Ground Chili Pepper

Ground chili pepper is made from dried, ground chili peppers, which are the fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum. These peppers are cultivated worldwide and vary greatly in heat, flavor, and color. The grinding process breaks down the dried peppers into a fine powder.

Manufacturers use ground chili pepper primarily as a spice to add heat and flavor to foods. It is a key ingredient in many savory dishes, sauces, marinades, and spice blends. It is commonly found in frozen dinners, snacks, and appetizers.

Ground chili pepper is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. The capsaicinoids, such as capsaicin, are responsible for its heat and have been studied for various physiological effects. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated chili peppers and their extracts. Evidence on health benefits or risks at typical dietary intakes is mixed and ongoing.