Red Pepper Paste

Red pepper paste is a condiment made from ground red chili peppers, often mixed with other ingredients like vinegar, salt, and spices. It can range in flavor from mild and sweet to intensely hot, depending on the type of chili peppers used and any added ingredients. It is a staple in many cuisines, particularly Korean.

Manufacturers use red pepper paste as a flavoring agent and coloring agent in a variety of foods. Its spicy and savory notes add depth and complexity to dishes. It is commonly found in sauces, marinades, dips, and as a condiment for meats and vegetables.

Red pepper paste is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. The capsaicin in chili peppers, the compound that gives them their heat, has been studied for potential health effects, though research is ongoing and not conclusive. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated capsaicin and other compounds found in chili peppers. At typical consumption levels in food, red pepper paste is not associated with adverse health effects.