Everything You Need To Know About Chilli Jam

If you’re reading this, we’re guessing you’re into your hot sauces? Have you tried chilli jam before? If you’re not sure exactly what it is, or you want to find out more, keep reading!

Here’s everything you need to know about chilli jam, from what it tastes like, to how spicy it is and its origins. We’ll also touch on what makes the Sauce Shop X James Cochran Scotch Bonnet Chilli Jam so special (shameless self-promotion, but it’s really good).

What is chilli jam?

A chilli jam is essentially just another type of hot or chilli sauce, but there are some characteristics that make them different from taste, to texture and more (read our article on what makes chilli jam and chilli sauce different).

What does chilli jam taste like?

In taste, a jam is typically sweeter than a traditional hot sauce which comes from the sugar in the recipe. That sweetness is something that makes chilli jam such a versatile condiment, perfect with pizza, a cheeseboard and even a bacon sandwich. These are our top 6 ways to use chilli jam.

We describe our Scotch Bonnet Chilli Jam as sweet, spicy, and savoury. The recipe (a Sauce Shop and Chef James Cochran creation) features charred, fruity scotch bonnet peppers and tomato which gives it a smoky, savoury note, offsetting the sweetness. Like the sound of that? Grab it here and in Sainsbury’s stores nationwide.

How spicy is chilli jam?

As with any chilli sauce, the heat level depends on what ingredients are in the recipe. Specifically, the type and amount of chilli used. You could make a mild chilli jam using mild chillies (check out our Amarillo Chilli Jam, made with Aji Amarillo chillies), or you could make a much hotter jam using hotter chillies. Generally, they’re created with balance in mind and the focus of a chilli jam is not all-out heat.

If you are looking for more traditional hot sauces, check out our full range here.

How to use chilli jam 

A good, sweet chilli jam is such a versatile sauce. You may be thinking “how do I use a chilli jam?”, but trust us, the options are endless.

Catch our recommendations below or check out our ‘Hot & Spicy recipes’, some of which feature our Scotch Bonnet Chilli Jam.

• With fried chicken.
• In a sandwich, especially a grilled cheese sandwich.
• Alongside a cheeseboard.
• In a bacon sandwich.
• In a tortilla wrap with halloumi or chicken.
• Drizzled over pizza instead of hot honey.
• Stirred into a Bolognese or chilli for some sweet heat.

Origins of chilli jam

Compared to traditional hot sauces like sriracha or buffalo sauce, it’s not so easy to establish the origins of chilli jam. Some sources suggest it may have derived from a Thai sweet and spicy chilli paste called nam prik pao which is often used in Thai cooking to add flavour to food. Now, chilli jam is something that’s enjoyed with many dishes across the world and is very popular in the UK as a sweeter alternative to other more classic chilli sauces.

What makes Scotch Bonnet Chilli Jam special?

One thing that makes it very special to us, is the story behind the recipe. It’s made in collaboration with award-winning chef, James Cochran. The recipe has been a huge part of his life, heralding from his mum’s Caribbean kitchen and helping him win Great British Menu on the BBC in 2018. Now, it’s featured on his best-selling signature fried chicken dish at his Islington restaurant, 12:51.

Besides story, it’s just a very tasty hot sauce. Made with charred scotch bonnet peppers as the hero ingredient, it has layers and layers of flavour and is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.

Frequently asked questions 

How hot is your Scotch Bonnet Chilli Jam?

It’s pretty hot, as it features fiery scotch bonnet chillies. But it’s also very sweet and has subtle smoky notes which mellow it out somewhat. We’ve ranked it as ‘Hot’ on our scale of ‘mild’ to ‘extremely hot’. If you’re looking for a milder chilli jam, try our Amarillo Chilli Jam which is super fruity.

Is chilli jam vegan?

That depends on the ingredients, both Sauce Shop chilli jams are vegan.

Where can I buy chilli jam?

You can buy Scotch Bonnet Chilli Jam and Amarillo Chilli Jam on the Sauce Shop website, as well as in Sainsbury’s stores nationwide. Happy shopping!