Criteria – This is what our judges look for:

Appearance: Is the general appearance (not presentation) appealing?
Aroma: Is the aroma appealing? Does it work well with the flavour?
Heat: Does the heat level accentuate the flavour?
Taste: Most important!

1) Texture: Does the smoothness or chunkiness appeal to you? Does it work well?
2) Balance: Is any one ingredient out of proportion?
3) Mouth appeal: Does the flavour start out too strong or too weak?
4) Acidity: Is the product fresh enough?
5) Miscellaneous: Proper sweet-sour-bitter-salt balance, freshness, crispness, seasoning, and all other taste factors?

Contest Rules:
1. Your product must have chilli in it. The heat must be from a chilli, not extracts.
2. You may enter each of your items in one category only. The same item cannot be entered in 2 different categories.
3. We reserve the right to re categorise your entry.
4. If product appears unsafe for consumption when we receive it, it will be discarded, and no refund will be given.
5. You must inform us if your product needs refrigeration.
6. All entries must be labelled correctly with ingredients and expiry dates required.
7. Entrants or their employees cannot be judges in a category they have entered to maintain an unbiased result.
8. All entries will be blind tested, this will ensure equity in judging.
9. You must let us know what categories you want your entries in.
10. Only Australian and New Zealand residents can enter their products in this contest – The “Mr Chilli” Awards 2026 in Australia
11. Entries must arrive before 20/03/26 4pm
12. Please send your entries to the correct address
13. All entries for the Chilli Salt category must come with or in a grinder.
14. Must have a registered business. Please send us a copy of your business certificate with your entry/entries.
15. Must use a commercial kitchen. Please send us a copy of your commercial kitchen documentation or something equivalent.