Restaurant chain Nando’s is to launch its hottest-ever chilli sauce into supermarkets after its diners kept stealing bottles.

The Extra Extra Hot Peri-Peri Sauce, made by All About Food, had been developed in response to growing consumer demand for hotter foods, said the brand, citing the 42% of British consumers who now enjoy spicy food regularly (TGI). Such was the popularity of the sauce at Nando’s restaurants, diners had resorted to stealing it, said Ben Johnson, marketing director for AAF. A Facebook celebration of the sauce further underscored its popularity, he said.

“The striking design of our new sauce will certainly demand attention at the point of sale,” said Johnson. “The sauce is certainly not for the fainthearted and is perfect for genuine heat seekers.”

Nando’s Extra Extra Hot Peri-Peri Sauce, rsp £1.99, will be available across the major retailers from April.