Chili Honey Sauce for Food Lovers: Where to Buy and How to Use It

If there’s one condiment that has quietly worked its way from restaurant kitchens to home pantries, it’s chili honey sauce. That irresistible blend of sweet and spicy has made its mark on everything from pizza to roast veggies, and Australians are catching on fast. But what exactly is it, where can you get it, and how should you use it? Let’s dig into why this golden drizzle is the talk of food lovers everywhere.

What Is Chili Honey Sauce?

At its core, chili honey sauce is a simple but powerful combination: natural honey infused with chili heat. It delivers the sweetness of honey upfront, followed by a warming kick that lingers just long enough to keep things interesting. Unlike traditional hot sauces, it isn’t overwhelming—it’s balanced. That’s why foodies often describe it as “sweet heat in a bottle.”

In Australia, this sauce is often compared to hot honey sauce, a trend that took off in the U.S. before making waves here. The difference? Some variations lean more on fresh chili infusions, while others add a splash of vinegar or spices for extra complexity.

Why Food Lovers Can’t Get Enough

So, what’s behind the growing obsession with chili honey sauce?

1. Versatility in the kitchen – You can drizzle it on fried chicken, stir it into salad dressings, or glaze roasted vegetables.

2. A perfect balance of flavours – It’s not just sweet or spicy—it’s both, layered in a way that enhances food rather than overpowering it.

3. Restaurant-quality at home – For years, chefs have been experimenting with chilli honey on pizzas, grilled meats, and charcuterie boards. Now, anyone can recreate that experience at home.

Food trends tend to come and go, but chili honey sauce feels different. It’s not a fad—it’s a pantry staple in the making.

How to Use Chili Honey Sauce Like a Pro

You might be wondering: What do I actually do with chili honey sauce once I buy it? Here are some tried-and-true ideas:

On Pizza

Forget the old chilli flakes. A drizzle of chilli honey over a woodfired pizza—especially with pepperoni or a cheesy Margherita—adds a next-level dimension.

With Fried or Roast Chicken

Southern-style fried chicken with chili honey sauce is already legendary. But even simple roast chicken gets a lift from this sweet-heat glaze.

On Cheese Boards

Move over quince paste. Honey and cheese are a natural pair, and the kick from chili takes soft bries, sharp cheddars, or creamy goat cheese to new heights.

In Cocktails

Yes, you read that right. A dash of chili honey sauce in a margarita or whisky sour adds a subtle kick that bartenders are starting to embrace.

Everyday Meals

Stir it into yogurt dressings, brush it onto salmon, or drizzle over avocado toast. Once it’s in your pantry, you’ll keep finding excuses to use it.

Where to Buy Chili Honey Sauce in Australia

Now comes the big question: Where can you get your hands on this flavour-packed condiment?

• Specialty food stores – Many boutique grocers and delicatessens in Australia now stock variations of chilli honey.

• Farmers’ markets – Some beekeepers and artisanal producers have started infusing their honey with chili for a local spin.

• Online stores – If convenience matters, the best option is ordering online. Trusted Australian brands like Quinby’s have built a following for their naturally balanced hot honey sauces, making it easy to enjoy the trend at home.

When choosing, look for honey that’s 100% natural, preferably sourced locally. The flavour and quality of the honey base make all the difference.

Is Chili Honey Sauce the Same as Hot Honey Sauce?

A common question is whether chili honey sauce and hot honey sauce are the same thing. The short answer: mostly, yes.

Both terms are often used interchangeably, and both describe honey infused with chili heat. However, some hot honey sauces include extra seasonings like garlic, vinegar, or smoke, giving them a slightly different profile. In Australia, “chilli honey” tends to lean toward pure, clean infusions that let the honey shine.

The Role of Australian Honey

Australia is famous for its diverse and high-quality honey. From eucalyptus-rich varieties to floral blends, honey in Australia offers a distinct depth of flavour. That’s why Australian versions of chili honey sauce stand out—they’re not just spicy and sweet, but uniquely tied to local terroir.

Producers like Quinby’s highlight this connection by using local honey as their foundation, ensuring that every drizzle captures both the natural sweetness and the subtle complexity of Australian bees’ work.

FAQs About Chili Honey Sauce

What does chili honey sauce taste like?

It starts sweet, thanks to the honey, and finishes with a warm, lingering chili heat. Unlike some hot sauces, it’s more balanced than fiery.

Can I cook with it or just drizzle it?

Both! You can use it as a glaze, stir it into marinades, or drizzle it straight over finished dishes. It’s heat-stable, so it holds up in cooking.

Where can I buy chili honey sauce in Australia?

You’ll find it online, at select gourmet food stores, and sometimes at farmers’ markets. Brands like Quinby’s offer an easy way to order it directly.

Is it very spicy?

That depends on the brand. Some versions are milder with just a gentle warmth, while others pack more heat. Most are designed to be approachable for everyday use.

How long does chili honey sauce last?

Honey is naturally long-lasting. Infused versions like chili honey sauce typically last for months when stored properly in a cool, dry place.

Why Chili Honey Sauce Belongs in Your Pantry

At the end of the day, chili honey sauce is more than just a condiment—it’s a way to reimagine everyday food. From making pizza night exciting to elevating a simple cheese platter, it has earned its place alongside the must-have sauces Australians keep stocked.

And the best part? It’s easy to find, easy to use, and endlessly versatile. For food lovers, it’s the kind of small kitchen upgrade that pays off in big flavour.

Final Drizzle: Time to Try It

If you haven’t yet tried chili honey sauce, now’s the moment. Whether you pick it up at your local market or order a bottle from an Australian producer like Quinby’s, you’ll quickly see why so many are raving about this sweet-heat combination.

It’s simple, it’s versatile, and it just might become the condiment you didn’t know you needed—until now.