The History of Tapatío Hot Sauce

In 1971, Jose-Luis Saavedra Sr. was living in California and began making hot sauce as a side business. To honor his product’s connection to authentic Mexican flavors, he named it Tapatío, a term used to identify the inhabitants of Guadalajara, and included a man wearing a sombrero on the label. Saavedra’s recipe, which calls for red peppers, vinegar, garlic, and spices, quickly became popular in the Latino community. In 1985, the business expanded with a new warehouse. Saavedra’s three children also joined the company that same year. By the late 1980s, Tapatío hot sauce was increasingly popular in households all across America. That same year, the company added a 10-ounce bottle in addition to the original 5-ounce size. The company expanded again in 1996, and by the 2010s, Tapatío had begun offering an expanded product line, including dry seasonings and salsa. Today, Tapatío hot sauce remains a beloved condiment and is used to flavor everything from scrambled eggs to tacos.