Hot Chili Sauce

Hot chili sauce is a condiment made from chili peppers, vinegar, and often other spices and flavorings. It can range from mild to extremely spicy depending on the type and amount of chili peppers used. The sauce is typically produced by pureeing or finely chopping the ingredients and then cooking them together.

Manufacturers add hot chili sauce to provide heat and flavor to a wide variety of foods. It is commonly found in ethnic dishes, marinades, dips, and as a table condiment. Its versatility allows it to be used in everything from stir-fries and tacos to salad dressings and Bloody Marys.

Hot chili sauce is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. The capsaicin in chili peppers, which gives the sauce its heat, is responsible for many of its perceived effects. Some research suggests capsaicin may have a role in metabolism and pain relief, but evidence is mixed and more study is needed. JECFA has evaluated capsaicin and established an acceptable daily intake. No major controversies exist regarding its use in typical food amounts.