Guajillo chili powder is a staple in Mexican cuisine.
It has a slightly fruity flavor with hints of green tea and an earthy finish.
Guajillo chili powder is not as spicy as other chili powders, but it adds a depth of flavor to dishes.
If you can’t find guajillo chili powder, several substitutes will work well in its place.
In this article, we’ll share the five best substitutes for guajillo chili powder.
What is Guajillo Chili Powder?

Guajillo chili powder is a chili powder made from ground guajillo chilies.
These chilies are native to Mexico and are typically used in Mexican cuisine.
They have a mild to moderate heat level and a slightly fruity flavor.
Guajillo chili powder can add flavor and heat to dishes such as enchiladas, tacos, and tamales.
It can also be used as a Rub for meats or added to soups and stews.
When shopping for guajillo chili powder, look for a freshly ground brand that doesn’t contain any fillers or additives.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Guajillo Chili Powder
If you don’t have guajillo chili powder on hand, several substitutes will work in a pinch.
Here are the five best substitutes for guajillo chili powder:
1 – Guajillo Chile Pepper

The guajillo chile pepper is a popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine.
It has a bright, tangy flavor that pairs well with many dishes.
The guajillo chile pepper is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
It is especially high in vitamin C, important for immune function.
Guajillo chile peppers can be used fresh or dried.
They can be added to soups, stews, and sauces, or they can be used to make a spice rub for meats.
When choosing guajillo chile peppers, look for bright red ones with smooth, shiny skins.
Avoid peppers that are wrinkled or have blemishes.
Store guajillo chile peppers in a cool, dry place.
They can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.
2 – Ancho Chile Powder

If you’re a fan of Mexican food, you’re probably familiar with the rich, slightly spicy flavor of ancho chiles.
These dried peppers are a key ingredient in many traditional dishes, and they can also be used to make a delicious powder.
Ancho chile powder is made by grinding dried ancho peppers into a fine powder.
The powder can then be used as a seasoning for meats, vegetables, soups, and stews.
It can also make a flavorful rub for grilled or roasted foods.
If you’re looking for a way to add some extra depth of flavor to your cooking, then ancho chile powder is a great option.
3 – Pasilla Chile Powder

Although it is not as well-known as some of its cousins, the pasilla chile powder is a versatile and delicious seasoning that deserves a place in every cook’s pantry.
A member of the capsicum family, the pasilla chile is a long, dark pepper with a mild to moderate heat level.
When dried and ground into powder, it has a rich, earthy flavor that can transform any dish.
Whether you use it to add depth to your chili or spice up your salsa, pasilla chile powder is a versatile ingredient that will become a staple in your kitchen.
So next time you’re looking for something new to try, don’t overlook the humble pasilla chile powder – it just might be the secret ingredient you’ve been missing.
4 – Anaheim Chile Powder

Anaheim Chile Powder is a spice made from dried and ground Anaheim chili peppers.
These peppers are originally from New Mexico, and they have a mild to medium heat level.
The powder can add flavor and heat to any dish, and it is a popular ingredient in Mexican and Southwest cuisine.
Anaheim Chile Powder is also known as California Chili Powder or California Style Chili Powder.
It is most commonly used in enchiladas, burritos, chile con queso, and chili peppers.
The powder can also make a spice rub for meats or vegetables.
Anaheim Chile Powder is available in mild, medium, and hot varieties.
The powder can be found in the spice aisle of most supermarkets.
5 – New Mexico Chile Powder

New Mexico Chile Powder is a type of chili pepper native to the southwestern United States.
The powder is made from grinding up dried chili peppers, and it has a distinctive smoky flavor.
New Mexico Chile Powder is often used as a spice in cooking, and it can be added to anything from stews and soups to tacos and enchiladas.
The powder is also a popular ingredient in many commercial chili products, such as pre-made chili mixes and canned chili.
If you’re looking for a way to add some extra flavor to your cooking, New Mexico Chile Powder is a great option.
Conclusion
Guajillo chili powder is a chili powder made from dried guajillo chili peppers.
It has a moderate heat level, slightly fruity and smoky flavor.
If you cannot find guajillo chili powder, several substitutes can be used in its place.
Each of these substitutes will add its unique flavor to a dish, so be sure to choose one that will complement the other ingredients.
You can find the perfect substitute for guajillo chili powder in any recipe with a little experimentation.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Guajillo Chili Powder

Ingredients
- Guajillo Chile Pepper
- Ancho Chile Powder
- Pasilla Chile Powder
- Anaheim Chile Powder
- New Mexico Chile Powder
Instructions
- Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
- Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.