Hot Mustard, another way to get a hit of heat

Hot mustard, a popular condiment in Chinese restaurants, and also widely used, in different forms, in Europe and the United States, is expanding to other uses as more consumers crave a hit of heat with everything from chicken nuggets to sandwiches.

The ingredient has appeared as a McDonald’s sauce, a Doritos flavor, and a condiment that’s growing fast on retail shelves. The heat can vary greatly between varieties, but that only adds to the excitement for consumers eager to experiment.

According to market research firm Datassential, hot mustard is known by 85% of consumers and has been tried by 58%, with its popularity equal among consumer demographics. It’s found on 1.4% of U.S. menus, a 44% increase over the past four years, and skews toward regional and casual-dining restaurant operators.

Click through the above gallery to learn more about hot mustard, and to learn how one restaurant is using it on the menu.