Black Pepper vs. White Pepper: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for You?

Pepper is one of the most commonly used and heavily traded spices in the world. While it is one of the few spices nearly everyone uses with at least some regularity, most of us don’t stop to consider the huge range of flavors and colors this unique spice can offer. 

As one of the world's pre-eminent growers, processors and wholesale pepper suppliers, the experts at ofi explain the difference between white pepper and black pepper. We provide our customers with the insights and information to help them make the right choice for their unique use case. 

Black, white, red and green peppercorns can be plucked from the same pepper vine at different stages during the plant’s ripening process. While each color carries with it distinct and unique characteristics, we’ll be focusing on white and black pepper. 

The real differences between them comes down to picking and processing. White pepper comes from berries picked at full ripeness, harvested when the berries are deep yellow or red. Black peppercorns are picked slightly earlier in the ripening process and dried in the sun, during which time enzymes in the berries cause the skin to turn black.

White pepper, after it is picked, is soaked and rubbed free of the outer skin, revealing a smooth white underlayer. This soaking process allows for mild fermentation which changes the flavor profile.

Black Pepper Uses and Benefits

Known for its ubiquity and versatility, black pepper is a crucial ingredient for any dish that requires a touch of heat. Also known as Piper Nigrum, "the king of spices," and "black gold," common uses include:

• Addition in sauces and stews
• Marinades and rubs for beef, chicken, and fish
• Topping for pasta dishes, scrambled eggs, soups, and more

Should a recipe call for white pepper, but you only have black pepper, you can use it as a substitute—just be sure to start with less than the amount of white pepper called for. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

White Pepper Uses and Benefits

White pepper loses some taste characteristics that are distinctive to black pepper during processing. Black pepper’s distinct spicy hot flavor is in part due to piperine, which is found mostly in the outer skin of the berry. During the processing of white pepper, the outer layer of skin is removed, resulting in a more mild flavor compared to black pepper.

While black pepper is far more common in American kitchens, the visual appeal of white pepper has made it a staple ingredient in French, Chinese, Vietnamese and Swedish cuisine. Examples of popular applications include creamy sauces, soups or chowders where you wish for a more uniform color scheme. 

If you’re looking to substitute white pepper for black pepper, consider the impact it will have on the flavor of your dish. White pepper is said to have a more complex flavor profile because it has fully ripened and fermented. While black pepper gives off more of a spicy heat, white pepper’s flavor is more earthy and musty. So, if you want the flavor of pepper without the heat or color of black pepper, white pepper is the way to go.

Purchase Wholesale Pepper Products Through ofi

ofi leads in providing a wide range of premium pepper ingredients around the world. We grow, source, and offer these products to our customers safely and sustainably. 

24-Hour Live Pricing

At ofi, we prioritize including live pepper prices on our site. Stock up and save on our pepper spice products while gaining insight into the current market.

Pepper Product Availability

When you partner with ofi, your facility’s pepper supply is set. Our pepper products ship in just a few business days, so you can quickly receive your ingredients and continue your operations. 

Preferred Pepper Experts

Our team offers a wealth of expertise on pepper, creating personalized recommendations based on your organization’s needs. Consult our advisors to choose the best ingredients for your products or recipes.

Try our pepper offerings and taste the difference. Create your account to request free samples of our products now.