Buffalo Wild Wings is a beloved sports bar and restaurant chain famous for its wide variety of flavorful wings. Whether you’re a casual diner or a spicy food aficionado, Buffalo Wild Wings offers something for everyone. However, one thing that often sparks curiosity among customers is the heat level of their sauces and seasonings, often quantified using the Scoville scale. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the Buffalo Wild Wings Scoville chart, helping you navigate through their menu and select the perfect sauce to match your heat tolerance.
What is the Scoville Scale?
The Scoville scale is a measurement of the heat level or spiciness of chili peppers and other spicy foods. Named after its creator, Wilbur Scoville, this scale measures the concentration of capsaicin, the chemical responsible for the spicy sensation in our mouths. The Scoville rating is expressed in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), with higher numbers indicating more intense heat. For example, a bell pepper has a Scoville rating of 0, while the Carolina Reaper, one of the hottest peppers in the world, boasts a Scoville rating of over 2 million SHU.
Buffalo Wild Wings Sauces: A Heat Overview
Buffalo Wild Wings offers a vast array of sauces and seasonings, each with its unique flavor profile and heat level. These range from mild and sweet options to extremely hot sauces that challenge even the most seasoned spice enthusiasts. Below, we’ll break down the Scoville ratings of popular Buffalo Wild Wings sauces to help you make informed choices.
1. Blazin’ Carolina Reaper
- Scoville Rating: 2,000,000+ SHU
- Heat Level: Extremely Hot
The Blazin’ Carolina Reaper sauce is the hottest sauce on the Buffalo Wild Wings menu. Made with Carolina Reaper peppers, which are some of the hottest in the world, this sauce is not for the faint-hearted. It’s designed for those who crave extreme heat and are willing to challenge their taste buds. If you can handle this, you’ve earned some serious bragging rights.
2. Wild
- Scoville Rating: 350,000 SHU
- Heat Level: Very Hot
Wild is the second-hottest sauce available at Buffalo Wild Wings. While not as intense as the Blazin’ Carolina Reaper, it still packs a significant punch. This sauce is perfect for those who enjoy a fiery experience without venturing into the extreme heat territory.
3. Mango Habanero
- Scoville Rating: 100,000 – 300,000 SHU
- Heat Level: Hot
The Mango Habanero sauce combines the sweetness of mango with the heat of habanero peppers. It’s a flavorful option for those who want a balance between sweet and spicy. The heat level is substantial, but the fruity undertones make it a more approachable option for many.
4. Hot
- Scoville Rating: 100,000 SHU
- Heat Level: Hot
As the name suggests, the Hot sauce delivers a significant amount of heat, making it a popular choice among spice lovers. It’s a classic Buffalo sauce with a rich, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken wings.
5. Thai Curry
- Scoville Rating: 50,000 – 100,000 SHU
- Heat Level: Medium-Hot
The Thai Curry sauce offers a unique blend of spices and flavors inspired by Thai cuisine. With a moderate heat level, it’s perfect for those who enjoy the complex flavors of curry combined with a bit of kick.
6. Nashville Hot
- Scoville Rating: 50,000 – 70,000 SHU
- Heat Level: Medium-Hot
Inspired by the famous Nashville hot chicken, this sauce is a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet option. The Nashville Hot sauce delivers a medium-hot experience, making it a great choice for those looking for something flavorful with a manageable heat level.
7. Medium
- Scoville Rating: 45,000 – 50,000 SHU
- Heat Level: Medium
The Medium sauce is a step down from the hot options, providing a balanced heat level that is enjoyable for most people. It’s a classic choice for those who want a bit of spice without overwhelming their taste buds.
8. Caribbean Jerk
- Scoville Rating: 25,000 – 50,000 SHU
- Heat Level: Medium
Caribbean Jerk is a flavorful sauce with a hint of heat, inspired by the traditional jerk seasoning of the Caribbean. It offers a blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a well-rounded taste experience.
9. Spicy Garlic
- Scoville Rating: 20,000 – 30,000 SHU
- Heat Level: Medium
For garlic lovers who also enjoy a bit of spice, the Spicy Garlic sauce is a match made in heaven. It offers a moderate heat level, with the bold flavor of garlic taking center stage.
10. Jammin’ Jalapeño
- Scoville Rating: 20,000 – 30,000 SHU
- Heat Level: Medium
The Jammin’ Jalapeño sauce combines the heat of jalapeño peppers with a sweet and tangy twist. It’s a great option for those who appreciate the distinct flavor of jalapeños without overwhelming heat.
11. Mild
- Scoville Rating: 10,000 – 15,000 SHU
- Heat Level: Mild
The Mild sauce is perfect for those who prefer a gentler heat. It’s a classic Buffalo sauce that delivers a slight kick without overpowering your palate.
12. Parmesan Garlic
- Scoville Rating: 5,000 – 10,000 SHU
- Heat Level: Mild
Parmesan Garlic is a rich, creamy sauce with a subtle heat level. The combination of parmesan cheese and garlic creates a savory, indulgent experience that’s ideal for those who want flavor without much spice.
13. Honey BBQ
- Scoville Rating: 1,000 – 5,000 SHU
- Heat Level: Very Mild
Honey BBQ is a sweet and tangy sauce with just a hint of spice. It’s one of the most popular choices for those who prefer minimal heat but still want a flavorful wing experience.
14. Sweet BBQ
- Scoville Rating: 0 – 500 SHU
- Heat Level: Very Mild
The Sweet BBQ sauce is the mildest option available at Buffalo Wild Wings. It’s a sweet, smoky sauce with virtually no heat, making it suitable for anyone who prefers a non-spicy option.
Why Scoville Ratings Matter at Buffalo Wild Wings
Understanding the Scoville ratings of Buffalo Wild Wings sauces can enhance your dining experience in several ways:
- Choosing the Right Heat Level: Whether you’re a fan of extreme heat or prefer something milder, knowing the Scoville rating helps you select a sauce that matches your taste preferences.
- Pairing with Beverages: Some sauces are so hot that they can overwhelm your palate. Knowing the heat level allows you to pair your wings with the right beverage to cool down the spice. For instance, milk-based drinks can help neutralize capsaicin, while beer or soda might enhance the heat.
- Customizing Your Experience: Buffalo Wild Wings offers the option to mix and match sauces. Understanding the Scoville scale lets you create a personalized wing experience by combining different heat levels and flavors.
- Participating in Challenges: If you’re up for a challenge, Buffalo Wild Wings often hosts the Blazin’ Challenge, where participants must eat a set number of wings coated in the Blazin’ Carolina Reaper sauce within a time limit. Knowing the Scoville rating beforehand helps you prepare mentally and physically for the challenge.
Tips for Managing Heat
For those who love spicy food but want to enjoy their meal without overwhelming heat, here are some tips to manage the spice:
- Start Mild: If you’re new to spicy foods, start with a mild or medium sauce and work your way up. This allows your palate to adjust gradually.
- Have Dairy on Hand: Dairy products like milk, yogurt, or cheese can help soothe the burning sensation caused by capsaicin. Consider ordering a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing with your wings.
- Take Breaks: Don’t rush through your meal. Taking breaks between bites allows your mouth to recover and prevents the heat from building up too quickly.
- Balance with Sweetness: Pairing hot wings with something sweet, like a dessert or a sweet drink, can help balance the heat.
- Avoid Touching Your Face: Capsaicin can transfer from your hands to your face, causing discomfort. Be mindful of where you touch after eating spicy wings.
Conclusion
Buffalo Wild Wings offers a wide variety of sauces and seasonings, each with its unique flavor and heat level. By understanding the Scoville ratings of these sauces, you can tailor your dining experience to match your heat tolerance, making your visit to Buffalo Wild Wings both enjoyable and memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned spice lover or someone who prefers a milder taste, the Buffalo Wild Wings menu has something