What’s up with the neurodivergent focus? And why sauces?

Being neurodivergent means your brain doesn’t always play by the standard rules our society was built around. For me, that means constantly seeking novelty—but only within a structure that feels stable and predictable.

That’s where hot sauce—and fermentation—comes in.

Living with both Autism and ADHD, I often crave stimulation and change, but I also thrive in systems with routine and control. Fermenting hot sauce satisfies both: it’s a methodical, science-backed process that allows for near-endless creative variation.

On an almost constant basis I design new sauces using seasonal ingredients, pairing them with just the right chilies, acids, and aromatics. That balance between structure and spontaneity is where my brain lights up. The foundation stays the same—fermentation, salt, time—but the outcomes are always fresh and exciting.

Research backs this up. People with ADHD often seek novelty to boost dopamine levels (Bijlenga et al., 2015), while autistic individuals tend to have deeply focused special interests that offer comfort and joy through repetition and depth (Grove et al., 2018). Creating new hot sauces within a familiar system scratches both itches: novelty within a known framework.

How we’re supporting the broader neurodivergent community

It’s not just about crafting for ourselves—it’s also about serving others who experience the world through similar lenses. Many neurodivergent folks, especially those with Autism and ADHD (AuDHD), report heightened sensory sensitivity and flavor-seeking behaviors. There’s emerging research suggesting that the dopamine reward systems and sensory profiles of AuDHD individuals are uniquely tuned to intense flavors, textures, and novelty (Arnold et al., 2020; Ghanizadeh, 2011). We see that in action every time someone tells us our sauces helped them find joy in food again.

That’s why we’re working to create an experience that’s accessible and resonant: bold flavors that ignite dopamine, rotating options to keep things fresh, and transparent labeling for those with sensory or ingredient sensitivities. We’re also exploring future ideas like limited-run custom flavor kits and sensory-safe sampler packs.

Flavor isn’t just food—it’s stimulation, it’s joy, it’s connection. And we’re here for it.

Sources:

Ghanizadeh, A. (2011). Sensory processing problems in children with ADHD, a systematic review. Psychiatry Investigation. https://doi.org/10.4306/pi.2011.8.2.89

Bijlenga, D. et al. (2015). The role of novelty seeking in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-015-0718-9

Grove, R. et al. (2018). Special interests and subjective wellbeing in autistic adults. Autism Research. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.1911

Arnold, L. E., et al. (2020). Sensory modulation and reward responsiveness in children with ADHD and Autism. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13245