Paprika extract and paprika oleoresin are both natural extracts derived from the spice paprika, but they differ in their production methods, composition, and applications. Here are the key differences between the two:

Paprika vs Cayenne: Differences in the Kitchen

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In addition to its health benefits, turmeric powder is also a versatile ingredient in cooking. It is commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian cuisines to add flavor, color, and depth to dishes. Turmeric powder can be used in curries, soups, stews, marinades, and even desserts, making it a staple in many kitchens around the world.

The big difference between these two mixtures is the consistency. Sauces such as hot sauces are more liquid than pastes. It is meant to lightly coat food and even enhance the taste of the food instead of covering it up with its taste. Pastes meanwhile are thicker, more viscous, and more concentrated. It’s common to see pastes such as sriracha spread onto food in a light layer instead of being allowed to coat it.  

In some cases, the paprika is being used primarily to add color to a dish, in which case you could add a small amount of some other red ingredient, which could be anything from a teaspoon of ketchup with a dash of chili powder mix to tomato sauce, finely pureed red peppers, tomato paste, or red beet powder. If you have bell pepper powder, use a 2:1 ratio, as the bell peppers are very sweet and don't have the kick of sweet paprika.

You have a few options when it comes to spicy ketchup. You can easily make it yourself (see our recipe for smoky chipotle ketchup) or you can buy one of the many options available at most grocery stores. Heinz also carries a chili sauce in its line (affiliate link) that’s really much more like spicy ketchup than a Sriracha.

Why We Love It: You don’t have to make a deal with the devil to save your deviled eggs, you just need a jar or two of this delicious Caribbean-inspired hot sauce. With habanero peppers, mustard seed, and our proprietary blend of spices, this one pairs perfectly with just about anything you care to eat, though we think it’s particularly well-suited to egg dishes of all varieties. 

Chili peppers are considered to be any of the fruits of the Capsicum genus that contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for the peppers' characteristic heat. The heat level of chili peppers is measured on the Scoville scale, which quantifies the amount of capsaicin present. Varieties of chili peppers range from mild to extremely hot, offering a wide range of options for adding heat to dishes.

The flavor and heat level of paprika can vary depending on the type of pepper used. Sweet paprika is made from sweet red peppers, such as bell peppers, and has a mild, sweet flavor with little to no heat. On the other hand, hot paprika is made from hotter varieties of red peppers, such as cayenne or chili peppers, and has a spicier, more intense flavor.

5. BELL PEPPER POWDER

Bell pepper, on the other hand, is a vegetable that is commonly used in cooking. It comes in various colors, including green, red, yellow, and orange. Bell peppers are typically eaten raw or cooked, and they have a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.

To create the same flavor as smoked paprika using the suggestions above will be your best bet. But if you want to add some heat that can be found in hot smoked paprika, use any of the substitutes above paired with hot red pepper flakes.

BELL PEPPERS

You deserve the best, so take some time to think about how a hot sauce is made and what kind of ingredients it contains before you dive in mouth-first. Some hot sauces are all-natural, while others contain all kinds of artificial flavors and additives. We believe that fresh always tastes better, so we recommend choosing the most natural hot sauce you can find. Also, keep in mind that some recipes contain ingredients like sugar, sodium, oils, or even animal by-products, so if you have a specialized diet take a careful look at the ingredient list and nutrition information before taking that first bite.