Ingredient

Capsicum

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Capsicum is used to add flavor and heat to foods. Different varieties offer a …

What it is

Capsicum refers to plants in the genus Capsicum, which are native to the Americas. These plants produce fruits commonly known as chili peppers or bell peppers. The fruits can be used fresh, dried, or processed into powders and extracts.

Why it's used

Capsicum is used to add flavor and heat to foods. Different varieties offer a range of tastes from sweet to intensely spicy. It is commonly found in sauces, marinades, spice blends, and processed snacks.

Health notes

Capsicum extracts are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a flavoring agent and to add spice. The active compound, capsaicin, is responsible for the heat and has been studied for various potential health effects, though evidence is mixed and not conclusive for specific benefits at typical dietary intake levels. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated capsaicin and its derivatives.

Allergen info

Capsicum is not one of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Capsicum

Compare products →
FRESH & EASY, LLC Asian Kitchen Meal Bowl Orange Chicken Pizza Mixes & Other Dry Dinners High in sodium — 30% DV per serving 195kcal 5.4Protein 4.6Fat 32.0Carbs TOGO Vegetable Spring Rolls With Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce Crusts & Dough High in sodium — 28% DV per serving 206kcal 1.8Protein 4.1Fat 40.6Carbs THE SAUCY FISH CO. Tomato & Chili Chutney, Salmon Fillets Fish & Seafood 238kcal 17.5Protein 12.5Fat 13.8Carbs Conagra Brands PF CHANGS Pork And Leek Dumplings, 12.5 OZ Dough Based Products / Meals High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 198kcal 5.9Protein 8.9Fat 22.8Carbs GRACE Sweet Potato Juice Drink From Concentrate, Sweet Potato Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks High in added sugars — 50% DV per serving 40kcal 0.2Protein 0Fat 9.7Carbs GRACE Guava Sweet Potato Juice Drink From Concentrate, Guava Sweet Potato Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks High in added sugars — 44% DV per serving 38kcal 0.2Protein 0Fat 9.1Carbs Imex China Ltd. Pre-Cooked Asian Noodles, Spicy Szechwan All Noodles 158kcal 5Protein 0.8Fat 33.3Carbs The Kroger Co. Oregon Pear & Pepper Jelly, Oregon Pear & Pepper Jam, Jelly & Fruit Spreads 263kcal 0Protein 0Fat 63.2Carbs Andy's Deli & Mikolajczyk Sausage Shop, Inc. Baby Wieners Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats 222kcal 11.1Protein 17.8Fat 2.2Carbs Hansen's Dairy, Inc. Buffalo Style Chicken Wings Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 147% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 25% DV per serving 167kcal 11.5Protein 9.6Fat 50Carbs Current's Tackle Near Death Hot Sauce Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 111kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs Tolinco, Inc. Chunky Salsa, Hot Dips & Salsa 36kcal 0Protein 0Fat 7.1Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.