My Top StarSan Sanitiser Alternative for Chilli Sauce Makers and Home Brewers in the UK

If you’ve been following my journey over on the ChilliChump YouTube channel, you’ll know I’m meticulous about keeping a clean workspace when I’m making sauces, fermenting foods, or preserving ingredients. For years, StarSan has been my go-to sanitiser—easy to use, effective, and, best of all, no-rinse. But sourcing StarSan has become trickier and more expensive, especially in the UK and EU. After some research, I’ve finally found a replacement I’m happy with: Chemsan (Official Chemsan Website) Once my StarSan stock runs out, I’ll be making the switch, and I think Chemsan could be a game-changer for those of us who rely on no-rinse sanitation.

In this article, I’ll explain why Chemsan is an excellent StarSan alternative, share some tips on getting the most out of it, and address common questions about no-rinse sanitisers.

Why I’ve Used StarSan for So Long

StarSan has been a reliable sanitiser for sauce makers, brewers, and food processors for years, largely because of its no-rinse formula. Its acidic solution sanitises surfaces and equipment quickly, so there’s no need for rinsing—saving time and reducing the risk of introducing unwanted bacteria. But as it’s gotten harder and more expensive to source in the UK and EU, it’s no longer as convenient as it once was.

Why Chemsan is a Perfect StarSan Alternative for the UK

Chemsan is a recent addition to the market, and I’m excited to say it’s an ideal replacement for StarSan. Just like StarSan, Chemsan offers no-rinse sanitation with the same ease and effectiveness. Here’s why I’m making the switch:

• Availability: Unlike StarSan, Chemsan is easier to source in the UK and EU, making it a more reliable option.
• Cost-Effective: Chemsan is more affordable, which is ideal if you’re sanitising regularly.
• No-Rinse Simplicity: Chemsan follows the same no-rinse formula, which means less fuss and less time wasted.

My Tips for Using Chemsan Effectively

Switching from StarSan to Chemsan was seamless, and if you’re familiar with one, you’ll have no trouble using the other. Here’s how I recommend getting the best results with Chemsan:

1. Mixing the Solution: Just like with StarSan, Chemsan needs to be diluted. Follow the instructions on the label—usually, you’ll add a small amount of concentrate to water.
2. Use Filtered or Bottled Water: For better longevity, I recommend using filtered or bottled water to mix Chemsan. Tap water can introduce minerals that may affect the solution’s efficacy. Filtered water helps the sanitiser stay potent, especially if you’re storing it for a while.
3. Check pH Levels: To ensure Chemsan remains effective, I regularly test the pH of my solution. It should be close to the original pH (3.5 or lower) to remain effective.
4. Spray Application: I find using a spray bottle makes applying Chemsan much easier and reduces wastage. It’s a great way to cover surfaces evenly and avoid excess use.
5. Allow Contact Time: To effectively sanitise, Chemsan needs to stay in contact with surfaces for at least one minute. This brief time helps eliminate contaminants.
6. Avoid Soft Metals: Since Chemsan is acidic, it’s not suitable for certain metals like aluminium. I stick to stainless steel, glass, and food-safe plastics, which work well.

Understanding Phosphoric Acid in No-Rinse Sanitisers

One of the primary ingredients in both StarSan and Chemsan is phosphoric acid, which gives these sanitisers their acidic, no-rinse properties. Some people worry about no-rinse products, wondering if any leftover solution could be unsafe. But phosphoric acid is a common food ingredient—used in popular drinks like Coca-Cola to add acidity. When used as directed, the residual amount left by no-rinse sanitisers like Chemsan is minimal and completely safe. There’s no risk to health or flavour in your chilli sauces or ferments, so you can use Chemsan confidently.

Why I Think Chemsan is the Best StarSan Alternative for ChilliChump Followers

If you’re frustrated with StarSan shortages, Chemsan could be the answer you’re looking for. It’s affordable, easy to find, and just as effective, making it an excellent choice for anyone who cares about clean and safe food processing or brewing. For chilli makers, fermenters, and home brewers, Chemsan meets the same high standards I’ve come to expect from StarSan without the hassle of trying to find it in stock.

Final Thoughts

Here’s the truth: if StarSan were still readily available at a reasonable price, it would absolutely still be my first choice. StarSan has been a reliable partner in my processes for years. But with Chemsan, I’ve found a solid, affordable alternative that gets the job done just as well, even if it wasn’t initially my first pick.

If you’re also struggling to find StarSan or feeling the pinch from rising costs, Chemsan is worth considering. It’s effective, easy to find, and, best of all, keeps my workspace sanitised without breaking the bank. While the transition was unplanned, I’m glad to have found a dependable option in Chemsan so I can focus on what I love—making great products to share with you.