Where flavour meets science

Hot sauce made by people who understand the science

The Heat Lab specialise in small-batch sauces,  built on genuine curiosity about fermentation, ingredient provenance and the science of spice. Crafted in York, we supply to a handful of independent stockists across Yorkshire and the North of England. 

Why The Heat Lab?

We’re dedicated to genuine craft, not the capsaicin arms race. Most brands race to the top of the Scoville scale, but we recognise that heat is only one dimension, and want to produce artisanal products that deliver intense flavour. 

The Heat Lab was founded by a biologist who became obsessed with the science of spice: how fermentation unlocks complexity, how ingredient sourcing shapes character, and how controlled, repeatable processes can coexist with that small-batch feel. Every sauce is the product of extensive experimentation, and delivers a well-rounded flavour profile that will leave a lasting impression. 

What we make

Our current catalogue runs to six core SKUs, plus a range of one-off or seasonal sauces.  Each with a distinct fermentation and flavour profile. No chemical heat extracts, no filler. Every ingredient is selected for what it contributes to the finished sauce, and your customers will taste that difference.

Button label

Hot sauces

  • Made in York

    Proudly British and genuinely local. We make our sauces in York, and we'll always favour local produce when it’s commercially viable to do so.

  • Small-batch, controlled process

    We make everything in tightly managed batches so flavour is consistent from bottle to bottle. We also maintain batch records and process controls, despite our small size.

  •   Provenance-led ingredients

    We source for flavour, not price. Where feasible we work with British growers, and we know the story behind every key ingredient.
Catalogue

Who stocks us?

We’re a natural fit for the serious food shop. Die-hard foodies with a real passion for artisanal produce, we’ll never chase supermarket placements, and want to focus on independent retailers who've built a reputation on stocking things worth caring about. That’s delis, farm shops, specialist food halls, kitchen stores, and bottle shops with a serious condiments section.

In other words, our customers are people who read labels, ask questions, and return for things they trust. If that's your customer base, we're likely a good fit.

Stockist support

We recognise that  a product only earns its shelf space if your team can talk about it confidently, and your customers understand why it's different. We support every stockist with the materials that make it easy to sell our products. This includes:

What we offer

  • Social shout-outs:

    we actively promote our stockists on social channels. We see this as a community and sales-led activity that helps to build a better environment for everyone.

  • Sale or return on first orders:

    We understand that listing a new brand carries real risk. Your first order with The Heat Lab is sale or return. If it doesn't move, send it back. We'd rather earn your confidence than demand it.

  • Shelf-ready story cards:

    Printed cards for each sauce with tasting notes, fermentation details, and provenance. Customers who read them buy. No design work needed on your end.

  • In-store tasting days:

    Available on request. We'll come to you, sample the range with your customers, and handle the conversation. The best way to move first stock.

  • Regular product updates and seasonal specials:

    We develop new sauces and limited runs throughout the year. Stockists get first access and early notice, so you're never caught off-guard by demand.

Commercial terms

We want stockist relationships that work for both sides. Our commercial terms are simple and we're happy to talk through the specifics for your context. We offer a 62% retail margin across all products, and we don’t have any minimum order quantities. We’re also happy to arrange a face-to-face meeting if you’re based within reach of York and want to see the operation.

Request a sample pack or book a meeting

The best way to understand The Heat Lab offering is to taste it. We send sample packs to qualifying independent retailers. Get in touch and we'll arrange one.

hello@theheatlab.co.uk