Dried Chipotle Chili Peppers

Dried chipotle chili peppers are ripe jalapeños that have been smoked and dried. This process gives them a distinctive smoky flavor and a deep red-brown color. They are a staple ingredient in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.

Manufacturers use dried chipotle peppers to add a smoky, spicy flavor to a wide variety of foods. They are often found in barbecue sauces, marinades, spice blends, salsas, and processed meats. Their intense flavor means a small amount can significantly impact the taste of a dish.

Dried chipotle peppers are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. They contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for chili pepper heat, which may have some antioxidant properties. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated chili peppers and their extracts. Evidence on the health effects of capsaicin at typical dietary intake levels is mixed, with some studies suggesting potential benefits and others showing no significant effect.