Overview
About Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper is pure dried, ground chili, so it is one of the most concentrated nightshades in the spice rack and it is high in salicylates too.
Unlike paprika or chili powder, which are milder blends, cayenne is a single hot pepper ground to powder, so a small pinch delivers a big nightshade and salicylate load. It is a common hidden trigger in spice rubs and hot dishes.
Sensitivities
How Cayenne pepper scores
Watch for
What trips people up
- One of the strongest nightshades you can add to food, since it is nothing but ground hot chili
- High in salicylates, so it can trigger people who react to aspirin or other salicylate-rich foods
- Not AIP compliant, and easy to overlook when it hides inside a spice blend or seasoning mix
Diet fit
Where it fits
Swap ideas
More alternatives
FAQ
Common questions about Cayenne pepper
Is cayenne pepper a nightshade?
Yes. Cayenne is a variety of chili pepper in the nightshade family, and because it is dried and ground it is very concentrated. If nightshades trigger you, cayenne is one of the strongest forms to watch, more so than milder paprika.
What is the difference between cayenne, paprika and chili powder as triggers?
All three are nightshades, but cayenne is a single hot pepper ground on its own, so it is both very high heat and high in salicylates. Chili powder is usually a blend that includes cumin and other spices, and paprika is milder and sweeter. If you are tracking triggers, cayenne carries the heaviest salicylate and capsaicin punch of the three per pinch.
References
Read the background
Ratings reflect the Triggerbites ingredient database and may vary with portion size and preparation.