Tag: Pepper jelly

Many traditional pepper jelly recipes are indeed quite high in sugar, with some calling for as much as 5 to 6 cups in a single batch to ensure the jelly sets correctly. This high sugar content is necessary because peppers have a very low natural pectin level, which is the gelling agent needed to achieve a jelly-like consistency.

According to the USDA, a single tablespoon of typical pepper jelly contains a significant amount of added sugar. This makes the question of "Is pepper jelly healthy?" more complex than simply considering the vitamin and antioxidant benefits of its pepper base.