If you've seen a new hot-sweet drizzle topping everything from fried chicken to pizza, you're not alone. Hot chilli honey is fastly becoming a pantry staple in Australian homes. From food trend to flavor movement, what began as a foodie fad has become an unstoppable flavor phenomenon.
So, what is hot chilli honey, why is it so popular in Aussie kitchens, and how do you get your hands on a good jar? Let's take a look.
What Is Hot Chilli Honey?
Hot chilli honey (also called chilli-infused honey or spicy honey) is exactly what it sounds like: pure honey infused with chilli peppers. The result is a bold blend of natural sweetness and a mild to fiery kick of heat, depending on the chilli variety used.
It’s versatile, flavour-packed, and completely addictive. Think of it as a gourmet condiment that works with everything from breakfast to barbecue.
Why Aussies Are Loving It
Australian home cooks and professional chefs alike are reaching for hot chilli honey for a number of reasons:
1. Flavour Without Fuss
Hot chilli honey provides instant depth to any meal. A drizzle will take cheese platters, fried chicken, roasted vegetables, and even vanilla ice cream to the next level.
2. Perfect for Entertaining
Whether you're having a weekend barbecue or an intimate dinner party, serving hot chilli honey on your menu is the talk of the town. It's one of those "what is that sauce?" moments that guests will recall.
3. Locally Made Options
Australia's artisan food market is thriving, and numerous small-batch producers are making high-quality hot chilli honeys with local honey and native chilli types.
10 Delicious Ways to Use Hot Chilli Honey
Among the reasons this condiment is popular is the fact that it suits everyday cooking perfectly. Here are some ideas to get you excited:
- On Pizza: Squeezy over meat lovers or pepperoni for the spicy-sweet kick.
- With Cheese: Marries blue cheese, brie, or mature cheddar purr-fectly.
- On Fried Chicken: A perfect union.
- Over Roasted Veggies: Try it on carrots, pumpkin, or Brussels sprouts.
- On Toast: Top with avocado or goat cheese and drizzle chilli honey.
- In Cocktails: Add a spoonful to a spicy margarita or honey-bourbon cocktail.
- With Ice Cream: Yes—particularly vanilla or salted caramel.
- In Salad Dressings: Give vinaigrettes or marinades a zing.
- Over Bacon: Particularly ideal for breakfast or brunch.
- In Stir-Fries: A sweet-spicy elevation for noodle or rice dishes.
Where to Buy Hot Chilli Honey in Australia
If you're willing to give it a go yourself, you'll be happy to know that it's easier than ever to get hold of. You can now source hot chilli honey in gourmet food stores as well as from Australian online producers. But don't think that all jars are the same.
One Brand to Watch: Quinby's
A standout in the Aussie market is Quinby's Hot Honey. Small, passionate company doing big things with strong flavour. With 100% Australian wildflower honey and a special blend of chillies added to taste, Quinby's achieves heat that is balanced and respectful.
What makes Quinby's unique:
- Naturally derived ingredients (no extras or artificial flavourings)
- Spot-on heat-to-sweet ratio
- Made by true food enthusiasts, not mass manufacturers
- Order online with fast delivery right across Australia
They've gained a loyal following for a reason—and their hot honey is just as effective on a charcuterie board as it is on fried chicken or tofu stir-fry.
Tip: You can purchase Quinby's straight from their website or discover them stocked in a range of independent grocers around Australia.
How to Choose a Good Hot Chilli Honey
When buying hot chilli honey, look out for:
Raw or unfiltered honey as a base (for improved flavour and nutrition)
Clear ingredient labelling—no artificial additives
Heat level explanations so you know what to expect
Local production, which tends to mean improved taste and fewer food miles
Buying a quality brand like Quinby's guarantees quality and taste you can rely on.
Is Hot Chilli Honey Healthy?
In moderation, yes! Honey is a natural source of antioxidants, and a lot of chillies have capsaicin, which has been said to have metabolism-stimulating and anti-inflammatory effects. Sure, it's still sugar-based, so use a light hand.
That being said, as a flavour enhancer, it can actually serve to decrease your use of processed sauces with high sodium or artificial content.
The Final Drizzle
Hot chilli honey is more than just a trend—it’s a kitchen upgrade that’s here to stay. With its unique balance of sweet and heat, it's no wonder Australians are embracing it as a go-to condiment for everything from simple snacks to gourmet meals.
And if you’re looking for a place to start, Quinby’s Hot Honey is a reliable (and delicious) introduction to this fiery flavour revolution.
So go ahead—drizzle, dip, marinate, or mix. Your kitchen may never be the same.
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