What can I substitute for cayenne pepper?

Running low on cayenne pepper? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.

cayenne pepper — ingredient substitution guide — Photo by Jana Ohajdova on Pexels

About cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper is a finely ground, bright red spice made from dried Capsicum annuum chillies, prized for its sharp, clean heat with a Scoville rating of 30,000–50,000 SHU. It is used in small quantities to add fiery heat to sauces, marinades, rubs, soups, and baked goods without significantly altering flavour complexity. Its fine texture means it disperses evenly through dishes, making it a staple seasoning in cuisines worldwide.

Best substitute

chilli flakes (red pepper flakes)

Chilli flakes are made from similar dried red chillies and deliver comparable heat, though their coarser texture means they don't distribute as evenly. Blend or grind them finely if a smooth texture is important to the dish.

Use ¾ tsp for every 1 tsp cayenne — they can be slightly hotter depending on the blend

saucesmarinadesspice rubssoupsfine baked goodssmooth spice blends

Alternative

hot paprika

Hot paprika shares a similar chilli base but has a deeper, slightly sweeter flavour and lower heat (around 500–1,000 SHU), so a larger quantity is needed. It adds mild heat and a rich red colour without overwhelming the dish.

Use 2–4 tsp for every 1 tsp cayenne to approximate the heat level

soupsstewsspice rubssaucesbakingdishes requiring intense heat

What is cayenne pepper called in other countries?

Country	Name
Australia	cayenne pepper
IN	lal mirch (red chilli powder)
United Kingdom	cayenne pepper
United States	cayenne pepper

Common names for cayenne pepper

cayenneground cayennered pepperground red pepperchilli pepper powder

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Alternative

chilli powder (pure ground chilli)

Pure ground chilli powder (not a spice blend) offers similar heat and colour to cayenne, though the flavour profile can vary depending on the chilli variety used. It works as a near-direct substitute in most recipes.

Use 1 tsp for every 1 tsp cayenne, adjusting to taste

soupsstewsmarinadesspice rubsbakingdishes requiring uniform heat level

Alternative

chipotle powder

Chipotle powder is made from smoked, dried jalapeños and provides moderate heat (2,500–8,000 SHU) with a pronounced smoky flavour. Best used when a smoky dimension is welcome, but unsuitable when a clean, neutral heat is required.

Use 1½–2 tsp for every 1 tsp cayenne to match heat, noting the smoky flavour will be present

spice rubsmarinadeschillistewsbakingdelicate saucesdishes without smoky notes

Alternative

Tabasco sauce

Tabasco sauce is a liquid hot sauce made from Tabasco chillies and delivers a sharp, vinegary heat comparable to cayenne. The added liquid and acidity must be accounted for by reducing other liquids slightly and being mindful of the tangy flavour it adds.

Use 4–6 drops (about ¼ tsp) for every ⅛ tsp cayenne — reduce other liquids slightly

saucessoupsmarinadesdressingsbakingdry spice rubsdry seasoning blends