Mike’s Hot Honey is a popular chili pepper infused honey that has gained a cult following in recent years. The Brooklyn-based company was founded in 2012 by Mike Kurtz, who started producing the honey using chili peppers grown on his grandfather’s farm. The honey is touted as being the “perfect blend of sweetness and heat”. But is Mike’s Hot Honey really as hot as it claims? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
What is Mike’s Hot Honey?
Mike’s Hot Honey is made by infusing chili peppers into honey. The recipe is a closely guarded secret, but it’s known to contain a blend of cayenne peppers and other hot chili peppers. The peppers are steeped in honey for weeks to allow the flavors to meld. This results in a honey that has both sweet and spicy notes.
According to the company, Mike’s Hot Honey is made from only three ingredients – honey, chili peppers, and vinegar. The honey provides the sweetness while the chili peppers bring on the heat. Mike’s Hot Honey comes in a 12 ounce squeezable plastic bear bottle with a drawing of Mike’s grandfather on the label. It has a thick, syrupy texture and a bright reddish-orange color.
How hot is Mike’s Hot Honey?
So how hot is Mike’s Hot Honey actually? The heat level is described by the company as “the perfect balance between sweet and hot”. But this leaves the actual spiciness up for interpretation.
To determine the scoville heat level, we need to look at the types of chili peppers likely used. Common chili peppers used for hot honey include cayenne, jalapeño, habanero and serrano peppers. Cayenne peppers range from 30,000 to 50,000 scoville heat units (SHU). Jalapeños come in between 2,500 to 8,000 SHU. Habaneros are a fiery 100,000 to 350,000 SHU. And serrano peppers hit around 10,000 to 23,000 SHU.
Given these ranges, Mike’s Hot Honey probably falls on the lower end of around 2,000 to 5,000 SHU. For comparison, a bell pepper scores 0 SHU and a common Tabasco sauce hits around 2,500 to 5,000 SHU. So while Mike’s Hot Honey does have a kick, it’s not overly extreme. The honey tempers the heat somewhat and makes it more palatable.
Scoville scale
The Scoville scale is the measurement used to determine a chili pepper’s pungency and heat. The scale was invented in 1912 by Wilbur Scoville. It measures the concentration of capsaicin, the chemical compound responsible for spiciness in peppers.
The scale ranges from 0 to over 3 million SHU. Here are a few comparisons:
| Pepper | Scoville Heat Units |
|---|---|
| Bell pepper | 0 SHU (no heat) |
| Jalapeño | 2,500-8,000 SHU |
| Cayenne pepper | 30,000-50,000 SHU |
| Habenero | 100,000-350,000 SHU |
| Carolina Reaper | 1,500,000-2,200,000 SHU (one of the hottest peppers in the world) |
As shown, Mike’s Hot Honey ranks on the milder end of the scale.
Taste test: How hot is it really?
To get a firsthand sense of the spiciness, I did a taste test of Mike’s Hot Honey. Here is my assessment:
Appearance: Thick, sticky texture. Dark orange color.
Aroma: Sweet with a subtle spice scent. Definite honey and pepper notes.
Flavor: Initial taste is sweet honey with a delayed building heat. The spice creeps up and leaves a lingering tingle on the tongue. Not mouth-burning, but a present mild spiciness. The honey balances it out well.
Heat level: More mild than hot, but still provides a kick. I would estimate around 2,000 SHU. On par with a chili-infused olive oil.
Use: Terrific balance of flavors. Would be great drizzled on chicken, pizza, vegetables, biscuits, cheese, eggs and more for a sweet heat. Provides flavor without overpowering.
Overall: For an infused honey, I was impressed with the nuanced combination of sweet and spicy. It delivers a noticeable but pleasant heat. Lives up to its name while not being dangerously hot.
So in summary, while Mike’s Hot Honey does contain chili pepper heat, it is relatively mild compared to extreme hot sauces. The honey’s sweetness counters the spice nicely. Those with high heat tolerance may find it on the tamer side. But it adds a warm kick that’s accessible for most palates.
Reviews
Beyond my taste test, looking at reviews from other chili-heads and food critics sheds more light on Mike’s Hot Honey heat level.
Here’s what some are saying:
Positive reviews
“Nice balance of sweet honey with a slow burn. Great way to add flavor.”
“Hotter than expected but in a good way. Sweet up front then a rising building heat.”
“Not scary hot but has a little kick. Kind of addictive actually.”
Critical reviews
“I wanted it hotter. For me it was more sweet than heat.”
“If you want real heat, this will disappoint. More like a spicy honey.”
“The chili taste is muted. I had to spoon it on to get any bite.”
The positive reviews confirm Mike’s Hot Honey has a slow simmering heat that complements the honey. But the critical ones indicate it’s not extremely fiery. The heat level appears ideal for those wanting moderate spice rather than intense burning.
How does Mike’s Hot Honey compare to other spicy honeys?
Mike’s Hot Honey was one of the first popular chili-infused honeys on the market. Since then, others have started producing their own hot honey varieties:
Hellfire Hot Sauce Honey – Uses habanero peppers for intense heat. Estimated around 100,000 SHU. Significantly hotter than Mike’s version.
Arizona Sweet Hot Honey – Contains a blend of three chili peppers. Around 2,000 to 4,000 SHU. Similar heat to Mike’s.
Wildflower Honey Co. Chili Honey – Uses jalapeño peppers. Low on the spice scale at around 1,000 SHU.
Spicy Honey Co. – Offers customizable heat levels from mild to super-hot. SHU varies widely.
The comparisons show Mike’s Hot Honey is moderately hot for a chili-infused honey. It brings a substantial kick but doesn’t quite reach extreme fiery levels. Other producers make hotter options using peppers like habaneros for those seeking more intense spice.
Should you refrigerate Mike’s Hot Honey?
Does Mike’s Hot Honey need to be refrigerated after opening? The short answer is no.
Like regular honey, Mike’s Hot Honey can safely be stored at room temperature after opening. The key reasons:
– Honey is naturally antimicrobial. It contains hydrogen peroxide that inhibits microbial growth. So honey resists spoilage.
– Chili peppers are also antimicrobial. The capsaicin in peppers acts as a preservative.
– High sugar content. The high sugar concentration creates a low water content unsuitable for microbes.
– Acidity. Honey’s low pH of around 3.5 to 4.5 prevents growth of dangerous bacteria.
As long as it is properly sealed, Mike’s Hot Honey can be kept in the pantry after opening for several months. Over time, it may crystallize but this won’t make it unsafe. Simply warm the jar in hot water periodically to re-liquefy.
Of course, refrigeration extends shelf life even further. So if you don’t use Mike’s Hot Honey frequently, keeping it refrigerated is best. But at room temperature, the flavors will remain intact for a good while.
Does Mike’s Hot Honey expire?
Like other honeys, Mike’s Hot Honey has an extended shelf life and does not spoil easily. The expiration timeframe depends on storage conditions:
– Unopened at room temperature – 2 years from production date
– Opened at room temperature – 6 months to 1 year
– Refrigerated after opening – Up to 2 years
Over time, Mike’s Hot Honey may crystallize or become grainy but this does not mean it has gone bad. The honey can be revived by gently heating the container in warm water. Discard only if mold develops.
To identify if Mike’s Hot Honey has expired beyond the timeframes above, check for the following signs:
– Changes in texture – Significant crystallization, thickening or separation
– Changes in appearance – Unnatural lightening or darkening of color
– Changes in aroma – Loss of spice and honey notes, off odors
– Mold growth – Discard immediately if this appears
With proper storage, Mike’s Hot Honey stays safe to eat and maintains peak quality for an impressive duration. The shelf life exceeds most condiments.
How to use Mike’s Hot Honey
Mike’s Hot Honey is versatile with many savory and sweet applications. Here are popular ways to use it:
On breakfast foods: Pancakes, waffles, french toast, oatmeal, yogurt, granola
On vegetables: Brussel sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, corn, greens
On proteins: Chicken, pork, salmon, turkey, tofu
On cheese: Ricotta, mozzarella, goat, burrata, halloumi
On snacks: Popcorn, nuts, pretzels, fruit
In dressings and sauces: Vinaigrettes, mayo, marinades, wing sauce
In baking: Cookies, cakes, muffins, breads
In beverages: Coffee, tea, cocktails
The combinations are endless. Start with a small amount and add more depending on desired spiciness. The slow burn complements both sweet and savory foods.
Health benefits
Beyond its great taste, Mike’s Hot Honey provides a few potential health benefits:
Antioxidants – Chili peppers contain vitamin C, carotenoids and capsaicin, which act as antioxidants to reduce inflammation.
Anti-bacterial – The capsaicin in peppers has anti-bacterial properties that may inhibit infections.
Cancer prevention – Compounds in chili peppers may protect against cancer growth.
Pain relief – Capsaicin has been shown to temporarily reduce nerve and muscle pain when applied topically.
Heart health – Chili peppers may improve cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.
So enjoy Mike’s Hot Honey for flavor and perhaps a health boost too. But always consume spicy foods in moderation.
Where to buy Mike’s Hot Honey
Mike’s Hot Honey can be found at many grocery stores or ordered online:
Grocery stores – Sold at Whole Foods, Wegmans, Stop & Shop and some local grocery chains. Check specialty food aisles.
Online – Can buy directly from mikeshothoney.com or Amazon. Available via delivery apps like Instacart.
Stores – Carried at some department stores like Nordstrom or specialty food stores like Williams-Sonoma.
Food service – Used as an ingredient at restaurants and coffee shops nationwide. Ask if they have it.
Mike’s Hot Honey typically costs between $7 to $12 for a 12 oz bottle depending on where you buy it. It’s a widely available product found both online and in physical retail locations.
Is Mike’s Hot Honey keto friendly?
For those on a keto or low-carb diet, Mike’s Hot Honey fits within ketogenic macros. A one tablespoon (21g) serving contains:
– Total carbs: 21g
– Sugar: 17g
– Added sugar: 0g
Given all the carbs come from natural sugars only, Mike’s Hot Honey has a low glycemic impact. There are no added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
The American Diabetes Association considers honey a form of carbohydrate to count. But honey has a lower glycemic index than sugar or corn syrup. So pair Mike’s Hot Honey with low-carb foods like meats, nuts and vegetables. It can be enjoyed in moderation on a keto diet.
Some other keto friendly ways to use Mike’s Hot Honey:
– As a salad dressing ingredient
– Drizzled on full fat Greek yogurt
– In keto desserts and fat bombs
– Added to coffee or tea
With its unique sweet and spicy flavor, Mike’s Hot Honey makes a tasty condiment for the keto diet. It provides flavor without excess carbohydrates.
Conclusion
Mike’s Hot Honey offers a zesty blend of chili pepper heat and sweet honey. While not overly fiery, it provides a mild kick that enhances both sweet and savory foods. The honey’s richness balances the slow-simmering chili spice nicely.
Compared to extreme hot sauces, Mike’s Hot Honey ranks lower on the Scoville scale with an estimated 2,000 to 5,000 SHU. But it delivers enough piquancy for most palates seeking moderate heat. Plus, it offers the health benefits of antioxidant compounds found in peppers.
Overall, Mike’s Hot Honey is an accessible way to add flavorful heat to recipes across the board. It lives up to its name by bringing a touch of spicy excitement. So grab a bottle and start drizzling it on your favorite foods to give meals a little kick.