Chipotles

Chipotles are dried, smoked jalapeño peppers. Jalapeños are a type of chili pepper, typically green and moderately spicy. After harvesting, jalapeños are smoked over wood fires, which gives chipotles their distinctive smoky flavor and darker color.

Chipotles are used to add a smoky, spicy flavor to foods. They are often found in Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes, sauces, marinades, and spice rubs. Manufacturers use them as a key flavoring ingredient in products like barbecue sauce, salsa, and dips.

Chipotles are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. They are a source of capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat, which has been studied for various health effects. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated capsaicinoids, but no specific numeric limits are typically set for whole foods like chipotles. Evidence regarding health benefits or risks is still under research.