Cayenne Pepper Substitutes

Cayenne Pepper Substitutes

This article provides an overview of cayenne pepper, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make cayenne pepper substitutes.

What is Cayenne Pepper?

Cayenne pepper is a type of plant in the genus Capsicum, that is native to North America and the Caribbean.  It is normally a moderately hot chili pepper and is commonly used to flavor spicy dishes.

The fruits can be eaten fresh, but are generally dried and ground to make a popular powdered spice.

What does Cayenne Pepper taste like?

Cayenne pepper can be described as having a hot taste, with slightly fruity undertones. Compared to other peppers, the flavor is more neutral and lacks complexity.

Is Cayenne Pepper readily available in Supermarkets?

Cayenne pepper should be readily available in supermarkets, especially in the ground form, where it will usually be found in the herbs and spices section in small glass jars or plastic thin packets.

What are some alternative names for Cayenne Pepper?

Cayenne pepper may be referred to as red pepper, capsicum, or cayenne seasoning.

What is a good substitute for Cayenne Pepper in recipes?

Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for cayenne pepper. These include:

  • The best substitute for cayenne pepper would be hot paprika
  • You can also use the below however the taste will be slightly different
    • Chili Powder
    • Jalapeño Powder
    • Chili Flakes
    • Any other spicy ground chili pepper
    • A lot of Black Pepper can also work in an emergency and you have no paprika or chili of any kind
    • Peperoncino is a similar product in Italy