Ready & Packaged Foods
All →Vegetables & Legumes
All →Desserts & Confectionery
All →Meat & Protein
All →Grains & Bakery
All →Beverages
All →Milk & Dairy
All →
Cayenne pepper powder Calories
Very spicy, rich in vitamin C and A, metabolism booster
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 teaspoon (medium) of Cayenne pepper powder (3 g) has 8 calories. That works out to 318 calories per 100 g. It contains 1.4 g of carbs, 0.3 g of protein, 0.4 g of fat and 0.7 g of fiber. Its 52 µg of Vitamin A covers 6% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 10 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Cayenne pepper powder Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 teaspoon (medium) · 2.5 g
8
KCAL / 2.5G
Carbs
1.4g
· 1% DV
Protein
0.3g
· 1% DV
Fat
0.4g
· 1% DV
Fiber
0.7g
· 3% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 54% · Protein 12% · Fat 34%
Cayenne pepper powder nutrition facts table · 1 teaspoon (medium) (2.5 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 8 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0.4 g | 1% |
| Saturated fat | 0.08 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 0.75 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 1.4 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.7 g | 3% |
| Protein | 0.3 g | 1% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
Log this food in EatBetter
100,000+ people use it
- Get your daily calorie target
- Snap your meal, log it in seconds
- See every vitamin and mineral
📸 Scan the code to get the app free.
How Many Calories in 1 Teaspoon of Cayenne pepper powder?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon (medium) | 2.5 g | 8 kcal |
| 1 g | 1 g | 3 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (small) | 1.5 g | 5 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 5 g | 16 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (large) | 7 g | 22 kcal |
| 1 pack (small) | 20 g | 64 kcal |
| 1 pack (medium) | 50 g | 159 kcal |
| 1 cup (jumbo) | 90 g | 286 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 318 kcal |
| 1 pack (large) | 100 g | 318 kcal |
Calculated from 318 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cayenne pepper powder
What is cayenne pepper powder made from?
Cayenne pepper powder is made from dried cayenne peppers ground into a fine powder. It is generally a single-pepper seasoning, unlike many products sold as chili powder, which may combine several spices.
Is cayenne pepper powder the same as chili powder?
No. Cayenne pepper powder is typically ground cayenne pepper, while chili powder is often a blend that can include cumin, garlic, and other seasonings. Their flavor and heat differ, so they are not always interchangeable in equal amounts.
How hot is cayenne pepper powder?
Cayenne pepper powder is distinctly hot, and even a small amount can noticeably heat a dish. Its exact intensity varies by product, so add a little at a time and taste before adding more.
What can I use instead of cayenne pepper powder?
Ground red pepper or red pepper flakes can replace cayenne pepper powder, but the heat and texture may differ. Start with less than the recipe calls for and adjust after tasting. Paprika works for color and pepper flavor but is usually much milder.
How do you use cayenne pepper powder in cooking?
Use cayenne pepper powder in soups, sauces, marinades, eggs, roasted vegetables, and spice rubs. Add a small amount first, especially in dishes with mild flavors, because its sharp heat can quickly overpower other seasonings.
How can you make a dish less spicy after adding cayenne pepper powder?
Add more of the dish’s main ingredients or, where appropriate, a creamy ingredient such as yogurt or cream to spread out the heat. A little sweetness or acidity may balance the flavor, but simply adding water usually dilutes the whole dish without removing the pepper.
How should you store cayenne pepper powder?
Keep cayenne pepper powder in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, dark place, away from steam and the stove. It gradually loses aroma and heat; if it smells faint or tastes flat, replace it.
Does cayenne pepper powder boost metabolism or help with weight loss?
Cayenne pepper powder does not cause meaningful, lasting weight loss on its own. Capsaicin can create a temporary warming sensation, but that effect should not be mistaken for a reliable fat-burning benefit.
Can cayenne pepper powder cause heartburn or stomach irritation?
Yes, cayenne pepper powder can trigger heartburn or stomach discomfort in some people, especially if they are sensitive to spicy foods. Reduce or avoid it if it brings on symptoms; persistent or severe symptoms warrant medical advice.
Should you add cayenne pepper powder at the start or end of cooking?
Either works. Briefly warming cayenne pepper powder in oil can spread its flavor through a dish, but prolonged high heat may make it taste harsh. Adding it near the end makes it easier to control the final level of heat.
Cayenne pepper powder Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin A
52.03µg · 6% DV
Vitamin E
0.75mg · 5% DV
B6
0.06mg · 4% DV
Vitamin C
1.9mg · 2% DV
Minerals
Manganese
0.05mg · 2% DV
Potassium ⭐
50mg · 1% DV
Magnesium
5.03mg · 1% DV
Copper
0.01mg · 1% DV
Sodium
0.75mg · 0% DV
Cayenne pepper powder Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Cayenne pepper powder
To burn the 8 calories in 1 teaspoon (medium) (2.5 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.
What is Cayenne pepper powder?
Cayenne pepper powder is made by drying and finely grinding hot red cayenne peppers. The pepper traces its roots to the Americas and is now used in kitchens around the world. Its clean, sharp heat can build quickly, so it is best added gradually rather than measured like a mild paprika.
Use it in soups, stews, marinades, eggs, sauces or spice rubs; it is also familiar in Cajun and other boldly seasoned dishes. Although dried spice has concentrated nutrients by weight, the small amounts typically used contribute more heat and flavour than nutrition to a meal. Start with a pinch if you are unsure of its strength, and pair it with yoghurt, citrus or a little oil to round out the burn.
How Nutritious Is Cayenne pepper powder?
Nutrient density
Very 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.
Is Cayenne pepper powder Processed?
NOVA 2
Minimally 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 Cayenne pepper powder Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Cayenne pepper powder Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Cayenne pepper powder Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.08g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.06g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.21g
Compare Cayenne pepper powder
Foods Similar to Cayenne pepper powder
Have another question about Cayenne pepper powder?
Ask the AI nutrition coach — calories, portions, alternatives and more, answered in seconds in the app.
Scan calories with your camera
Instant AI nutrition analysis
Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.