat or gluten grains on site.
People with celiac disease and gluten intolerance can safely eat it. Just check the label to verify gluten-free status before using.
Use Cholula chipotle hot sauce to add spice and chili flavor to Mexican dishes, eggs, burgers, soups, dressings, meats and more. It’s tasty in endless gluten-free recipes.
Look for it on shelves at major grocery retailers or order online if you have trouble finding it locally. This affordable and gluten-free hot sauce is worth trying out.
