A Rotating Selection of Plant-Based Options
There is no single, consistent answer to what plant-based wings Hot Ones uses. Over the years, the show has adapted to its celebrity guests' needs and location, featuring a variety of meatless alternatives. This rotation keeps the show fresh and showcases the diversity of vegan options available, all while ensuring the wings can hold up to the progressively hotter sauces.
UK-Sourced Seitan Wings
For certain UK-based episodes, such as those featuring Russell Brand, the wings were specifically flown in from London's Temple of Seitan. This demonstrates the show's dedication to providing a high-quality, authentic plant-based wing experience, regardless of the logistical challenges. Temple of Seitan is a London-based vegan takeaway shop known for its fried 'chicken' offerings.
Restaurant Collaborations in the US
In some instances, Hot Ones partners with local US vegan restaurants to provide wings. For musician Ariana Grande's appearance, the wings were sourced from the legendary Red Bamboo on West 4th Street in New York City. This practice supports local businesses and ensures that guests receive a fresh, restaurant-quality product.
Brand-Name Vegan Chicken Alternatives
As the vegan food industry has grown, Hot Ones has incorporated popular commercial brands into its repertoire. During her 2022 appearance, Lizzo opted for vegan chicken from the brand Daring Foods. Using these commercially available products also provides fans with an accessible option they can find in stores and try at home.
Classic Cauliflower Wings
A timeless and popular plant-based alternative, cauliflower wings have been a staple for many celebrity guests. Paul Rudd's memorable episode featured him eating cauliflower wings, as did appearances by Florence Pugh, Maisie Williams, and the duo Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer. These are often a straightforward and effective option for delivering the spicy sauces.
Lesser-Known Tempeh and Tofu Wings
For other guests, like Jeff Goldblum, the show has featured wings made from tempeh and tofu. These alternatives offer a different texture and nutritional profile, showcasing an even broader range of vegan substitutes available. Tempeh, made from fermented soybeans, provides a hearty, meaty texture that absorbs sauces well.
A Comparison of Hot Ones Plant-Based Wings
| Wing Type | Featured Guest Examples | Texture Profile | Flavor Base | Sauce Absorption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seitan | Russell Brand | Dense and chewy, very 'meaty' | Gluten-based; savory, neutral flavor | Excellent; holds sauce very well |
| Cauliflower | Paul Rudd, Florence Pugh, Maisie Williams, Abbi Jacobson | Tender interior, crispy exterior when fried | Mild, earthy cauliflower | Good; exterior crust provides a surface for sauce |
| Daring Foods | Lizzo | Realistic, fibrous chicken-like | Soy-based | Excellent; good surface area for sauce coating |
| Tempeh/Tofu | Jeff Goldblum | Firm, meaty, and nutty | Soy-based, slightly fermented flavor | Good; porous texture allows for good marinade/sauce absorption |
| Red Bamboo | Ariana Grande | Restaurant-specific; likely seitan or soy-based | Savory, restaurant quality | Dependent on specific product, but high quality |
The Reason for the Variety
The shifting use of plant-based wings on Hot Ones comes down to several factors. Logistics play a major role, as evidenced by the special arrangement for the UK episodes. Tailoring to guest preferences is also a consideration; while some might prefer the classic cauliflower, others might be accustomed to newer brands like Daring. The show's commitment to showcasing the evolving landscape of plant-based options ultimately benefits both the guests and the viewers, who get to see the versatility of vegan food.
How The Wings Hold Up to the Heat
Regardless of their composition, the plant-based wings have proven their ability to withstand the punishing lineup of Hot Ones sauces. Guests who choose the meatless route have had equally memorable and challenging experiences. Paul Rudd's 'historic dab' involved dipping a vegan cauliflower wing into a mixture of all ten sauces. Lizzo, while eating Daring Foods wings, was brought to her knees by Da Bomb and reached for oat milk for relief, mirroring the struggles of meat-eating guests. This proves that the true challenge is the sauce, not the wing. Read more about celebrities who ate vegan wings on Hot Ones
Conclusion
While there is no single answer, Hot Ones uses a rotating selection of high-quality plant-based wings. From UK-imported seitan to local restaurant offerings like Red Bamboo, and popular brands such as Daring Foods, the show demonstrates its versatility. Whether a guest prefers cauliflower, tempeh, or a branded alternative, the ultimate test remains the lineup of increasingly spicy sauces. The variety reflects the dynamic nature of the vegan food market and ensures that every guest has a chance to face the heat on their own terms.
