What is Ancho Chili Powder? Taste and Best Substitutes

What is Ancho Chili Powder?

Ancho chili powder is made from dried and ground ancho chilies, which are simply ripened and dried poblano peppers. Poblano peppers start out green, but as they mature, they turn red. Once dried, they become ancho chilies, which have a rich, slightly sweet, and smoky taste. Unlike generic chili powder blends, ancho chili powder is pure, meaning it has a concentrated, authentic flavor that enhances dishes without unnecessary fillers.

What Does Ancho Chili Powder Taste Like?

Picture the deep sweetness of dried fruit—like raisins or prunes—combined with a mild earthiness and a subtle smoky undertone. Ancho chili powder has a warmth that lingers without overpowering, making it a fantastic choice for stews, sauces, and rubs. It pairs well with other spices like cumin and garlic, and can add depth to everything from meat dishes to chocolate-based sauces like mole.

Is Ancho Chili Powder Hot?

Not really. Ancho chili powder is considered mild compared to other chili powders. It typically measures between 1,000 and 2,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). It is much gentler than jalapeños (2,500–8,000 SHU) or cayenne pepper (30,000–50,000 SHU).

How to Make Ancho Chili Powder

If you want to try making Ancho chili powder at home, here are the simple steps:

Choose dried ancho chilies – You can find dried ancho chilies at most grocery stores or online.

Remove stems and seeds – Slice open the chilies, remove the stems and seeds to avoid bitterness and ensure a smoother powder.

Toast the chilies – Heat the chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes.

Grind into powder – Use a spice grinder, blender, or mortar and pestle to grind the toasted chilies into a fine powder.

Store properly – Store your homemade Ancho chili powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve its freshness.

Where to Buy Ancho Chili Powder

Common channels for purchasing Ancho Chili Powder include:

Large chain supermarkets such as Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, or UK retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury's. These stores often have dedicated shelves for international foods or Mexican spices, featuring brands like McCormick and Badia.

Specialty stores focused on Mexican ingredients, such as La Tienda and MexGrocer in North America or Cool Chile Company in Europe, which offer authentic products.

Major e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Walmart’s official website, or Mexican food retailers like MexGrocer, where you can order directly.

Farmers' markets in Latin American communities, where vendors may sell freshly ground chili powder.

When purchasing, look for packaging labeled "Ancho Chili" or "Dried Poblano Pepper", and prioritize reputable brands like La Costeña and Frontier Co-op for consistent quality.

Is Ancho Chili Powder the Same as Chili Powder?

No. Ancho chili powder is made purely from ancho chilies, while some chili powder is a blend of multiple ground chilies mixed with other spices like cumin, garlic powder, and oregano. Using chili powder instead of ancho chili powder in a recipe may change the flavor. If a dish calls specifically for ancho chili powder, it’s best to use the real thing for an authentic taste.

What is a Good Substitute for Ancho Chili Powder?

If you don’t have ancho chili powder on hand, there are plenty of substitutes:

Pasilla chili powder – Slightly more pungent but has a similar depth of flavor.

Guajillo chili powder – A bit fruitier and spicier but works well as a replacement.

Smoked paprika – Lacks the sweetness but adds a nice smokiness.

Chipotle powder – Brings both smokiness and a bit more heat.

Regular chili powder – A last-resort substitute, but be mindful of the additional spices it contains.

Final Thoughts

Ancho chili powder is an essential spice for anyone who loves rich, smoky flavors without too much heat. Whether you buy it or make it yourself, this versatile ingredient can take your cooking to the next level. Try using it in soups, marinades, tacos, or even chocolate desserts—you might be surprised at how much depth it adds.

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