Published: 13 May 2024
Meet “Da’Bomb:Beyond Insanity”, the unhinged hot sauce that refuses to play by the rules.
You probably recognize it from the popular YouTube talk show called “Hot Ones”. You know… “the show with hot questions and even hotter wings”?
If none of this sounds familiar, let me give you a quick recap of this blazing red concoction and its rise to fame.
Da’ Bomb and the Hot Ones challenge
With well over 300 episodes under its belt, Hot Ones has amassed a huge following, boasting over 13 million subscribers on YouTube.
At the heart of the talk show lies a simple yet very entertaining premise: inviting celebrities to tackle ten progressively spicier chicken wings as they engage in a candid interview.
“Hot Ones” has welcomed numerous celebrity guests to brave its formidable gauntlet. And while the lineup of hot sauces undergoes periodic changes, one particular sauce has remained at its place since season 2: the notorious “Da’Bomb: Beyond Insanity“.
Da’Bomb consistently elicits strong reactions from guests, enhancing the entertainment value of the show. From my understanding, Da’Bomb feels like facing the final boss in a video game. With little to no potions left in your inventory, you are forced to stand your ground with nothing but a fist full of rage and a heart full of courage, praying that you make it out alive. But then again, what do I know? I have never (and hope to never) face Da’Bomb in my lifetime.
That being said, my curiosity persists regarding the entire ordeal. So I’ve taken it upon myself to conduct thorough research and compile comprehensive information, not only for my own enjoyment but also to share with anyone who may be interested in undertaking such a self-inflicted trial. Let’s dive right in, shall we?
“That’s a radiation symbol…That’s what they put on it when you’re not suppose to be near it…in the same room with it…” – Jordan Peele (Hot Ones, S2E8)
Anticipating Da’Bomb: The Symptoms
Based on the experiences of many who have tried Da’Bomb, we can paint a clear picture of the symptoms you might encounter right after tasting this intensely hot and bitter sauce.
Here’s a glimpse of what to expect:
- Painful breathing and/or coughing fits
“Breathing hurts. Like…when you breathe, it…activates it.” – Charlize Theron (Hot Ones, S5E8)
- Intense heat sensation that quickly spreads throughout the mouth, lips and/or face
“This chicken is going nuts in my mouth bro.” -Daniel Kaluuya (Hot Ones, S18E8)
- Numbness in the tongue, lips and/or face
“I feel like I just got like botox but had no anaesthesia or something. Not that I’ve ever had botox or know what it feels like but…that’s when the whole world’s like ‘He’s had botox!'” – Tom Holland (Hot Ones, S16E13)
- Pain in the mouth and/or throughout the digestive system
“My tongue doesn’t know what’s happening to it.” – James Corden (Hot Ones, S19E7)
- Watering eyes
- Ringing ears
- Excessive drooling and a runny nose
“I don’t know what to….NOTHING HELPS! I’m drooling so much! Is my face okay?” – Jennifer Lawrence (Hot Ones, S21E5)
- Painful teeth
“My teeth hurt.” – Jessica Alba (Hot Ones, S13E1)
- Profuse sweating and/or flushing of the face
“I can understand the power of the peppers doing their thing in your mouth. What’s with the perspiration?” – Bryan Cranston (Hot Ones, S20E2)
- A sudden rush of adrenaline that leaves you with a rapid heartbeat and a feeling of excitement or anxiety
“Jesus take the wheel.”- Queen Latifah (Hot Ones, S18E3)
- An immediate urge to walk or run, hoping to ease the discomfort
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Muscle spasms throughout your body
“Ow my leg’s cramping! Why is my leg cramping?!” – Jake Gyllenhaal (Hot Ones, S20E12)
“There’s a UFC match right here, right here, in this sinus.” – Keegan-Michael Key (Hot Ones, S2E8)
- A sensation that you might not survive
“I think I might die.” – Margot Robbie (Hot Ones, S11E1)
“I think I’m losing my mind. How long have we been here?” – Maisie Williams (Hot Ones, S10E6)
- A sudden desire to be comforted by motherly love
“I like my mommy.” – Aubrey Plaza (Hot Ones, S9E4)
- A lingering sense of regret or unease
“It’s like a deceitful, manipulative person.” – Florence Pugh (Hot Ones, S20E10)
Did you know? Unlike mammals, birds are unaffected by the heat of hot peppers. In fact, they play a crucial role in dispersing the seeds of rare wild chili peppers.
What makes Da’Bomb so bad? A look at the ingredients.
Chef Gordon Ramsay likened the taste to acid on your tongue, while Joseph Gordon-Levitt described it as a blend of office supplies and cleaning products. With such vivid descriptions, it’s clear that Da’Bomb hot sauce lives up to its name.
As highlighted by chef David Chang in S16E9 of Hot Ones, Da’Bomb “doesn’t make any sense. It’s way hotter than it should ever be for a habanero”. So, what makes this hot sauce the ultimate challenge? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients…
Ingredients: Habanero peppers (Habanero, Salt), Chipotle puree (Chipotles, water, salt, citric acid), water, orange juice concentrate, natural pepper flavoring (a.k.a pepper extract), tomato paste, potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate (to preserve freshness).
So, what’s the deal? This 4-ounce bottle packs a punch with pure pepper extract!
In this case, the pepper extract is produced by submerging habanero peppers in alcohol. Once the alcohol evaporates, you are left with a super spicy oil that will most likely blow your taste buds away. The extract tends to be highly acidic, with many finding its flavor too bitter for their palate. In any case, a little goes a long way. In fact, just a hint of Da’Bomb is enough to spice up a big pot of chili!
The compound responsible for giving peppers their signature spicy kick is known as capsaicin. Capsaicin is oil-soluble, which means it dissolves well in fats and oils. However, alcohols, such as ethanol or methanol, are commonly used as solvents for extracting capsaicin from pepper grounds.
In the world of spicy foods, pepper extract is often viewed as “cheating” because it’s a concentrated form of capsaicin. For this reason, “Da Bomb: Beyond Insanity” cannot be marketed as an “all-natural” hot sauce which explains why it isn’t distributed by “Heatonist”, the company that sources the hot sauces for “Hot Ones”. However, it is worth noting that the company, founded by hot sauce sommelier and expert Noah Chaimberg, has since collaborated with the team at Da’Bomb to create an all-natural version called “Da’Bomb: Evolution“.
Capsaicin is known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, ongoing scientific research is still delving into the potential health benefits of spicy chilis for humans, opening up exciting possibilities for future discoveries.
Did you know? Capsaicin latches onto receptors called TRPV1 in the tongue. Once activated, these receptors send signals to the brain, triggering the sensation of pain. However, research suggests that over time, capsaicin can actually decrease the body’s levels of Substance P,, a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain.
“This is a lot of hot sauce that’s this potent. Like this is literally two lifetime supplies of hot sauce right here.” – Bobby Flay (Hot Ones, S22E3)
Behind every super villain lies an origin story
Da’Bomb: Beyond Insanity” was crafted straight out the state of Kansas by the small-batch condiment manufacturer “Spicin Foods” (originally called “Juan Specialty Foods”).
The company first started manufacturing micro-batch hot sauces back in 1999. The journey eventually led them to create a fiery red hot sauce that blends hot Habanero peppers with smoky Chipotle pepper and natural pepper extract.
Fast forward over two decades later, the company is still thriving. In fact, in 2021, it celebrated a remarkable milestone by bottling its millionth bottle of Da’Bomb, much to the delight of thrill-seekers everywhere. But the unexpected success of this blazing hot sauce certainly took everyone by surprise.
In an interview with The Pitch back in 2021, Spicin’s chief operating officer, Jeff Hinds, explained: “The whole intent of (Da’Bomb: Beyond Insanity) was to heat up, like, a pot of chili or something. It was never designed or intended to go on a wing.”
Additionally, the label on the bottle cautions users against extremes and recommends no more than a drop at a time for a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Yet, once the bottle finds its way into the hands of consumers, it assumes a life of its own, becoming a catalyst for challenges, pranks, and culinary experiments alike.
“Kansas don’t know how to do no hot wings…Kansas…(insert shook face) Oh…I apologize Kansas…” – Shaq (Hot Ones, S8E8)
“We also have Patrick Mahomes. Don’t judge us on just that.” – Paul Rudd (Hot Ones, S10E5)
Is Da’Bomb the hottest hot sauce in the world?
Would you be surprised if I said no?
Da’Bomb ranks at 135,600 on the Scoville Scale, which is much lower in Scoville Heat Units (SHU) compared to other hot sauces, such as Plutonium Number 9 (9 million SHU) or Pure Evil 13 Million, which consists of pure capsaicin drops that can reach up to 13 million on the Scoville Scale!
In fact, Da’Bomb doesn’t even rely on the hottest peppers available on the market. Habanero peppers are considerably milder compared to other peppers like the Carolina Reaper.
Da’Bomb is a perfect example of how numbers don’t tell the whole story! It might score lower than other hot sauces in the Scoville Scale but don’t be fooled! Many other factors come into play, such as the concentration of capsaicin, the blend of peppers, and the dosage or intended use of the hot sauce.
Did you know? In 2023, Pepper X was crowned the world’s hottest chili pepper by Guinness World Records. This intensely hot pepper was bred by American chili breeder Ed Currie, the creator of the Carolina Reaper.
“I love this. I love we’re supposed to ignore the fact that you’re poisoning your guests.” – Jimmy Kimmel (Hot Ones, S16E1)
Facing Da’Bomb – What now?
So you’ve chosen to face Da’Bomb? Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of scorching heat and sensations…
We’ve witnessed some celebrity guests on Hot Ones employing pre-Da’Bomb tactics, such as downing Pepto-Bismol shots or applying Vaseline to shield their lips from the heat. But it seems like no amount of preparation can fully brace you for the challenge that lies ahead.
Most hot sauce remedies are no match for the tongue-burning, eye-watering, fire-breathing effect of Da’Bomb. In fact, many serve more as a distraction while the pain naturally subsides. But, once you’re on fire, who cares, right? As long as you get through it! It’s all about survival now!
Without further delay, here are some spicy remedies for you to tackle the heat head-on.
Warning: Steer clear of cold water. Capsicum oil is insoluble in water so drinking water can actually spread the heat around in your mouth and intensify the sensation.
Lemon & Lime Juice: Swish lemon or lime juice in your mouth and then spit it out. The citric acid binds to capsaicin, offering temporary relief.
Pepper X creator Ed Currie suggests that while this method may initially increase the heat, it eventually helps to alleviate the sensation by removing capsaicin from heat receptors.
Alternatively, you can cool down with tomato juice, lemonade, limade, or even a refreshing lemon sorbet. Slices of grapefruit or pineapple can also provide relief due to their acidity.
Ice Cream: Any dairy-based ice cream will work. Dairy contains a protein called casein that helps remove capsaicin from your mouth’s nerve receptors. As mentioned previously, lemon sorbet, with its citric acid, can also help. The cold temperature gives you instant relief, but don’t eat too much or you might feel sick.
Milk: Any type of dairy-based milk, no matter the fat content, can significantly reduce the burning sensation caused by capsaicin, according to a 2019 study. However, if milk upsets your stomach easily, use it sparingly. Alternatively, you can use it as a mouthwash to rinse out the heat. You can also opt for yogurt, sour cream or even eggnog.
Bread, rice or crackers: Bread’s absorbent nature makes it an effective remedy for spicy foods. So try munching on some bread to help soak up the capsaicin oil. The spongier, the better!
Sugar: Place a sugar cube or a teaspoon of sugar in your mouth, let it sit, then spit it out for temporary relief. Repeat as needed. Similarly to bread, sugar works by absorbing some of the capsaicin oil, providing relief from the spicy sensation.
Milk chocolate: Milk chocolate combines the soothing properties of milk and sugar. Milk contains casein which helps to neutralize capsaicin. Meanwhile, sugar provides a temporary distraction from the heat. Together, they offer relief from the burning sensation caused by spicy foods.
Honey: Dissolve a spoonful of honey in lukewarm water or enjoy it as is. For enhanced relief, replace the warm water by warm milk.
Peanut butter: Indulge in a spoonful of creamy peanut butter or use it to make the ultimate anti-spicy milkshake. The goal is to help dissolve the capsaicin in your mouth.
Olive oil: Similar to lemon juice, olive oil can be used as a mouthwash to help wash away the oil-based capsaicin molecules. (But keep in mind that it is not as refreshing as lemon juice!)
Lastly, remember the power of mind over matter. Mental preparation can be the secret ingredient in navigating spicy battles. Keeping a calm and focused mindset can significantly influence the intensity of the experience. So take a moment to center yourself, visualize success, and learn to ride the wave of emotions.
“To the ghosts of Hot Ones guests passed, I’m sorry for my judgment from home. You were brave and I get it.” – Emma Chamberlain (Hot Ones, S19E6)
Spicy remedies around the world
Nothing compares to firsthand experiences with spicy food. So let’s delve into how different food cultures tackle the heat!
India: Yogurt is a heavenly match for spicy meals. Whether you prefer a spoonful of unsweetened yogurt or a refreshing drink like lassi, it’s the ultimate cooling refreshment for a hot meal (or a hot summer day). Curd, also known as ‘dahi’ in Hindi, is another very popular companion to spicy Indian food. Additionally, it is not uncommon for people in India to chew on a few fennel seeds after meals to help prevent indigestion and freshen breath.
Mexico: What’s a Mexican meal without corn tortillas? They’re not just tasty—they’re also a perfect way to combat the spiciness of hot peppers! Simply sprinkle some salt on your tortilla and enjoy it for some relief. Another cooling option is avocado, a staple in pretty much every Mexican household. Skip the spiced guacamole and opt for a plain spoonful of avocado instead. Its fat content can help dissolve capsaicin oil in your mouth. Enhance it with a squeeze of lime, cilantro, and a pinch of salt for the perfect cooling dip. And if you’re dining at a Mexican restaurant, you can also try ordering some sopaipillas for a sweet twist. These fried Mexican pastries are often served with honey or cinnamon sugar, both of which can help distract from the spiciness!
Did you know? The 1986 Mexico World Cup mascot was Pique, a jalapeño pepper with a sombrero and mustache!
South Korea: In South Korea, banana milk, also known as banana uyu, is a very popular companion to spicy foods, especially spicy ramen and tteok-bokki. The combination of sweetness and milk protein provides an effective method for counteracting the heat. Binggrae is one of the most well-known brands of banana milk. They are also well-known for their famous melona ice cream.
Did you know? Binggrae’s Korean banana milk was first introduced in the 70s as a way to encourage Korean citizens to drink more milk, as banana was a very expensive food at the time and was perceived as a luxury.
South Korea also distributes Milkis, a milky like soft drink that is commonly enjoyed with spicy food. Another effective remedy for spiciness is jumeokbap (literally meaning “fist rice”). These rice balls are typically mixed with seaweed, seasonings and mayonnaise, which is believed to help alleviate the heat.
Pro tip: Finding your tteok-bokki or ramen too spicy? Try adding cheese, heavy cream, or honey to mellow out the heat.
Thailand: Contrary to popular belief, not all Thai cuisine is spicy. In fact, Northern Thailand tends to have milder flavors compared to the spicier dishes of the South which are influenced by Malaysia and Java culinary traditions. Even fruit salads can pack a spicy punch there! So, what are some spicy remedies you can find in Thai food culture? Well, for one, steamed rice is often served with Thai dishes to help temper the spice. It’s also common to find a platter of fresh greens and vegetables such as cucumber, carrot, long beans, cabbage, sweet Thai basil, and cilantro served alongside spicier dishes to balance out the heat.
China: China serves up some of the spiciest dishes you’ll ever taste, from Sichuan to Hunan cuisine. But not everyone can handle the heat like a local. Luckily, for those of us who need relief, there’s congee, the ultimate Chinese comfort food. This rice porridge is gentle on the stomach, making it ideal for easing digestive issues or stomach discomfort. The bone broth used in congee is also rich in collagen and said to help repair and heal the lining of the GI tract. Toppings can range from vegetables and herbs to spices, dried berries, and even meats. Another cooling option to pair with your spicy meal is smashed cucumber salad, also known as “pai huang gua.” Often infused with garlic and tangy flavors, this refreshing salad provides a delightful contrast to spicy dishes, with the acidity of the dressing helping to neutralize some of the capsaicin in the mouth.
Did you know? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spicy flavors are believed to benefit the lungs and immune system.
Trinidad & Tobago: Trinidadian cuisine boasts a rich blend of Indian and African influences, resulting in a love for spicy flavors. Sada Roti, a type of flatbread introduced by Indian laborers during colonial times, is a staple accompaniment to Trinidadian dishes like curries and stews. Sada Roti is perfect for soaking up sauces and balancing out the heat of spicy dishes. Coconut water is another great way to cool down after a spicy meal. Not only does it rehydrate the body but it also provides plenty of electrolytes. Enjoy it on its own or, better yet, blend it with bananas, yogurt, honey and/or peanut butter for a refreshing smoothie.
