
America is dialing up the heat and we’re not discussing the weather. From snack aisles to beverage coolers, a spicy uprising is trending in the food industry. As a leading bulk wholesale supplier, Source86 has witnessed firsthand how consumers across generations, led by Millennials and Gen Z, crave bolder, more complex flavors.
Consumers across generations, led by Millennials and Gen Z, are craving bolder, more complex flavors. As a packaged goods industry advisor, Sally Lyons Wyatt notes, “The spicy trend is here to stay. Even giants like Coca-Cola are launching Coca-Cola Spiced as their first new permanent flavor in years.”
For private label brands and food manufacturers, sizzle isn’t just about heat—it’s about innovation and exciting jaded tastebuds! Let’s explore how partnering with an experienced importer and bulk spices specialist can help turn up the heat for your brand!
How is chili powder made?
At the heart of this spicy revolution lies a versatile ingredient: chili powder. As a premier bulk herbs and spices provider, we know that chili powder is usually a blend rather than a single spice.
Traditional American chili powder typically contains ground chili and a mix of spices like cumin, garlic, and oregano. This versatile ingredient is essential for food manufacturers seeking bulk herbs and spices. Our research and development services allow you to tweak the recipe endlessly to create unique flavor profiles that set trending products apart.
What is the best bulk chili powder?
As a leading wholesale chili powder provider, we know that choosing the best option depends on several factors. Here are some of the top varieties we source:
Ancho chili powder
- Flavor Profile: Smoky, sweet, and mild heat (1,000 to 1,500 SHU).
- Best For: Mexican cuisine, sauces like mole, and rubs for meats.
- Why It’s Great in Bulk: Ancho chili powder adds complexity without overwhelming heat, making it perfect for private label spices and commercial kitchens
2. Cayenne chili powder
- Flavor Profile: Fiery and pungent, with heat ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 SHU.
- Best For: Hot sauces, spicy rubs, and seasoning blends where heat is the priority.
- Why It’s Great in Bulk: Cayenne powder is versatile in many spicy blends. Buying bulk is cost-effective and essential for white label spices and other applications requiring a reliable heat source.
3. Chipotle chili powder
- Flavor Profile: Smoky, earthy, medium heat (5,000 to 10,000 SHU)
- Best For: Barbecue sauces, stews, and marinades
- Why It’s Great in Bulk: Chipotle chili powder offers a unique smoky flavor< The depth it brings to dishes makes it a hot ingredient for restaurants and manufacturers
4. Paprika (hot, sweet, or smoked)
- Flavor Profile: Varies from sweet and mild to hot and smoky – depending on the pepper
- Best For: Color and mild heat in spice blends, soups, stews, and rubs
- Why It’s Great in Bulk: Paprika adds vibrant color and mild spice, making it essential in blends and for decorative purposes in food manufacturing
5. Kashmiri chili powder
- Flavor Profile: Mild heat, bright red color, and fruity undertone
- Best For: Indian curries, tandoori dishes, and any recipe requiring color without excessive heat
- Why It’s Great in Bulk: Its vibrant color and mild heat make it ideal for bulk use in large-scale food preparation where aesthetic appeal is essential
For private label brands, chili powder’s composition offers a unique opportunity for differentiation. By adjusting the ratios or introducing unique spices, you can create signature blends that set your products apart in the market. Learn about working with certified vendors for quality bulk chili powder and other bulk herbs and spices.
What is the best bulk chili powder?
The quality of chili powder is measured by how it was dried and the pepper variety. Source86 partners with certified vendors to ensure the highest-quality chili powders are sourced and produced, maintaining strict quality control throughout the process.
There are only two steps to making exceptional bulk wholesale chili powder. Dry them. Grind them. But first, they’re harvested fresh off the farm. The fresh chillis are either air-dried or smoked (as with chipotle) and are as close to the source of origin as possible. Next, the dried chilies are ground into a fine or coarse powder.
What is ancho chili powder?

This Mexican native is made from dried poblano peppers. If you’ve never seen one, ancho chili powder is a deep red. It has a rich, sweet-smoky flavor and mild heat profile, making it ideal for sauces like mole or adding complexity to grilled meat rubs.
At Source86, we specialize in bulk-sourcing ancho chili powder, providing both wholesale and private label options. Our suppliers are carefully vetted, ensuring consistent quality for use in your blends or packaged products.
What is wholesale bulk chili powder made of?
Chili powder in American grocery stores often includes a blend of spices commonly used in mass-produced food products.
Typical American grocery store chili powder includes:
- Ground-dried chilies (like ancho or cayenne)
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Paprika
This combination creates a balanced spice mix, perfect for making chili con carne, tacos, or even adding to soups for extra flavor.
Source86 offers bulk chili powder blends, ensuring you get the precise ratio of spices that suit your product line. Whether you’re looking for a traditional chili powder blend or something more custom, our research and development (R&D) team can help formulate the perfect mix.
Is there a substitute for chili powder?
If you’re out of chili powder or looking for alternatives, several substitutes can work, depending on the desired flavor profile:
- Cayenne pepper: For heat, use cayenne alone, though it lacks the depth of flavor of a blended chili powder.
- Paprika and cayenne: Combining these gives you heat with some added color and mild flavor.
- Ancho powder and cumin: This combination mimics many chili powder blends’ smoky, rich taste.
These substitutions can help if you’re in a pinch. Hot tip: a good chili powder blend is complex and difficult to replicate with just one or two spices.
Private label and bulk chili powder solutions
At Source86, we transform sourcing challenges into opportunities for better solutions. Whether you’re developing private label spices, need bulk mulling spices for seasonal products, or seeking a reliable wholesale supplier, we’ve got you covered.
Our end-to-end sourcing services include:
- Certified and vetted vendors for bulk spices sourcing
- Private-label spices development with quality assurance
- White-label spice solutions with proven authenticity
- Regular testing and auditing protocols
With customizable packaging and a global network of certified vendors, we source the exact chili varieties you need. Whether you’re a restaurant, food manufacturer, or expanding into the spice market, chat with our R&D team about creating your unique, high-quality blends. Message us now! Or visit our catalog today.
P.S.
The Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Rule, taking effect in 2024, will enhance supply chain traceability for bulk wholesale supplier networks and combat fraud in the organic food industry. To learn more about how the SOE rule will impact importers and organic brands, check out our blog on the SOE Rule.









