The Heat is on! Discover the Appeal of Spicy Snacks

There is no denying that spicy snacks are more than just a passing fad. For generations, humans have found new and exciting ways to challenge their taste receptors, and in recent years, our options for spicy treats have expanded exponentially! We’ve seen massive growth in consumer demand for spicy and spicier food products for well over a decade, not just in hot sauces and hot chicken restaurants, but also in unexpected places like the candy aisle as well.

Many experts attribute this consumer shift to a growing base of younger generations seeking more diverse flavor options in their food. Nowadays, even regions of the country who weren’t traditionally keen on spicy products are being exposed to hotter and hotter flavors from around the globe. Food accessibility has grown exponentially with global supply chains becoming more efficient, and that has led to bolder, more adventurous flavors becoming prominent in every aspect of America’s flavor profile.

Why Spicy Snacks Are Hotter Than Ever

From fast food chains to supermarkets and even candy shops, spice has become the new “hot thing” in our culinary zeitgeist. Much of this fiery trend can be attributed to Millennials and Gen Z, who are not only more adventurous in their food choices, but also deeply immersed in the multicultural influences that drive their desire to explore exciting new flavors.

To prove our point, just look at this Google Trends data for the search term “spicy” over the last 20 years:

Social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram have played a huge role in amplifying this trend. One viral video from a social media influencer from halfway across the world can turn a spicy snack into a must-have item overnight, making hot and spicy foods a staple in the modern snack aisle.

With the demand for bold, exciting flavors at an all-time high, snack companies are pushing the boundaries of spice, creating products that challenge even the most seasoned spice lovers. Items like Carolina Reaper cheese puffs or Flamin' Hot beef jerky sticks bring a whole new level of heat that’s definitely not for the faint of heart. These snacks combine intense spices with the familiar comfort of classic flavors, making them irresistible to those who crave that extra capsaicin kick.

Part of the appeal of spicy foods may stem from our own biological urges. When you eat something made with Carolina Reaper peppers (one of the world's hottest varieties) your body reacts to the heat by releasing endorphins, providing a natural 'high' that can be both thrilling and addictive. This endorphin rush not only dulls the sensation of pain from the heat but also creates a sense of euphoria, which can be addictive, fueling our desire to seek out even spicier foods.

If you want to capitalize on this growing market trend with seemingly no end, then you are in luck! Redstone Foods has a growing selection of spicy snacks that will satisfy the thrill-seeker in all of us. We are constantly on the lookout for the hottest (pun intended) products in the world of candy, soda, and snacks and our spice radar has been honed into some amazing products that your customers are sure to love!

Check Out These Must-Try Spicy Snacks That Really Pack a Punch!

Herr’s Carolina Reaper Extra Hot Cheese Curls

I’m starting this off with what is undeniably my favorite product on this list. Herr’s Extra Hot Carolina Reaper Cheese Curls are everything you’d want from a spicy snack! Baked with real cheese goodness, then flavored with the previous Guinness World Records-winning spiciest chili pepper, these gluten-free cheese puffs are a phenomenal choice for cheese lovers and spicy snack enthusiasts alike!

While they are really, really spicy, I think the average consumer could easily enjoy them thoroughly without feeling too overwhelmed. I only get an intense mouth burn when I eat more than 5 of them in rapid succession, that’s when the intense heat really kicks in! So, move over Flamin’ Hot Cheetos! There’s a new a top contender for those who crave some seriously cheesy spice.

Snak Club Hot Ones Hot Habanero Snack Mix

For true connoisseurs of spice, the Hot Ones snack mix – based on the popular YouTube show hosted by Sean Evans, delivers a mouth-watering mix of heat and flavor that’s as thrilling as it is delicious. Featuring a fiery blend of roasted peanuts, pretzels, cashews, sesame sticks, and toasted corn, each bite is coated in a spicy habanero seasoning based on their Los Calientes Rojo hot sauce.

With a medium-hot rating, this mix strikes the perfect balance between spicy and savory, offering just enough heat to make you sweat without overwhelming your taste buds. It's the ultimate snack for those who love bold flavors, but with an addictive, fiery kick!

Beer Nuts Habanero Bar Mix

Of all the products on this list, these surprised me the most! Beer Nuts Habanero Bar Mix is a lot more spicy than I could have imagined, plus it was super delicious, so I would rate this spicy, yet sweet and salty snack mix as the real deal Holyfield! With original Beer Nuts, corn sticks, and insane grain, this mix tells you to go ahead and dive in. But hold on tight because this snack mix does pack a punch!

Cazo De Oro Las Ricas Party Mix – Tajin

Unless you’ve been living under a rock lately, you’ve probably noticed that Tajin seasoning is all the rage these days. From gummy candy to beef jerky and pork rinds, this tangy spice blend has taken the world by storm!

Cazo De Oro Las Ricas Party Mix with Tajin seasoning gives you just the right amount of spice with a citrusy limon zest that really tantalizes your taste buds. This mix includes wheat wheels, wheat squares, potato rings, and corn shells, covered in that signature Tajin spice that makes every bite a delicious adventure! They also make for a perfect addition to all your Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.

Herr’s Ghost Pepper Hot Potato Chips

Another fantastically spicy entry from the fine folks at Herr’s, these ghost pepper potato chips are not for the faint of heart. Originating from Northeast India, the ghost pepper (Bhut Jolokia) was the very first pepper to break 1 million SHU (Scoville heat units) and it has been used to great applause from spicy thrill-seekers worldwide ever since. Combining the heat from the ghost pepper with Herr’s signature ripple potato chips, this chip is one smokin’ hot snack! If you crave the heat, these will not disappoint you.

Festive Chickpeas – Spicy

Celebrate snack time with Festive Chickpeas! These crunchy garbanzo hearts pack a bold, spicy flavor that will satisfy your cravings while offering a healthier alternative to traditional snacks. Halal, vegan, gluten-free, and packed with fiber and protein, these chickpeas prove that healthy snacks are good and can still bring the heat. Crave the crunch and enjoy every spicy bite, knowing you’re making a choice that’s both delicious and nutritious!

Diamond Hot Honey Walnuts

Since 1912, Diamond of California has been crafting quality nut snacks, and their Hot Honey Walnuts bring a tantalizing balance of sweet and heat. Each walnut is coated in honey and infused with habanero chili pepper, delivering a snack that's both satisfying and flavorful.

Frank’s RedHot Sauce Spicy Almonds

Spice up your snack time with Frank’s RedHot Spicy Almonds! These hot and spicy nuts are coated in a generous layer of Frank's RedHot seasoning made with the iconic sauce itself, these crunchy almonds deliver the perfect kick of heat and flavor. They're sure to bring your snack routine back to life, and you’ll find out why their slogan is: “I put that ____ on everything!”

Jack Links Flamin’ Hot Flavored Original Meat Stick

Meat snacks are a great way to introduce a quick, easy boost of protein into your day. Jack Link’s invites you to feed your wild side with their Flamin’ Hot flavored Original Meat Sticks! These come in a display box of 20 sticks so your customers can really turn up the heat with this convenient, on-the-go meat snack!

Uglies Kettle Potato Chips – Jalapeño

Uglies Kettle Chips are more than just a snack—they’re a mission to reduce food waste! Made from perfectly imperfect potatoes that might otherwise go to waste, Uglies is committed to helping farmers and the planet! Their Jalapeño flavor brings just the right amount of mild spice to these crunchy, and embarrassingly delicious chips. With each bite, you're not only enjoying a tasty snack, but also supporting a brand that’s saved over 25 million pounds of potatoes since 2017!

At Redstone Foods, we’re always keeping an eye on the hottest trends – literally! Spicy snacks have captured the hearts (and taste buds) of snack lovers everywhere, and we’re proud to offer an exciting selection that caters to this growing demand. From fiery cheese puffs to jalapeño chips and everything in between, our lineup of bold, flavorful snacks is sure to help your business turn up the heat.

If you’re ready to offer your customers the best in spicy snacks, look no further. Reach out to us today, or create an account online to explore our full selection. Redstone Foods is America’s favorite candy and snack distributor, and we’re excited to help you spice up your store’s inventory!

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