Yumyumia Hot Chili & Extra Hot Chili

What really stands out is the star anise and cinnamon.

The Yumyumia team sent us both of their chili oils from Canada: Hot Chili and Extra Hot Chili. These are premium, all-natural jars — good canola oil, interesting ingredients, no MSG, everything natural.

Hot Chili

Very crispy, with a smooth oil (that’s the canola). The heat comes on immediately, then dissipates quickly — great if you want flavor-forward spice that doesn’t build into a wall. The stars of the show are star anise and cinnamon: warm, aromatic, definitively Chinese-style, and unlike anything else on our shelf at the time. Very versatile.

Extra Hot Chili

The more you chew, the spicier it gets, with a darker-roast chili flavor. If you need a challenge or have a serious tolerance, this is your jar — but honestly, we prefer the regular Hot, because you can taste more of the unique elements when your mouth isn’t busy.

Verdict

A tier. Aromatic, crispy, clean-label. If “no MSG” and “all natural” are on your checklist, this is one of the best options we’ve found — and the star anise/cinnamon combo gives it a personality most canola-based jars lack.