Texas Pete: The legend (who isn't from Texas)

If you go to a diner in North Carolina or Georgia, you won't find Tabasco on the table. You'll find Texas Pete . It's the iconic sauce of the American Southeast. But here's a little tidbit to impress your friends: Texas Pete doesn't actually come from Texas!

It has been proudly made in Winston-Salem, North Carolina , since the 1920s. The name "Texas" was chosen simply to evoke adventure and the spicy side of the Wild West. The gamble paid off, because today, the little cowboy on the bottle has become an icon of American soul food.

The perfect "Louisiana Style" taste

Why do Americans love it so much? Because it's versatile . It's a Louisiana-style sauce, made primarily of vinegar, aged red cayenne peppers, and salt. Unlike some extreme sauces that mask the taste of food, Texas Pete enhances flavors. It has that slightly tangy (vinegary) edge that cuts through richness, followed by a moderate heat that lingers on the palate.

It's the "comfort" sauce: it's spicy, but it doesn't hurt.

A range to suit all tastes

Texas Pete is one big family. Depending on availability, you may find the following variations in our department:

Texas Pete Original Hot Sauce: The timeless classic. Essential on scrambled eggs, a slice of pizza, or in a kidney bean dish.
Texas Pete Sautéed Garlic: The hidden gem. Imagine the original sauce infused with sautéed garlic. It's wonderful for cooking, marinating shrimp, or adding a kick to pasta.
Texas Pete Hotter Hot: For those who find the original too mild. It's the same recipe, but with a much higher concentration of chili peppers. Now we're really starting to sweat.
Texas Pete Buffalo Wing Sauce: Ready to use! It already contains butter/margarine. You fry your chicken, toss it in a bowl with this sauce, shake it up, and you have real American "Buffalo Wings".

👇 Find all our Texas Pete bottles available below! 👇

The perfect pairing: Fried Chicken

If there's one sacred pairing in the USA , it's Texas Pete and fried chicken . The acidity of the vinegar cuts perfectly with the richness of the fried food. If you want to eat your KFC or homemade chicken "the American way," literally drown it in this sauce. It's also excellent on collard greens (a typical Southern green) or in a Bloody Mary.

FAQ - Minute Cowboy

What is its level of spiciness?

The Original version is classified as "Medium". It's around 740 Scoville units. That's less hot than Tabasco (which is between 2500 and 5000). That's why you can put a lot more on your plate!

Should it be kept in the fridge?

Like all vinegar-based sauces, it keeps very well in the cupboard. But in the USA , many prefer to keep it in the fridge so it stays a vibrant red and fresh. It's a matter of taste!