Crystal Hot Sauce: born in a snow-ball syrup factory in 1923 — and still made in New Orleans!

In 1923, Alvin Baumer bought a small snow-ball syrup factory on Tchoupitoulas Street in New Orleans. In a drawer, he stumbled across a hot sauce recipe labelled "Crystal Pure." Intuition or destiny — he decided to produce it. A century later, Crystal Hot Sauce is one of Louisiana's most beloved hot sauce brands, made in New Orleans for 100 years. "How New Orleans Does Flavor." My American Market imports it straight for you!

Did you know Crystal survived Hurricane Katrina?

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed the historic Baumer Foods factory on Tulane Avenue — an iconic building with a lighted sign visible from Interstate 10, a New Orleans landmark for decades. The brand could have disappeared. Instead, the Baumer family rebuilt in Reserve, Louisiana, and placed a replica of the legendary sign at the old factory site — "a reminder of the indestructible spirit of New Orleans." Today it's Alvin "Pepper" Baumer III — whose nickname was given to him in the womb — running the third generation family business.

Crystal produces 4.5 million gallons of hot sauce a year, available in 30 countries. It stands apart from Tabasco by using whole cayenne peppers with skins and seeds — giving it a rounder, fruitier, less acidic flavour than most Louisiana hot sauces.

Crystal vs Tabasco vs Frank's — the three great Louisiana sauces

If Tabasco is the most famous worldwide and Frank's RedHot the most used in American cooking, Crystal is the locals' favourite in New Orleans. Its whole cayenne pepper formula gives a richer, less tangy profile. Fans describe it as "the hot sauce for people who actually want to taste the peppers, not just feel the burn." Perfect on oysters, gumbo, red beans & rice, morning scrambled eggs — everything New Orleans!

The Crystal range at MYAM

Crystal offers several variants at MYAM — from the classic Original to With Garlic (garlic + cayenne for an extra aromatic dimension) and Extra Hot for those who want more intensity. Three levels, three experiences, all with that unique New Orleans DNA.

Where to buy Crystal Hot Sauce in Europe?

Crystal Hot Sauce is impossible to find in European supermarkets. My American Market, your American grocery store online, imports it straight from Louisiana. Express delivery across Europe!

Into Louisiana hot sauces? Also check out Tabasco, Louisiana Hot Sauce and Trappey's in our shop!

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