Which Level of Spiciness Is Hotter: Mild or Medium?

PDF download Download Article
Discover how spicy foods are rated and how to eat them
PDF download Download Article

If you’ve ever tried a “mild” and “medium” salsa and didn’t notice a difference, you’re not alone! Mild isn’t as spicy as medium, but since neither are super hot, it can be hard to tell the difference. If you’re curious about what spice level you’re most comfortable with (or how to boost your spice game), keep reading! This article will walk you through spice levels and the foods in them—doesn’t that sound mouthwatering?

Things You Should Know

  • Medium is spicier than mild, but many store-bought “medium” and “mild” foods taste similar.
  • Spiciness levels are based on how much of the chemical capsaicin a pepper has. The scale ranges from mild to extremely hot.
  • Everybody has a different spice tolerance—“mild,” “medium,” and “hot” are all relative.
Section 1 of 3:

Levels of Spiciness

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Mild means “not extreme,” so it’s used to describe the least spicy foods. [1] Medium, on the other hand, means “to be in the middle,” and is between mild and hot.
    • Some mild and medium store-bought products can taste pretty similar, which can cause a little bit of confusion.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Capsaicin, a chemical compound in peppers, causes the spicy burning sensation in your mouth. [2] It’s often found in the white parts of a pepper—that’s why the seeds are the hottest part! The more capsaicin, the spicier the food.
    • Spiciness is measured in SHU, or Scoville Heat Units. Mild foods are around 100-2,500 SHU, and medium foods are 2,500-30,000.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Everybody’s mouth is different, so everyone reacts to capsaicin differently—basically, taste is relative. [3] People who are used to eating hot peppers eventually develop a tolerance for the chemical, allowing them to eat spicier and spicier foods.
    • Because of this, what counts as “medium” somewhere could mean “mild” somewhere else. If you're sensitive to spice, consider ordering mild, or asking for “medium mild” at new restaurants.
    4. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Examples of Mild, Medium, and Hot Foods

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Mild foods include bell peppers, banana peppers, poblano peppers, shishito peppers, pimento peppers, anaheim peppers, and paprika. [4] Peppers of the same species can vary in heat based on the conditions they were grown in.
    • Mild peppers are best for people who are just starting out with heat. Their flavors are very gentle, and some can have no capsaicin at all (like bell peppers).
    • Salsas and other store-bought foods are often color-coded by heat level—green for mild, yellow or orange for medium, and red for hot.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The medium rating (roughly 2,500-30,000 SHU) is significantly wider than the mild. Medium peppers include: jalapeños, chili peppers, serrano peppers, cayenne peppers, Hungarian peppers, aleppo peppers, cherry peppers, chipotle peppers, and paprika Kalocsa peppers. [5]
    • Medium peppers are great for people trying to ramp up the heat. On the lower end are poblanos—think if a bell pepper were spicy—and on the higher end are chili peppers.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Some examples of hot peppers are tabasco peppers, habanero peppers, scotch bonnet peppers, Thai peppers, pequin peppers, and apache peppers. [6]
    • There are also very hot and extremely hot peppers, which are more than 100,000 SHUs. One of the world’s hottest peppers, the Carolina Reaper, is 2.2 million SHUs. [7]
    • Hot, very hot, and extremely hot peppers should only be eaten by spice enthusiasts who really enjoy that burning sensation.
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

How to Eat Spicier Foods

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you want to introduce spicier foods into your life, start at the level you’re already comfortable with. If you’re into jalapenos, start with medium. [8] If chili flakes make you tear up, try something like a banana pepper.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Spiciness can sneak up on you—some peppers pack their heat in an aftertaste. [9] If you’re trying a new food (especially one that’s advertised as spicy), wait a few seconds after you swallow to eat more.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Since capsaicin is what causes the spiciness, make sure you have something nearby that can neutralize it. Dairy products contain the protein casein, which breaks down capsaicin, and acidic foods have been found to reduce the pain associated with spiciness. [10]
    • Water can’t dissolve capsaicin, so it’s not a good option for cooling your tongue . It’s better than nothing, but if you don’t have milk or citrus, try sucking on a sugar cube or eating bread, instead. [11]
    • Mixing pineapple, tomato sauce, lemon juice, or lime juice into food can make it less spicy.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Is-Mild-or-Medium-Hotter-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Everyone reacts differently to spiciness, so your limit may be lower than other peoples’—and that’s totally okay! If you eat something and feel an unpleasant burning sensation, stop, drink some milk, and switch to a milder food. Building a capsaicin tolerance takes a while, and really, it’s just about enjoying the flavors!
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • Eating things that are too spicy too quickly can cause digestive problems. If you experience heartburn after eating spicy foods, take a calcium carbonate antacid. [12]
        Thanks
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      The Full Secret Menu at Jersey Mike’s: Subs & More
      21 Delicious Ways to Eat (or Drink) Chia Seeds
      How to
      Make Avocado Seed Powder
      How to
      Make Vegetable Oil
      How to
      Make Almond Oil
      How to
      Make Idli in a Pressure Cooker
      How to Prepare Flaxseed Oil at Home
      How to
      Make Nutritional Yeast
      How to
      Make Sesame Oil
      How to
      Garnish Food
      How to
      Eat Healthy Amounts of Soy
      How to Halve â…“ Cup & Divide Other Measurements
      How to
      Cook Amaranth Grain
      How to
      Cook Bunashimeji Mushrooms
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/mild
      2. ↑ https://www.nist.gov/how-do-you-measure-it/how-do-you-measure-heat-pepper
      3. ↑ https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/did-you-know/why-do-some-people-spicy-foods-not-others
      4. ↑ https://www.delish.com/kitchen-tools/g40809854/types-of-peppers/
      5. ↑ https://www.nist.gov/how-do-you-measure-it/how-do-you-measure-heat-pepper
      6. ↑ https://www.nist.gov/how-do-you-measure-it/how-do-you-measure-heat-pepper
      7. ↑ https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/food-dining/2024/02/22/what-is-the-hottest-pepper-in-the-world/72522303007/
      8. ↑ https://www.nist.gov/how-do-you-measure-it/how-do-you-measure-heat-pepper
      9. ↑ https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/health-and-wellness-articles/spicy-foods-healthy-or-dangerous
      1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-milk-help-with-spicy-food
      2. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-milk-help-with-spicy-food
      3. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-milk-help-with-spicy-food

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 8,637 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement