Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce has gained immense popularity among sandwich enthusiasts, but the question remains: is it spicy? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of spicy sauces, explore the ingredients and Scoville heat units (SHU) of Subway’s Creamy Sriracha, and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of its spiciness level.
Understanding the Scoville Scale
Before we dive into the specifics of Subway’s Creamy Sriracha, it’s essential to understand the Scoville scale, which measures the heat level of a pepper or sauce. The Scoville scale ranges from 0 SHU, which is the rating for a sweet pepper, to over 2 million SHU, which is the rating for some of the hottest peppers in the world.
How the Scoville Scale Works
The Scoville scale is calculated by dissolving a pepper or sauce in water and then measuring the amount of capsaicin present. Capsaicin is the compound responsible for the heat in peppers. The more capsaicin present, the higher the Scoville rating.
Scoville Scale Ranges
Here’s a breakdown of the Scoville scale ranges:
- 0-100 SHU: Sweet peppers, mild sauces
- 100-1,000 SHU: Mildly spicy peppers, sauces
- 1,000-10,000 SHU: Medium-hot peppers, sauces
- 10,000-50,000 SHU: Hot peppers, sauces
- 50,000-100,000 SHU: Very hot peppers, sauces
- 100,000-350,000 SHU: Extremely hot peppers, sauces
- 350,000-2,000,000 SHU: The hottest peppers, sauces
Subway’s Creamy Sriracha Sauce Ingredients
Now that we have a basic understanding of the Scoville scale, let’s take a look at the ingredients in Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Sriracha sauce
- Sour cream
- Buttermilk
- Hot sauce (contains distilled vinegar, red pepper, garlic)
- Garlic
- Onion
- Salt
- Sugar
- Natural flavor
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper
Identifying the Spicy Ingredients
From the list of ingredients, we can identify the following spicy components:
- Sriracha sauce: Made from chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, and sugar, Sriracha sauce has a Scoville rating of 1,000-2,000 SHU.
- Hot sauce: Contains red pepper, which has a Scoville rating of 30,000-50,000 SHU.
- Cayenne pepper: Has a Scoville rating of 30,000-50,000 SHU.
Calculating the Scoville Rating of Subway’s Creamy Sriracha
While we can’t calculate the exact Scoville rating of Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce, we can estimate it based on the ingredients. Assuming the sauce contains a moderate amount of Sriracha sauce, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper, we can estimate the Scoville rating to be around 5,000-10,000 SHU.
Comparing Subway’s Creamy Sriracha to Other Sauces
To put the spiciness of Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce into perspective, let’s compare it to other popular sauces:
- Mayonnaise: 0 SHU
- Ketchup: 0 SHU
- Mustard: 0 SHU
- Hot sauce (Tabasco): 30,000-60,000 SHU
- Sriracha sauce: 1,000-2,000 SHU
- Harissa: 40,000-60,000 SHU
- Ghost pepper sauce: 855,000-1,041,427 SHU
As you can see, Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce falls somewhere in the middle of the Scoville scale, making it a moderately spicy sauce.
Who Will Find Subway’s Creamy Sriracha Spicy?
While the Scoville rating of Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce is moderate, some people may still find it spicy. Those who are sensitive to spice or have a low tolerance for heat may find the sauce too spicy. On the other hand, those who enjoy spicy food may find the sauce mildly spicy or even bland.
Factors That Affect Spiciness Perception
Several factors can affect how spicy you perceive Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce to be, including:
- Individual tolerance for spice
- Amount of sauce used
- Type of food paired with the sauce
- Personal preferences
Conclusion
In conclusion, Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce has a moderate Scoville rating of around 5,000-10,000 SHU, making it a moderately spicy sauce. While some people may find it spicy, others may find it mildly spicy or even bland. Ultimately, the perception of spiciness depends on individual tolerance, amount of sauce used, and personal preferences.
Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or a mild food lover, Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce is a great addition to any sandwich. So, go ahead and try it – but be aware of the moderate heat level!
What is Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce made of?
Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce is a proprietary condiment made by the sandwich chain. While the exact recipe is not publicly available, it is believed to contain a combination of ingredients such as mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, garlic, and spices. The sauce is designed to add a creamy and spicy kick to Subway’s sandwiches and salads.
The ingredients in Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce are likely similar to those found in traditional sriracha sauce, which typically includes chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, and sugar. However, the addition of mayonnaise and other ingredients gives the sauce a richer and creamier texture that is distinct from traditional sriracha sauce.
How spicy is Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce?
Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce has a moderate level of heat, with a Scoville heat unit (SHU) rating of around 1,000-2,000. For comparison, traditional sriracha sauce has an SHU rating of around 1,000-2,000, while hot sauce can range from 30,000-60,000 SHU. The heat level of the sauce is balanced by the creaminess of the mayonnaise, making it more palatable for those who prefer milder flavors.
However, the perceived spiciness of the sauce can vary depending on individual tolerance and preferences. Some people may find the sauce too spicy, while others may find it too mild. If you’re concerned about the heat level, you can always ask for a small amount of sauce or try it on a small area of your sandwich before adding more.
Is Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce is suitable for vegetarians, as it does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. However, it may not be suitable for vegans, as it contains mayonnaise, which is typically made from egg yolks. Vegans may want to consider alternative sauces or ask for a vegan version of the sauce, if available.
It’s worth noting that Subway offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, including sandwiches and salads that can be customized with different sauces. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, it’s always a good idea to check with your local Subway restaurant or consult their website for more information.
Can I make my own version of Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce at home?
Yes, you can make your own version of Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce at home using a combination of ingredients such as mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, garlic, and spices. There are many recipes available online that can guide you through the process. You can also experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own unique sauce.
One of the benefits of making your own sauce at home is that you can customize the flavor and heat level to your liking. You can also use fresher and higher-quality ingredients, which can result in a more flavorful and healthier sauce. Additionally, making your own sauce can be a fun and creative process that allows you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.
Is Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce available for purchase in stores?
Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce is not typically available for purchase in stores, as it is a proprietary condiment made by the sandwich chain. However, you can purchase similar sauces or ingredients online or in specialty stores that can help you make your own version of the sauce at home.
If you’re looking for a similar sauce to use at home, you can try searching for “creamy sriracha sauce” or “sriracha mayonnaise” online. There are many brands and products available that offer similar flavor profiles and ingredients. You can also check with local grocery stores or specialty food stores to see if they carry any similar products.
Can I use Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce as a dip or marinade?
Yes, you can use Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce as a dip or marinade for a variety of foods. The sauce has a rich and creamy texture that makes it well-suited for dipping vegetables, chips, or crackers. You can also use it as a marinade for chicken, beef, or tofu before grilling or baking.
One of the benefits of using Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce as a dip or marinade is that it adds a lot of flavor and heat to your food. The sauce is also relatively thick and creamy, which makes it easy to coat food evenly. You can also experiment with different combinations of ingredients and flavors to create your own unique dips and marinades.
Is Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce gluten-free?
Subway’s Creamy Sriracha sauce is gluten-free, making it a good option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your local Subway restaurant or consult their website to confirm that the sauce is gluten-free and made in a facility that does not process gluten.
If you have gluten intolerance or sensitivity, it’s also a good idea to be mindful of cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients. You can ask your local Subway restaurant to take steps to minimize cross-contamination, such as using a dedicated gluten-free preparation area or utensils.