3 ms·
FWIW (anecdotal evidence to follow)- I've purchased other varieties of Sriracha sauce that were not the original Sriracha brand and they did not taste the same
by Evolved 12y ago
FWIW (anecdotal evidence to follow)- I've purchased other varieties of Sriracha sauce that were not the original Sriracha brand and they did not taste the same and they did not taste as good.
As long as the recipe is protected, Sriracha is largely untouchable. Folks will likely try other brands and then switch back when they're not satisfied. That and the fact that Sriracha isn't expensive make it tough competition for those trying to ride Huy Fong Foods' coattails.
Like others here, I'll compromise on Coke vs. Pepsi or Valentina/Cholula/Tabasco/etc. but I have not and will not compromise on the OG Sriracha.
- mxfh 12y agoThe notion of Huy Fong Rooster being the original is also quite a stretch (that title woud arguably go to Sriraja Panich). It's just the brand of siracha that happens to be big in the US, other styles are different and most of the non-US ones are not even intendend to be copies of the Huy Fong variety. They have their own distinct tastes.
- logn 12y agoYes, Sriracha is actually cheaper than the generics I see. The generics try to sell a smaller size bottle for a lower price but $/ounce it's more expensive. I don't think protecting the name is that important. Rightly they're protecting the rooster and design which to me is the most distinctive aspect. Anyhow, I think there's plenty of room in the market for additional hot sauces and condiments. The smart ones will probably create their own unique flavor rather than always be viewed as an imitator.
- desdiv 12y agoIs the recipe protected? The company was started back in the 1980s, so any patent would have long expired. If it's just a trade secret then his competitors can just perform laboratory analysis on it and legally copy it.