Calories in Chili Pepper
Chili peppers are the fruits of Capsicum pepper plants, noted for their hot flavor. They are low in calories but exceptionally rich in vitamins C, A, and B6, as well as the bioactive compound capsaicin.

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Common Variations
| Variation | Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 pepper (45g) | 1 pepper (45g) | 18 | 0.9g | 4.1g | 0.1g |
| 100 g | 100 g | 40 | 1.9g | 9.1g | 0.3g |
| 1 serving (45 g) | 1 serving (45 g) | 18 | 0.9g | 4.1g | 0.1g |
| 1 slice (11g) | 1 slice (11g) | 4 | 0.2g | 1g | 0g |
Health Benefits
High Vitamin C content supports immune function and skin health.
Capsaicin has been linked to natural pain relief and reduced inflammation.
Rich in antioxidants like lutein and ferulic acid which protect against oxidative stress.
Nutrition Tips
- Capsaicin, the compound that makes peppers hot, may slightly increase metabolic rate and fat burning.
- Red chili peppers usually contain significantly more Vitamin A (as beta-carotene) than green ones.
- To reduce the heat while keeping the nutrients, remove the seeds and the white inner membranes.
- Pairing chili peppers with healthy fats like olive oil helps the body absorb their fat-soluble vitamins.
- Fresh chili peppers have a higher Vitamin C content compared to dried or powdered versions.
GAYA Tracking Tip
When photographing your meal, place a whole chili pepper next to your dish for scale, or specify if it is a concentrated dried variety versus fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do chili peppers help with weight loss?+
Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which can temporarily boost metabolism and reduce appetite, though they are most effective as part of a balanced diet.
Are red chili peppers more nutritious than green ones?+
Yes, red peppers are fully ripe and typically contain higher levels of Vitamin C and Vitamin A compared to green, unripe peppers.
Does cooking chili peppers destroy their nutrients?+
Cooking can reduce Vitamin C levels, but it can actually make some antioxidants like carotenoids easier for your body to absorb.
Track Chili Pepper calories with just a photo
Snap a photo of your food — GAYA calculates calories, protein, carbs, and fat in seconds.
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