Spice

Spice refers to an aromatic or pungent vegetable substance used to flavor food. It is derived from various parts of plants, such as seeds, fruits, roots, bark, or flowers, that are typically dried and often ground into powder.

Manufacturers add spice primarily for flavoring and aroma, enhancing the taste profile of a wide range of foods. It is frequently found in savory items like ketchup, mustard, BBQ and cheese sauces, snack mixes, and frozen pizzas.

In the United States, 'spices' are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices. Most spices are consumed in small amounts and are not associated with adverse health effects at typical intake levels. While individual spices have been evaluated by bodies like JECFA and EFSA, 'spice' as a general category is too broad for a single evaluation. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to specific spices, but this is not common for the general category.