Sweet paprika measures 500 to 1,500 Scoville heat units, making it a very mild pepper indeed. Hotter varieties of paprika can approach 30,000 to 50,000 heat units, which is basically equivalent to pure cayenne pepper. So if your recipe explicitly calls for hot paprika, you could substitute cayenne pepper.

All types of paprika are made from peppers belonging to the Capsicum annuum family. However, hot paprika is made using spicier peppers and will include the inner piths.
The ratio that works best for my recipes is for every teaspoon of paprika, I use one-fourth or one-third teaspoon of cayenne chili powder, depending on how spicy or hot I want the dish to be.
Discover what sets chili powder, red pepper flakes and paprika apart; get insights into their culinary versatility and how they can be used to elevate your cooking and learn about common red pepper varieties used in your favorite spices.


It's important to note that the exact proportions of these ingredients can vary widely, and some chili powder blends may include additional spices such as coriander, cinnamon, or other regional variations. The combination of these ingredients creates a versatile spice blend that is commonly used in chili con carne, Tex-Mex cuisine, and a wide range of savory dishes to add heat and flavor.