Buffalo Wild Wings, often lovingly referred to as B-Dubs, has become synonymous with sports, wings, and, most importantly, an array of sauces catering to a spectrum of heat preferences. From the sweet and mild to the inferno-inducing, understanding the Scoville scale and how Buffalo Wild Wings sauces measure up is crucial for any self-respecting wing aficionado. This article delves into the Scoville Heat Units (SHU) of each sauce, providing a comprehensive guide to navigating the fiery landscape of B-Dubs.
Understanding the Scoville Scale
The Scoville scale, named after American pharmacist Wilbur Scoville, is the measurement of the pungency (spiciness or “heat”) of chili peppers, as recorded in Scoville Heat Units (SHU). It’s based on the concentration of capsaicinoids, the chemical compounds that stimulate the heat receptors in our mouths.
Originally, the Scoville scale relied on a subjective test called the Scoville Organoleptic Test. A panel of tasters would dilute a chili extract in sugar water until the heat was barely detectable. The degree of dilution determined the pepper’s Scoville rating. For example, if a pepper extract needed to be diluted 1,000 times before the heat was undetectable, it would be rated at 1,000 SHU.
While the subjective Scoville Organoleptic Test is still sometimes used, modern techniques like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) are now more common. HPLC objectively measures the concentration of capsaicinoids, providing a more accurate and consistent SHU value. This method eliminates the variability inherent in human taste perception.
The scale ranges from zero (as in bell peppers, which contain no capsaicin) to well over two million SHU for the hottest peppers in the world, like the Carolina Reaper. Understanding this scale helps consumers gauge the expected heat level of different peppers and, by extension, the sauces made from them.
Buffalo Wild Wings Sauce Levels: A Heat-by-Heat Breakdown
Buffalo Wild Wings offers a diverse selection of sauces, each with a distinct flavor profile and heat level. Let’s explore these sauces, categorized by their approximate Scoville Heat Units. It’s important to note that these figures are estimates, as the exact SHU can vary slightly depending on ingredient batches and preparation methods.
The Milder Side: Low Scoville Sauces
These sauces provide flavor without significant heat, ideal for those who prefer a milder experience or are new to spicy foods.
- Sweet BBQ: The Sweet BBQ sauce offers a classic barbecue flavor with a hint of sweetness. It’s the mildest option, registering at approximately 50-100 SHU.
- Honey BBQ: Similar to the Sweet BBQ, the Honey BBQ sauce adds a touch of honey for a sweeter and slightly more complex flavor. It typically falls in the 50-150 SHU range.
- Teriyaki: The Teriyaki sauce provides a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile with notes of soy sauce and ginger. Its heat level is negligible, usually under 100 SHU.
- Mild: As the name suggests, the Mild sauce is a gentle introduction to Buffalo wing flavors. Expect a subtle tanginess and minimal heat, around 100-300 SHU.
- Parmesan Garlic: The Parmesan Garlic sauce is rich and creamy, with a distinct garlic and Parmesan cheese flavor. It offers very little heat, typically below 500 SHU.
The Medium Zone: Balancing Flavor and Heat
These sauces offer a noticeable kick without being overwhelmingly spicy, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their wings.
- Medium: The Medium sauce is a classic Buffalo wing flavor with a balanced blend of tanginess and moderate heat. It generally registers between 500-1,000 SHU.
- Caribbean Jerk: The Caribbean Jerk sauce boasts a complex flavor profile with notes of allspice, cloves, and Scotch bonnet peppers. The heat level is moderate, around 1,000-2,000 SHU.
- Asian Zing: The Asian Zing sauce combines sweet and spicy flavors with a hint of ginger and chili. Expect a moderate heat level, approximately 1,000-2,500 SHU.
Turning Up the Heat: High Scoville Sauces
These sauces are for those who crave a significant kick. Proceed with caution if you’re not accustomed to spicy foods.
- Hot: The Hot sauce delivers a classic Buffalo wing flavor with a noticeable heat. It typically falls in the 2,000-5,000 SHU range.
- Lemon Pepper: While primarily known for its tangy and citrusy flavor, the Lemon Pepper sauce also incorporates a touch of heat. Its Scoville rating is often around 3,000-5,000 SHU.
- Buffalo Ranch: Buffalo Ranch combines the zesty flavor of buffalo sauce with the creamy, cool taste of ranch dressing. This offers a bit of kick ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 SHU.
- Wild: The Wild sauce lives up to its name, providing a substantial heat level with a tangy flavor. Expect a Scoville rating between 10,000-20,000 SHU.
The Inferno: Extremely Hot Sauces
These sauces are not for the faint of heart. They deliver intense heat and should be approached with caution by experienced spice enthusiasts only.
- Desert Heat: Desert Heat brings intense dry heat with notes of chili powder and spices. It is very spicy, with an approximate Scoville rating of 20,000-30,000 SHU.
- Blazin’: The Blazin’ sauce is Buffalo Wild Wings’ hottest permanent sauce. It delivers an intense, lingering heat that can be challenging for even seasoned spice lovers. While the exact SHU can vary, it’s generally estimated to be between 100,000-325,000 SHU. This sauce typically incorporates ghost peppers or other super-hot chili varieties.
Factors Affecting Perceived Heat
Several factors can influence how you perceive the heat of a particular sauce.
- Individual Tolerance: Spice tolerance varies significantly from person to person. Factors like genetics, diet, and previous exposure to spicy foods can all play a role.
- Preparation Method: The way a sauce is prepared can also affect its heat level. For example, if a sauce is simmered for a longer period, the capsaicinoids may become more concentrated, increasing its pungency.
- Food Pairing: The foods you eat alongside the sauce can also influence your perception of heat. Dairy products, for instance, can help neutralize capsaicinoids, while acidic foods may amplify the heat.
- Sauce Batch Variation: Due to variations in pepper crops and manufacturing processes, there can be slight differences in heat levels between different batches of the same sauce.
- Serving Temperature: Warmer sauces tend to taste spicier than colder sauces because heat receptors in the mouth are more sensitive at higher temperatures.
Tips for Enjoying Spicy Sauces Responsibly
If you’re new to spicy foods or want to enjoy your Buffalo Wild Wings experience without overwhelming your taste buds, here are some tips.
- Start Small: Begin with milder sauces and gradually work your way up the Scoville scale.
- Order Sauces on the Side: This allows you to control the amount of sauce you use and avoid over-saucing your wings.
- Pair with Cooling Foods: Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese can help neutralize capsaicinoids and reduce the burning sensation.
- Avoid Touching Your Eyes: Capsaicinoids can cause a burning sensation if they come into contact with your eyes.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: If a sauce is too spicy, don’t hesitate to ask your server for a glass of milk or bread to help cool down your mouth.
Beyond the Wings: Other Ways to Experience B-Dubs Sauces
While wings are the traditional vehicle for Buffalo Wild Wings sauces, there are many other ways to enjoy them.
- Chicken Tenders: Use your favorite sauce as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders.
- Burgers and Sandwiches: Add a flavorful kick to burgers and sandwiches by incorporating a spicy sauce.
- Salads: Drizzle a small amount of sauce over salads for an extra layer of flavor.
- Tacos and Burritos: Enhance the taste of tacos and burritos with a touch of heat.
- Homemade Dishes: Incorporate Buffalo Wild Wings sauces into your own recipes to add a unique flavor dimension.
The Ever-Changing Landscape of B-Dubs Sauces
Buffalo Wild Wings occasionally introduces limited-time sauces, often with unique flavor profiles and varying heat levels. These sauces can add excitement and variety to the menu, but they also mean the Scoville scale landscape is constantly evolving. It’s always a good idea to check with your local B-Dubs to see what limited-time sauces are currently available and inquire about their heat levels.
Conclusion: Navigating the Heat
Understanding the Scoville scale and the approximate SHU values of Buffalo Wild Wings sauces empowers you to make informed choices and tailor your wing experience to your preferred level of heat. Whether you’re a spice novice or a seasoned chili head, there’s a B-Dubs sauce out there for you. By considering your individual tolerance, the factors that affect perceived heat, and the tips for enjoying spicy sauces responsibly, you can embark on a flavorful and satisfying journey through the world of Buffalo Wild Wings. Remember to always check for limited-time sauces to expand your culinary horizons.
What is the Scoville Scale and how does it measure heat?
The Scoville scale, formally known as the Scoville Organoleptic Test, is a measurement of the pungency (spiciness or “heat”) of chili peppers, as recorded in Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Originally developed by pharmacist Wilbur Scoville in 1912, it’s based on the dilution of a chili extract in sugar water until heat is no longer detectable by a panel of tasters. The more dilution required, the higher the Scoville rating.
Essentially, a pepper rated at 1,000 SHU needs to be diluted 1,000 times before the heat is undetectable. While the original method was subjective, modern methods utilize High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to directly measure the concentration of capsaicinoids, the chemical compounds responsible for the spicy sensation. This instrumental analysis provides a more objective and repeatable measurement, which is then converted to a Scoville Heat Unit value for easier understanding.
What are the Scoville ratings of some common Buffalo Wild Wings sauces?
Buffalo Wild Wings offers a range of sauces with varying levels of heat. Their mildest options, like Sweet BBQ and Honey BBQ, typically have a Scoville rating near zero, providing sweetness and flavor without any noticeable heat. Moving up the scale, sauces like Medium and Parmesan Garlic fall into the low to moderate range, providing a subtle kick that most people can handle comfortably.
For those seeking more intense heat, Buffalo Wild Wings offers options like Spicy Garlic, Asian Zing, and Mango Habanero. These sauces can range from several hundred to several thousand Scoville Heat Units. The hottest sauces, such as Wild and Blazin’, are significantly spicier, with Blazin’ reaching tens of thousands of SHU, offering a considerable challenge even for experienced spice enthusiasts. Exact SHU values can vary slightly depending on preparation and pepper variations.
How does the Blazin’ sauce at Buffalo Wild Wings compare to other hot sauces?
Buffalo Wild Wings’ Blazin’ sauce is considered quite hot, but its Scoville rating typically falls in the range of 100,000 to 300,000 SHU. This places it on the lower end of the super-hot pepper scale. While it’s definitely hotter than a jalapeño pepper, it’s not as intense as many of the extremely hot sauces available today.
For context, a habanero pepper can range from 100,000 to 350,000 SHU, similar to Blazin’. However, peppers like ghost peppers, scotch bonnets, and Carolina reapers boast Scoville ratings well into the millions, making them significantly hotter than Blazin’. So, while Blazin’ offers a significant kick and challenge, it is not among the world’s absolute hottest sauces.
Why can the perceived heat of a sauce vary between people?
Several factors influence how an individual perceives the heat of a particular sauce. Genetic predisposition plays a role, as some people are simply more sensitive to capsaicin than others. Previous exposure to spicy foods is also significant, as regular consumption of chili peppers can build tolerance, diminishing the perceived heat.
Psychological factors, such as expectations and mindset, can also influence how heat is experienced. Furthermore, individual variations in saliva production, taste receptors, and overall health can contribute to differences in perceived heat. Even the temperature of the sauce and the food it’s served with can alter the sensation of spiciness.
What can I do if a Buffalo Wild Wings sauce is too spicy for me?
If you find a Buffalo Wild Wings sauce too spicy, the first thing to do is avoid drinking water. Capsaicin, the compound that causes the burning sensation, is an oil and water will only spread it around your mouth, intensifying the feeling. Instead, reach for dairy products like milk, yogurt, or sour cream. The casein protein in dairy helps to break down capsaicin.
Other helpful options include eating starchy foods like bread, rice, or potatoes, which can absorb some of the capsaicin. Sweet foods like honey or sugar can also help neutralize the heat. Avoid further consumption of spicy food or drinks until the burning sensation subsides. In severe cases, consider an antacid if the heat is causing stomach discomfort.
Are there any health benefits to eating spicy Buffalo Wild Wings sauces?
Consuming spicy foods, including Buffalo Wild Wings sauces, can offer some potential health benefits. Capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. It can also act as a natural pain reliever by depleting substance P, a neurotransmitter involved in pain signaling. Some studies suggest capsaicin may also boost metabolism and promote weight loss.
However, it’s important to consume spicy foods in moderation. Excessive consumption can lead to digestive discomfort, heartburn, and other gastrointestinal issues. Individuals with pre-existing conditions such as ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome should exercise caution. Furthermore, the high sodium content often found in Buffalo Wild Wings sauces should be considered for those managing their salt intake.
Does Buffalo Wild Wings change the Scoville ratings of their sauces over time?
While Buffalo Wild Wings doesn’t typically announce specific changes to the Scoville ratings of their sauces, it’s possible that slight variations can occur over time. Pepper crops naturally vary in their capsaicin content due to factors like weather, growing conditions, and pepper variety. This can lead to subtle differences in the heat levels of the sauces.
Furthermore, Buffalo Wild Wings might occasionally adjust their recipes to maintain consistency or to respond to customer preferences. These adjustments could potentially affect the overall spiciness of a particular sauce. However, significant and noticeable changes to the heat levels of their core sauces are unlikely, as it would deviate from the established expectations of their customer base.