16 Complete Protein Pairings with Chili Pepper

Summary:

  • Chili pepper contains a moderate amount of protein - about 0.9 grams per pepper.
  • However, chili pepper provides only 6 of the 9 essential amino acids sufficiently - it is a little low on leucine, lysine and methionine.[1]
  • Chili pepper pairs well with carrots, hedge mustard seeds, pumpkin seeds, crimini mushroom or chia seeds to create a complete protein profile. [2] More chili pepper pairings and detailed analysis below.

A complete protein is a protein source that "contains adequate proportions of the nine essential amino acids" that our body can not produce on its own.

World Health Organization [2], National Academy Press [3]

We analyzed the amino acid composition of chili pepper, and found both vegan and vegetarian pairings with chili pepper that creates a complete protein profile. Read on to discover new combinations of foods to enjoy!

Details on how we calculate complete protein profiles.

image of chili pepper source

Amount of Protein in Chili Pepper

A decent source of supplementary protein, a single chili pepper contains 0.9 grams of protein, or about 2% of recommended daily values. [1]

To get the adequate amount of protein with chili pepper alone, you will need 56 chili pepper (2500 grams) for an average female, or 67 chili pepper for males. [4] That's about 1000 calories, and a lot of chili pepper! Supplementing chili pepper with food higher in protein is a good idea.

Full nutritional profile for chili pepper
USDA Source: Peppers, hot chili, green, raw

Macronutrients in 1 pepper (45g) of chili pepper:

% of RDV Amount
Calories
0.9% 18 kCal
Carbohydrates
0% -
Total fat
0.1% 0.1 grams
Protein
1.8% 0.9 grams

Essential Amino Acids in Chili Pepper

Proportionally, chili pepper does contain abundant amounts of 6 out of the nine essential amino acids. However, chili pepper is a little short on leucine, lysine and methionine.[1]

To have adequate amounts of all nine essential amino acids with chili pepper alone, you will have to eat 80 chili pepper (3583 grams) for an average person. [2]

That's about 43% more chili pepper to compensate for the lack of leucine, lysine and methionine, compared to the protein requirement alone.

The amount of each essential amino acid in 1 pepper (45g) of chili pepper:

Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [1] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
1.8% 0.9g
Histidine
2.9% 0.018g
Isoleucine
3.4% 0.029g
Leucine
2.5% 0.047g
Lysine
2.3% 0.04g
Methionine
1.3% 0.011g
Phenylalanine
1.9% 0.028g
Threonine
3.7% 0.033g
Tryptophan
4.5% 0.012g
Valine
3.5% 0.038g

More Complete Protein with Chili Pepper

Top vegan pairings with chili pepper include:
  1. Carrots
  2. Hedge Mustard Seeds
  3. Pumpkin Seeds
  4. Crimini Mushroom
  5. Chia Seeds
  6. Dijon Mustard
  7. Yellow Mustard
  8. Lotus Seeds
  9. Spirulina
  10. Spinach
  11. Avocado
Although dairy and eggs are generally considered complete proteins, some types of vegetarian food pair more efficiently with chili pepper. These include:
  1. Sour Cream
  2. Caramel
  3. Yogurt
  4. Mayonnaise

Vegan 1. Carrots and Chili Pepper


image of carrots
image of chili pepper

Low in protein, carrot is high in leucine, lysine and methionine, which is complementary to chili pepper.

A ratio of 2.5 chili pepper (113g) and 2.5 carrots (178g) creates a complete protein profile. In fact, any ratio of more than 1.6:1 of carrot to chili pepper will be complete.

Full nutritional profile for carrots
USDA Source: Carrots, raw

Table of amino acids of 2.5 pepper chili pepper and 2.5 large carrots :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [5] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
7.8% 3.9g
Histidine
18.6% 0.12g
Isoleucine
24.4% 0.21g
Leucine
15.8% 0.3g
Lysine
16.4% 0.28g
Methionine
7.3% 0.06g
Phenylalanine
12% 0.18g
Threonine
47% 0.42g
Tryptophan
19.5% 0.05g
Valine
20.1% 0.22g

Vegan 2. Hedge Mustard Seeds and Chili Pepper


image of hedge mustard seeds
image of chili pepper

Hedge mustard seed is a reasonable source of supplementary protein, and is high in leucine, lysine and methionine, complementing the profile of chili pepper.

For example, 5 chili pepper (225g) and 3.4 tablespoons of hedge mustard seeds (16g) make a complete amino acids profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.07 to 1:14 for chili pepper to hedge mustard seed by weight.

Full nutritional profile for hedge mustard seeds
USDA Source: Seeds, sisymbrium sp. seeds, whole, dried

Table of amino acids of 5 pepper chili pepper and 3.4 tbsp hedge mustard seeds :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [6] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
12.8% 6.4g
Histidine
22.7% 0.14g
Isoleucine
28.8% 0.25g
Leucine
22.7% 0.43g
Lysine
19.1% 0.33g
Methionine
11.9% 0.1g
Phenylalanine
15.5% 0.23g
Threonine
30.5% 0.27g
Tryptophan
38.5% 0.1g
Valine
27.7% 0.3g

Vegan 3. Pumpkin Seeds and Chili Pepper


image of pumpkin seeds
image of chili pepper

A reasonable source of supplementary protein, pumpkin seed is high in leucine, lysine and methionine, which is complementary to chili pepper.

A ratio of 5 chili pepper (225g) and 3.8 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds (15g) creates a complete protein profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.07 to 1:13 for chili pepper to pumpkin seed by weight.

Full nutritional profile for pumpkin seeds
USDA Source: Seeds, pumpkin and squash seeds, whole, roasted, without salt

Table of amino acids of 5 pepper chili pepper and 3.8 tbsp pumpkin seeds :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [7] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
14.6% 7.3g
Histidine
27% 0.17g
Isoleucine
33.8% 0.29g
Leucine
25% 0.47g
Lysine
23.9% 0.41g
Methionine
13.6% 0.12g
Phenylalanine
18.7% 0.28g
Threonine
29.9% 0.27g
Tryptophan
41.4% 0.11g
Valine
38.3% 0.41g

Vegan 4. Crimini Mushroom and Chili Pepper


image of crimini mushroom
image of chili pepper

Crimini mushroom is a reasonable source of supplementary protein, and is high in leucine, lysine and methionine, complementing the profile of chili pepper.

For example, 1.7 chili pepper (75g) and 2.1 cups of crimini mushroom (179g) make a complete amino acids profile. In fact, any ratio of more than 2.4:1 of crimini mushroom to chili pepper will be complete.

Full nutritional profile for crimini mushroom
USDA Source: Mushrooms, brown, italian, or crimini, raw

Table of amino acids of 1.7 pepper chili pepper and 2.1 cup crimini mushroom :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [8] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
12% 6g
Histidine
23.9% 0.15g
Isoleucine
26.3% 0.23g
Leucine
18.7% 0.35g
Lysine
30.3% 0.52g
Methionine
12.1% 0.1g
Phenylalanine
14.8% 0.22g
Threonine
28.6% 0.26g
Tryptophan
46.1% 0.12g
Valine
24.9% 0.27g

Vegan 5. Chia Seeds and Chili Pepper


image of chia seeds
image of chili pepper

A reasonable source of supplementary protein, chia seed is high in leucine, lysine and methionine, which is complementary to chili pepper.

A ratio of 5 chili pepper (225g) and 0.3 ounce of chia seeds (7g) creates a complete protein profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.03 to 1:7 for chili pepper to chia seed by weight.

Full nutritional profile for chia seeds
USDA Source: Seeds, chia seeds, dried

Table of amino acids of 5 pepper chili pepper and 0.3 oz chia seeds :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [9] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
11.5% 5.7g
Histidine
20.9% 0.13g
Isoleucine
24% 0.21g
Leucine
17.9% 0.34g
Lysine
15.9% 0.27g
Methionine
11.4% 0.1g
Phenylalanine
14.5% 0.22g
Threonine
24.4% 0.22g
Tryptophan
35.1% 0.09g
Valine
24.1% 0.26g

Vegan 6. Dijon Mustard and Chili Pepper


image of dijon mustard
image of chili pepper

Dijon mustard is a great source of protein, and is high in leucine, lysine and methionine, complementing the profile of chili pepper.

For example, 3.3 chili pepper (150g) and 3.1 tablespoons of dijon mustard (19g) make a complete amino acids profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.12 to 1:37 for chili pepper to dijon mustard by weight.

Full nutritional profile for dijon mustard
USDA Source: Spices, mustard seed, ground

Table of amino acids of 3.3 pepper chili pepper and 3.1 tbsp dijon mustard :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [10] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
15.7% 7.8g
Histidine
35.7% 0.22g
Isoleucine
36.9% 0.32g
Leucine
28.8% 0.54g
Lysine
27.9% 0.48g
Methionine
14.6% 0.13g
Phenylalanine
20.9% 0.31g
Threonine
29.6% 0.27g
Tryptophan
33.3% 0.09g
Valine
37.7% 0.41g

Vegan 7. Yellow Mustard and Chili Pepper


image of yellow mustard
image of chili pepper

A reasonable source of supplementary protein, yellow mustard is high in leucine, lysine and methionine, which is complementary to chili pepper.

A ratio of 5 chili pepper (225g) and 7.5 tablespoons of yellow mustard (113g) creates a complete protein profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.5 to 1:0.31 for chili pepper to yellow mustard by weight.

Full nutritional profile for yellow mustard
USDA Source: Mustard, prepared, yellow

Table of amino acids of 5 pepper chili pepper and 7.5 tbsp yellow mustard :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [11] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
17.5% 8.7g
Histidine
36% 0.23g
Isoleucine
36.2% 0.31g
Leucine
30% 0.57g
Lysine
29.2% 0.5g
Methionine
16.3% 0.14g
Phenylalanine
21.6% 0.32g
Threonine
39.5% 0.36g
Tryptophan
26.4% 0.07g
Valine
37.3% 0.4g

Vegan 8. Lotus Seeds and Chili Pepper


image of lotus seeds
image of chili pepper

Lotus seed is a reasonable source of supplementary protein, and is high in leucine, lysine and methionine, complementing the profile of chili pepper.

For example, 2 chili pepper (90g) and 1.1 cups of lotus seeds (36g) make a complete amino acids profile. In fact, any ratio of more than 0.4:1 of lotus seed to chili pepper will be complete.

Full nutritional profile for lotus seeds
USDA Source: Seeds, lotus seeds, dried

Table of amino acids of 2 pepper chili pepper and 1.1 cup lotus seeds :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [12] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
14.8% 7.4g
Histidine
30.6% 0.19g
Isoleucine
39.1% 0.34g
Leucine
28.3% 0.54g
Lysine
25.6% 0.44g
Methionine
13.8% 0.12g
Phenylalanine
22.4% 0.33g
Threonine
37.5% 0.34g
Tryptophan
39.8% 0.1g
Valine
40.3% 0.44g

Vegan 9. Spirulina and Chili Pepper


image of spirulina
image of chili pepper

A great source of protein, spirulina is high in leucine, lysine and methionine, which is complementary to chili pepper.

A ratio of 3.3 chili pepper (150g) and 0.8 tablespoon of spirulina (5g) creates a complete protein profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.04 to 1:11 for chili pepper to spirulina by weight.

Full nutritional profile for spirulina
USDA Source: Seaweed, spirulina, dried

Table of amino acids of 3.3 pepper chili pepper and 0.8 tbsp spirulina :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [13] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
12.1% 6g
Histidine
18.9% 0.12g
Isoleucine
31% 0.27g
Leucine
22.1% 0.42g
Lysine
17.1% 0.29g
Methionine
11.2% 0.1g
Phenylalanine
16.1% 0.24g
Threonine
29.7% 0.27g
Tryptophan
33.9% 0.09g
Valine
28.8% 0.31g

Vegan 10. Spinach and Chili Pepper


image of spinach
image of chili pepper

Spinach is a reasonable source of supplementary protein, and is high in leucine, lysine and methionine, complementing the profile of chili pepper.

For example, 3.3 chili pepper (150g) and 5.7 cups of spinach (170g) make a complete amino acids profile. In fact, any ratio of more than 1.1:1 of spinach to chili pepper will be complete.

Full nutritional profile for spinach
USDA Source: Spinach, raw

Table of amino acids of 3.3 pepper chili pepper and 5.7 cup spinach :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [14] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
15.7% 7.8g
Histidine
27% 0.17g
Isoleucine
40.3% 0.35g
Leucine
28.3% 0.54g
Lysine
25% 0.43g
Methionine
14.6% 0.13g
Phenylalanine
20.9% 0.31g
Threonine
35.3% 0.32g
Tryptophan
40.4% 0.1g
Valine
36.9% 0.4g

Vegan 11. Avocado and Chili Pepper


image of avocado
image of chili pepper

Low in protein, avocado is high in leucine, lysine and methionine, which is complementary to chili pepper.

A ratio of 3.3 chili pepper (150g) and 1.6 avocado (213g) creates a complete protein profile. In fact, any ratio of more than 1.4:1 of avocado to chili pepper will be complete.

Full nutritional profile for avocado
USDA Source: Avocados, raw, California

Table of amino acids of 3.3 pepper chili pepper and 1.6 fruit avocado :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [15] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
14.4% 7.2g
Histidine
26% 0.16g
Isoleucine
31.9% 0.27g
Leucine
24.2% 0.46g
Lysine
23.9% 0.41g
Methionine
13.4% 0.11g
Phenylalanine
19.8% 0.3g
Threonine
29.4% 0.26g
Tryptophan
35.6% 0.09g
Valine
32.4% 0.35g

Vegetarian 12. Sour Cream and Chili Pepper


image of sour cream
image of chili pepper

Sour cream is a reasonable source of supplementary protein, and is high in leucine, lysine and methionine, complementing the profile of chili pepper.

For example, 5 chili pepper (225g) and 3.9 tablespoons of sour cream (47g) make a complete amino acids profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.21 to 1:41 for chili pepper to sour cream by weight.

Full nutritional profile for sour cream
USDA Source: Cream, sour, cultured

Table of amino acids of 5 pepper chili pepper and 3.9 tbsp sour cream :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [16] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
11.3% 5.6g
Histidine
21.4% 0.14g
Isoleucine
25.8% 0.22g
Leucine
20.4% 0.39g
Lysine
19.2% 0.33g
Methionine
10.5% 0.09g
Phenylalanine
14.3% 0.21g
Threonine
25.8% 0.23g
Tryptophan
30% 0.08g
Valine
25.9% 0.28g

Vegetarian 13. Caramel and Chili Pepper


image of caramel
image of chili pepper

Low in protein, caramel is high in leucine, lysine and methionine, which is complementary to chili pepper.

A ratio of 5 chili pepper (225g) and 0.3 cup of caramel (103g) creates a complete protein profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.46 to 1:0.02 for chili pepper to caramel by weight.

Full nutritional profile for caramel
USDA Source: Toppings, butterscotch or caramel

Table of amino acids of 5 pepper chili pepper and 0.3 cup caramel :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [17] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
11.5% 5.7g
Histidine
21.2% 0.13g
Isoleucine
27.7% 0.24g
Leucine
20.3% 0.38g
Lysine
18.8% 0.32g
Methionine
10.7% 0.09g
Phenylalanine
14.3% 0.21g
Threonine
26% 0.23g
Tryptophan
22.5% 0.06g
Valine
26.8% 0.29g

Vegetarian 14. Yogurt and Chili Pepper


image of yogurt
image of chili pepper

Yogurt is a reasonable source of supplementary protein, and is high in leucine, lysine and methionine, complementing the profile of chili pepper.

For example, 5 chili pepper (225g) and 2.6 tablespoons of yogurt (39g) make a complete amino acids profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.17 to 1:0.13 for chili pepper to yogurt by weight.

Full nutritional profile for yogurt
USDA Source: Yogurt, plain, whole milk

Table of amino acids of 5 pepper chili pepper and 2.6 tbsp yogurt :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [18] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
11.7% 5.9g
Histidine
20% 0.13g
Isoleucine
25.6% 0.22g
Leucine
19.7% 0.37g
Lysine
18.8% 0.32g
Methionine
10.9% 0.09g
Phenylalanine
14.3% 0.21g
Threonine
24.7% 0.22g
Tryptophan
25.5% 0.07g
Valine
27.9% 0.3g

Vegetarian 15. Mayonnaise and Chili Pepper


image of mayonnaise
image of chili pepper

Low in protein, mayonnaise is high in leucine, lysine and methionine, which is complementary to chili pepper.

A ratio of 5 chili pepper (225g) and 0.4 cup of mayonnaise (92g) creates a complete protein profile. In fact, any ratio of more than 0.41:1 of mayonnaise to chili pepper will be complete.

Full nutritional profile for mayonnaise
USDA Source: Salad dressing, mayonnaise, regular

Table of amino acids of 5 pepper chili pepper and 0.4 cup mayonnaise :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [19] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
10.8% 5.4g
Histidine
18.5% 0.12g
Isoleucine
24% 0.21g
Leucine
17.1% 0.32g
Lysine
15.6% 0.27g
Methionine
10% 0.09g
Phenylalanine
12.9% 0.19g
Threonine
24.1% 0.22g
Tryptophan
28.5% 0.07g
Valine
23.8% 0.26g


Complete Protein Pairings

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