Scoville Scale
What Is the Scoville Scale?
The Scoville Scale measures the heat level of chili peppers and spicy foods in Scoville Heat Units (SHUs). Developed in 1912 by Wilbur Scoville, it tells you how much sugar water is needed to neutralize a pepper's heat. The higher the number, the more fire you're signing up for.
At Lagniappe Flavors, we curate small-batch, artisan hot sauces across the full heat spectrum — so whether you're a mild sipper or a superhot seeker, we've got your bottle.
Scoville Heat Chart
| Scoville Heat Units (SHU) | Examples |
|---|---|
| 0 | Bell pepper, Peperone crusco (Crusco pepper) |
| 0 – 500 | Pimiento, Cherry pepper |
| 500 – 1,000 | Beaver Dam pepper, Cubanelle (Cuban pepper, Italian frying pepper) |
| 1,000 – 2,500 | Poblano pepper (Ancho, Chile ancho) |
| 2,500 – 10,000 | Guajillo chili, Jalapeño pepper |
| 10,000 – 25,000 | Aleppo pepper, Cheongyang chili pepper, Serrano pepper |
| 25,000 – 50,000 | Cayenne pepper, Tabasco pepper |
| 50,000 – 100,000 | Malagueta pepper, Thai chili pepper (Bird's eye chili) |
| 100,000 – 350,000 | Habanero chili, Scotch bonnet pepper |
| 350,000 – 750,000 | Red savina habanero |
| 750,000 – 1,500,000 | Ghost pepper, Infinity chili, Naga Viper pepper, Trinidad Moruga Scorpion |
| 1,500,000 – 2,500,000 | Carolina Reaper |
| 2,693,000+ | Pepper X |
🌿 Mild (0 – 2,500 SHU)
At the bottom of the scale are bell peppers with 0 SHU — all flavor, no heat. Pimiento and Cherry peppers (0–500 SHU) add a gentle warmth. Between 500–2,500 SHU, Cubanelle and Beaver Dam offer a hint of spice, while Poblano (Ancho) peppers bring rich, smoky depth.
🌶️ Medium (2,500 – 25,000 SHU)
The Jalapeño (2,500–8,000 SHU) is the gateway pepper for most spice lovers — approachable, versatile, and iconic. Serrano and Cheongyang peppers push the upper end of this range with a sharper, brighter bite.
🌶️🌶️ Hot (25,000 – 100,000 SHU)
Cayenne and Tabasco (25,000–50,000 SHU) deliver a sharp, lingering spice. Thai chili (Bird's eye) and Malagueta peppers bring fiery, clean heat that cuts through rich dishes.
🔥 Very Hot (100,000 – 750,000 SHU)
Habanero and Scotch bonnet peppers combine fruity, tropical flavors with a searing burn. The Red Savina Habanero reaches up to 750,000 SHU — fierce, with a complex, slightly smoky finish.
💀 Superhot (750,000 – 2,693,000+ SHU)
The Ghost pepper, Infinity chili, Naga Viper, and Trinidad Moruga Scorpion sit between 750,000 and 1.5 million SHU. Above them all reigns the Carolina Reaper (1.5–2.5M SHU) — and at the very top, Pepper X at a mind-blowing 2,693,000 SHU.
Find Your Heat Level with Lagniappe Flavors
From mild to wild, our curated collection of small-batch artisan hot sauces spans the full Scoville spectrum. Explore our brands and find the sauce that matches your heat tolerance — or challenges it.