Spice up your life with Lazy Scientist

Tired of basic, boring, bland hot sauces and seasoning in your dishes and looking to add some flavour to enhance your meals? IndieBloom serves to you, Lazy Scientist. 🌶️🔥🧑‍🔬

Spice scientist

Grown with love by Steve, aka The Lazy Scientist, where in his own words he explains -

I’ve been a chilli aficionado going on over 20 years and in 2015 following a move to London to pursue a new career in teaching, the art of fermentation began to play a much bigger part in my life and led in turn to the registering of a food business producing small batches of hot sauce. These are now the staple of many a dining table and commercial establishment throughout the UK through wholesale and D2C avenues.

With a fascinating backstory leading to the intriguing brand name, we wanted to know why, ‘lazy’ in the name, Lazy Scientist? 🤔

The incorporation of ’lazy’ into the name ‘Lazy Scientist’ is a playful and tongue-in-cheek choice. It reflects the ethos that using my hot sauces can effortlessly elevate the flavour of any meal to a new level. It suggests that, in your own home, you can become a creative culinary master with minimal effort, simply by adding my products to your cooking. This highlights the convenience and transformative potential of my hot sauces, enabling people to enhance the taste of their dishes without requiring extensive culinary expertise. The term ‘scientist’ within the name ‘Lazy Scientist’ is a deliberate reference to my background and qualifications as a Doctor of Chemistry. It underscores my scientific approach and knowledge in the art of crafting hot sauces. This scientific foundation is essential for comprehending the chemical reactions and flavour profiles that develop during the hot sauce creation process. It also signifies the precision and expertise that I bring to the craft of making hot sauces. Consequently, the fusion of ‘lazy’ and ‘scientist’ in my company name conveys the notion that anyone can effortlessly savour gourmet-level flavours, all thanks to my scientific proficiency… that’s the idea anyway!

It’s definitely a name that sounds out for a brand and makes you want to know more. Food and science is important in life and also essential to Lazy Scientist -

Aside from my passion for food and science, my inspirations and influences extend to the realms of travel and cultural exploration. Traveling and immersing myself in diverse cultures provide me with a broader perspective on the world and allow me to draw inspiration from the rich tapestry of human experiences. Learning about new cultures, their traditions, and their culinary practices not only broadens my knowledge but also fuels my creativity in the kitchen. It’s a way for me to infuse fresh ideas and flavours into my culinary creations, resulting in a fusion of global influences that enrich the taste experiences I offer through my hot sauces.

A fine example of a melting pot.

Made in Brixton

Offering a solid collection of hot sauces with various ingredients and heat levels, we of course had to ask what are the most popular hot sauces/seasonings?

My most popular hot sauce, by far, is my Brixton hot sauce. This was one of my first products, and it has gained a tremendous following. It’s a classic scotch bonnet and tomato sauce that manages to complement a wide range of dishes and situations. Originally, I created it as a dip for pizza crust, inspired by the famous Domino’s pizza garlic and herb dip.

However, my fans have found versatile uses for it, using it as a ketchup replacement with nearly every meal and incorporating it as an ingredient in various dishes. Its adaptability and robust flavour profile have made it a favourite among many, earning its multi award-winning status as my best-selling hot sauce.

One of my newest products is, however, giving Brixton a run for its money. Brixton Blues is a unique creation that features the delightful combination of blueberries and aromatic ingredients. This sauce is quickly gaining popularity and is closing in on the top spot held by Brixton. Despite being a fruity sauce, Brixton Blues boasts an exceptional depth of flavour, thanks to the extensive list of ingredients used. It also packs a substantial kick of heat, incorporating Scotch Bonnets, Chipotle, and Carolina Reaper chillies, making it one of the spicier options in my hot sauce range. Its bold and complex flavour profile has made it a favourite among those who enjoy both fruity and spicy elements in their dishes, making it a strong contender among my hot sauce offerings.

A fruity, colourful taste representing South London. Which would you try?

What’s on the menu?

Building up an appetite, we found out what’s been the favourite hot sauce/seasoning created and the process behind it.

My favourite hot sauce that I’ve created would have to be “Berry Good Britain” a blackberry and fermented pine cone syrup hot sauce. The process behind it involved foraging for blackberries in my local woodlands and naturally fermenting pinecones with brown sugar for three months. After this fermentation period, I combined the pinecone syrup with the fresh blackberries, British-grown Naga chillies, and home-grown Aji Pineapple chillies to create a sweet and moreish hot sauce. The result was a unique and flavourful condiment with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavours, making it a versatile pairing for a wide range of dishes, including goats cheese and even ice cream. The combination of foraged ingredients and homemade elements in this sauce made it a particularly enjoyable and rewarding culinary project.

Who says Britain has no spice or seasoning to their cuisine? 🇬🇧

Adding some heat and flavour to your dishes is a popular trend and well documented these days with people who are big into the food and cooking lifestyle, we picked Steve’s thoughts on it all.

I have a very positive view of the hot sauce industry today, particularly here in the UK. It’s a vibrant and exciting industry with a multitude of fantastic small producers who are continually pushing the boundaries of spice and flavour to cater to the British consumers. The hot sauce community is a tight-knit and supportive group, always ready to connect, share experiences, and exchange knowledge. Many of us started as home producers, so having a network to rely on for business-related questions or when seeking specific chilli varieties or specialist ingredients has been invaluable. Furthermore, we’ve even established a growing network of chilli growers, contributing to the reduction of food miles and promoting sustainability in the industry. The industry’s growth, both here in the UK and worldwide, is undeniably driving innovation and expanding the horizons of what can be achieved with hot sauces. This collaborative and forward-thinking environment makes it an exciting time to be a part of the hot sauce industry.

Along with the scientific approach, we love the sustainability aspect also👌

There are no right or wrong ways to consume and cook food, though we were curious and asked were there any out of the ordinary uses with Lazy Scientist?

One of the most unusual and creative ways I’ve seen someone use my hot sauces was when a customer, who happened to be a development chef, used one of my hot sauces to create spicy popping candy. They paired this unique creation with a Snickers-style chocolate-coated ice cream. I was absolutely blown away by the creativity of incorporating chilli into a dessert in such an inventive and unexpected way. It’s a testament to the versatility of hot sauces and how they can be used to add exciting and unexpected elements to traditional dishes, even in the world of desserts. Just goes to show that chilli can be used to improve EVERY meal!

💥

Variety is the spice of life.

Starting a food/hot sauce brand?

My advice for new food or hot sauce brands is to start small and focus on your local community. Engage everyone in your immediate surroundings, as they will become your most passionate supporters and a valuable source of immediate feedback. There are a few reasons why I think this approach is beneficial. Firstly it builds a community and utilises the simple fact that many consumers are looking to support local small businesses and so what better place to build your foundation. Satisfied local customers become your best vehicle for word of mouth recommendations and will help lead to organic growth as they tell their friends and families about your amazing products. It’s also a great place to start for getting quick and instant feedback and for testing the market to ascertain whether there is a market for your products and helping to refine them if this is the case. You’ll also find there are a whole host of local businesses which can provide support as well as opportunities for building your network by cross promotion and collaborations. By taking these steps and gaining local support, you can build a strong foundation for your food or hot sauce brand and eventually expand to a wider market as you gain confidence and credibility.

We definitely feel this is key advice to all indie brands and creators beginning their journey, which leads onto promoting your business online.  

The most effective method I’ve found for promoting Lazy Scientist has been through organic growth over the past five years. I haven’t needed to rely on paid advertising. Much of my promotion is the result of collaborative projects with local businesses and charities in Brixton. Word of mouth has played a significant role in spreading the word about my company, and often, new stockists discover and approach me independently. Additionally, when I transitioned from my full-time teaching job to focus on my business full time in 2023, I embarked on some door-to-door sales in South London. This initiative provided a significant boost during those initial months. By engaging directly with potential customers and stockists, I was able to establish a more personal connection and introduce my products to a local audience. As a result, my promotion strategy has primarily been rooted in personal interactions, collaborations, and word of mouth, which has proven effective in growing Lazy Scientist.

The seeds were dropped with an effective plan of action that has definitely been working for Lazy Scientist, showcasing the fruits (or should that be spices) of labour?

With a growing costumer base and rising recognition, there must be a pleasing customer story?

One of my favourite customer stories involves a loyal customer who had been using my hot sauces for several years. They were passionate about experimenting with different recipes and flavour combinations, and they often shared their culinary creations on social media, crediting my hot sauces as an essential ingredient. What made this story particularly special was when they told me about a hot sauce-themed dinner party they hosted. They designed an entire menu around my hot sauces, featuring dishes like hot sauce-infused cocktails, appetisers, main courses, and even a hot sauce-infused dessert. The level of dedication and creativity they put into this event was truly remarkable. The best part was that they invited me to join the dinner party virtually, and we had a fantastic time discussing their creations and sharing our love for hot sauces. It was a memorable and heart-warming experience that highlighted the sense of community and connection that can be fostered through a shared passion for culinary adventures and, in this case, hot sauces.

Guzzalo sauce, modelled by IndieBloom

Hot & Cold

It’s a continuous journey building a brand and Lazy Scientist has experienced some ups and downs, here are the ones that have been defining moments.

One of the lowest points I’ve experienced with Lazy Scientist was during my first year when I was ghosted by a company that approached me to develop a sauce for their local offerings.

They initially wanted me to create a specific style of sauce that would essentially replace another local business’s product, which I wasn’t comfortable with from both moral and cultural standpoints. I expressed my concerns and proposed collaborating to create something new and even better. They agreed, and things went well until I realised that they had no intention of paying for my products and offered very little in terms of promotion or support for my brand. When I questioned their approach and commitment to our collaboration, they suddenly disappeared. This experience served as a harsh reality check about working with large, established businesses and reinforced the importance of sticking to my principles and following my heart, even if it meant turning down opportunities that didn’t align with my values.

On the flip side, my highest points with Lazy Scientist have been many and frequent in comparison. I’ve experienced the joy of realising that I’ve cultivated a community of devoted Lazy Fans who enthusiastically embrace every new product I release, offering their unwavering support and providing glowing feedback. This sense of belonging and shared enthusiasm is a testament to the strong connections that can be built around a passion for hot sauces. Additionally, reaching milestones such as gaining my first department store listing, developing a pub wing menu and challenge sauce in collaboration with a national pub chain, and working with a growing number of small businesses and individuals to create bespoke sauces have been particularly gratifying. These projects not only bolster my brand but also keep me hungry and passionate, motivating me to continue growing my business and explore the possibilities of turning it into a successful multinational brand.

The duality of a growing indie brand with its potential on show. So, what is next for Lazy Scientist?

The future for Lazy Scientist looks very promising and exciting. My next steps involve expanding the company to stockists outside of South London and into the broader British market. Additionally, I have ambitious plans to take my products international, reaching customers in Europe, the USA, Australia, and the UAE. I’m also looking forward to a series of intriguing collaborations I have in the pipeline, which will bring fresh and innovative products to my customers. Furthermore I’m on the verge of introducing several new products as part of a subscription service, offering my customers a continuous stream of exciting and flavourful experiences.

In short, the journey ahead for Lazy Scientist involves growth, innovation, and taking my distinctive hot sauces to an even wider audience, both in the UK and around the world. I’m committed to providing unique and delicious culinary experiences to spice enthusiasts everywhere.

A flavourful future forthcoming, keep an 👀 out! With lots being going on, ‘It’s been a crazy year to date. Almost getting to the point I think I may have to employ someone!’. Any final words for IndieBloom?

Thank you, IndieBloom, for your support and enthusiasm for my brand. I’m truly grateful for your dedication to independent businesses like mine. It’s through the support of platforms like IndieBloom and my passionate customers that Lazy Scientist has been able to grow and thrive. I look forward to sharing more exciting hot sauces and culinary adventures with you in the future. My commitment to quality, creativity, and a love for all things spicy remains unwavering. Together, we’ll continue to explore new flavours, expand reach, and make the world a spicier, more flavourful place.

Thank you for being a part of my journey, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for both Lazy Scientist and IndieBloom. Here’s to a brighter and more flavourful future!

We appreciate you taking the time out with your descriptive answers Steve and can feel the enthusiasm and love you have for your brand. Having tried out Guzzalo we are keen to see what new flavours appear and continued growth.

Did our chat whet your appetite, build up a sweat, or tingle your tastebuds? Stay up to date with Lazy Scientist on Instagram and YouTube, the best way is getting on down to your nearest stockist and show your support, while not forgetting to tune into IndieBloom to taste the latest flavours.