Crushed Red Pepper

Crushed red pepper is made from dried and crushed red chili peppers. It is a spice that adds heat and a mild pepper flavor to foods. The specific type of pepper used can vary, influencing the final flavor and heat level.

Manufacturers use crushed red pepper primarily as a spice to add heat and flavor. It is common in savory dishes, sauces, marinades, and spice blends. It is also used as a topping for pizzas and other dishes.

Crushed red pepper is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. Capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat, is being studied for various health effects, but evidence is mixed and more research is needed. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated capsaicinoids, but no specific limits for crushed red pepper as a food ingredient are typically set. At typical dietary levels, it is not associated with adverse health effects.