Indulge in a Fiery Food Experience

One of the Largest Culinary Events in the Country

The Fiery Food Challenge – Celebrating 30 Years of the Best in Heat and Flavor For three decades, the Fiery Food Challenge has been the ultimate test for the world’s most daring and delicious spicy creations. Hosted as part of ZestFest—America’s premier spicy food festival—this legendary competition brings together hot sauce makers, BBQ masters, and gourmet innovators from across the globe to compete for the coveted Golden Chili Awards. 🔥 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Applications Now Open for the 30th Edition of the Fiery Food Challenge Winners to Be Announced at ZestFest’s 25th Anniversary Awards Dinner FORT WORTH, TX — Spicy Food Productions proudly announces that entries are now being accepted for the landmark 30th Edition of the Fiery Food Challenge, the spicy food industry’s most respected blind-tasting competition. This year’s Challenge holds special significance as the winners will be revealed during the 25th Anniversary Opening Day Awards Dinner of ZestFest, taking place May 29, 2026. Producers from around the world are invited to submit their finest hot sauces, salsas, snacks, rubs, seasonings, and specialty fiery products for consideration. Entry forms—including the full list of categories—are now available for download at: 👉 https://edgeofcreation.info/ZestFest/FFC%2026.pdf To celebrate the 30-year milestone, Spicy Food Productions is offering a 10% Early Entry Discount for all product submissions received before March 14, 2026. This year’s blind judging will once again be overseen by legendary hot sauce creator and industry icon John “CaJohn” Hard, ensuring the highest level of expertise, integrity, and tradition in evaluating each product. Further information—including rules, category descriptions, and event details—is available at: 👉 https://zestfest.net/fiery-food-challenge/ “We’re thrilled to celebrate thirty years of excellence in spicy food innovation,” said Greg Bagarozy, founder of Spicy Food Productions. “With the Fiery Food Challenge culminating on opening day of ZestFest’s 25th Anniversary, this year promises to be one of the most exciting in our history.” The Fiery Food Challenge is widely recognized as a defining benchmark for quality and creativity in the spicy foods industry. Winning products gain industry prestige, retail visibility, and the honor of taking home a coveted Golden Chile Award. About ZestFest ZestFest is one of the nation’s largest celebrations of spicy foods, heat-loving culture, and artisan food creators. The 25th Anniversary edition will bring together thousands of attendees, top culinary talent, national brand exhibitors, and a vibrant community of fiery food fans.

ZestFest 2026 - May 29-31 - Fort Worth, TX

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FFC Entry forms—including the full list of categories—are now available for download at:
👉https://t.ly/_xJq1

If you have questions about entering this year's Fiery Food Challenge contact: Diana@ZestFest.net

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ZestFest 2026 Heats Up Fort Worth – May 29–31, 2026

The countdown is on for ZestFest 2026, returning to Fort Worth as America’s premier spicy food festival. After a sizzling 2025 event, this year promises to be even bolder, hotter, and more flavorful than ever before. It will be the 25th Anniversary of the Fiery Food Expo.

Thousands of heat-seekers from across the globe will gather to experience a fiery celebration of taste—from small-batch hot sauces and gourmet salsas to fiery snacks and next-level BBQ rubs. Attendees can look forward to sampling the hottest new products, meeting the makers behind the heat, and testing their limits in iconic competitions.

Back by popular demand, the Celebrity Chef Stage will once again serve up mouthwatering demos and spicy small plates from top culinary talent. Fan-favorite contests like the PuckerButt Jalapeño Eating Challenge will light up the stage with blazing energy and crowd cheers.

And don’t miss the return of the Fiery Food Challenge, where the best of the best go head-to-head for the coveted Golden Chile Awards. Whether you’re a casual spice lover or a certified chilihead, ZestFest 2026 is your ultimate destination for all things hot and delicious.

Mark your calendars now – May 29–31, 2026 – and get ready to feel the burn in Fort Worth!

VIEW ZESTFEST 2025 PHOTO ALBUM with a big selection of event photos CLICK HERE!

 

Stay in touch with the Zesty community of spicy food lovers and get the news on the upcoming 25th Anniversary of the ZestFest Spicy Food Expo. Flavor this bold only comes once a year—don’t miss your next chance to turn up the heat!

By: Spicy Food Productions, Inc.

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Fiery Food Challenge | ZestFest.net

Experience the pinnacle of spicy cuisine at the Fiery Food Challenge, the longest-running and most prestigious blind tasting competition in the fiery food industry. Hosted annually at ZestFest in Fort Worth, Texas, this event attracts entries from hot sauce makers, salsa artisans, and spicy food producers worldwide. Culinary experts conduct blind tastings across over 85 categories, awarding the coveted Golden Chile to the best in flavor and heat. Winners gain industry recognition and receive 1,000 FFC winner labels for their products, signaling excellence to consumers globally. Join us at the Fiery Food Challenge to celebrate bold flavors and culinary innovation.

2025 Fiery Food Challenge Winners List (click here)

Facebook Photo Gallery of Winners (click here)

Experience the pinnacle of spicy cuisine at the Fiery Food Challenge, the longest-running and most prestigious blind tasting competition in the fiery food industry. Hosted annually at ZestFest in Fort Worth, Texas, this event attracts entries from hot sauce makers, salsa artisans, and spicy food producers worldwide. Culinary experts conduct blind tastings across over 85 categories, awarding the coveted Golden Chile to the best in flavor and heat. Winners gain industry recognition and receive 1,000 FFC winner labels for their products, signaling excellence to consumers globally. Join us at the Fiery Food Challenge to celebrate bold flavors and culinary innovation.
ZestFest Spicy Food Expo
🔥 Visit ZESTFEST on Facebook to VIEW ZESTFEST 2025 PHOTO ALBUM with a big selection of event photos... CLICK HERE!

500,000 ZestFest Fans Can’t Be Wrong

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2026 ZestFest Exhibitor Information