Pepper comparison
Chipotle vs Guajillo
Chipotle is roughly 1.4× hotter than Guajillo.
Medium3K–8K SHU
ChipotleFrom mexico
- Flavor
- Deep, woody smoke with a moderate heat and a dried fruit complexity.
- Color
- Dark brown (smoked)
- Best uses
- Canned en adobo as a cooking ingredient in sauces and soups · Blended into chipotle mayo and aioli · Stirred into beans, chili, and stews
- Pairs with
- Mexican, Tex-Mex, BBQ, Beans
Medium3K–5K SHU
GuajilloFrom mexico
- Flavor
- Berry-like, tangy, slightly fruity heat with a hint of green tea and pine.
- Color
- Deep red (dried)
- Best uses
- Pozole rojo — the foundational dried chile for red pozole · Birria — slow-braised meat in guajillo-based chile broth · Mole sauces alongside ancho and pasilla
- Pairs with
- Mexican, Pozole, Birria, Beef
Quick verdict
Which one to use
- —If you want more heat: reach for Chipotle (3K–8K SHU).
- —If you want manageable heat: use Guajillo (3K–5K SHU).
- —For Chipotle-style flavor: deep, woody smoke with a moderate heat and a dried fruit complexity.
- —For Guajillo-style flavor: berry-like, tangy, slightly fruity heat with a hint of green tea and pine.