Cayenne Pepper vs Red Pepper Flakes are spices used in cooking to add heat; cayenne is finely ground with a consistent heat, while red pepper flakes are coarser with a varied heat level.
Cayenne pepper is a hot chili pepper that is commonly used in powder form to add heat and flavor to various dishes. It is named after the city of Cayenne in French Guiana and is well-known for its pungent taste and ability to enhance metabolism.
Red pepper flakes, often called crushed red pepper, are a condiment consisting of dried and crushed (but not ground) red chili peppers. This spice is commonly used to add a spicy kick to pizza, pastas, and many other dishes.
Cayenne pepper is typically ground finely and has a consistent heat throughout, due to being made from a single type of pepper. Red pepper flakes have a variable heat level and a more textured presence as they include a mix of seeds and different parts of dried peppers. Cayenne is pure heat, while red pepper flakes bring both heat and a complex flavor profile.
Best used in hot sauces and salsas for its smooth texture and even heat distribution. Cayenne pepper dissolves well, giving sauces a consistent spice level without altering the sauce's appearance. Ideal for chunkier sauces where you want to see and taste the spice bits, such as marinara or arrabbiata sauce. Red pepper flakes offer bursts of heat and are visually appealing in these dishes.
Great for dry rubs or liquid marinades as it blends well into the mixture, providing a consistent heat level throughout the meat. Best for when you want to achieve a textured feel in the marinades, and for meats that benefit from a hit of heat in every few bites rather than a uniform spiciness.
Ideal for adding a subtle, even heat to baked goods like spicy chocolate desserts, without altering their texture. Suitable for savory baked goods, such as cheese bread or biscuits, where the flakes can add a noticeable spicy accent and a bit of crunch.
Both cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes are low in calories and contain vitamins and minerals that can contribute to a healthy diet, but the specific nutritional content can vary based on the peppers used.
| Nutrient | Cayenne Pepper ( Per Teaspoon ) | Red Pepper Flakes ( Per Teaspoon ) |
|---|---|---|
| Fat | 0.3g | 0.3g |
| Protein | 0.2g | 0.2g |
| Calories | 6 | 5 |
| Vitamin A | 8% DV | 9% DV |
| Vitamin C | 2% DV | 1% DV |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 1g |
Yes, but use half the amount of cayenne pepper to match the heat of red pepper flakes due to its higher spiciness.
No, cayenne pepper is typically hotter than red pepper flakes and has a more consistent heat.
Cayenne pepper is well-suited for dishes that require a smooth, evenly distributed heat, such as sauces and soups.
Red pepper flakes are ideal for dishes where a textured spice presence is desired, such as pizza toppings and chunky sauces.
Yes, using red pepper flakes can add a crunchy texture to dishes, whereas cayenne pepper tends to blend in smoothly without altering texture.
