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Pepper Paste Calories
Intense pepper flavor, adds color and taste to dishes
In season: Summer · Autumn
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
Quick answer
1 tablespoon (medium) of Pepper Paste (20 g) has 16 calories. That works out to 80 calories per 100 g. It contains 3.2 g of carbs, 0.5 g of protein, 0.1 g of fat and 0.9 g of fiber. Its 220 µg of Vitamin A covers 24% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
What is Pepper Paste?
Pepper paste is made by crushing red peppers and cooking them down into a thick, concentrated condiment. In Turkey, both sweet and hot versions are common, and homemade batches can vary in flavour and texture.
Its deep, savoury pepper taste adds colour and body to soups, stews, beans, bulgur dishes and sauces. Stir it briefly into warm oil with onions to bring out its aroma, or blend a little into a dip. It is mainly a source of carbohydrates, with some fibre and little fat; its concentrated flavour means a small spoonful can go a long way. Start with a modest amount and adjust the dish’s seasoning to taste.
Pepper Paste Nutrition Facts
Selected: 100 g
80
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
16g
· 6% DV
Protein
2.5g
· 5% DV
Fat
0.7g
· 1% DV
Fiber
4.5g
· 16% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 80% · Protein 12% · Fat 8%
Pepper Paste Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin A
1100µg · 122% DV
Vitamin C
80mg · 89% DV
B6
0.3mg · 18% DV
Vitamin E
2.2mg · 15% DV
Minerals
Sodium
1200mg · 52% DV
Iron
1mg · 6% DV
Potassium ⭐
220mg · 6% DV
Phosphorus
35mg · 5% DV
How Nutritious Is Pepper Paste?
Nutrient density
High
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Pepper Paste Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Pepper Paste
To burn the 80 calories in 100 g:
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Is Pepper Paste Processed?
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Pepper Paste Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Pepper Paste Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Pepper Paste Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.13g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.11g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.18g
Omega 6:3 ratio 3:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
Compare Pepper Paste
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pepper Paste
What is Turkish pepper paste made from?
Turkish pepper paste is made from red peppers that are crushed and concentrated, often by cooking or drying in the sun. It may be prepared with sweet or hot peppers, so its heat and flavor vary by type.
How do you use pepper paste in cooking?
Pepper paste adds deep red color and concentrated pepper flavor to soups, stews, beans, rice dishes, sauces, and marinades. Stir a little into oil with aromatics at the start of cooking, or mix it directly into a cold sauce.
Is Turkish pepper paste spicy?
Some Turkish pepper paste is spicy and some is mild. The heat depends on whether it was made with hot or sweet peppers, so check the variety and taste a small amount before adding it to a dish.
What is the difference between pepper paste and tomato paste?
Pepper paste is made from peppers, while tomato paste is made from tomatoes; their flavors are not interchangeable. Pepper paste tastes more distinctly peppery, so replacing it with tomato paste changes a dish’s flavor and color.
Can you substitute harissa for Turkish pepper paste?
Yes, harissa can stand in for Turkish pepper paste, but it usually brings a different spice blend and can be much hotter. Start with less than the recipe calls for and adjust after tasting.
How do you store pepper paste after opening?
Keep opened pepper paste in the refrigerator with the lid tightly closed. Use a clean, dry spoon each time and wipe paste from the jar rim to help prevent mold.
Can pepper paste be frozen?
Yes, pepper paste freezes well. Divide it into small portions in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag, so you can thaw only what you need instead of repeatedly warming the whole jar.
How do you make pepper paste at home?
To make pepper paste at home, remove the stems and seeds from red peppers, cook them until soft, then blend and reduce the purée until thick. Some traditional methods dry the purée in the sun; store the finished paste in clean, sealed jars.
Why does pepper paste taste bitter?
Pepper paste can taste bitter if it has scorched during cooking or if it is old or spoiled. Cook it briefly over moderate heat while stirring, and discard it if it has an off smell, visible mold, or unusual bubbling.
Can you eat pepper paste straight from the jar?
Yes, pepper paste can be eaten without cooking, for example mixed into a dip or spread, though its flavor is concentrated and it may be salty. Taste a small amount first and use it sparingly in uncooked mixtures.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.