Chili powder

spices

Chili powder

6/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 3.6

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve6 caution0 avoid
Is Chili powder Healthy?

It depends — Chili powder is a mixed bag. Some diets approve it while others urge caution. Context and quantity matter.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g

Diet Ratings

Keto8/10APPROVED

Pure chili powder contains approximately 0.8g net carbs per teaspoon. Pure spice with no added sugars in authentic versions. Some commercial blends may contain additives, so pure chili powder is preferred.

Vegan9/10APPROVED

Chili powder is made from dried chili peppers. Entirely plant-based with no animal products. Check labels for anti-caking agents.

Paleo8/10APPROVED

Pure chili powder is ground dried chili peppers with no additives. Peppers are nightshades (debated in paleo but generally accepted). Verify no added salt, sugar, or fillers. Provides capsaicin with metabolic benefits.

Mediterranean5/10CAUTION

Chili powder quality varies significantly; many commercial blends contain additives, salt, and fillers. Pure ground chili is acceptable, but processed versions should be avoided. Check ingredient labels.

iSome Mediterranean diet experts accept pure chili powder as compatible, noting capsaicin's health benefits and its use in Mediterranean regions bordering spice trade routes.

Carnivore5/10CAUTION

Chili powder is made from dried plant peppers. Plant-derived but used in small quantities by many practitioners. Strict protocols exclude it.

iLion Diet excludes all plant spices. Many carnivore practitioners use minimal amounts for flavor without significant metabolic impact.

Whole306/10CAUTION

Pure chili powder (ground dried chili peppers) is compliant, but many commercial brands add sugar, salt, anti-caking agents, or other additives. Check label carefully.

iMelissa Urban recommends verifying no added sugars or processing agents. Some community members prefer whole dried chilis to avoid additives in powder form.

Low-FODMAP5/10CAUTION

Chili powder is typically made from dried chili peppers and may contain additives such as garlic powder, onion powder, or salt. While pure chili powder (from peppers alone) is low-FODMAP, commercial blends often contain garlic or onion powder. Monash has not formally tested chili powder blends. At small seasoning portions (1 tsp), FODMAP content is likely acceptable if pure, but larger amounts or adulterated blends warrant caution.

iMonash University has not formally tested chili powder blends; clinical FODMAP practitioners recommend verifying ingredient labels for garlic/onion powder and limiting to 1-2 tsp per serving.

DASH5/10CAUTION

Pure chili powder (ground dried chiles) is sodium-free and contains capsaicin with potential cardiovascular benefits. However, commercial blends often contain added salt (100-200mg per teaspoon) and fillers. Check labels for unsalted versions.

Zone8/10APPROVED

Spice with negligible macronutrients; capsaicin provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Pure chili powder (not blended with sugar) supports Zone principles. Verify no added sugars.

Anti-Inflammatory7/10APPROVED

Capsaicin in chili peppers has documented anti-inflammatory effects. Contains polyphenols and antioxidants. Supports metabolic health. Pure chili powder without additives is ideal; some commercial blends may contain added sugars or salt.

GLP-1 Friendly4/10CAUTION

Spice blend with minimal calories, but capsaicin can trigger or worsen reflux and nausea in GLP-1 patients with sensitive GI tracts. Some tolerate well; others experience significant discomfort. Use cautiously and in small amounts.

Controversy Index

Score range: 49/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus3.6Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Chili powder

Keto 8/10
  • Low net carbs per serving
  • Pure spice form preferred
  • Check labels for additives
  • No added sugars in pure versions
Vegan 9/10
  • Plant pepper-derived
  • 100% plant-based
  • Verify anti-caking agents
Paleo 8/10
  • Verify pure chili with no additives
  • Nightshade (generally accepted)
  • Capsaicin provides metabolic benefits
  • Check for added salt or sugar
Mediterranean 5/10
  • Variable processing and additives
  • Often contains salt and fillers
  • Pure versions acceptable
  • Check ingredient labels
Carnivore 5/10
  • Plant pepper origin
  • Used in small quantities
  • Minimal carbohydrate per serving
  • Flavor enhancement only
Whole30 6/10
  • Brand-dependent
  • Check for added sugar
  • Verify no anti-caking agents or fillers
Low-FODMAP 5/10
  • Risk of garlic or onion powder additives in commercial blends
  • Pure chili pepper is low-FODMAP
  • Dose-dependent FODMAP status
DASH 5/10
  • Variable sodium in commercial blends
  • Capsaicin may support cardiovascular health
  • Choose unsalted varieties
Zone 8/10
  • Negligible macronutrient impact
  • Capsaicin anti-inflammatory properties
  • Verify no added sugars in blend
  • No glycemic load
  • capsaicin anti-inflammatory effects
  • polyphenol-rich
  • metabolic support
  • antioxidant properties
  • check for additives in commercial blends
  • minimal calories
  • capsaicin may trigger reflux
  • individual tolerance varies widely
  • test in small amounts first
Last reviewed: Our methodology