All of our Vesta varieties are made with only the freshest chile peppers sourced in North Carolina.
Every pepper is chopped, processed, mixed and packaged by hand in Raleigh, NC to deliver top-quality.
We use natural ingredients, no preservatives, certified as a Goodness Grows in NC brand and Vegan too!
For the beginner in the world of spicy foods, our Hot variety of Vesta is made with mild to medium hot chiles such as Jalapeño, Serrano, Thai with some Habanero.
Our best seller! Our Very Hot variety of Vesta is made with hotter chiles such as Habanero, Scotch Bonnet, and a touch of Moruga Scorpion.
For those who cannot get enough heat, our Ghost variety of Vesta is made with a fiery mix of Habanero, & the Super Hots: Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, Carolina Reaper and Bhut Jolokia (Ghost) chiles.
One of our hottest Vesta's to date, the fruity flavor and dizzying heat of the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion make this an exceptional variety. Rating as high as 1.5 Million Scoville Units, this Super Hot Vesta is made exclusively with Scorpions chiles.
The reigning world champ, the Carolina Reaper chile can clock in at a smoldering 2 Million Scoville Units. This Super Hot Vesta is made exclusively with Carolina Reaper Chiles.
The following are a few questions we get asked often about or products and ingredients.
Do you use dry chilis to make your dry hot sauce?
No! We use only FRESH chilis from our local produce partners to produce all varieties of Vesta. When we started Vesta our goal was not only to add heat to your favorite foods, but to share the incredible flavor and aroma of the abundance of fresh chilies we’ve grown to love. The only way to get that flavor and intoxicating heat is using fresh ingredients.
Can you use Vesta as a rub or to cook with?
Absolutely, there is no right or wrong way to use Vesta. However, since it is a hand-crafted, slow cooked process to produce it can become even hotter and potentially burn if used liberally as a rub. We have found it’s great mixed into a rub recipe so the Vesta is balanced with other ingredients, or used as a seasoning in recipes like chili, salad dressings, dips, marinades or pasta sauces.
Does Vesta contain wheat?
Yes, Vesta is made with breadcrumbs which include wheat. Even though our jars contain a very small quantity of these breadcrumbs overall, if you have a Wheat allergy we advise you to use caution when trying.
What is the current recall by the FDA for?
Benny T's Vesta is made with chilis, onion, and breadcrumbs - which include wheat. Up until recently we were not aware, nor told by inspectors, that wheat as an allergen was required to be listed on our packaging. Once we were made aware of the issue in late December 2023, we have worked closely with state and federal officials to correct the label. The FDA’s recall of our products pertains to the labeling alone and has already been adjusted on all future labels. Our products are completely safe to consume if you do not have a wheat allergy.
Once the FDA approves our new labels listing wheat as an allergen, we will be able to fulfill all orders, online and with our retail partners. We completely agree it’s pivotal for any consumer to be aware of the risks in all products, and we apologize for not including it earlier had we known.
Our label has listed ‘enriched flour’ as an ingredient for over 15 years. Our products contain a very small quantity of breadcrumbs overall. If you have a wheat allergy, we advise you to refrain from using.
If you have any further questions regarding the product, please contact us. If you would prefer an updated label including the allergen note or if you feel more comfortable receiving a new jar, we would be more than happy to send you a replacement with proof of previous purchase.