Ingredient

Ground Black Pepper

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use ground black pepper primarily as a flavoring agent to add a savory …

What is Ground Black Pepper?

Ground black pepper is made from the dried berries of the Piper nigrum plant, a vine native to South Asia. The berries are harvested when unripe, then dried and ground into a powder. It is a widely used spice known for its pungent, slightly spicy flavor.

Is Ground Black Pepper vegan?

Ground Black Pepper is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Ground Black Pepper gluten-free?

Black pepper is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens and does not contain gluten.

Is Ground Black Pepper a major allergen?

Not a major allergen.

What is Ground Black Pepper used for?

Manufacturers use ground black pepper primarily as a flavoring agent to add a savory and pungent taste to a wide variety of foods.

Is Ground Black Pepper safe?

Ground black pepper is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use ground black pepper primarily as a flavoring agent to add a savory and pungent taste to a wide variety of foods. It is a common ingredient in spice blends, marinades, sauces, soups, and processed meats, and is often used as a finishing spice on finished dishes.

Health notes

Ground black pepper is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient. It contains piperine, which may affect nutrient absorption. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated piperine, but no specific regulatory limits are set for typical dietary intake. Evidence on its health effects at typical consumption levels is still being researched.

Allergen info

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

Foods that contain Ground Black Pepper

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Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

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.