My Story
I’m Esera “Mr. Aloha” Tuaolo.
I’m widely recognized for my NFL career, but after retiring from football, I followed my lifelong passion for cooking. Raised in Hawaii in a large Samoan family, I discovered my love for food in the kitchen alongside my mother, who was my greatest inspiration and taught me the importance of cooking with heart, culture, and aloha.
After football, I embraced the culinary world, becoming an executive chef and hosting events that support charitable causes. Drawing on the rich flavors of my upbringing, I later founded 98 Hawaiian Grill, where I share authentic Hawaiian and Polynesian cuisine.
In addition to my culinary journey, I also showcased my musical talent as a contestant on Season 13 of The Voice, where I impressed the judges and advanced through multiple rounds on Team Blake.
Today, my career blends food, music, and culture—guided by the inspiration of my mother and my passion for bringing people together.
A tribute to mom
As a tribute to my mother and the recipes that helped shape my life, I launched the Mr. Aloha Sauce Company. The first products in the line include my signature Coconut Yum Yum Sauce and Teriyaki Crack, both gluten-free and dairy-free. I jokingly named it Teriyaki Crack because once people taste it, they just can’t seem to get enough. My Coconut Yum Yum Sauce, made with coconut milk, is a one-of-a-kind creation that delivers a rich island flavor unlike anything else on the market.
For me, these sauces are more than just condiments—they are a way to honor my mother’s legacy and share her love with the world. Every bottle tells a story of family, culture, and the lessons she taught me in the kitchen. It has always been my dream to bring my mother’s flavors to tables everywhere and allow people to experience the same warmth, comfort, and aloha that filled our home growing up in Hawaii.
“My mother taught me that food is love. These sauces are my way of keeping her spirit alive and sharing a little piece of her with the world.”
– Esera “Mr. Aloha” Tuaolo
Teriyaki Sauce
Sweet, savory, and bursting with island-inspired flavor, my Teriyaki Sauce is crafted with gluten-free soy sauce, mango purée, and orange juice concentrate for a unique tropical twist. Perfect as a marinade, glaze, dipping sauce, or finishing touch for chicken, beef, seafood, vegetables, and rice. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and made with aloha in every bottle.
Yum Yum Sauce
Creamy, bold, and unlike anything you’ve tasted before, my Coconut Yum Yum Sauce blends organic coconut milk with just the right touch of heat and island-inspired flavor. Perfect for dipping, drizzling, or spreading on seafood, chicken, burgers, vegetables, and more. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and crafted with aloha in every bottle.
The Aloha Difference
MADE WITH ALOHA
Inspired by Hawaiian traditions and made with love.
GLUTEN & DAIRY FREE
Delicious flavors without compromise.
FAMILY RECIPES
Passed down from my mom, perfected with care.
GIVING BACK
A portion of proceeds supports charities and our communities.