The most common bottle shape for hot sauce is a 5-ounce bottle-neck design called a Woozy Bottle. This comes in slightly different shapes for different brands but is recognizable as being a hot sauce product. A woozy bottle can also come in 10 ounce and 12-ounce sizes. Some gourmet hot sauce recipes use custom shaped bottles to capture marketing attention but pay a premium price.
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Classic and traditional hot sauces have been bottled in a woozy shaped bottle for decades, ever since its inception into the culinary world. Therefore, the slender shape has become easily recognized as a hot sauce product, until manufactures have decided to use others to attract marketing attention.
Almost any type of container can store hot sauce but if you plan on bottling your sauce commercially and making it for sale, follow what successful manufacturers are using.
Woozy bottle
A woozy bottle is a type of bottle typically used for bottling hot sauces, dressings, oils, and other liquid condiments. It is characterized by its slender and slightly curved shape, often made of clear glass or plastic.
Why use a woozy bottle?
 Common hot sauce bottle type Includes a narrow neck and reducer Less expensive than other custom bottles Original hot sauce bottle type |
Woozy bottles usually have a narrow neck and come with various types of caps or closures, such as ribbed caps with reducers for controlled pouring. Glass woozy are popular for their sleek design and are commonly used in the hot sauce industry for nearly every hot sauce product.
5oz woozy bottles are the most commonly used bottle for hot sauce
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Recognized as a hot sauce | Narrow neck makes it difficult to fill & pour |
| Glass is clear and can show case a sauce | Glass is breakable during shipment |
| Lots of different brands available | More expensive than plastic squeeze |
Nearly every new hot sauce product available on the market uses a 5-ounce woozy bottle. This allows a new product to be introduced into the market with instant recognition as being a hot sauce product. Not every condiment bottle shape can do that.
| Woozy Bottles | |
|---|---|
 | Classic design helps a new hot sauce product become recognizable as a hot sauce product among other condiments. This is important because the demand for hot sauce products is much higher than many other condiments available. |
| Brands | Encheng (lowest cost per bottle) Nice Bottles Cross Glass Bottle Outlet Shop Amazon for best pricing HERE |
| Lowest price per bottle | $.82 each Price per bottle can range from $.92 each to $1.58 each depending on how many bottles are purchased at one time. The price per bottle goes up if additional supplies like labels, shrink wraps or reducers are included. These are all items to consider but could be less expensive if purchased separately. |
| Lowest price per case | $21.99 A 24-count case of 5-ounce woozy bottles can cost as low as $21.99 purchased from Nice Bottles. Other manufacturers are less expensive per bottle but you will need to purchase a larger quantity. |
Woozy bottles are typically made of glass, which provides several advantages. Glass is non-reactive, meaning it does not interact with the hot sauce and alter its flavor or quality. It also offers better protection against light and air, helping to preserve the freshness and taste of the hot sauce for a longer period of time.
General pricing model
Generally speaking, the cost per bottle for any bottle type will decrease with the purchase of a larger quantity. Purchasing in bulk is a good option. Unlike hot peppers or other produce items that will go bad when not being used, glass bottles do not.
Wide mouth woozy
A wide mouth woozy bottle is commonly used for many hot sauces that are thick or have a lot of spices that may make the sauce difficult to pour out of a narrow-necked bottle. These types of bottles are more commonly used for dips and dressings but can be used for a thick hot sauce as well.
Why use a wide mouth woozy bottle?
| Wide Mouth Woozy |
|---|
| Wider mouth for thicker sauce Same recognizable hot sauce bottle shape |
Woozy bottles are commonly used for hot sauce for a few reasons. Firstly, the shape and size of woozy bottles make them ideal for storing and dispensing hot sauce. The slender and elongated design allows for easy gripping and controlled pouring, giving users better control over the amount of sauce being dispensed, especially a thicker sauce.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Wide neck is good for think sauces | Looks like a salad dressing bottle |
| Similarly priced to other hot sauce bottle types | Not as recognizable as a hot sauce |
| Can be purchased in bulk | Usually only 10 or 12 ounce sizes |
Additionally, woozy bottles often come with a small orifice reducer or a drip-free cap, which helps in regulating the flow of the hot sauce and preventing excessive pouring or spills but this top doesn’t work for a thicker sauce. This is particularly useful for hot sauces that have a thinner consistency.
| Wide mouth woozy Bottles | |
|---|---|
| Another classic design that allows thick and creamy hot sauces to flow from the bottle easier. Not as commonly used as a bottle-neck woozy but still a great package for a hot sauce. Not as many manufacturers available. |
| Brands | Nice Bottles (lowest cost per bottle) MHO Containers Juvitus Patriot Creative Shop Amazon for best pricing HERE |
| Lowest price per bottle | $1.66 each |
| Lowest price per case | $21.99 |
The sleek and visually appealing design of woozy bottles can enhance the presentation of the hot sauce, making it an attractive choice for both consumers and manufacturers. Overall, the combination of practicality, functionality, and aesthetics makes woozy bottles a popular choice for packaging hot sauces.
Other bottle types
Other bottle types can be used for hot sauce, and this will usually set your sauce apart from other manufacturers. However, the costs may be higher especially if you have chosen a custom bottle shape or there could be a compromise in quality using another type of material.
Swing top
A swing top bottle is a type of bottle that features a hinged cap or closure mechanism. The cap is typically made of metal or plastic and has a wire bail or latch that secures it in place. This design allows for easy opening and closing of the bottle without the need for a separate bottle opener or corkscrew. Swing top bottles are commonly used for storing and preserving beverages such as beer, wine, and carbonated drinks. They are also popular for homemade beverages, oils, sauces, and other artisan products like a homemade hot sauce.
Why use a swing top bottle?
| Unique bottle design portrays a homemade, artisan sauce Easy open and close top Best for short term storage |
A swing top or flip top bottle is another popular bottle type for hot sauce. However, it is typically only used for homemade hot sauce because you cannot easily seal the top the top with shrink wrap like many brands of sauce in stores.
Additionally, swing top bottles are almost always made of glass, which is non-reactive and does not impart any unwanted flavors to the hot sauce. This ensures that the taste and integrity of the sauce remain intact.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Easy open and close bottle | No smaller than 3 oz |
| Eye catching design | Not usually for long term storage |
| Good for homemade hot sauce | Cannot shrink wrap the top |
Hot sauces are sometimes bottled in swing top bottles for a few reasons. Firstly, the swing top closure provides an airtight seal, which helps to preserve the freshness and flavor of the hot sauce for a longer period of time. This is particularly important for hot sauces, as they often contain ingredients like vinegar and spices that can degrade if exposed to air. The swing top closure also allows for easy opening and closing of the bottle, making it convenient for users to access and use the hot sauce. Additionally, the swing top bottle design is often chosen for its aesthetic appeal, as it gives a classic and elegant look to the packaging of the hot sauce.
The swing top closure also allows for easy opening and closing of the bottle, making it convenient for users to access and use the hot sauce. The closure mechanism typically involves a wire bail and a rubber gasket, which can be easily flipped open or closed with minimal effort.
| swing top | |
|---|---|
 | A swing top is not the most practical bottle for a commercially produced hot sauce product. Shrink wrap will not fit too easily over the top and there is usually an added expense for the wire bail and rubber gasket sealing it. Great for homemade or artisan hot sauce. |
| Brands | Eboot (lowest cost per 4 oz bottle) Zebeiyu Encheng Bormioli Rocco Shop Amazon for best pricing HERE |
| Lowest price per bottle | $1.62 each |
| Lowest price per case (48 ct) | $78.99 |
Furthermore, swing top bottles have an aesthetically pleasing and classic look, which can enhance the presentation of the hot sauce. This can be particularly appealing for artisanal or gourmet hot sauces that aim to create a premium and visually appealing product.
Overall, the use of swing top bottles for hot sauce combines practicality, preservation, and visual appeal, making them a popular choice for packaging hot sauces but not the best bottle for long term storage.
Boston round
The Boston Round bottle is a cylindrical stout glass or plastic bottle with a rounded shoulder and a narrow neck. It was commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry but has also found applications in various other industries. The rounded shoulder of the bottle makes it ideal for storing creamy, thick sauces as it prevents contents from getting stuck.
The narrow neck allows for easy pouring of liquids while minimizing evaporation. Boston Round bottles can be sealed with various closures, including caps and shrink wrap like woozy bottles. They are available in different sizes and can be made from different materials, such as glass or plastic, although glass is more common.
Why use a Boston round bottle for hot sauce?
The classic and timeless design of the Boston round bottle gives a sophisticated and premium look to the packaging of the hot sauce, which can enhance its appeal to consumers.
| Becoming widely used as a hot sauce bottle Conveys an artisan approach to homemade hot sauce Wide mouth is good for many varieties of sauces |
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Can shrink wrap the top | Not as recognized as a hot sauce bottle |
| Usually available in several sizes | Much more expensive then a woozy bottle |
| Large area for label display panel | Less bottles per case |
Boston round bottles are sometimes used for hot sauce for a few reasons. Firstly, the shape of the Boston round bottle, with its rounded shoulders and cylindrical body, provides stability and ease of handling. This makes it convenient for users to pour or dispense the hot sauce without the bottle tipping over.
| boston round | |
|---|---|
| A Boston round bottle is becoming wildly recognized as a bottle used for hot sauce. Typically used for thicker sauces this bottle shape is also associated with hand-crafted sauce but is capable of a shrink wrap top or shrink bands. A Boston round style bottle also has a large surface for graphic and label displays. |
| Brands | Glass Bottle Outlet (lowest cost per bottle) Wheaton Maredash Shop Amazon for best pricing HERE |
| Lowest price per bottle | $1.20 each |
| Lowest price per case (4oz) | $29.99 |
Additionally, Boston round bottles are often made of glass, which offers several advantages for hot sauce packaging. Glass is non-reactive, meaning it does not interact with the acidic ingredients in the hot sauce, preserving the flavor and quality of the product. Glass also provides a barrier against light and oxygen, which can degrade the hot sauce over time, that is why they are commonly a dark glass. This helps to maintain the freshness and shelf life of the sauce.
Furthermore, the narrow neck of the Boston round bottle allows for controlled pouring and prevents excessive spillage. This is particularly useful when adding hot sauce to dishes that require precise amounts.
Overall, the use of Boston round bottles for hot sauce combines practicality, preservation, and aesthetics to provide a quality packaging solution for the product.
Flask
Hot sauces are sometimes bottled in flasks or bottle typical of alcohol packaging for a few reasons. Firstly, the flask-shaped bottle is often chosen for its unique and eye-catching design, which can make the product stand out on store shelves and attract customers. Some hot sauce manufacturers use flasks as a marketing campaign to compare their hot sauce to the effects of alcohol.
Why use a flask shaped bottle for hot sauce?
| Great bottle if your hot sauce contains alcohol Flasks are being used more and more for hot sauces A little more expensive than a woozy bottle |
The flask design can evoke a sense of nostalgia and craftsmanship. It can be seen as a nod to the historical association of hot sauces with homemade remedies and tonics, as flasks were commonly used to hold such concoctions in the past. This can add a touch of authenticity and character to the hot sauce brand.
The flask design can also be seen as a nod to the historical association of hot sauces with medicinal properties, as flasks were commonly used to hold remedies and tonics in the past.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Offers a unique design | Not as many manufactures available |
| Less expensive than full custom | More expensive |
| Large face for a full label display panel | Not always recognized as a hot sauce bottle |
The flask-shaped bottle is sometimes used for hot sauce for a few reasons. Firstly, the flask design offers a unique and visually appealing packaging option. It can help the hot sauce stand out on store shelves and attract the attention of customers. The distinctive shape can create a sense of novelty and intrigue, making the product more memorable.
| FLASK | |
|---|---|
| Got a hot sauce that uses bourbon?…the flask shaped bottle is perfect. The flask comes in many different sizes but the most popular is the 8oz size. The flask is comparable to the Boston round for up-and-coming hot sauce bottle shapes. This bottle too has a large label surface for eye catching graphics and more. |
| Brands | Tebery (lowest cost per bottle) Patelai Ilyapa Shop Amazon for best pricing HERE |
| Lowest price per bottle | $1.82 each |
| Lowest price per case | $22.99 – 6 pack of 12.5 oz bottles |
Overall, the flask-shaped bottle offers a combination of aesthetic appeal, practicality, and a connection to tradition, making it a popular choice for packaging hot sauces.
Squeeze
Squeeze bottles are commonly used for hot sauce for several reasons. The design of squeeze bottles allows for easy and controlled dispensing of the hot sauce. The flexible plastic material of the bottle allows users to squeeze out the desired amount of sauce without creating a mess or wasting any product. This makes it convenient for users to add hot sauce to their food with precision.
Why use a squeeze bottle for hot sauce?
| Squeeze out desired amount of sauce Less expensive than other common bottles Lightweight and portable |
Squeeze bottles are commonly used for hot sauce due to their practicality, convenience, and low cost. The design of squeeze bottles allows for easy and controlled dispensing of the hot sauce. The flexible plastic material of the bottle enables users to squeeze out the desired amount of sauce without creating a mess or wasting any product. This makes it convenient for users to add hot sauce to their food with precision.
Additionally, squeeze bottles are often made of food-grade plastic that is resistant to the acidic nature of hot sauces. This ensures that the bottle remains intact and does not react with the sauce, maintaining the quality and safety of the product.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Less expensive over glass | No screw on tip |
| Less weight during shipping | Cloudy appearance |
| Can be used for any spicy condiment | Not a typical hot sauce bottle |
Squeeze bottles are not very transparent, which doesn’t allow users to see the contents of the sauce remaining inside. Having a clear glass bottle as opposed to an opaque plastic bottle can use the sauces visual appearance as an attraction to purchase.
| squeeze bottle | |
|---|---|
| The squeeze bottle is reminiscent of many condiments, preferable ketchup and mustard, but has recently been used for many different hot sauce products as well. This bottle shape is perfect for a thin consistency hot sauce without chunks. Light weight and easy to ship but it doesn’t hold up to well to high temperatures or hot and fill methods like glass does. |
| Brands | Pinnacle (lowest cost per bottle) Mifoci Irena Shop Amazon for best pricing HERE |
| Lowest price per bottle | $.66 each |
| Lowest price per case | $33.99 Case of 24 from Pinnacle |
Furthermore, squeeze bottles are typically made of food-grade plastic that is resistant to the acidic nature of some extremely spicy hot sauces. This ensures that the bottle remains intact and does not react with the sauce, maintaining the quality and safety of the product. However, depending on the ingredients some hot sauces could stain plastic bottles.
Most 12-ounce size squeeze bottles are lightweight and portable, making them suitable for on-the-go use or for adding hot sauce to meals at restaurants or events. Their practicality and ease of use have made them a popular choice for packaging hot sauces.
Lastly, squeeze bottles are lightweight and portable, making them suitable for on-the-go use or for adding hot sauce to meals at restaurants or events. Due to the lightweight material plastic squeeze bottles can reduce shipping costs if you are charged by weight. Their practicality and ease of use have made them a popular choice for packaging hot sauces.
Mason jar
Mason jars are sometimes used for hot sauce for a few reasons. Firstly, mason jars have airtight seals, which help to preserve the freshness and flavor of the hot sauce. The screw-on lid creates a tight seal that prevents air from entering the jar, helping to maintain the quality of the sauce over time. Read more on Canning Hot Sauce.
Why use a Mason jar for hot sauce?
| Great for homemade or artisan hand crafted hot sauce Wide mouth makes it great for many different sauce types Many different brands and products available |
Mason jars have a classic and rustic aesthetic appeal, which can be appealing to consumers looking for homemade products. The transparent glass allows users to see the vibrant colors and textures of the hot sauce, adding to the visual appeal.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive | Need to seal properly using a canning process |
| Stackable | Not recognizable as a hot sauce |
| Wide mouth for any hot sauce type | Not great for thin hot sauces |
Mason jars are known for their durability and airtight seal, which helps to preserve the freshness and flavor of the hot sauce. The tight-fitting lid of a mason jar prevents air from entering, reducing the risk of spoilage and maintaining the quality of the sauce over time.
| Mason jar | |
|---|---|
| The mason jar has a classic shape and appearance but not too many hot sauce products use it unless they are homemade or handmade products. Hot sauce can be sealed up properly in these jars with the proper canning process. The glass surface would need to be smooth for labels to adhere. |
| Brands | Accguan (lowest cost per bottle) Discount Promos Rainforce Shop Amazon for best pricing HERE |
| Lowest price per bottle | $1.53 each |
| Lowest price per case | $22.99 Pack of 15 |
Additionally, mason jars are made of glass, which is non-reactive and does not impart any unwanted flavors or chemicals to the hot sauce. This ensures that the taste and integrity of the sauce remain unaffected.
Mason jars are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal. The classic and rustic look of a mason jar can add a charming and nostalgic touch to the packaging of hot sauce, making it visually appealing to customers.
Moreover, mason jars are reusable and environmentally friendly. They can be easily cleaned and repurposed for other uses once the hot sauce is consumed, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Overall, the use of mason jars for hot sauce combines practicality, preservation, aesthetics, and sustainability, making it a popular choice among hot sauce enthusiasts and producers.
Custom
Using custom bottles for hot sauce offers several advantages. Firstly, custom bottles allow hot sauce brands to create a unique and distinctive packaging that sets them apart from competitors. This can help in building brand recognition and attracting customers.
Why use a custom bottle for hot sauce?
Custom bottles also provide an opportunity to design a bottle shape and size that is specifically tailored to the hot sauce product. This can enhance the user experience by ensuring easy pouring, controlled dispensing, and a comfortable grip.
| Unique bottle designs make a great marketing campaign Could include custom logo and graphics More expensive than standard woozy bottles |
Overall, using custom bottles for hot sauce allows brands to showcase their uniqueness, enhance user experience, and create a strong brand presence in the market.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Unique and distinct packaging design | Very costly |
| Makes a brand stand out | May not pack for shipping easily |
| One of a kind | Limited suppliers |
Furthermore, custom bottles can be designed to reflect the brand’s identity and story. This can include incorporating logos, labels, or graphics that align with the brand’s image and messaging. Such customization can help in creating a cohesive and memorable brand experience for consumers.
Additionally, custom bottles can be made from high-quality materials that are durable and resistant to breakage. This ensures that the hot sauce remains well-preserved and protected during transportation and storage.
| custom bottles | |
|---|---|
| A custom bottle shape will make any hot sauce product stand out on store shelves or online store fronts. They will be much more expensive than standard woozy bottles but consider the upfront costs as part of a larger marketing plan. |
| Brands | (Call for pricing) Imperial Packaging Roetell Saxco |
| Lowest price per bottle | $1,500 |
| Lowest price per case | N/A |
Conclusion
Woozy bottles are the most recognized and most often used bottle type for new hot sauces being introduced to the market. They will typically come in 5-ounce, 10-ounce, and 12-ounce sizes although there are 3- and 2-ounce sample bottle available as well.
The bottle, or packaging, of a hot sauce will have a lot to do with how a sauce is marketed.
