Ingredient

Cayenne Red Pepper

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Cayenne red pepper is primarily used as a spice to add heat and color …

What it is

Cayenne red pepper is a variety of chili pepper, specifically *Capsicum annuum*. It is dried and ground into a powder, giving it a vibrant red color and a spicy flavor. It is a common spice used worldwide.

Why it's used

Cayenne red pepper is primarily used as a spice to add heat and color to foods. It is found in a wide range of savory dishes, including seasoning mixes, sauces, marinades, and frozen meals. Its pungent flavor makes it a popular ingredient in spicy snacks and entrees.

Health notes

Cayenne red pepper is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient. The main active compound, capsaicin, is responsible for its heat and has been studied for various health effects. Some research suggests capsaicin may play a role in metabolism and pain relief, but evidence is mixed and more research is needed. JECFA has evaluated capsaicinoids, and EFSA has also assessed capsaicin. These evaluations do not indicate safety concerns at typical dietary intake levels.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Cayenne Red Pepper

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Pepsico Inc. Rice-A-Roni Red Bean & Rice 5 Ounce Paper Box Grain Based Products / Meals High in sodium — 33% DV per serving 337kcal 11.5Protein 1.5Fat 73.5Carbs

McCormick & Company, Inc. Queso Dip Seasoning Mix, Queso Dip Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 100Carbs Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. Buffalo Style Chicken Wrap Prepared Wraps and Burittos High in sodium — 39% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 188kcal 13.2Protein 7.6Fat 16.0Carbs Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. Buffalo Chicken Slider Prepared Subs & Sandwiches High in sodium — 44% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 35% DV per serving 222kcal 16.2Protein 8.4Fat 19.2Carbs McCormick & Company, Inc. Mild Sriracha Seasoning, Mild Sriracha Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs McCormick & Company, Inc. Spicy Buffalo Wings & Things Seasoning Mix, Spicy Buffalo Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 357kcal 0Protein 0Fat 71.4Carbs Nestle USA Inc. Spicy Pepperoni With Reduced Fat Mozzarella Cheese, Diced Jalapenos, And Sriracha Cayenne Pizza Sauce In A Crispy Crust Sandwiches, Spicy Pepperoni Pizza High in sodium — 23% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 268kcal 7.9Protein 13.4Fat 28.4Carbs Nestle USA Inc. Spicy Buffalo Style Chicken White Meat Chicken & Spicy Sauce In A Crispy Crust Sandwiches, Spicy Buffalo Style Chicken Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 29% DV per serving 205kcal 7.1Protein 6.3Fat 29.9Carbs Nestle Usa-Frozen Food Division Sweet & Sour Chicken Tender White Meat Chicken In A Tangy Sweet & Sour Sauce With Rice, Sweet & Sour Chicken Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 26% DV per serving High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 106kcal 5.7Protein 1.1Fat 18.0Carbs Nestle Usa-Frozen Food Division Sweet & Smoky BBQ Prime Rib Steak And Black Beans In BBQ Sauce With Red Skin Potatoes, Sweet Corn, And Poblano & Red Peppers In An Ancho Chili Sauce, Sweet & Smoky BBQ Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 41% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 124kcal 7.6Protein 4.0Fat 14.1Carbs Nestle USA Inc. Pepperoni Pizza With Low Fat Mozzarella, Parmesan And Asiago & Sauce In A Baked Garlic & Herb Seasoned Crust Sandwiches, Pepperoni Pizza Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 225kcal 8.3Protein 6.7Fat 32.5Carbs BELS INTERNATIONAL INC. Pork Tocino Other Frozen Meats High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 165kcal 17.6Protein 8.2Fat 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.