Two new ready meals made with the world’s hottest pepper are launching in Iceland Foods, but the astonishing spice levels have forced bosses to ban under 18’s from purchasing it. Iceland is unveiling two intensely spicy products, expertly crafted with the world’s hottest chilli, Pepper X, which tops 2.69 million Scoville heat units – making it 53,760% hotter than a jalapeño.
The two products, a searingly spicy Chicken Tikka Masala and a molten Chilli Mac & Cheese, are so hot that Iceland has become the first UK supermarket to introduce an age restriction on ready meals. Staff are prepped for the products to hit the shelves and will be on high alert, ensuring IDs are shown at the checkouts, meaning those daring enough for the challenge need to come prepared.
Matthew Worsley, Head Development Chef at Iceland Foods, said: “Our customers love spice, and they are always pushing us to turn up the heat! So, this time we have developed a range that will not disappoint. Our Pepper X range is unlike anything we’ve ever offered to our customers before. It’s intense, it’s fiery and it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted.
“With intense heat comes great responsibility, so to ensure only the most experienced spice enthusiasts can take on the challenge, we’ve decided to limit sales to customers aged 18 and over.”
The world’s hottest pepper, Pepper X, which features in Iceland’s new ready meals, was created by Smokin’ Ed Currie, the mastermind behind the infamous Carolina Reaper. The Pepper X chilli earned the title of the World’s Hottest Chilli from Guinness World Records in 2023. Last year, only five daring individuals attempted to handle the lethal pepper, which has only ever been available in sauce form up until now.
The new Pepper X fiery meals will arrive in select Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores from Thursday 10 October, with a full rollout across all Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores, including online, by Monday 14 October.