Chipotle: The Complete Guide (3K–8K SHU)
3K–8K SHU · smoky and sweet · Mexico
2x hotter than a jalapeño
Quick Facts
Heat & Flavor Profile
The Chipotle registers 3K–8K Scoville Heat Units (SHU), placing it in the Medium tier (1K–10K SHU). That makes it roughly 2x hotter than a jalapeño.
Flavor notes: smoky and sweet.
Substitutes for Chipotle
Closest match: Jalapeño. These peppers share a similar heat range or flavor profile and work well as substitutes in most recipes.
Data from USDA FoodData Central, the Chile Pepper Institute at NMSU, and USDA Agricultural Research Service. Species classification: C. annuum — based on published botanical taxonomy.