Unexpected dextrins in the spice Capsicum powder

Dried and ground fruits of Capsicum spp. are used to produce a powder with a high culinary and economic value. Non-targeted methods in analytical chemistry are an excellent tool to screen the chemical composition of this Capsicum powder. A previous non-targeted screening of commercial Capsicum powders using proton nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H NMR) spectroscopy discovered a sample with an atypical chemical composition. Here we expand our description of the chemical composition of Capsicum powder (paprika powder) retailed in the European Union. By interpreting NMR and mass spectrometry data of the Capsicum powder with an atypical 1 H NMR spectrum, we present evidence for the presence of exogenous dextrin(s). The identification of non-declared dextrins attests the capability of non-targeted methods in the detection of commercial Capsicum powder with compromised authenticity. • Non-targeted NMR based analysis of commercial Capsicum powders revealed an atypical sample. • Structural elucidation by 1 H NMR and ESI-ToF pinpointed to the presence of dextrins. • Comparison with 1 H NMR and ESI-ToF spectra of dextrin standards supported our elucidation. • Dextrins are not known to be present in Capsicum plants, thus a non-declared compound has been uncovered. • Non-targeted analysis combined with structure elucidation enabled anomaly detection and identification of unknowns in food.