What is the Difference Between Cayenne Pepper and Chili Powder?

Cayenne pepper and chili powder are both red ground spices, but they differ in their composition, flavor, heat levels, and cooking uses. Here are the main differences between the two:

1. Composition: Cayenne pepper is made only with dried and finely ground cayenne peppers, while chili powder is a blend of ground red chilis (sometimes including cayenne) and savory spices such as cumin, paprika, garlic and onion powder, Mexican oregano, and salt.
2. Heat Level: Cayenne pepper is much spicier than chili powder, registering between 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville heat units, which is about 12 times hotter than a jalapeno. Chili powder has a milder to moderate heat level due to its blend of chilies and other spices.
3. Appearance: Ground cayenne pepper has a bright red hue, while chili powder has a reddish-brown color.
4. Flavor and Aroma: Chili powder has a warm, earthy flavor with a mild to moderate heat level and a rich, slightly smoky aroma. Cayenne pepper is characterized by its sharp, fiery taste, fruity undertones, and subtle earthy smell.
5. Cooking Uses: Cayenne pepper is best used to add a bright, spicy kick to dishes, while chili powder is commonly used in chili and Tex-Mex dishes.

In general, ground cayenne pepper and chili powder should not be used interchangeably, as their heat levels and flavors are different. Substituting cayenne for chili powder would make the dish unpleasantly intense in heat, and using chili powder instead of cayenne would result in a less spicy dish.

Comparative Table: Cayenne Pepper vs Chili Powder

Here is a table comparing the differences between cayenne pepper and chili powder:

In summary, cayenne pepper is a much hotter spice made only with dried and ground cayenne peppers, while chili powder is a blend of ground red chilis and other savory spices. They have different flavors and heat levels, and it is not recommended to substitute one for the other in recipes.