- Paprika oleoresin is a concentrated extract that contains a higher concentration of the active compounds, including the pigments and essential oils responsible for the vibrant color and distinct flavor of paprika. It is valued for its intense color and flavor, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Basically made of paprika, cayenne pepper powder, garlic powder, oregano, and other flavorful seasonings, Cajun spice (also called Cajun seasoning) features a bold spicy flavor with a subtle earthiness. Although it contains the combined heat of paprika and cayenne, this seasoning is considered mild because, again, it’s made with a combination of seasonings. Despite being made from a combination of spices, some versions are still hot because different brands pack different amounts of ground peppers in their bottle. For this reason, we recommend testing this alternative first before using it.

It's important to note that while chili peppers offer potential health benefits, individual responses to spicy foods can vary. Some people may experience digestive discomfort or irritation from consuming chili peppers, particularly in large amounts. As with any dietary component, it's best to consume chili peppers in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

When substituting, use common sense. Cayenne pepper is as much as 50 times hotter than sweet paprika, so a 1:1 substitution wouldn't work unless you want some heat—the right substitution, in this case, would be 1/3 of a teaspoon of cayenne per 1 teaspoon of paprika. Make an informed decision, but also use thorough recipes that might suggest reasonable substitutions.

This particular chili sauce refers to the popular American condiment usually sold in bottles, found at your local grocer. There are popular brands, like Heinz chili sauce. The consistency is very similar to your typical ketchup, though the seasonings often vary slightly.