The Takis that are hotter are the blue Takis or blue heat Takis as they deliver more intense and sharp heat than the Red, "Fuego" Takis, which have a tangy kick to them, but also a slightly lower overall heat profile.
This makes the Blue Takis hotter and a step up in heat.
The Red Feugo Takis are a baseline of around 7 to 10 for heat.
But Blue Heat Takis are rated higher at around 9 to 10 and also have a longer and deeper and more extreme spice experience.
Takis are also not banned in California for sale but are banned in public schools due to the synthetic dyes.
However a state law known as AB 2316 was passed in 2024, to remove snacks that contain certain synthetic dyes, such as those in Takis, from public schools in California, which is starting in 2027.
This state law, pushes companies to reformulate or lose that market.
The law is not a full state ban on Takis or snacks that contain certain synthetic dyes, but instead is a school specific rule to protect kids from additives that are linked to hyperactivity.
What's banned are Foods with Red Dye 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3 in public schools.
These dyes are linked to hyperactivity and neurobehavioral issues in children, which is the reason for the ban.
You can still buy Takis in stores in California but not in schools.