Group · Herbs & spices
Chilli powder
Chilli powder is a spice blend that is very popular in Mexican, Tex-Mex and South American cooking. Unlike pure chilli, it usually combines ground chilli with other ingredients such as cumin, oregano, garlic and paprika, which gives it a warm, rounded and slightly smoky flavour. It comes in different strengths, from mild to very hot, depending on the chillies used. Used in very small amounts, chilli powder lifts dishes without adding to the calorie bill. Beyond its aromatic role, it provides fibre, a little plant protein and various colour compounds. It is a great ally for flavouring tasty, varied everyday cooking.
Macronutrient breakdown
Nutrition table per 100 g
| Calories | 282 kcal |
| Kilojoules | 1179 kJ |
| Protein | 13,5 g |
| Carbohydrate | 49,7 g |
| Fat | 14,3 g |
| Fibre | 34,8 g |
Micronutrients per 100 g
All measured nutrients, ranked by share of the daily reference intake.
- Vitamin E38,14 mg318 %
- Vitamin A1483 µg185 %
- Vitamin B62,09 mg150 %
- Vitamin K1105,7 µg141 %
- Iron17,3 mg124 %
- Copper1 mg100 %
- Potassium1950 mg98 %
- Manganese1,7 mg85 %
See the other 11 nutrients
- Vitamin B311,6 mg73 %
- Vitamin B20,94 mg67 %
- Zinc4,3 mg43 %
- Phosphorus300 mg43 %
- Calcium330 mg41 %
- Magnesium149 mg40 %
- Selenium20,4 µg37 %
- Omega-3 ALA0,52 g26 %
- Vitamin B10,25 mg23 %
- Vitamin B50,89 mg15 %
- Vitamin C0,7 mg1 %
USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy)
Tips
Chilli powder is used pinch by pinch: a few grams are enough to transform a dish. You can add it at the start of cooking to develop its aromas in some fat (hot oil), or at the end of preparation to keep more heat. It makes chilli con carne, tomato sauces, marinades, pulses, scrambled eggs, grilled sweetcorn and even some meat or fish dishes sing.
As for nutrition facts, per 100 g there are around 314 kcal, 13.46 g of protein, 49.7 g of carbohydrate, 14.28 g of fat and above all 34.8 g of fibre. These figures look impressive, but remember that this spice is eaten in minuscule amounts: a teaspoon provides only a few calories. Chilli powder also contains capsaicin (the compound responsible for the heat) and carotenoid pigments from red chillies. To preserve its aromas, keep it in an airtight jar, away from light and moisture.
- Winning pairings: with cumin, garlic powder and paprika for a perfectly balanced homemade Tex-Mex blend.
- Amount: start gently, especially with the hot versions, then adjust to your tolerance for heat.
- Storage: ideally use it within a year of opening to keep its full aromatic strength.
For active people, chilli powder is above all a flavouring tool: it lets you lift dishes rich in protein and complex carbohydrate (rice, beans, lean meats) without adding salt or fatty sauces. It is handy during a cutting phase, when you want to vary tastes while keeping recipes low in calories. Just be careful before intense exercise: a very spicy dish can upset digestion. So favour it for meals well away from training. You will find more ideas for structuring your plates in our guide to the balanced diet.
For weight control, chilli powder is a real slimming asset because it boosts flavour with no real calorie density at the doses used. Be careful, though, with the dishes it goes into: a chilli smothered in cheese or cream is still high in calories. Explore the whole herbs and spices family to season cleverly, and compare intakes with the food calorie table.