Joanne’s Tasty Hot

Joanne’s Tasty Hot is a Canadian hot sauce brand and Ontario business based in Richmond Hill. They have four different hot sauces made using natural ingredients to choose from.

What inspired you to start your business?

Upon arriving in Canada many decades ago, I noticed that spicy flavours were not widely accessible. Missing my mother’s delicious sauces, I began creating my own for personal enjoyment. However, as friends and relatives tasted my West Indian inspired sauces, the overwhelming consensus was to develop a commercial product line. This experience underscored the profound impact of my mother’s culinary legacy. My journey began with a deep love for bold and tasty flavours, rooted in a cherished family tradition. My mother’s cooking was a true craft, rich in both flavour and the passion to elevate every meal. Her recipes were more than just ingredients; they were an expression of love and connection. Inspired by my mother’s culinary “hand,” I set out not only to recreate artisanal spicy products but also to foster a sense of community around the dinner table. I envisioned a place where people could “dine with mine,” sharing in cultures and experiences, one delicious bite at a time.

How do you describe your business?

Our business offers unique condiments based on cherished family recipes passed down through generations from India, evolving through Trinidad & Tobago, and now in Canada. We are committed to using only the freshest ingredients, a practice instilled in me from childhood market trips with my mother. These recipes, developed over 200 years, offer more than just heat; they are flavour enhancers, expertly balancing aromatic herbs and spices with a delightful ‘spicy goodness.’ My culinary training comes from a lifelong immersion in these family traditions, offering a taste of cultural heritage in every bottle.

What’s your bestselling product?

Our best-selling product is undoubtedly the Lemon Lime.

Why do you think people love it?

Its popularity, I believe, stems from its vibrant and zesty flavour profile, derived from the rich citrus notes. It’s an exceptionally versatile sauce, but it truly shines when paired with seafood. In fact, I often share a remarkably simple recipe with my customers that highlights this perfectly: Simply sauté one pound of shrimp in a skillet, and when it’s nearly cooked through, pour in approximately a quarter to a third of a bottle of our Lemon Lime sauce, ensuring the shrimp is nicely coated. Serve immediately and enjoy! It’s an incredibly easy way to create a flavourful and satisfying protein dish, and I think that ease and deliciousness contribute significantly to the Lemon Lime’s consistent success.

What’s your personal favourite product?

My personal favourite product right now is undoubtedly the Extra Hot. It holds a special place in my heart because it’s a faithful recreation of my mother’s original recipe. To me, it perfectly embodies our tagline, ‘Condiments with a Kick!’ What I love most about it is the beautifully layered flavour profile. It offers a wonderful depth and complexity, allowing you to savour a range of notes before delivering that satisfying kick from the hot peppers. It’s not just about the heat; it’s about the harmonious blend of flavours that truly elevates any dish, making it a genuine taste of home and the essence of what our brand represents.

What’s your favourite local business?

My favourite businesses are all small Canadian businesses. They embody passion, support our communities, and contribute uniquely to Canada’s local economy. I admire their dedication and the personal touch they bring.