Which ingredient gives Taco Bell's hot sauce its spiciness?

The spiciness in Taco Bell's hot sauce primarily comes from chili powder. Chili powder is a blend of various spices, but it typically contains ground chili peppers, which impart heat and flavor to sauces and dishes. The heat level can vary depending on the type of chili used, but in this instance, chili powder is what provides the distinctive spicy kick associated with the hot sauce.

Garlic powder and black pepper can enhance flavor but do not contribute significantly to the spiciness level. Cilantro, while flavorful and aromatic, is not spicy at all and is often used for its fresh taste rather than heat. Therefore, chili powder stands out as the key ingredient responsible for the spiciness in Taco Bell’s hot sauce.