Includes Red Pepper

Red pepper is a common name for the fruit of certain cultivars of the plant Capsicum annuum, which also includes bell peppers and chili peppers. It is a vegetable that is typically red when ripe, though it can also be green, yellow, or orange. Red peppers are grown worldwide and are used fresh, dried, or ground into powder.

Red pepper is used as a spice and flavoring agent in a wide variety of foods, adding a mild to moderate heat and a distinct flavor. It is commonly found in seasoning mixes, sauces, marinades, processed meats, and snack foods. Its vibrant color also contributes to the visual appeal of food products.

Red pepper is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is a source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, and antioxidants. While generally considered healthy, excessive consumption of very spicy varieties could potentially cause digestive upset in some individuals. Regulatory bodies have not set specific upper intake limits for red pepper as a food ingredient.