Ever found yourself out of achiote paste mid-recipe? If so, you’ll be in need of an achiote paste substitute, and we have some spice combinations here to help.
Our top 7 achiote substitutes will help you achieve a similar color and/or flavor to the popular seasoning.
- Ground Annatto Seeds – 1 1/2 to 2 t for 1 T achiote paste
- Paprika – 1 t for 1/2 t achiote paste
- Paprika + Turmeric – 2 t + 1 t for 1 T achiote paste
- Ground Coriander + Paprika – 1 1/2 + 1 1/2 t for 1 T achiote paste
- Saffron – 10 to 15 threads for 1 T achiote paste
- Tomato Paste – 1:1 ratio
- Harissa – 1/4 t for 1/2 T achiote paste
With its slightly nutty, peppery undertones and a hint of sweet, achiote paste has become an indispensable component in many Mexican and Central American dishes.
However, there are times when this special ingredient might be unavailable or missing from your pantry. From basic spice combinations to more complex mixtures, you’ll find a few substitutes here that can closely match the color and, to some extent, the flavor of achiote paste.

Understanding Achiote Paste
Achiote paste, or recado rojo, is a deep-red, aromatic seasoning used primarily in Mexican, Central American, and Yucatecan cuisine. Often mixed with garlic, vinegar, and salt, this special paste is produced after the pulpy exterior of the annatto seeds is dried in the sun.
Annatto seeds, which come from the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), are an ancient crop of the tropical lowlands of Latin America.
Achiote paste has an earthy, nutty, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor. But what makes it stand out is the stunning red-orange hue it imparts to dishes, such as tamales, cochinita pibil, and various marinades and stews.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the paste also enhances the flavors of meats, vegetables, sauces, dips, seafood, and rice dishes, adding depth and complexity.

Why Substitute Achiote Paste?
Why would you need to swap out Achiote paste in your recipes even when it’s already a popular ingredient? Let’s find out.
Availability
Not every grocery store in the U.S. stocks achiote paste, especially in areas with smaller Hispanic or Latin American populations.
Immediate need
An individual cooking a recipe that requires achiote paste may realize they don’t have it on hand and need a quick alternative without a trip to the store.
Taste preference
Some Americans might be unfamiliar with the flavor of achiote and, upon trying it, decide they’d prefer a milder or different flavor profile.
Cost
Depending on the region, achiote paste might be priced as a specialty or imported item, making it more expensive. Additionally, some might find it cost-prohibitive to keep multiple specialized ingredients on hand.

Top Substitutes for Achiote Paste
So, we’ve got the “why” sorted. Let’s now delve into our top substitutes that can replace Achiote paste in your recipes, the ratio needed, and what makes them a popular replacement:
1. Ground Annatto Seeds
Ground annatto seeds can be used as a substitute for achiote paste in many recipes, especially when you want to impart a distinctive reddish-orange color and mild, earthy flavor.
You can add ground annatto seeds to marinades for meats or seafood. However, you may need to incorporate other spices to mimic the complexity of achiote paste.
Use 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of ground annatto seeds for every tablespoon of achiote paste.
2. Paprika
Paprika can be a decent substitute for achiote paste in terms of color, especially if the exact flavor profile of achiote isn’t critical for the dish. However, it doesn’t have the same earthy taste as achiote paste.
For dishes prominent in Spanish, Mexican, and Hungarian traditions, such as paella, tacos, and goulash, paprika serves as an excellent ingredient. If you aim to enhance both the color and flavor of your sauces, considering paprika is a commendable option.
Use a teaspoon of paprika for every 1/2 teaspoon of Achiote paste.
3. Paprika + Turmeric
A blend of paprika and turmeric can mimic the color of achiote paste, making it a viable substitute in recipes where that characteristic reddish-orange hue is crucial.
While it adds a unique flavor, it doesn’t match the exact taste of achiote. Adjust based on the dish and your taste preferences.
Mix 2 teaspoons of paprika and 1 teaspoon of turmeric for every tablespoon of achiote paste.
4. Ground Coriander + Paprika
The combination of paprika and ground coriander introduces a blend of sweet, nutty, and potentially smoky or spicy flavors. While it provides a distinctive taste, it will differ from the earthy, slightly peppery flavor of achiote paste.
This mix works well in stews, soups, marinades, and dishes that can benefit from a touch of warmth and depth without requiring the precise flavor profile of achiote.
Mix 1 1/2 teaspoons each of paprika and ground coriander for every tablespoon of achiote paste.
5. Saffron
Saffron‘s flavor is more delicate and distinct than the earthy, mildly peppery taste of achiote. Replacing achiote with saffron will introduce a different, albeit luxurious, flavor.
The ingredient is famously used in paellas, biryanis, and risottos. Its vivid color and unique flavor can be an elegant alternative to achiote in rice-based dishes.
Use 10 to 15 threads of saffron for every tablespoon of achiote paste.
6. Tomato Paste
Using tomato paste as a substitute for achiote paste provides an alternative, mainly when the focus is on the color and texture, rather than the exact flavor.
To get closer to the flavor of achiote paste, consider adding a blend of other spices like ground annatto (for a more authentic achiote flavor), paprika, cumin, or oregano.
Substitute tomato paste for achiote paste in a 1:1 ratio.
7. Harissa
Harissa is another great substitute for achiote paste if you want to add more spice to your dishes. It’s also worth considering that harissa can be spicier than achiote paste, so keep that in mind when using it as a substitute.
Harissa works best in stews, soups, marinades, and tagines.
Use 1/4 teaspoon of harissa for every 1/2 teaspoon of Achiote paste.

How to Use Substitutes in Recipes
When you’re using a substitute for achiote paste in your recipes, there are key considerations to ensure the dish turns out flavorful and close to the original intent:
Understand the substitute’s flavor
Recognize that while substitutes can mimic achiote paste to an extent, each alternative has its unique flavor profile. For instance, saffron provides a delicate, luxurious taste, whereas tomato paste has a tangy tomato profile.
Adjust quantities gradually
When substituting, it’s prudent to start with a smaller amount and taste-test the dish. This allows you to add more, if necessary, without overwhelming the dish.
Mind the color
Achiote’s reddish-orange hue is distinct. If the color is crucial for your dish, pick a substitute that can mimic this, like a mix of paprika and turmeric. Adjust quantities to get the desired shade.
Blend with other spices
If using a simple substitute like ground annatto seeds or tomato paste, consider blending it with spices such as cumin, oregano, or garlic to introduce more depth of flavor similar to achiote paste.
Consider texture
Achiote paste has a specific consistency. If you’re using a powdered substitute, you might need to add a little liquid to achieve a paste-like texture.
Adjust cooking times if needed
Some substitutes might change the cooking dynamics. For instance, ground spices might integrate faster than a paste.
Taste as you go
Continually taste your dish as you add and cook with the substitute to ensure you’re achieving the desired flavor profile.
Be open to adjustments
Using a substitute means the dish may not taste exactly as it would with achiote paste. Be flexible in your expectations and be ready to adjust other seasonings to achieve a balanced flavor.

The bottom line
Don’t let the absence of one ingredient hold you back from creating culinary magic. Substitutes for achiote paste can be just as wonderful, and you may even favor the new twist.
Remember, the key with substitutions is to approximate the original ingredient’s essence using available or preferred choices. Occasionally, such replacements can introduce a refreshing spin on a timeless dish!

7 Best Achiote Paste Substitute Options
Ever found yourself out of achiote paste mid-recipe? If so, you'll be in need of an achiote paste substitute, and we have some spice combinations here to help.
Ingredients
- Ground Annatto Seeds - 1 1/2 to 2 t for 1 T achiote paste
- Paprika - 1 t for 1/2 t achiote paste
- Paprika + Turmeric - 2 t + 1 t for 1 T achiote paste
- Ground Coriander + Paprika - 1 1/2 + 1 1/2 t for 1 T achiote paste
- Saffron - 10 to 15 threads for 1 T achiote paste
- Tomato Paste - 1:1 ratio
- Harissa - 1/4 t for 1/2 T achiote paste
Instructions
- Replace achiote paste with one of our 7 best options.
- Use one of the above ratios when substituting for achiote paste in a recipe.