Ingredient

Chilies

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use chilies and chili-derived ingredients to add heat, flavor, and color to foods. …

What it is

Chilies are the fruit of plants from the genus *Capsicum*. They are native to the Americas and come in many varieties, differing in size, color, and heat level. The heat comes from compounds called capsaicinoids, with capsaicin being the most common.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use chilies and chili-derived ingredients to add heat, flavor, and color to foods. They are found in a wide range of products including sauces, seasonings, processed meats, snacks, and prepared meals. Their versatility allows them to be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as extracts.

Health notes

Chilies are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient. Some research suggests capsaicin may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may play a role in metabolism. However, high intake can cause digestive upset in some individuals. JECFA has evaluated capsaicinoids and did not set a numeric limit (ADI not specified).

Allergen info

Chilies are not one of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. They do not contain gluten.

Products containing Chilies

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FRESH FINDS Fresh Finds, Curry Powder Herbs & Spices 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs Activated Superfood Popcorn, Tandoori Turmeric LIVING INTENTIONS Activated Superfood Popcorn, Tandoori Turmeric Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 489kcal 10.7Protein 28.6Fat 57.1Carbs Teriyaki Salmon, Pre-Seasoned Atlantic Salmon Fillets High Liner Foods (USA) Incorporated Teriyaki Salmon, Pre-Seasoned Atlantic Salmon Fillets Frozen Fish & Seafood High in sodium — 32% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 21% DV per serving 200kcal 17.1Protein 11.4Fat 5.7Carbs General Mills, Inc. Vegetarian Indian Curry With Beyond Chicken Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 24% DV per serving 106kcal 7.4Protein 2.1Fat 12.7Carbs Glutenfreeda Flagship, LLC Pocket Sandwich, Southwest Chicken Chipotle Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 23% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 197kcal 10.2Protein 10.2Fat 18.9Carbs Ushodaya Enterprises Limited Mango Ginger Pickle Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 59% DV per serving 233kcal 3.3Protein 16.7Fat 20Carbs Dr. McDougall's Right Foods, Inc. Tortilla Style Vegan Soup Other Soups High in sodium — 23% DV per serving 41kcal 2.0Protein 0.2Fat 8.2Carbs Preferred Brands International Tasty Bite, Pad Thai Asian Noodles, Pad Thai All Noodles High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 200kcal 6.4Protein 6.4Fat 30.4Carbs Fire & Flavor Grilling Co. Bar-B-Q Spice Rub, Bar-B-Q Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 600kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs Fire & Flavor Grilling Co. Classic Rub Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 333kcal 0Protein 0Fat 33.3Carbs Fire & Flavor Grilling Co. Coffee Rub Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 367kcal 0Protein 0Fat 66.7Carbs FishPeople, Inc Albacore Tuna In Thai Coconut Lemongrass Canned Tuna High in sodium — 24% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 130kcal 8Protein 7Fat 7.5Carbs
Salt (99 products) Garlic (77 products) Water (74 products) Spices (71 products) Sugar (56 products) Natural Flavors (49 products) Citric Acid (47 products) Onions (39 products) Vinegar (35 products) Cilantro (34 products)

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.