Chamoy

Chamoy is a popular Mexican condiment with a sweet, sour, and spicy flavor profile. It is typically made from dried apricots, plums, or mangoes, combined with chili peppers, lime juice, and salt. The mixture is then often dehydrated and ground into a powder or blended into a sauce.

Manufacturers add chamoy for its unique flavor-enhancing properties, acting as a seasoning to add a tangy, spicy kick. It is commonly used on fruits, vegetables, snacks like chips and nuts, and in beverages such as aguas frescas and margaritas. It can also be found in candies and frozen desserts.

Chamoy is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. Its primary components, fruits and chili peppers, are common food items. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated many of the individual ingredients used in chamoy, such as citric acid (from lime juice) and various spices. Due to its salt and sugar content, moderation is advised, especially for individuals managing blood pressure or blood sugar.