Chipotle Paste

Chipotle paste is a condiment made from smoked, dried jalapeño peppers (chipotles) blended with other ingredients. The peppers are first dried and smoked, then typically pureed with water, vinegar, and sometimes spices or other flavourings to create a smooth paste.

Chipotle paste is used to impart a smoky, spicy flavour to a wide range of dishes. Manufacturers add it to sauces, marinades, rubs, and prepared meals like chilli, stews, and burgers to enhance their taste profile. Its intense flavour means a little goes a long way.

Chipotle paste is not a regulated food additive in the UK; it is a food ingredient. The primary active compounds in chipotles are capsaicinoids, which give chillies their heat. While capsaicin is associated with various physiological effects, such as influencing metabolism and pain perception, evidence regarding significant health impacts from typical dietary consumption of chilli-based products is mixed. The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified capsaicin as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' (Group 2B), based on limited evidence in humans and animals. However, regulatory bodies like EFSA have evaluated capsaicinoids and have not set specific limits for their use as food ingredients.