Chili Peppers And Silicon Dioxide

Chili peppers are the fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum, native to the Americas. They are dried and ground into a powder. Silicon dioxide is a naturally occurring compound also known as silica, commonly found in sand and quartz.

Chili pepper powder is used to add heat and flavor to a wide variety of foods, including snacks, sauces, and seasoning blends. Silicon dioxide is used as an anti-caking agent to prevent powdered ingredients from clumping, ensuring a free-flowing product in mixes, spices, and powdered beverages.

Chili peppers contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for their heat, which may have some health benefits according to some research, though more is needed. Silicon dioxide is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as an anti-caking agent. Neither ingredient has specific health concerns at the levels typically found in food. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated both ingredients.