A bright and bold chili pepper native to South America is McCormick's "flavor of the year" for 2025. The top spice company announced aji amarillo, which translates to "yellow chile pepper" in English, will be a standout flavor in the culinary world this year.

HUNT VALLEY, MD. – McCormick & Co.’s 25 th annual Flavor Forecast has identified Aji Amarillo as its 2025 flavor of the year. Aji Amarillo, which also translates to yellow Chile pepper in English, is a pepper native to South America and features fruity, tropical notes and moderate heat, according to the company.

We all crave that special ingredient to make our everyday dishes easier—and McCormick's 2025 flavor of the year is a bold option to add to your pantry: ají amarillo. Its vibrant pepper is sweet and fruity with a moderate spice level that gives foods the right amount of kick.