Jalapeño Chillies

Woolworths Jalapeño Chillies

  • Whole food
  • Checked
  • Grade C
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The short answer

Jalapeño Chillies by Woolworths has 58 kcal, 5 g carbs, 2.6 g protein and 0.5 g fat per serving (100g).

Calories58kcal
Carbs5g
Protein2.6g
Fat0.5g
About it

Woolworths Jalapeño Chillies are a fresh, spicy ingredient commonly used in Mexican cuisine. With their moderate heat level, they add a kick to dishes without overwhelming the palate. For endurance athletes, jalapeños offer minimal caloric content at 46.1 kcal per serving (100g) and provide 4g of carbohydrates, primarily sugars. The fiber content is notable at 4.5g per serving, which may aid in digestive health but could be a concern during intense activities due to potential GI distress. Jalapeños are not a primary fuel source for endurance activities but can be a flavorful addition to meals. Their vitamin C and antioxidant content may support immune function, although they lack significant macronutrients needed for energy during prolonged exercise. Best consumed as part of a balanced meal rather than a standalone snack for endurance events.

  • Low-calorie, high-fiber option
  • Contains antioxidants and vitamin C
  • Adds flavor without excess sodium

On the label per serving, 100g

Energy241 kJ
Calories58 kcal
Carbs5.0 g
Sugar4.9 g
Fibre5.6 g
Protein2.6 g
Fat0.5 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Sodium2 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density5%Carbs as a share of the food's weight: how hard it is on the gut at pace.
Glucose to fructose—Glucose with fructose lifts how much carb the gut can take in an hour.
Sodium per 100 kcal3 mgSalt for the energy it carries; sweat loses 300 to 600 mg an hour.
Energy density2.4 kJ/gEnergy you carry per gram, when grams in the pocket matter.
Servings for 60 g an hour12How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.
Glycaemic profileLow glycemic impact due to minimal carbohydrate content. The fiber may slow gastric emptying and moderate blood sugar response.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

Jalapeño chillies are not a primary fuel source for endurance athletes but can be a flavorful addition to meals. Their low calorie and carbohydrate content make them unsuitable for pre-race or during-race fueling. They may be beneficial in recovery meals for their antioxidant content, but they lack the necessary macronutrients to support glycogen replenishment and muscle repair.

Who it is for

Jalapeño chillies are suitable for endurance athletes looking to add flavor and spice to their meals without adding significant calories or sodium. They are ideal for those who enjoy spicy foods and are seeking to incorporate more antioxidants and vitamin C into their diet. However, athletes with sensitive stomachs or those prone to GI distress during exercise should be cautious.

Best sessions

Best suited for post-training meals or as a component in meals on rest days. Not ideal for consumption immediately before or during high-intensity sessions due to potential GI discomfort.

Pros
  • Low in calories, suitable for weight management
  • High in vitamin C and antioxidants
  • Adds flavor without significant sodium
  • Versatile in various culinary applications
Cons
  • Low carbohydrate content, not a fuel source
  • High fiber may cause GI distress during exercise
  • Minimal protein, inadequate for recovery
  • Potential spice-induced discomfort
Watch out for
  • Potential GI distress from high fiber during exercise
  • Spice level may cause discomfort for sensitive individuals

Fuelling science in short

During a session

Not recommended during workouts due to low carb content and potential for GI distress from fiber and spice.

Glycaemic profile

Low glycemic impact due to minimal carbohydrate content. The fiber may slow gastric emptying and moderate blood sugar response.

Electrolytes

Negligible sodium content at 2 mg per serving, insufficient to replace sweat losses during endurance activities.

Carb breakdown
Total carbs
4 g
Hourly capacity
Not applicable due to low carb content.

Race day before, during and after

Suits it for
  • BeforeDO NOT USE
  • DuringDO NOT USE
  • AfterCAUTION
  • Carb loadDO NOT USE
  • Every dayCAUTION

Jalapeño chillies are unsuitable for pre-race and during-race use due to their low carbohydrate content and potential for GI distress from fiber and spice. They are not effective for carb-loading due to low carb density. For recovery, they may provide antioxidant benefits but lack sufficient macronutrients for glycogen replenishment and muscle repair. Use cautiously in everyday training meals, especially for those with sensitive stomachs.

NOT RECOMMENDED for pre-race use because the high fiber and spice content may cause GI distress and slow gastric emptying.

Pair it with
  • Pair with lean protein for balanced recovery meals
  • Combine with avocado for healthy fats and flavor
  • Use in salsas with tomatoes for antioxidant boost

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: C — Limited direct evidence on endurance performance; conclusions are based on nutritional composition and potential physiological effects.

In a carb load

Jalapeño chillies have a low carb density of 5g per 100g, making them unsuitable for carb-loading. A 100g serving contributes only 4g of carbohydrates, which is insufficient for meeting the 600-840g/day target for a 70kg athlete. The high fiber content could cause satiety and GI discomfort, further limiting their use in carb-loading strategies.

Digestion and absorption

Jalapeños undergo mechanical digestion in the mouth and are subject to gastric emptying, which may be slowed due to their fiber content. Carbohydrates are absorbed in the small intestine primarily through SGLT1 transporters. The capsaicin content can stimulate gastric acid secretion, potentially causing discomfort. Fiber may reach the colon, where it can be fermented, leading to gas production.

Recovery

Jalapeños offer antioxidants like vitamin C, which can support immune function and reduce oxidative stress. However, they provide minimal carbohydrates and protein, failing to meet the glycogen resynthesis rate of 1.0-1.2 g/kg/h and the muscle protein synthesis threshold of 2.5-3g leucine. They are inadequate as a standalone recovery food.

Downsides

High fiber content may cause GI distress during exercise, especially in untrained guts. The spice from capsaicin can lead to gastric discomfort and is not suitable for sensitive individuals. Low sodium content fails to replenish sweat losses. The low carbohydrate content provides insufficient energy for endurance activities.

Don't use it when
  • Do not use during high-intensity exercise due to potential GI distress from fiber and spice.
  • Avoid in pre-race meals if unaccustomed to spicy foods, as it may cause gastric discomfort.
  • Not suitable for carb-loading due to low carbohydrate density and potential satiety effects.
Clinical risks
  • High fiber content may lead to bloating and gas during exercise.
  • Capsaicin can cause gastric irritation and discomfort in sensitive individuals.
  • Low carbohydrate content fails to provide adequate energy for endurance performance.
  • Negligible sodium content is insufficient for electrolyte replacement in sweat losses.

Questions about Jalapeño Chillies

How many carbs are in Jalapeño Chillies by Woolworths?

5 g of carbs per serving (100g), with 58 kcal and 2.6 g protein.

Can jalapeños be used for pre-race meals?

No, due to their high fiber and spice content, they may cause GI distress and are not recommended for pre-race meals.

Are jalapeños suitable for carb-loading?

No, they have low carbohydrate density and do not contribute significantly to carb-loading efforts.

How can jalapeños be incorporated into recovery meals?

They can be added to meals for flavor and antioxidants but should be paired with carbs and protein for effective recovery.

What are the potential side effects of consuming jalapeños during exercise?

The high fiber and spice content may cause GI distress, making them unsuitable for consumption during exercise.

Do jalapeños provide any electrolytes?

They contain negligible sodium and do not provide sufficient electrolytes to replace sweat losses.

Are there any allergens in jalapeños?

No common allergens are associated with jalapeños, but individuals with spice sensitivity should be cautious.

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