Red Pepper Granules

Red pepper granules are dried and crushed pieces of red bell peppers. They are made by harvesting ripe red bell peppers, cleaning them, and then drying them until they are brittle. The dried peppers are then ground into small granules or flakes.

Manufacturers add red pepper granules for flavor, color, and texture. They provide a mild, sweet pepper taste and a visual speckling to foods. They are commonly found in spice blends, marinades, rubs, and as a topping for dishes like pizzas, salads, and roasted vegetables.

Red pepper granules are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. They are a source of vitamins and antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and capsaicinoids, which give peppers their characteristic heat and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated capsaicinoids, but specific evaluations for red pepper granules as a whole ingredient are not as common. No significant health concerns are associated with typical consumption levels.