Cayenne Pepper vs Jalapeño
Cayenne delivers 4-20x more heat with a cleaner, more neutral flavor ideal for general seasoning.
Cayenne Pepper
HotJalapeño
MediumQuick Comparison
Heat Comparison
Cayenne Pepper is 6× hotter than Jalapeño. Cayenne Pepper is 6× hotter than a jalapeño, while Jalapeño is 1× hotter. They fall in different heat tiers: Cayenne Pepper is classified as hot while Jalapeño sits in the medium range.
Flavor Profile
Both peppers belong to C. annuum, which means they share some underlying flavor chemistry. However, Cayenne Pepper’s neutral and peppery notes contrast with Jalapeño’s bright and grassy character.
Which Should You Choose?
Can You Substitute One for the Other?
Yes — direct substitution works. Cayenne Pepper and Jalapeño are close enough in heat (50K vs 8K SHU) to swap at roughly 1:1. The main difference will be flavor.
Buying & Storage
- Firm pods with taut skin and consistent color
- Should feel heavy relative to size
- Minor stem cracks (“corking”) are normal
- Avoid anything soft, shriveled, or with dark wet spots
- Fresh: Paper bag, crisper drawer — 1–2 weeks
- Frozen: Wash, dry, freeze on sheet pan — 6+ months
- Dried: Airtight, away from light — up to 1 year
The Verdict: Cayenne Pepper vs Jalapeño
Cayenne Pepper and Jalapeño occupy very different positions on the heat spectrum. Cayenne Pepper delivers 6× more heat with its distinctive neutral and peppery character. Jalapeño, with its bright and grassy profile, excels in everyday cooking where flavor matters more than fire.
Related Comparisons
Data from USDA FoodData Central. American Chemical Society. PubMed – Capsaicin Research. PubMed – TRPV1 Receptor. EPPO Global Database. Chile Pepper Institute. PuckerButt Pepper Company.