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Category: Salsa Macha

Published on Leave a comment on La Villana Chile de Arbol Salsa Macha

This La Villana Chile de Arbol Salsa Macha was found at a local independent supermarket. It was priced right at the threshold of what we're willing to pay for an unknown, so we went ahead and got it.

La Villana Chile de Arbol Salsa Macha jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Chile de arbol
  • Sesame
  • Garlic
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Canola
  • Solids to oil ratio: Moderate (~60%)
  • Flavor Enhancer: N/S
  • Potential allergens: Sesame
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Scorching
  • Texture: Soupy, with soft, medium solids
  • Saltiness: Low (75mg. per 10gm.)

Looking through the glass on the jar, the solids to oil ratio looks to be about 60/40. Other salsa macha we've tried have been quite a bit chunkier, a quality we prefer. The texture of the solids here wasn't as al dente as we would have hoped or liked. We would have also like to have seen some more nut/seed content, like the pepitas or sunflower seeds common to many salsa macha. We're almost tempted to add some.

We were also puzzled by the pepper being first on the list, before the canola oil, as it certainly wasn't the majority of the ingredients.

The chile heat on this one was a four out of five on its own label's scale, and was quite impressive. Our lips and tongue are still burning, and our brows sweating as we write this. We'd hate to think how hot a five would be.

The jar we purchased didn't look exactly like the one above, which we expect you will find if you go looking for it. Ours only said "salsa", and judging by the BB date, is an older version of the label. We were, however, able to confirm both label versions have the same UPC and ingredients.

Our assumption, since our jar had a BB date only two months away, was that it had been sitting on the shelf for quite some time due to an ill-considered placement away from the international foods aisle, and in a section otherwise dominated by bottled hot sauces.

Anyway, if you like or can stand some heat, give this one a shot. If you'd like a more toothsome example of a chile de arbol salsa macha, may we suggest the La Anita Salsa Macha – Arbol Pepper.

Ingredients

Arbol pepper, canola oil, sesame seed, salt, garlic.

More Information

Brand: INBC trading, LLC / La Villana
Style: Salsa macha
Price Paid: $9.39 / 8oz.
Country of Origin: Mexico
Manufacturer website: https://lavillana.mx/en/productos/
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Published on Leave a comment on Cholula Chili Crisp Sauce

This Cholula Chili Crisp Sauce is a strange one. It's from Mexico, so it should really be called a salsa macha, no? Shouldn't it? We think so.

Cholula Chili Crisp Sauce jar
Cholula Chili Crisp Sauce sample
Main Flavor Elements
  • Chili
  • Garlic
  • Seed nuts
  • Salt
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Sunflower
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: sesame, sunflower
  • Storage: Refrigerate after opening
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Moderate
  • Texture: Nutty crunch
  • Saltiness: Moderate (320mg. per 16gm.)

This one came from Amazon because, unfathomably, we couldn't find it locally. This one is a crunch fest, with sesame seeds, pepitas and sunflower seeds. The chilis take somewhat of a backseat here, but provide enough flavor and heat to be noticed. We particularly liked the inclusion of morita pepper, which we thought made La Anita Salsa Macha - Morita Pepper such a stand-out in its category.

Garlic, onion and unnamed spices round out the seasonings, along with salt, listed as only a moderate 320mg. sodium per tablespoon.

Be aware, however, that salt doesn't dissolve in oil. When you get towards the bottom of the jar, it may seem saltier than when first opened. Because it probably is. The preponderance of nuts and seeds means there is less softer vegetal material to potentially take up the salt, so it will largely settle to the bottom unless intentional measures are taken to mix the contents well before each use. This is especially important with a large jar such as this one, which contains many servings.

At $10 for 8 oz, in the world of this type of condiment, we find it a reasonably good value. Watch for an occasional price drop, though. We got second jar during the Big Spring Sale for a low $6.71.

Ingredients

High oleic sunflower oil, chili peppers (ancho, morita and arbol), garlic, sesame seed, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, salt, onion, spices and natural flavor.

More Information

Brand: McCormick / Cholula
Style: Chili crisp? (Salsa macha)
Price paid: $9.99 / 8oz.
Country of Origin: Mexico
Manufacturer website: https://www.cholula.com
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Published on Leave a comment on La Anita Salsa Macha – Arbol Pepper

We found this La Anita Salsa Macha - Arbol Pepper at Walmart. At just under $5 for an 8 oz. jar, it seemed like a bargain. But maybe more than we bargained for in terms of flavor.

Main Flavor Elements
  • Hot and spicy chile de arbol pepper
  • Garlic
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Canola
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: N/S
  • Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: High
  • Texture: Chewy
  • Saltiness: Medium (50mg. per 5g.)

As one of our first exposures to salsa macha, we were taken aback by the intensity of its heat and spice. We coughed, we sneezed, our eyes watered and our scalps perspired. It was like nothing we'd tasted before. And we were hooked. In moderation, of course.

This, and the companion La Anita Salsa Macha - Morita Pepper, are two of our favorite salsa macha (salsas machas?). Of the two, this one has more heat and a spicier kick. But even through the intense heat, there's an underlying sweetness that can only come from the peppers themselves.

If you like the heat of Sichuan chili crisps, this Mexican take is sure to please.

Updated Packaging
La Anita Chili Crisp Salsa Macha - Arbol Pepper new labeling

Beginning sometime in Q2 2026, La Anita has decided to jump on the chili crisp popularity train, now labeling product as "chili crisp salsa macha". We discovered this while visiting a new Latin American market, and were happy to find it there. We had previously obtained it at Walmart, but it appears it may be discontinued there.

Ingredients

Canola oil, dried chilies, garlic, salt, TBHQ as an antioxidant.

More Information

Brand: La Anita
Style: Salsa Macha
Price Paid: $4.97 / 8.1oz.
Country of Origin: Mexico
Manufacturer website: https://www.laanita.com/productos/salsa-macha-de-chile-de-arbol/
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Published on Leave a comment on Somos Salsa Macha Mexican Chili Crisp

This Somos Salsa Macha Mexican Chili Crisp came from Whole Foods. It has a bit of an identity problem, or maybe it's just covering all the bases calling itself a salsa macha chili crisp. Or is it a chili crisp salsa macha? It's from Mexico, so we're going to go with salsa macha.

Somos Salsa Macha Mexican Chili Crisp jar
Main Flavor Elements
  • Sesame
  • Pepitas
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Avocado
  • Solids to oil ratio: Moderately high
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: Sesame
  • Storage: Refrigeration not recommended
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Mild
  • Texture: Sesame seed, pepita and sliced almond crunch
  • Saltiness: Low (15mg. per 5g.)

We could see right away through the clear jar this one was loaded with sesame seeds and pepitas. The pepper content looked powdery and was settled to the bottom of the jar. Some vigorous shaking mixed things back up temporarily.

Even though guajillo and usually-hot chile de arbol pepper are listed, their contribution to the flavor profile is minimal. We also thought it could have been a little saltier.

As salsa macha or chili crisps go, this one doesn't really have much in the way of either the macha or the crisp. But, if you like sesame seeds and pepitas, this one has plenty. For the price, though, we likely won't be buying it again. We'd recommend instead the Cholula as a better value.

Ingredients

Avocado oil, roasted sesame seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds, roasted sliced almonds, garlic, guajillo peppers, sea salt, arbol peppers

More Information

Brand: Somos Amigos, Inc. Austin TX
Style: Salsa Macha
Price paid: $11 / 6oz.
Country of Origin: Mexico
Manufacturer website: eatsomos.com
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Published on Leave a comment on La Anita Salsa Macha – Morita Pepper

This La Anita Salsa Macha - Morita Pepper was found at Walmart. Only one of three stores in the vicinity carries this version as of this writing. All three stock the chile de arbol version, one of our top contenders for hottest and spiciest. This one is has a different pepper flavor profile and is a little easier on the palate, and it's become one of our favorites.

La Anita Salsa Macha - Morita Pepper jar
La Anita Salsa Macha - Morita Pepper spoonful
Main Flavor Elements
  • Smoky morita pepper
  • Garlic
Snapshot
  • Base oil(s): Canola
  • Solids to oil ratio: High
  • Flavor Enhancer: Natural
  • Potential allergens: N/S
  • Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place
Our Impressions
  • Heat level: Moderate
  • Texture: Chewy dried peppers
  • Saltiness: Medium (50mg. per 5g.)

As much as we like the hotter La Anita Salsa Macha - Chile de Arbol Pepper version for its undeniable heat and spice, we also really like this morita pepper version with its dense, chewy, smoky solids. It's almost a "meaty" salsa macha. There's so much complex flavor from so few ingredients. We could eat it straight from the jar.

For those unfamiliar, the morita pepper is a small, dried and smoked red jalapeño with a fruity, smoky flavor and medium heat, often called "chipotle morita". It's smaller and spicier than the more common chipotle meco, with notes of plum, fig, and tea. The word morita translates directly from Spanish as "small mulberry".

Updated Packaging
La Anita Chili Crisp Salsa Macha - Morita Pepper new labeling

Beginning sometime in Q2 2026, La Anita has decided to jump on the chili crisp popularity train, now labeling product as "chili crisp salsa macha". We discovered this while visiting a new Latin American market, and were happy to find it there. We had previously obtained it at Walmart, but it appears it may be discontinued there.

Ingredients

Canola oil, dried chilies, garlic, salt, TBHQ as an antioxidant.

More Information

Brand: La Anita
Style: Salsa Macha
Price paid: $4.97 / 8.1oz.
Country of Origin: Mexico
Manufacturer website: https://www.laanita.com/productos/salsa-macha-de-chile-de-morita/
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