Capsaicin is the compound responsible for the heat in chili peppers. It is found in a variety of foods, particularly those with spicy profiles. Here is a comprehensive list of foods that contain capsaicin.
Common Chili Peppers
Jalapeño
Jalapeños are moderately hot peppers often used in salsas, sauces, and as a topping.
Serrano
Serrano peppers are slightly hotter than jalapeños and are commonly used in Mexican cuisine.
Habanero
Habaneros are extremely hot peppers, known for their fruity flavor and intense heat, often used in hot sauces.
Scotch Bonnet
Similar to habaneros, Scotch bonnets are very hot and commonly used in Caribbean dishes.
Thai Chili
These small, fiery peppers are often used in Thai cooking to add a sharp heat.
Spicy Sauces and Condiments
Hot Sauce
Many hot sauces, such as Tabasco and Sriracha, contain capsaicin as a primary ingredient.
Chili Oil
Chili oil often contains capsaicin from infused chili peppers, used to add heat to dishes.
Salsa
Salsa, especially the hotter varieties, can contain capsaicin from ingredients like jalapeños or habaneros.
Spicy Dishes
Spicy Thai Curry
Thai curries often incorporate Thai chilies or chili paste, containing capsaicin.
Spicy Indian Curry
Certain Indian curries use a variety of hot chilies, contributing capsaicin to the dish.
Hot Wings
Buffalo wings and other hot wings use sauces made with capsaicin-rich ingredients.
Capsaicin Supplements
Capsaicin Pills
Capsaicin supplements in pill form are used for their potential health benefits and contain concentrated capsaicin.
Capsaicin Creams
Topical creams containing capsaicin are used for pain relief and contain capsaicin as an active ingredient.