MyTastr

Best salsa macha, according to chefs

Four picks, each tied to a named taster and a public source — from Deepa Shridhar, Jesus Medina, Marisel Salazar and RJ Yoakum. Recommendations come from thekitchn.com and tastingtable.com.

International Pantry · The ranking

  1. 1
    Top pick

    Masienda Salsa Macha (Guajillo, Cherry & Cocoa Nib)

    Chosen by
    Also chosen by
    Shridhar says Masienda’s “whole salsa macha line is so delicious,” and she puts the guajillo, cherry and cocoa nib jar “on everything”: breakfast tacos, sandwiches, and a tablespoon in homemade salad dressing. Made by the heirloom-masa company, it ships nationwide and is sold at Whole Foods. Tasting Table ranked Masienda’s guajillo, cranberry and hazelnut jar first of nine salsa machas.
    Where to buy · masienda.com ↗Instacart ↗Source: thekitchn.com ↗
  2. 2

    Xilli Salsa Macha

    Chosen by
    Also chosen by
    Four ingredients: morita chipotles, peanuts, oil and sea salt. Medina, who was born and raised in Mexico, says Xilli captures “the nostalgic flavors of Mexico’s kitchens.” He stirs it into mayonnaise for taco and tostada aioli and drizzles it over quesadillas and enchiladas. Tasting Table’s ranking praised its smoky chipotle and “boldly savory” heat.
    Where to buy · xillinyc.com ↗Instacart ↗Source: tastingtable.com ↗
  3. 3

    SOMOS Salsa Macha (Mexican Chili Crisp)

    Chosen by
    Made with avocado oil, guajillo and árbol chiles, almonds, pumpkin seeds and sesame. Salazar makes her own macha but buys this jar at Whole Foods or Target: nutty, crispy and smoky, “nearly impossible to stop eating.” She drizzles it over eggs, polenta, salmon and vanilla ice cream.
    Where to buy · eatsomos.com ↗Instacart ↗Source: tastingtable.com ↗
  4. 4

    CHiNGONAs Original Salsa Macha

    Chosen by
    A California-made macha of guajillo, árbol and Japanese chiles, shallot, peanuts and sesame. Yoakum picks it up at World Market: “The heat level is just right, the spices are perfectly blended with a piquant kick.” He also uses it as a marinade for beef, pork and chicken.
    Where to buy · Amazon ↗Instacart ↗Source: thekitchn.com ↗

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Want the Chinese version? Best chili crisp →

Questions, answered

What is the best salsa macha, according to chefs?
MyTastr’s top pick is Masienda Salsa Macha (Guajillo, Cherry & Cocoa Nib), chosen by Deepa Shridhar (chef, Thali Omakase, Austin). Shridhar says Masienda’s “whole salsa macha line is so delicious,” and she puts the guajillo, cherry and cocoa nib jar “on everything”: breakfast tacos, sandwiches, and a tablespoon in homemade salad dressing. Made by the heirloom-masa company, it ships nationwide and is sold at Whole Foods. Tasting Table ranked Masienda’s guajillo, cranberry and hazelnut jar first of nine salsa machas. Source: thekitchn.com ↗
What are the other top picks for salsa macha?
No. 2 is Xilli Salsa Macha, chosen by Jesus Medina (Four Seasons Beverly Hills). No. 3 is SOMOS Salsa Macha (Mexican Chili Crisp), chosen by Marisel Salazar (chef, author of Latin-ish). Each card above links to the original source.
How does MyTastr choose these picks?
Every pick is tied to a named chef, cookbook author or food expert and links to the public interview, panel or article it came from. We survey dozens, often hundreds, of top chefs, food writers and critics, and order reflects how often and how strongly a brand is recommended. Only organic recommendations count — paid endorsements don’t — and brands can’t buy a spot. Read how we pick.

The tasters behind this ranking

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