Spices Similar to Paprika

Cayenne

Like paprika, cayenne or cayenne pepper is derived by drying and grinding the cayenne pepper, from which the spice takes its name. Cayenne pepper can be added to a number of dishes, from sweet to savory. It is spicy and hot, and has a bit more kick than paprika. Aside from adding to, or bringing out flavor in, foods, cayenne is thought to have many health benefits.

Red pepper flakes, also known as crushed red pepper flakes, have a spicy and sometimes smoky flavor, like paprika. They are created by crushing dried spicy red peppers. Crushed red pepper flakes can be mild or spicy, depending on how and from what they were made. They tend to be hotter than paprika. Red pepper flakes can be used in a variety of dishes, such as pastas or on pizzas.

Chipotle peppers are jalapeño peppers that have been smoked. They are then ground to create the chipotle spice. Chipotle spice is warm and has a smoky flavor, due to the smoking of the peppers. It can be used in a variety of recipes for different cuisines, although it is popular in Southwestern and Mexican foods, or as an addition to a marinade, rub or sauce. Although the smoking and drying process that creates the chipotle peppers draws away some of the peppers' heat, chipotle spice may still be spicier than paprika. Like cayenne pepper, chipotle peppers are thought to have medicinal qualities.

Chili powders are usually a mix of spices which include one or more types of dried, powdered peppers. How smoky, hot or spicy these spice blends are depends on how they were prepared and from what they were made. Blends with smoky or warm flavors can be very similar to paprika, but may have more flavors involved. Other types of chili powders may specify what they are made from, such as ancho powder or habanero powder. These pepper-specific powders are made from only the ground pepper, without extra ingredients. Again, the similarity to paprika depends on the type of pepper used. Mild, smoky peppers, like ancho, may create a powder similar to paprika.