Pepper Sauce

Pepper sauce is a condiment made from chili peppers, vinegar, and salt. The peppers are typically mashed or blended into a paste, then mixed with vinegar and salt, and often aged or fermented. Variations can include other spices, fruits, or vegetables for added flavor.

Pepper sauce is used to add heat and flavor to a wide variety of dishes. Manufacturers add it to enhance the taste profile of foods like sauces, marinades, dressings, and prepared meals. It is also a popular standalone condiment for dipping or seasoning.

Pepper sauce is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. The primary active compound in chili peppers, capsaicin, is responsible for the heat and has been studied for various potential health effects, though evidence is mixed and not conclusive for many claims. JECFA has evaluated capsaicin and did not set a numeric limit (ADI not specified). Some research suggests capsaicin may have antioxidant properties, but high intake can cause digestive upset in some individuals.