Craving that sweet and tangy kick but ran out of Peppadew peppers? We’ve all been there. Knowing what to use when Peppadews are missing can save the day.
Our kitchens have seen some improvisation, and we’ve picked our brains (and taste buds) to find the closest flavors.
In this piece, we break down 7 perfect substitutes you likely have at home or can find easily. These swaps will add that zing you miss from Peppadew peppers.
Each substitute brings its own twist, keeping your dishes exciting. Read on to find your new go-to pepper!
7 Easy Substitutes for Peppadew Peppers
For those who haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing Peppadew peppers, they are small, sweet and tangy peppers that pack a punch. They come from South Africa and are most commonly found pickled in jars.
The substitutes we’re about to introduce won’t taste exactly like Peppadews, but they will have a similar texture and flavor profile. Trust us; you’ll be surprised at how close these alternatives get!
| Substitute | Taste | Texture | Ratio | Suitable Dish |
| Poblano Pepper | Mild, earthy | Firm | 1:1 | Stuffed peppers, chili |
| Anaheim Pepper | Mild, slightly sweet | Firm | 1:1 | Grilled peppers, salads |
| Habanero Pepper | Hot, fruity | Soft | 1:3 | Spicy sauces, marinades |
| Jalapeño Pepper | Hot, green | Firm | 1:2 | Salsas, tacos |
| Pimento Pepper | Sweet, mild | Soft | 1:1 | Stuffed peppers, salads |
| Bell Pepper | Sweet, crunchy | Firm | 1:1 | Salads, stir-fries |
| Cayenne Pepper | Hot, spicy | Fine | 1:4 | Spicy sauces, seasonings |
1 – Poblano Pepper
First, let’s talk about the Poblano Pepper! This pepper is a perfect stand-in for Peppadews.
It’s mildly spicy with a SHU level of 1,000 – 2,000, just enough to add a little fire to your dish without overwhelming you.
The mild heat and slightly sweet taste make Poblanos a versatile choice for many recipes.
We once swapped Peppadews for Poblanos in our favorite relish, and boy, did it hit the mark!
They’re also readily available, and you likely have some at your local grocery store.
You can use a 1:1 ratio when substituting Poblanos for Peppadews.
For more ideas, check out these awesome Poblano pepper substitutes.
2 – Anaheim Pepper
Next up is the Anaheim Pepper! These peppers are mild with a SHU of 500 – 2,500, making them great for those who like a bit of heat without the burn. Anaheims are versatile and great for roasting, grilling, or stuffing.
We swapped them for Peppadews in a salad once, and the result was incredible.
These peppers are easy to find and often at your everyday grocery store. The flavor is mild with a touch of sweetness. Use them in a 1:1 ratio to replace Peppadews.
For more alternatives, check out this Anaheim pepper substitutes.
3 – Habanero Pepper
Habanero! This pepper is fiery, with a SHU of 100,000 – 350,000. If you’re looking for heat, this one’s got it. We swapped Peppadews for Habaneros in our salsa, and it was an eye-opener.
Use a 1:3 ratio, since Habaneros are hotter. They add a fruity, floral flavor. Dice them finely and mix well. These peppers are great for spicy food lovers. A little goes a long way.
Interested in more options? Check out these Habanero pepper substitutes.
4 – Jalapeño Pepper
The jalapeño pepper is our next contender for a Peppadew substitute. It’s got a moderate heat level, sitting at 2,500 – 8,000 SHU. Jalapeños bring a crisp, bright flavour with just the right amount of spice.
We recently threw them into our Peppadew-chicken recipe, and it was a hit! Pro tip: use them in a 1:2 ratio. Jalapeños are easy to find and versatile enough for many meals.
Looking for more options? Check jalapeño substitutes for extra inspiration.
5 – Pimento Pepper
While the Pimento Pepper might look tiny, don’t let its size fool you. This little pepper packs a mild, sweet flavour that’s similar to Peppadews. With a SHU of 100 – 500, it’s perfect for those who enjoy just a touch of heat.
We swapped Peppadews with Pimentos in our cheese dip once, and it was a hit. Pimentos are easy to find in jars at most grocery stores, usually near the pickles. Use them in a 1:1 ratio for Peppadew substitutes.
If you want more ideas, check out these Pimento pepper substitutes.
6 – Bell Pepper
Bell peppers are a versatile Peppadew substitute. They’re sweet and mild, with no heat at all. We love using them in salads and stuffing them with cheese.
One time, we used bell peppers in our Peppadew-based relish. It turned out great and smooth. Bell peppers add vibrant color and crisp texture. They’re perfect for anyone avoiding spicy foods.
Use them in a 1:1 ratio. Just dice them up and add them to your dish. For more substitutes, check out this bell pepper substitutes guide. These bold peppers always brighten our meals.
7 – Cayenne Pepper
Last on our list is the Cayenne Pepper.
This pepper has an SHU level of 30,000 – 50,000. It’s fiery and flavorful, bringing a serious kick to any dish. We swapped it for Peppadews in our chili recipe, and wow, it took things up a notch!
Use it in a 1:4 ratio since it’s hotter. Dice finely and use sparingly. Cayenne adds a vibrant red color and intense heat. It’s terrific in salsas and sauces.
For those interested in more info, Cayenne pepper substitutes offer more options.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.