Ingredient

Cracked Black Pepper

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add cracked black pepper primarily as a spice to enhance the flavor of …

What it is

Cracked black pepper is made from dried, unripe berries of the Piper nigrum vine, native to South Asia. The berries are harvested while green and then dried, causing them to wrinkle and darken into peppercorns. They are then cracked or coarsely ground to release their pungent flavor and aroma.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add cracked black pepper primarily as a spice to enhance the flavor of foods. Its sharp, pungent taste adds complexity and a mild heat. It is commonly found in savory dishes, seasonings, sauces, marinades, and processed meats.

Health notes

Black pepper is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a spice. It contains piperine, which may affect nutrient absorption. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated black pepper and its extracts. While generally considered safe in typical food use, high concentrations may cause digestive irritation.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen. It is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens and does not contain gluten.

Products containing Cracked Black Pepper

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FOODHOLD Foodhold, Turkey Pastrami Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 29% DV per serving 143kcal 12.5Protein 8.9Fat 3.6Carbs CHRISTIAN POTIER Christian Potier, Peppercorn Sauce Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 140kcal 2Protein 12Fat 6Carbs CHRISTIAN POTIER Shallot Red Wine Sauce Other Cooking Sauces High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 23% DV per serving 140kcal 0.8Protein 12Fat 6Carbs Kraft Heinz Foods Company Cracked Black Pepper Salami Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 22% DV per serving 393kcal 21.4Protein 32.1Fat 3.6Carbs Oscar Mayer Foods Corp. Cracked Black Pepper Hard Salami Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 22% DV per serving 393kcal 21.4Protein 32.1Fat 3.6Carbs Kraft Heinz Foods Company Oven Baked Sharp White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese Dinner, Sharp White Cheddar Pasta Dinners High in sodium — 33% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 318kcal 12.9Protein 10.6Fat 43.5Carbs Salani & Associates, Inc. Natural Cooked Uncured, Cracked Black Pepper Beef Polish Sausage Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats High in sodium — 37% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 271kcal 14.1Protein 22.4Fat 2.4Carbs Marinade Bay, Inc. Nature's Rancher, Cooking & Grilling Sauce, Black Pepper, Black Pepper Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 100kcal 0Protein 0Fat 26.7Carbs Sid Wainer & Son Specialty Produce Cheddar Cheese, Cracked Black Pepper Cheese High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 393kcal 25Protein 35.7Fat 0Carbs Axell Enterprises, Inc. Cracker, Blue Cheese & Cracked Pepper Crackers & Biscotti 308kcal 11.5Protein 9.6Fat 46.1Carbs Pluto's Caribbean Bliss Pluto's, Gluten Free Jamaican Jerk Sauce, Mild, Mild Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 67kcal 0Protein 0Fat 13.3Carbs Canadian Fish Exporters Inc. Cedar Planked Salmon, Sugar & Spice Fish & Seafood 195kcal 16.8Protein 11.5Fat 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.