Many chipotle hot sauces are shelf-stable and can be kept at room temperature. Mayonnaise-style alternatives typically advise storing in a cool, dry place and refrigerating after opening.
Chipotle sauces are usually described as smoky with moderate heat. Some products list a medium heat level; one example gives a Scoville range of about 1,500–2,500 SHU.
The smoky chipotle flavor typically comes from smoked jalapeño (chipotle) peppers and roasted red peppers, often smoked over wood and sometimes packed in a tomato-based adobo sauce.
Chipotle peppers are often sold as dried, smoked jalapeño chiles or packed whole in a tangy tomato-and-spice adobo sauce for use in recipes.
Yes — at least one plant-based chipotle dip in the results highlights probiotic cultures and slow culturing, indicating it contains live, active cultures.