Chili pepper
What is Chili pepper?
Chili peppers are the fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum, native to the Americas. They are dried and ground to produce a powder, or used fresh, to add heat and flavour to foods. The heat comes from compounds called capsaicinoids, with capsaicin being the most abundant.
Is Chili pepper vegan?
Chili pepper is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Chili pepper a major allergen?
Chili pepper is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Chili pepper used for?
Chili pepper is used to add heat and a distinct flavour to a wide variety of savoury dishes, sauces, and snacks.
Is Chili pepper safe?
Chili pepper is not an authorised food additive in the UK.
Why it's used
Chili pepper is used to add heat and a distinct flavour to a wide variety of savoury dishes, sauces, and snacks. It is a key ingredient in many cuisines worldwide, providing a spicy kick that can range from mild to intensely hot depending on the variety used.
Health notes
Chili pepper is not an authorised food additive in the UK. Capsaicin, the active compound, has been studied for various potential health effects, though evidence is mixed and often based on high-dose or isolated compound studies. The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified capsaicin as 'not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans' (Group 3).
Allergen info
Chili pepper is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. Not a major allergen.
Foods that contain Chili pepper
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