Despite its controversial beginnings and bizarre Pepto Bismol color, Chef Pii’s Pink Sauce has hit store shelves at Walmart thanks in part to a partnership with Dave’s Gourmet of “Hot Ones” fame.
The TikTok-famous chef, a newcomer when it comes to food products, debuted the “sweet and tangy” goop on social media last summer, where it quickly generated buzz. Fans bought the fuchsia-colored condiment en masse, with the online store selling out of the then-$20 sauce just one month after it had launched in July. But not all the attention was positive.
TikTokkers came after Chef Pii, whose real name is Veronica Shaw, after a series of missteps, such as errors on the sauce’s nutritional labels, unfulfilled orders, and allegedly unsafe shipping practices. Pii also faced criticism after a fan asked if Pink Sauce was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
@laurenashleybeck Pink Sauce available for purchase at walmart #pinksauce #pinksaucedrama #chefpii #laurenashleybeck #davesgourmet ♬ Inspiring Emotional Piano - Metrow Ar
“What do you mean, ‘FDA approved’?” Pii said during an Instagram live, according to the Los Angeles Times. “I don’t sell medical products. The Pink Sauce is not a medical product. The Pink Sauce don’t contribute to your health.”
Although the FDA doesn’t approve food products before they hit the market, Pii and partner Dave’s Gourmet have since changed the condiment’s ingredients and addressed TikTokker’s concerns. In a press release, Dave’s Gourmet said that the new formula is “manufactured under FDA guidelines” and is “shelf-stable.”
Curious consumers and Pink Sauce fans can purchase the condiment at 4,300 Walmarts across the country. While we have yet to taste the vegan, gluten-free sauce — which retails for $8 from Walmart and $10 from Dave’s Gourmet — reviewers say it goes well on everything from chicken and steak to steamed vegetables and salad.
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