Hot honey substitutes
Hot honey substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Honey + cayenne pepper
Same amount as the hot honey
Plus ¼ tsp cayenne per cup
Similar combination with different preparation.
The best substitutes for hot honey are honey with cayenne pepper, sriracha with honey, or chili oil with honey, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- pizza
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of hot honey | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honey + cayenne pepperpizza | Same amountPlus ¼ tsp cayenne per cupWorks | Works |
| 2 | Sriracha + honeypizza | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Chili oil + honeypizza | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Honey + red pepper flakespizza | Same amountPlus ½ tsp red pepper flakes per cupWorks | Works |
| 5 | Honey + hot saucepizza | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Maple syrup + cayennepizza | Same amountPlus ¼ tsp cayenne per cupTweak it | Tweak it |
Honey + cayenne pepper
similar taste and texture
Similar combination with different preparation.
- Best for
- pizza, chicken, glazes, dips
Different preparation, similar flavor.
Sriracha + honey
similar taste and texture
Similar combination with different preparation.
- Best for
- pizza, chicken, glazes, dips
Different preparation, similar flavor.
Chili oil + honey
similar taste, different texture
Similar combination with different preparation.
- Best for
- pizza, chicken, glazes, dips
Different preparation, similar flavor.
Honey + red pepper flakes
similar taste and texture
Similar combination with different preparation.
- Best for
- pizza, chicken, glazes, dips
Different preparation, similar flavor.
Honey + hot sauce
similar taste and texture
Similar combination with different preparation.
- Best for
- pizza, chicken, glazes, dips
Different preparation, similar flavor.
Maple syrup + cayenne
different taste, similar texture
Different base with similar preparation.
- Best for
- pizza, chicken, glazes, dips
Different base, similar flavor.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use honey with cayenne pepper instead of hot honey?
Yes, honey with cayenne pepper is a good substitute for hot honey. Mix honey with cayenne pepper to taste for similar sweet and spicy flavor.
What's the difference between hot honey and regular honey?
Hot honey is infused with chili peppers for spicy flavor, while regular honey is just sweet. Both have similar sweetness but different heat levels.
Can I use sriracha with honey instead of hot honey?
Yes, sriracha with honey can work as a substitute, though it has a different flavor profile. It provides similar sweet and spicy flavor and can be used in most recipes.
Why is hot honey so popular in cooking?
Hot honey is popular because it adds unique sweet and spicy flavor and is versatile in many different types of cuisine and dishes.
Tips for substituting hot honey
6 tips- Hot honey adds sweet and spicy flavor to dishes
- Hot honey can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Hot honey pairs well with pizza, chicken, and cheese
- Hot honey works well as a glaze, dip, or condiment
- Hot honey can be used to make marinades and sauces
- Store hot honey in a cool, dry place