Where to Buy Kashmiri Chilli Powder in Australia (Coles, Woolworths & Online)
Kashmiri chilli powder can be found in some Australian supermarkets, but not as reliably as everyday chilli powder. Coles and Woolworths sometimes stock it, usually one imported brand in the international foods aisle, and it isn't always on the shelf. Indian grocers and online stores are the more dependable options.
Here's what each supermarket carries, what to watch for on the shelf, and where to buy authentic Kashmiri chilli powder online.
Does Woolworths sell Kashmiri chilli powder?
Woolworths stocks Kashmiri chilli powder in some stores, most often the Pattu brand in a 100g pack, found in the international or Indian foods aisle. You may also see Katoomba's Premium Red Chilli Powder, which is marketed as using Kashmiri chilli.
The catch is consistency. It's usually a single brand rather than a choice, and whether it's on the shelf depends on the store and how well the international aisle is kept stocked. Many stores don't carry it at all, so it can be a wasted trip if your local doesn't.
Does Coles sell Kashmiri chilli powder?
Coles also carries Kashmiri chilli powder in some stores, again typically the Pattu brand, in 100g and sometimes larger 400g packs, in the international foods section.
As with Woolworths, availability varies by location. If your local Coles has a well-stocked Indian foods aisle you're in luck, but it isn't a guaranteed find.
Does ALDI sell Kashmiri chilli powder?
ALDI generally doesn't stock Kashmiri chilli powder. Its spice range is smaller and geared towards everyday Western cooking, so specialty Indian chillies usually aren't part of the range. You might find a regular chilli powder, but that's a different spice (more on that below).
It's easy to grab the wrong one
The most common mistake when buying Kashmiri chilli powder in a supermarket is picking up a similar-looking jar that isn't the same thing. On the shelf, regular chilli powder and paprika sit right alongside it and look almost identical, a red powder in a small jar, but they behave very differently in cooking.
Kashmiri chilli powder is used for its deep red colour and mild heat, not for being hot. Regular chilli powder is much hotter and often has other spices blended in, and paprika is milder again with a different flavour. So it's worth reading the label carefully rather than grabbing the nearest red powder.
If you want the full explanation of how they differ, we've covered it here:
- Is Kashmiri Chilli Powder Hot?
- Kashmiri Chilli Powder vs Regular Chilli Powder
- What Can I Substitute for Kashmiri Chilli Powder?
Indian grocery stores
Indian grocers are a reliable place to find Kashmiri chilli powder, often with more than one brand to choose from. If you have one nearby it's a good option for buying in person.
The trade-offs are the usual ones. Not everyone lives near an Indian grocer, hours can be limited, and packaging dates aren't always clear, so freshness can vary. Ground chilli fades in colour and aroma over time, so a fresher pack gives you that bright red the spice is known for.
Buying Kashmiri chilli powder online
Buying online is the easiest way to get authentic Kashmiri chilli powder without checking whether your local supermarket happens to stock it that week. You get the real thing, sealed and dated, delivered to your door.
Our Kashmiri Chilli Powder is sourced from India and packed in Brisbane. It's essentially pure ground Kashmiri chilli, prized for its deep red colour and mild, sweet-smoky flavour, and comes in a 100g or 250g pouch, or a jar with a refill pouch. We ship Australia-wide via Australia Post.
The short answer
If you want Kashmiri chilli powder today, check the international aisle at Coles or Woolworths, or visit a local Indian grocer, just make sure you're picking up Kashmiri chilli and not regular chilli powder or paprika. If you'd rather skip the guesswork and get the authentic spice delivered, order it online and have it sent anywhere in Australia.
