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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.

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
Social media:

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
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

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/
Social media: