La Vera Smoked Sweet Paprika 

I choose to use Gochuganu (Korean red pepper flakes) for a hint of sweet and smokey flavor that doesn’t upset the balance of flavor.

It is also important to consider the pricing and shipping options offered by a red pepper dust supplier. While it is crucial to prioritize quality when choosing a supplier, it is also essential to find a supplier that offers competitive pricing and convenient shipping options. This will help you obtain the red pepper dust you need at a reasonable cost and in a timely manner.

To recreate the spice of hot paprika, the best substitute is another dried chilli, like ground cayenne, aleppo pepper powder, crushed red pepper flakes, red chilli powder, or even a dash of hot sauce. If your recipe calls for smokiness and sweetness, try chipotle chilli powder or ancho pepper powder. Chipotle powder has a smoky taste, but is hotter than paprika with a more earthy flavour, lending itself to barbecue sauces, rubs and chillis. Due to the difference in heat, use a ¼ teaspoon of chipotle powder for every teaspoon of paprika and adjust depending on your taste buds.

If you’re looking to replicate the flavour of sweet paprika add a pinch of sugar or some honey. Adding mild chilli powder or tomato powder works too. Bell peppers are another great substitute for sweet paprika and they come from the same Capsicum annuum family. Mild, sweet and aromatic, bell peppers give the same delicious taste and aroma, while adding a splash of colour too. When buying your bell peppers, make sure they’re nice and ripe.

One of the best substitutes for paprika is cayenne pepper. It’s a spicy chilli pepper, used to flavour many different cuisines and quite similar in colour. It’s a lot stronger and hotter than paprika, so if you’re using it as a substitute in your cooking, make sure you use a lesser quantity. If you have a lower tolerance to spicy food, you can add salt, cream, chopped tomatoes or more liquid (water or broth) to try and dial down the heat.

Like paprika, chilli powder packs a lot of flavour and is another worthy substitute. It’s also not as spicy as cayenne pepper, so you can use the same quantities.  The same goes for cajun spices. A combination of black and white pepper, plus other herbs and spices, it can work as a good substitute for smoked or sweet paprika, offering a similar flavour. But you won’t get the same beautiful red colour – more of an orange, warm hue.

You can also use cumin instead of paprika. But it’s a lot hotter, so go easy on the quantities. Like cajun spices, you won’t achieve the gorgeous red colour of paprika, as cumin has more of a yellowy-brown colouring, but you’ll still get an earthy flavour with hints of bitterness and sweetness.

In terms of health benefits, paprika and bell pepper have been shown to have positive impacts on health. Paprika has been found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It may also help improve digestion and reduce cholesterol levels.

In conclusion, paprika and crushed red pepper offer an array of flavors and heat levels that enhance dishes across various cuisines. Whether you're exploring the rich diversity of paprika varieties, choosing the right type of paprika spice, experimenting with Chinese crushed red pepper, or stocking up on bulk options, these spices are essential for creating flavorful and memorable meals. Embrace their versatility to elevate your cooking and satisfy your culinary cravings with vibrant and spicy flavors.