White pepper: what it is, how to use it, and safety tips

White pepper is the inner seed of the pepper plant, with the outer husk removed. It looks paler than black pepper and has a cleaner, slightly fermented heat. Chefs use it in light sauces, mashed potatoes, and fish where black specks would show up. But white pepper does more than flavor food — it contains piperine, a compound that affects digestion and how your body absorbs some nutrients and drugs.

What white pepper can do for you

Piperine helps your stomach make more digestive juices, so a pinch of white pepper can ease mild indigestion and improve nutrient absorption after a meal. Research has also shown piperine boosts the absorption of curcumin (the active part of turmeric) dramatically, which is why many supplements combine them. White pepper has antioxidant and mild anti-inflammatory effects too, which may support general wellness when used as part of a healthy diet.

In the kitchen, white pepper adds heat without changing a dish’s color. Use it in cream sauces, egg dishes, or light soups. A little goes a long way—start with a pinch and taste as you go.

Safety, interactions, and practical tips

Because piperine changes how the body processes some substances, white pepper can affect certain medications. It can slow drug breakdown in the liver and raise blood levels of medicines that have a narrow safe range—think blood thinners, some anti-seizure drugs, and certain antidepressants. If you take prescription drugs, especially blood thinners like warfarin or drugs with tight dosing, talk to your doctor before using high doses or supplements that concentrate piperine.

Avoid large amounts if you have a sensitive stomach—too much pepper can irritate the gut and make heartburn worse. Pregnant or breastfeeding people should stick to normal culinary amounts and skip high-dose piperine supplements unless a clinician approves them. If you try a supplement combining piperine with other ingredients, check labels and start with the lowest recommended dose to watch for side effects.

Quick practical tips: store whole white peppercorns in a cool, dark place and grind just before use for the best flavor. If you want the turmeric boost, add a small pinch of white pepper to your turmeric tea or recipes—this helps your body use the turmeric better. For everyday cooking, treat white pepper like you would black pepper but use less until you learn its strength in your dishes.

If you notice unusual symptoms after increasing white pepper or using supplements—like dizziness, unusual bleeding, stomach pain, or signs of an allergic reaction—stop and consult a healthcare provider. Used sensibly, white pepper is a simple way to lift flavor and support digestion, but it’s worth pausing when medicines or health conditions are in the mix.