Paprika is made from bell or chili peppers that have been finely ground two or more times without the veins and seeds, according to Katherine K. Schlosser, author of The Herb Society of America's Essential Guide to Growing and Cooking with Herbs. Because of that, you can swap sweet paprika for another pepper-based spice, such as cayenne or chili powder. Like using other types of paprika, these spices will lend your recipe a different flavor than you would get from the sweet paprika.

The Flavorful World of Crushed Red Pepper

Move over ketchup! Chili sauce is here and it's taking over! If you've never tried a good sweet chili sauce condiment, you're in for a treat, my friends.

Red chilies are part of the capsicum family. However, they are different from bell peppers, being thinner and narrower and come in a variety of sizes, length, breadth and colors. When they grow they may be green, red or yellow. Usually, when dried or aged, many of the green varieties turn red, though yellow pepper is different.

If you want to add a nice spicy kick without all the overpowering heat, chili powder is a suitable sweet paprika substitute. Despite that, you can’t use chili powder in a 1:1 substitution because of its noticeable savory flavor that comes from a mix of other spices such as onion powder, cumin, garlic, and more. In general, it has an earthy, savory, and slightly spicy taste. But it will do if you’re in a bind or in the middle of garnishing your deviled eggs and curries. 

The Flavorful World of Crushed Red Pepper

Paprika is available in both ground and powdered form. Ground paprika has a coarse texture and is often used as a seasoning for meat and vegetables. It can also be used as a rub for grilled meats.

What Customers Say: “I originally bought this as a prank on a friend, but tasted it first in order to make sure it was not too hot for an asthmatic. I decided that it was too good to be used on the prank. Ever since, I eat this with pizza as the garlic makes it taste a lot like marinara sauce!!! Amazing hot sauce!!!”

When it comes to appearance, paprika is usually sold in powdered form, while bell peppers are sold as whole or sliced vegetables. Paprika also comes in different varieties, such as sweet, hot, and smoked, which can affect its flavor profile.

Paprika powder and chili powder are not the same, although they are both spice blends commonly used in cooking. The main difference lies in their ingredients and flavor profiles.

Transfer to a clean jar. In our experience, the sauce stores well at the coldest part of the refrigerator (e.g., in the way back) for a good 2-3 months. And, of course, always dip into it with a clean spoon/chopsticks to preserve it. If there’s any foul smell or the sound of gas escaping when you crack it open, discard it. But we’re betting it doesn’t last past the 2-week mark!

Best for just about anything.

I hope this article has helped you learn the differences between paprika, chili powder, and cayenne. These spices are all delicious and useful in the kitchen, and we never let ourselves run out of stock. Happy cooking!