Cayenne Pepper vs. Chili Powder: Understanding the Key Differences

If you enjoy spicy dishes, you’ve probably noticed the subtle taste differences between ground cayenne pepper and chili powder. However, for those who prefer milder flavors, these two might seem quite similar and harder to distinguish.

Both are red, both pack a bit of heat, and both are commonly used to spice up food—so how much of a difference can there really be? Here’s what you should know before swapping cayenne pepper for chili powder or vice versa.

What is Ground Cayenne Pepper?

Cayenne is a moderately spicy chile pepper, originally from South America. These long, red peppers have a slightly wrinkled skin and are used either whole or ground into a fine powder. They're widely used in many cuisines, including Creole, Thai, Chinese, Indian, and Korean dishes.

What Is Ground Red Pepper?

Ground red pepper is typically made from cayenne peppers, although it can also be derived from various other chile peppers within the Capsicum family. While it's best to follow the recipe closely when you're new to cooking, cayenne pepper powder and ground red pepper can usually be substituted for each other without much issue.

What Is Chili Powder?

Ground cayenne pepper is technically a type of chili powder, but commercially available chili powders are often a blend of several different peppers. These pre-made mixes typically also contain additional seasonings like cumin, garlic, and onion powder, and sometimes even salt. They are most commonly used to season dishes like homemade chili.

Can Ground Cayenne Pepper and Chili Powder Be Used in Place of One Another?

In some cases, you might be able to swap cayenne pepper with chili powder and vice versa. However, there are a few factors you should consider before making the substitution.

• Ground pepper is typically much spicier than chili powder. The cayenne pepper is about 10 times hotter than the jalapeno, while chili powder is typically made with peppers further down the Scoville scale. If you use ground cayenne in the place of chili powder, you may end up with a much hotter meal than you bargained for, unless you scale back the amount.
• They taste different. All chili peppers don't taste the same. While the cayenne is hot, pungent, and earthy, poblanos and other members of the Capsicum family are much milder. Since chili powder is usually made with a variety of peppers, it's bound to have a different flavor than pure, ground cayenne pepper. Also, it's important to remember that chili powder is often made with other ingredients with easily detectable flavors like garlic and cumin.
• You may need to adjust your recipe. Again, chili powder isn't made with just one type of chile peppers. Ground cayenne is made with pure cayenne chile peppers. Since chili powder can include onion and garlic powder, cumin, and salt, it's important to taste your dish as you cook — you'll likely need to add other spices to achieve the desired taste if you've substituted cayenne for chili powder.