Iceland has launched the UK’s first ready meals that are so hot that you must be over 18 to buy them. The supermarket chain is introducing two fiery products made with the world’s hottest pepper, Pepper X, which boasts an impressive 2.69 million Scoville heat units – a whopping 53,760% hotter than a jalapeño. The two ready meals, a fiery Chicken Tikka Masala and a molten Chilli Mac & Cheese, are set to hit the shelves soon, with Iceland enforcing an age restriction on purchases due to the extreme spice levels.
Matthew Worsley, the Head Development Chef at Iceland Foods, expressed excitement about the new range, stating, “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.” To ensure that only seasoned spice enthusiasts take on the challenge, Iceland has decided to limit sales to customers aged 18 and over. Pepper X, the world’s hottest pepper featured in Iceland’s new products, was developed by Smokin’ Ed Currie, the creator of the infamous Carolina Reaper, and has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the World’s Hottest Chilli in 2023.
In the past year, only five individuals dared to try the fiery Pepper X, which until now had only been available in sauce form. The new range of Pepper X meals will make its debut in select Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores from Thursday 10th October, with a full rollout across all Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores, including online, by Monday 14th October.
The launch of these scorching ready meals has created a buzz among spice aficionados eager to test their heat tolerance. Customers looking to brave the fiery challenge will need to bring along their ID to verify their age when purchasing these flaming dishes. If you’re a fan of spicy food and up for a taste sensation like no other, the Pepper X range from Iceland might just be the ultimate culinary experience for you.