White Pepper Powder

White pepper powder is made from the dried, ripe berries of the Piper nigrum plant, similar to black pepper. The outer dark skin is removed after soaking the berries in water, leaving the pale inner seed. It has a milder, more nuanced flavor than black pepper, with a slightly woody and earthy taste.

White pepper is primarily used as a spice to add a pungent flavor to foods. Manufacturers use it in dishes where a speckled appearance from black pepper is undesirable, such as in white sauces, creamy soups, mashed potatoes, and light-colored meat or fish dishes. It is also a common ingredient in seasoning blends and marinades.

White pepper is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a spice. It is a source of piperine, which has been studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated piperine, but no specific health claims are associated with typical dietary intake of white pepper. Evidence on its health effects is ongoing.