You say "Crispy Chili Oil." We say "Chili Crisp."
There isn't a single word for this category. Here's the translation—without all the marketing jargon. For us, it's still Chili Crisp—as long as it's crunchy, that's all that matters.
Five manufacturers. Five names for the same glass.
We checked to see what the best-known brands in this category call their Crispy Chili Oil—both on their own websites and on store shelves. No name appears twice.
Brands use English, while retailers translate it. “Crispy Chilli Oil” becomes “Knuspriges Chiliöl” at REWE and “Knapperige Chili Olie” at the Amsterdam retailer. That’s why you’ll find the same product under five different names—and you’ll look for it depending on where you last saw it.
Chili oil without chunks. That's available, too.
On the same shelf is a second type of chili oil: a clear seasoned oil with nothing floating in it. Both are searched for under the same term. The difference is greater than that between Chili Crisp and Chili Crunch.
That's the real catch. "Chili oil" can be a clear seasoned oil in a dropper bottle or a spoonable product full of roasted pieces. The name doesn't tell you. Only the jar does.
Why This Crispy Chili Oil Has a Different Crunch
Three things set our Crispy Chili Oil apart from the other chili oils on the shelf.
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High proportion of crunch
Roasted chili flakes, garlic, onions, fermented soybeans. There’s a high proportion of crunchy pieces, and the oil collects in the gaps between them. Exactly how much varies from variety to variety, as each ingredient has a different texture. One thing they all have in common: they crunch all the way to the last spoonful.
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No added glutamate
The seasoning is made from fermented soybeans, shiitake mushrooms, and roasted garlic. Natural sources of glutamate; no additives.
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200 g instead of 160 g
Many well-known brands in this category come in packages of 155 to 170 g. Ours come in 200 g packages, with a high proportion of crunchy pieces.
Just a spoonful of Crispy Chili Oil, and the dish is ready
Crispy chili oil goes on top of the dish—not in it. It’s the final step, the finishing touch, not the base.
Crispy Chili Oil. A quick explanation.
Is Crispy Chili Oil the same thing as Chili Crisp?
Yes. Crispy Chili Oil, Chili Crisp, and Chili Crunch are three names for the same product category: chili oil with crispy bits. The name on the jar depends on the manufacturer and retailer, not on the contents. We call it Chili Crisp.
What is the difference between chili oil and crispy chili oil?
Chili oil is pure, spicy oil. Crispy chili oil also contains crunchy bits: garlic, onions, chili flakes, and fermented soybeans. This changes the texture and depth of flavor. Rule of thumb: If your spoon only brings up oil, it was chili oil.
What is the difference between Chili Crisp and Chili Crunch?
None. “Chili Crunch” is primarily used by U.S. brands, while “Chili Crisp” comes from Lao Gan Ma’s English export label. Both terms describe chili oil with roasted, crispy pieces. Anyone looking for “Chili Crunch” is looking for the same thing as someone looking for “Chili Crisp.”
Is Crispy Chili Oil always spicy?
No. The heat level depends on the variety, not the category. Our scale ranges from 0 to 3: Crunchy Garlic is level 0 out of 3—just garlic and crunch. XO-Style is level 1, Lemongrass and Classic are level 2, and Extra Hot is level 3. If you want Crispy Chili Oil without the heat, start with Crunchy Garlic.
Is Crispy Chili Oil vegan?
Yes, all five varieties are vegan. The rich umami flavor comes from fermented soybeans, shiitake mushrooms, and roasted garlic. This isn’t a given in this category: XO sauce is traditionally made with dried seafood. Our XO-style sauce recreates that flavor using vegan oyster sauce, dried tomatoes, and shiitake mushrooms.
Does Crispy Chili Oil contain MSG?
No added glutamate. The flavor comes from fermentation: fermented soybeans, shiitake mushrooms, and roasted garlic. It contains natural sources of glutamate but no added MSG.
What allergens are in Chili Crisp?
Soy, wheat, sesame, and peanuts. Which of these are included in each variety is listed on every jar and on the product page for that variety. With the sets, all four are possible because the varieties are mixed.
Is “Crispy Chili Oil” the same thing as Chili Crisp?
Yes. “Knuspriges Chiliöl” is the German translation REWE uses to list this category. It refers to chili oil with roasted, crispy pieces. Kaufland lists it as “Crispy Chilli in Öl,” while others list it as “Chili Crunch.”
What can I use Crispy Chili Oil for?
For almost anything, as the final step. Eggs, pasta, ramen, rice, bagels, cheese, roasted vegetables. Sprinkle Chili Crisp on top of the dish, not into it. Don't cook it with the food, or it will lose its crunch.
Does Crispy Chili Oil need to be refrigerated?
Not if it's unopened. Once opened, keep the jar in the refrigerator, and always use a clean, dry spoon to scoop it out. Moisture is the only way to ruin Chili Crisp.
How long does Crispy Chili Oil last after opening?
The best-by date is printed on the jar. Once opened, store in the refrigerator and use only a clean spoon to scoop out the contents. It is normal for the oil and pieces to separate. Give it a stir.
Why does the oil rise to the top in Chili Crunch?
Because it doesn't contain any emulsifiers. The oil and the roasted pieces are two separate phases; without a stabilizer, the oil rises to the top. A jar that never separates usually contains an additive. Stir once before use.
Where can I buy Crispy Chili Oil?
Right here in the shop—made in small batches in Darmstadt. Or in stores: Pretty NamNam is available at Edeka, Rewe, and Tegut, among others. You can find the exact locations on our retailer page.
Try four varieties. Keep your two favorites.
The 4-pack is the easiest way to try out the lineup: sample all four Crispy Chili Oils before you decide. Experience shows that people don't usually settle on just one favorite—most end up with two or three.
