10 Best Ancho Chili Powder Substitutes
As a chef who loves the smoky flavor of ancho chili powder, I know how vital the ingredient is in a recipe. It’s no wonder it’s such a popular ingredient in many recipes.
Although it’s an important ingredient, it doesn’t mean you can find a suitable replacement. There are many other smoky chili powders that will give you a similar result.
So don’t worry if you can’t source ancho chili powder because I have 10 great substitutes for it.
What is ancho chili powder?


Ancho chili powder is a versatile and popular chili powder made from dried and ground poblano peppers. It has a mild heat level and a unique, slightly sweet, and smoky flavor and is a staple ingredient in many Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes.
The Scoville rating of ancho chili powder is typically between 1,000 and 1,500 SHU (Scoville Heat Units), which means it’s not too spicy and can be enjoyed by most people.
What to Think About When Substituting ancho chili powder
When looking for ancho chili powder substitutes, keep the following points in mind:
Heat level: Try to find a substitute with a similar Scoville rating to ancho chili powder for a comparable heat level.
Flavor profile: Look for substitutes that mimic the smoky, sweet and slightly fruity flavor of ancho chili powder.
Color: Choose a substitute that can provide a similarly rich, dark red color to your dish.
With these factors in mind, let’s explore the 10 best substitutes for ancho chili powder.
1. Guajillo Chili Powder (2,500 – 5,000 SHU)
Guajillo chili powder is made from dried and ground guajillo peppers, which have a slightly higher heat level than ancho chili powder.
While it’s a bit spicier, the flavor profile is similar with sweet, tangy, and smoky notes. It’s a great substitute in recipes like enchilada sauce, salsas, and stews.
Guajillo chili powder works well in dishes that require a rich, red color, and its versatility also makes it a staple in many Mexican and Tex-Mex recipes.
However, be mindful of the heat difference and adjust the amount accordingly to achieve the desired spiciness.
2. Pasilla Chili Powder (1,000 – 3,999 SHU)
Pasilla chili powder is made from dried and ground pasilla peppers. It’s another excellent substitute for ancho chili powder. With a heat level similar to ancho, it offers a slightly more complex flavor profile, with fruity, earthy, and mild smoky notes.
Pasilla chili powder is commonly used in mole sauces, adobo sauces, and other Mexican dishes. Its dark color can also add a rich hue to your recipes, making it a great alternative when ancho chili powder is unavailable.
3. Chipotle Chili Powder (2,500 – 8,000 SHU)
Chipotle chili powder is made from smoked, dried jalapeño peppers, which gives it a distinct smoky flavor. With a higher heat level than ancho chili powder, it’s important to use it sparingly to avoid overpowering your dish.
This substitute works well in recipes that call for a smoky flavor, such as BBQ sauces, marinades, and chili con carne. The heat difference can be an advantage if you’re looking to add a bit more kick to your dish.
4. Ancho Chili Paste (1,000 – 1,500 SHU)
Ancho chili paste is made from rehydrated ancho chilies that are pureed into a smooth paste. It’s the chili paste version of ancho chili powder.
This is your best replacement in sauces, wet marinades, and soups, where the paste can easily blend into the dish.
To use ancho chili paste as a substitute, start with a small amount and adjust the consistency of your dish accordingly.
5. Mulato Chili Powder (2,500 – 3,000 SHU)
Mulato chili powder is derived from mulato peppers, which are closely related to poblano peppers, making this another excellent choice. With a similar heat level and a slightly sweeter, smokier, and more complex flavor, it’s a fantastic option in many recipes.
Mulato chili powder works well in dishes such as mole sauces, stews, and salsas. Its deep, dark color will also add a beautiful hue to your recipes, enhancing the visual appeal of your dish.
6. Smoked Paprika (100 – 250 SHU)
Smoked paprika is a milder substitute for ancho chili powder, made from dried and ground sweet red peppers. With its smoky flavor and deep red color, it can mimic some of the characteristics of ancho chili powder when used in larger quantities.
Smoked paprika works well in recipes that call for a smoky flavor, such as BBQ rubs, marinades, and chili con carne.
It’s important to note that smoked paprika lacks the heat of ancho chili powder, so consider adding a small amount of cayenne pepper to increase the spiciness if needed.
7. New Mexico Chili Powder (500 – 2,500 SHU)
New Mexico chili powder, made from ground New Mexico chilies, has a wide range of heat levels, which can be a good match for ancho chili powder depending on the specific type.
The flavor profile is earthy, mildly fruity, and subtly smoky, making it a suitable substitute in various recipes. This chili powder works well in dishes like enchilada sauce, salsas, and stews, where the color and flavor of ancho chili powder are essential.
Be cautious with the heat level and adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
8. Aleppo Pepper Powder (10,000 SHU)
Aleppo pepper powder, derived from dried and ground Aleppo peppers, has a significantly higher heat level than ancho chili powder. However, its fruity, mildly cumin-like flavor and moderate heat make it a good substitute when used sparingly.
Aleppo pepper powder can be used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes like kebabs, soups, and stews. Due to its higher heat level, start with a small amount and adjust as needed to achieve the desired spiciness.
9. Regular Chili Powder (1,000 – 3,000 SHU)
Regular chili powder tends to be a blend of various ground chilies, cumin, garlic powder, and sometimes other spices. While it won’t provide the exact same flavor as ancho chili powder, it can be a suitable substitute when you need a mild, earthy heat in your dish.
Keep in mind that regular chili powder has a more complex flavor profile due to the blend of spices, so use it sparingly and adjust the other spices in your recipe as needed. It works well in dishes like chili con carne, stews, and salsas.
10. Chipotle Paste (2,500 – 8,000 SHU)
Chipotle paste is made from smoked, dried jalapeño peppers that have been pureed into a smooth paste. With a higher heat level than ancho chili powder, it’s important to use it sparingly to avoid overpowering your dish.
This substitute works well in recipes that call for a smoky flavor and a paste-like consistency, such as BBQ sauces, wet marinades, and chili con carne.
To use chipotle paste as a substitute, start with a small amount and adjust the consistency and spiciness of your dish accordingly.
Keep in mind that it has a more intense flavor than ancho chili powder, so it’s essential to balance it with other ingredients in your recipe.
Conclusion
Ancho chili powder is a versatile and delicious ingredient that adds depth, flavor, and a mild heat to various dishes. However, when it’s unavailable or you need a different heat level or flavor, there are numerous substitutes to choose from.
Remember the heat level, flavor profile, and color when selecting a substitute, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different options to find the perfect match for your recipe.
More Ingredient Replacements
- Cubanelle Pepper Replacements
- Fresno Chilies Replacements
- Guajillo Chiles Replacements
- Anaheim Pepper Replacements
- Chile de Arbol Replacements


10 Best Ancho Chili Powder Substitutes
Ingredients
- Guajillo Chili Powder
- Pasilla Chili Powder
- Chipotle Chili Powder
- Ancho Chili Paste
- Mulato Chili Powder
- Smoked Paprika
- New Mexico Chili Powder
- Aleppo Pepper Powder
- Regular Chili Powder
- Chipotle Paste
Instructions
- Choice your favourite substitute from the ingredients above.
- Follow the preparation directions for your chosen substitute with the correct ingredient ratio.