Tabasco
40,000 SHU · Capsicum frutescens
HotHeat range
30,000 to 50,000 SHU. Typical: 40,000 SHU.
Individual peppers vary within this range based on growing conditions, ripeness, and genetic variation. See the Scoville scale guide for why the range matters.
Flavor and character
Tabasco has flavors of acidic, vinegary, fruity when ripe, sharp immediate heat.
The tabasco pepper is a small, upward-pointing chile best known as the sole ingredient in Tabasco brand hot sauce, which has been produced on Avery Island, Louisiana since 1868. The peppers start yellow-green and ripen through orange to bright red. Fresh tabascos have a sharp, fruity bite with noticeable acidity. The heat is similar to cayenne but comes on faster and feels more pointed. Beyond the famous sauce, tabasco peppers are used in Cajun and Creole cooking. The variety is technically Capsicum frutescens, which distinguishes it from the annuum peppers that dominate this list.
How it’s used
Tabasco is commonly used in Tabasco brand hot sauce, Cajun and Creole cooking, fermented pepper mashes.
What to use instead
These substitutions match heat, not flavor. Flavor character changes substantially between peppers. For custom quantities, use the substitution calculator.
Compare with another pepper
Other peppers to explore
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Tabasco compared to a jalapeño?
Tabasco at 40,000 SHU is roughly 8× hotter than a typical jalapeño (5,000 SHU). That is a significant difference in capsaicin concentration.
What does Tabasco taste like?
Tabasco has flavors of acidic, vinegary, fruity when ripe, sharp immediate heat. Beyond the heat, these flavor notes distinguish it from other peppers at similar Scoville ratings.
Can I grow Tabasco at home?
Yes. Tabasco grows well in USDA zones 7+ and can be grown in containers in cooler zones. Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost. Full sun, moderate water, and well-drained soil produce the best results.
Is Tabasco hotter than Thai Chile (Bird’s Eye)?
No. Thai Chile (Bird’s Eye) at 75,000 SHU typical is hotter than Tabasco at 40,000 SHU. Compare them side by side on the comparison tool.
What's a good substitute for Tabasco?
The closest substitutes are Cayenne and Thai Chile (Bird’s Eye). These share similar heat ranges and compatible flavor profiles. For exact quantity ratios, use the substitution calculator.
What is Tabasco's Scoville rating?
Tabasco ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 SHU, with a typical measurement of 40,000 SHU. This range reflects natural variation in capsaicin production due to growing conditions, ripeness, and genetics.