The best chipotle paste substitute is smoked paprika mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper. It gives you that signature smoky heat without needing a specialist ingredient. But depending on your recipe, there are several other options worth considering — from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (the closest match) to everyday store cupboard staples like chilli flakes and hot sauce. Here are 6 chipotle paste substitutes that actually work.
Key Takeaways
- Smoked paprika + cayenne is the easiest swap — most UK kitchens already have these.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce is the closest match if you can find a tin.
- Ancho chilli powder gives similar smokiness but with less heat.
- For paste-like consistency, blend your substitute with a little oil, garlic, and tomato puree.
- Start with half the amount the recipe calls for and adjust — some substitutes are hotter than chipotle paste.
What Is Chipotle Paste?
Chipotle paste is made from chipotles — jalapeño peppers that have been dried and smoked until they develop a deep, rich flavour. The dried chillies are rehydrated and blended into a thick paste, sometimes with tomatoes, garlic, spices, and a touch of sugar.
The result is a smoky, moderately spicy paste with a slight sweetness. It’s a staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cooking, used in everything from marinades and stews to sauces and dressings. A small spoonful adds serious depth to chilli con carne, pulled pork, or even a simple bean soup.
If you’re wondering how dried chillies compare to fresh, chipotle is a good example — the smoking and drying process concentrates the flavour and changes the heat profile entirely.
6 Chipotle Paste Substitutes
Here are the best alternatives, ranked by how closely they match chipotle paste’s smoky, spicy character.
1. Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce
Best for: Any recipe where chipotle paste is the star flavour.
This is the closest substitute you’ll find. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are whole smoked jalapeños packed in a tangy tomato-based sauce with vinegar, garlic, and spices. You get the same smokiness, heat, and depth — plus a slightly tangy edge from the adobo.
How to use: Blend the peppers and sauce together to create a paste-like consistency. Use a 1:1 ratio as a direct swap. You can find tins of these in the world foods aisle at most larger supermarkets, or in Mexican food shops.
2. Smoked Paprika + Cayenne Pepper
Best for: When you need a quick, store-cupboard solution.
Smoked paprika (pimentón) delivers the smoky flavour, while cayenne adds the heat that paprika alone lacks. This combination is probably the most accessible chipotle paste substitute in the UK, since both spices are widely available.
How to use: Mix 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika with ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference). For a paste-like consistency, stir it into a tablespoon of tomato puree with a splash of oil. This replaces roughly 1 tablespoon of chipotle paste.
3. Ancho Chilli Powder
Best for: Recipes where you want smokiness without too much heat.
Ancho chilli powder is made from dried, smoked poblano peppers. It shares chipotle’s smoky character but is noticeably milder — poblanos are gentler than jalapeños. It’s a great option if you’re cooking for people who prefer less spice.
How to use: Use the same quantity as you would chipotle paste, but add a pinch of cayenne if you want more kick. Ancho powder is a dry spice, so mix it with a little oil and tomato puree if the recipe needs a paste consistency.
4. Chilli Garlic Paste
Best for: Stir-fries, marinades, and Asian-fusion dishes.
Chilli garlic paste (like sambal oelek) is easy to find in most UK supermarkets. It delivers plenty of heat and a punchy garlic flavour. The main thing it lacks is chipotle’s smokiness — so if that’s essential to your dish, add a pinch of smoked paprika alongside it.
How to use: Start with half the amount of chipotle paste the recipe calls for, since chilli garlic paste can be hotter. Add smoked paprika to compensate for the missing smokiness.
5. Harissa Paste
Best for: North African and Mediterranean dishes, or when you want a more complex heat.
Harissa is a North African chilli paste made with roasted red peppers, fermented chillies, and warm spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway. It’s not a perfect match — harissa has a different flavour profile — but it delivers a similar level of heat and richness. Some harissa pastes include smoked peppers, which get you closer to chipotle’s character.
How to use: Use a 1:1 ratio as a starting point. Look for rose harissa or smoked harissa varieties for the closest match. Widely available in UK supermarkets.
6. Make Your Own Chipotle Paste
Best for: When you want the real thing and have 30 minutes to spare.
If you can get your hands on dried chipotle chillies (available in specialist food shops and online), making your own paste is straightforward:
- Soak 8–10 dried chipotle chillies in hot water for 20–30 minutes until soft.
- Drain, reserving the soaking water.
- Blend the softened chillies with 2 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of tomato puree, a splash of cider vinegar, and enough soaking water to reach a smooth paste.
- Season with a pinch of salt and sugar to taste.
This makes enough paste for several recipes and keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in a sealed jar.
How to Choose the Right Substitute
The best chipotle paste substitute depends on what you’re cooking:
- Need the closest match? Go with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce — it’s essentially the same ingredient in a different form.
- Need something you already have? Smoked paprika + cayenne is your best bet. Nearly every kitchen has these.
- Cooking for people who don’t like heat? Ancho chilli powder gives you the smokiness without the burn.
- Making a marinade or sauce? Chilli garlic paste or harissa work well, especially with a pinch of smoked paprika stirred in.
- Want to use it in salsa or Mexican dishes? Chipotle in adobo or homemade paste are your strongest options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for chipotle paste?
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are the closest substitute, since they’re made from the same smoked jalapeños. If you can’t find those, a mix of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper is the most practical alternative — you’ll get the smokiness and heat without needing a specialist ingredient.
Can I use smoked paprika instead of chipotle paste?
Yes, but add some cayenne pepper too. Smoked paprika on its own has the smokiness but not enough heat. Mix 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika with ¼ teaspoon of cayenne to approximate chipotle paste’s flavour. For a paste consistency, blend it with a little tomato puree and oil.
Where can I buy chipotle paste in the UK?
Most larger Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda stores stock chipotle paste in the world foods or Mexican food section. Brands like Discovery and Old El Paso are the most common. You can also find it in specialist food shops and online.
Is chipotle paste the same as chipotle in adobo?
Not exactly. Chipotle paste is a smooth, blended paste. Chipotle in adobo is whole smoked jalapeños in a tangy tomato sauce. They have a very similar flavour, but the texture is different. You can blend chipotle in adobo to make a paste — it’s essentially the same end result.
How spicy is chipotle paste?
Chipotle paste is moderately spicy — it has a slow-building heat rather than an instant burn. On the Scoville scale, chipotles typically range from 2,500 to 8,000 SHU, which puts them in the medium category. The smokiness tends to balance out the heat, making it feel milder than it actually is. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with half a teaspoon and work up.