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Spicy Pepper Paste Calories
Intense heat, vitamin C, flavor enhancer
In season: Summer · Autumn
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
Quick answer
1 tablespoon (medium) of Spicy Pepper Paste (18 g) has 16 calories. That works out to 90 calories per 100 g. It contains 3.2 g of carbs, 0.6 g of protein, 0.2 g of fat and 1 g of fiber. Its 21.6 mg of Vitamin C covers 24% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 25 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
What is Spicy Pepper Paste?
Spicy Pepper Paste is a thick Turkish condiment made by crushing red peppers and concentrating them with salt. It is especially associated with southeastern Turkey, where home cooks traditionally dry pepper mixtures in the sun; commercial versions may be prepared differently. Its deep red colour and dense, spreadable texture make a little go a long way.
The flavour is fruity and savoury as well as hot, so it is stirred into soups, stews, bean dishes and marinades, or spread thinly on bread. In Turkey, it may also appear at breakfast alongside olives, cheese and bread. It contributes fibre as well as concentrated pepper flavour, with 5.8 g of fibre per 100 g. Start with a small spoonful and add more to taste; mixing it with tomato paste softens the heat.
Spicy Pepper Paste Nutrition Facts
Selected: 100 g
90
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
17.5g
· 6% DV
Protein
3.2g
· 6% DV
Fat
1.1g
· 1% DV
Fiber
5.8g
· 21% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 76% · Protein 14% · Fat 10%
Spicy Pepper Paste Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin C
120mg · 133% DV
Vitamin A
1100µg · 122% DV
B6
0.32mg · 19% DV
Vitamin E
2.1mg · 14% DV
Minerals
Sodium
1800mg · 78% DV
Potassium ⭐
320mg · 9% DV
Iron
1mg · 6% DV
Phosphorus
38mg · 5% DV
How Nutritious Is Spicy 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
High
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.
Spicy Pepper Paste Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Spicy Pepper Paste
To burn the 90 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 Spicy 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 Spicy Pepper Paste Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Spicy 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
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Spicy Pepper Paste Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.22g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.18g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.23g
Omega 6:3 ratio 4.8:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (4.8:1).
Compare Spicy Pepper Paste
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Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Pepper Paste
What is spicy pepper paste?
Spicy pepper paste is a thick Turkish condiment made by grinding red peppers and concentrating them, often with salt. It adds a deep pepper flavor and heat to dishes, and its exact ingredients and spiciness vary by recipe and producer.
How do you use spicy pepper paste in cooking?
Spicy pepper paste is commonly stirred into soups, stews, sauces, and marinades. Briefly frying a small spoonful in oil with aromatics brings out its flavor; add it gradually because the heat can vary considerably between jars.
What does spicy pepper paste taste like?
Spicy pepper paste tastes concentrated, savory, and distinctly peppery, with heat that ranges from mild to quite strong. It is generally less sweet and more focused on red-pepper flavor than tomato paste.
Can spicy pepper paste replace tomato paste?
Spicy pepper paste can replace some or all of the tomato paste in a recipe, but it will make the result more peppery and hot rather than tomato-forward. Start with less than the recipe’s tomato-paste amount and adjust the seasoning.
What is a good substitute for spicy pepper paste?
A practical substitute for spicy pepper paste is sweet red pepper paste with chili flakes added to taste. Harissa can also work in many cooked dishes, though its spices and saltiness may noticeably change the final flavor.
How is spicy pepper paste traditionally made?
Spicy pepper paste is traditionally made by crushing red peppers, salting them, and reducing or drying the mixture until thick. Some recipes rely on sun-drying, while others cook the peppers; the method affects the paste’s texture and flavor.
Does spicy pepper paste need to be cooked before eating?
No, spicy pepper paste does not have to be cooked before eating; it can be mixed into dips, dressings, or spreads as it is. Cooking it briefly in oil is common in hot dishes because it helps release its aroma.
How should you store spicy pepper paste after opening?
Store spicy pepper paste in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator after opening. Use a clean, dry spoon each time and keep food or water out of the jar to reduce the chance of spoilage.
Can you freeze spicy pepper paste?
Yes, spicy pepper paste freezes well. Divide it into small portions in a sealed freezer-safe container so you can thaw only what a recipe needs. Avoid repeatedly thawing and refreezing the same portion.
Is spicy pepper paste the same as harissa?
No, spicy pepper paste is not the same as harissa. Turkish pepper paste centers on concentrated red peppers, while harissa commonly includes additional spices and ingredients; either can sometimes stand in for the other, but the flavor will change.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.