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5-Hour Energy Unveils Caffeinated Hot Sauce in Collaboration with Taco John’s

If you’ve ever wished for a little extra excitement with your tacos, there’s good news. In anticipation of Cinco de Mayo, 5-Hour Energy, a popular energy shot brand from Indiana, has launched a limited-edition Mango Habanero hot sauce. This product is a joint effort with Taco John’s, the renowned fast food chain acclaimed for its “West-Mex” offerings, including softshell tacos and Potato Olés. The objective behind this collaboration is to blend the fruity sweetness of mango with the spiciness of habanero, all while providing an added boost of energy in a convenient, portable format.

While the concept of caffeinated hot sauce might sound unconventional, it’s not a new venture for 5-Hour Energy. Last summer, the company introduced an Energizing BBQ Sauce created in partnership with The National Food Lab, which also contained caffeine and boasted a flavor profile similar to its original energy shots.

In a statement, Leah Key, the president and COO of Living Essentials (the parent company of 5-Hour Energy), expressed enthusiasm about the new product’s potential. “After the huge success of last summer’s 5-Hour Energy-inspired Energizing BBQ Sauce, we knew we were onto something special,” she stated. “Teaming up with Taco John’s for this ‘sequel’ has been an awesome opportunity to connect with our fans in a fresh, exciting way.”

The Mango Habanero hot sauce packs a punch with 200 milligrams of caffeine per serving, designed to be easily transported in a two-ounce, shot-sized bottle. This is particularly appealing in a market where approximately 25% of millennials and Gen Z diners are known to carry their own hot sauce when dining out. This statistic might seem surprising, but it resonates with the growing trend of personalization in food experiences.

Kevin Flaherty, the CMO of Taco John’s, added, “This portable sauce brings the vibrant, spice-filled flavors of Cinco de Mayo to life, no matter how or where you’re celebrating. This sauce isn’t just about heat; it embodies the adventurous spirit of our fans and offers a fresh culinary experience that unifies everyone.”

For those looking for a bold flavor adventure, the hot sauce is offered alongside a corresponding 5-Hour Energy shot in “Spicy Cinco de Mango” flavor. Starting from April 28, customers can receive the hot sauce for free with the purchase of a Spicy Cinco de Mango shot or as part of Taco John’s “No Siesta Fiesta” bundle at select locations in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Kansas City, and Boston. This bundle features six softshell chicken tacos, two orders of medium Potato Olés, and a bottle of the new sauce.

Whether this innovative condiment will take over the summer food scene remains to be seen. Yet, it undoubtedly promises to enhance your taco-eating experience, providing an energizing twist that could redefine the way we think about sauces.

Source
www.foodandwine.com