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.
- Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been the subject of extensive research for its potential therapeutic effects. Studies suggest that this wonder compound possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a promising ally in the fight against chronic diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, and even certain cancers. The bioavailability of curcumin can be enhanced when combined with piperine, a compound found in black pepper, which is often co-administered in supplements to boost absorption.
- Key Players
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.


In contrast, bell pepper is a vegetable that comes in a variety of colors such as green, red, yellow, and orange. It has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, and a crunchy texture. Bell peppers are commonly used in salads, stir-fries, and as a stuffing for dishes such as peppers stuffed with rice or meat. While they may look similar to paprika, they are not interchangeable in recipes due to their different taste and texture.
Mildness with Vibrancy
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!!!”