“What makes a high-quality hot sauce is its ingredients,” saysDr.

Lisa R. Young, Ph.D., RDN, and author ofFinally Full, Finally SlimandThe Portion Teller Plan.

“Chili peppers are the key ingredient.

hot sauce bottles

Shutterstock

They also include vinegar, lemon, lime, spices, salt, and often pickled vegetables or fruits.

I love ones with added vegetables and fruit.”

At the same time, hot sauces can contain excess preservatives and additives.

tabasco sauce

Tabasco

This is why, when on the hunt for the good stuff, Goodson advises checking the nutrition labels.

“This includes xanthan gum, a food thickener that, for many people, causes an upset stomach.

[Also] sodium benzoate is used to extend shelf life that has been potentially linked to inflammation.”

crystal hot sauce

Courtesy of Baumer Foods

So when choosing your favorites, peep at the sodium content.

With all of this in mind, here are 6 dietitian-approved hot sauces with the highest quality ingredients.

And for more shopping tips, check out6 Store-Bought Salsas With the Highest Quality Ingredients.

melinda’s original habanero hot sauce

Courtesy of Melinda’s Foods

Crystal

Crystal Hot Saucekeeps its ingredients crystal clear, containing all the good-for-you basics.

“A simple hot sauce with whole ingredients that do not include any preservatives or additives.”

Add inbrain-boosting garlicandimmunity-improving limes, and it’s no wonder why this hot sauce is a high-quality pick!

true made foods veggie sriracha

Courtesy of TrueMadeFoods

Because this sauce is rich in veggies, it’s chock-full of vitamins and nutrients.

To sweeten the deal, there’s also no sugar added “ever,” according to the bottle.

“Mustardis also a great way to get a dash of iron and calcium in your hot sauce.”

secret aardvark habanero hot sauce

Courtesy of Secret Aardvark

herdez avocado hot sauce

Courtesy of MegaMex Foods