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The Scoville Scale Explained: Ranking Chili Pepper Heat

Tap a pepper to see its heat level (SHU).

Bell Pepper

0 SHU. Contains almost no capsaicin, so no heat is perceived at all β€” the baseline reference point of the Scoville scale.

Poblano

1,000–2,000 SHU. A mild pepper frequently used in Mexican cuisine, gentle enough for beginners to enjoy without worry.

JalapeΓ±o

2,500–8,000 SHU. One of the best-known peppers, commonly used as a nacho or pizza topping, with a moderate level of heat.

Serrano

10,000–23,000 SHU. Noticeably hotter than the jalapeΓ±o, often used to add a sharp kick of heat to salsa.

Cayenne

30,000–50,000 SHU. A leading source of dried, powdered hot pepper widely used in cooking.

Thai Chili

50,000–100,000 SHU. A small but powerful pepper frequently used to add intense heat in Southeast Asian cuisine.

Habanero

100,000–350,000 SHU. Carries a fruity aroma alongside very intense heat, making it a popular ingredient in hot sauces.

Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia)

About 1,000,000 SHU. Originating in India, this ultra-hot pepper once held the Guinness World Record for hottest pepper.

Carolina Reaper

About 1,600,000 SHU. Held the Guinness World Record for hottest pepper until 2017, and remains a go-to ingredient in spicy-food challenges today.

Pepper X

About 2,693,000 SHU. Officially certified by Guinness World Records in 2023 as the current hottest pepper in the world, developed by the same grower behind the Carolina Reaper.

How Is the Scoville Scale Measured?

The Scoville scale (SHU, Scoville Heat Unit) quantifies a pepper's heat based on its capsaicin content. It's named after pharmacist Wilbur Scoville, who devised the original method in 1912; today, precise instruments such as liquid chromatography are used to measure capsaicin concentration and calculate the value.

What to Do When the Heat Is Too Intense

Capsaicin doesn't dissolve well in water, so dairy products like milk or yogurt are generally considered more effective than water at calming down heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Scoville ranking change over time?

Yes β€” records keep getting broken as new varieties are developed. As of 2023, Pepper X is the officially certified hottest pepper.

Can the same variety of pepper vary in heat?

Yes β€” growing conditions (soil, climate, stress factors, etc.) can significantly affect capsaicin content even within the same variety, which is why Scoville ratings are usually given as a range rather than a single fixed number.