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Chili powders come in at between 500 and 1,500 Scoville units. That's enough to produce a mild burn, but not enough to make really spicy foods.

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.

If you wonder whether you can substitute one for the other, the answer is yes. You would use a lot less red chili powder, even if it is of the milder variety, than you would paprika. In fact, the best way to go about this is add it slowly and in small amounts, till you get the heat factor that you want. In a pinch, you can use paprika instead of red chili powder as well, though you may not get the color that you want and the flavor may be different.

Consultation with Healthcare Professionals: Individuals with specific health conditions or concerns should consult with healthcare professionals, especially if they have known sensitivities to food additives or flavoring agents.

Sweet smoked paprika, also known as pimentón, is a distinctive type of paprika that is smoked over oak wood before being ground. This process imparts a rich, smoky flavor that elevates dishes with its depth and complexity. Sweet smoked paprika is particularly popular in Spanish cuisine, where it is used in dishes like patatas bravas, roasted meats, and stews. Its sweet yet smoky flavor pairs well with grilled vegetables, seafood, and even cheese-based dishes. The unique taste of sweet smoked paprika makes it a favorite among chefs looking to add a sophisticated twist to traditional recipes.

So, if bell peppers are in the same scientific classification as cayenne chili pepper, why aren't bell peppers hot? It comes down to a chemical compound called capsaicin. This chemical is the sole reason why a jalapeño is spicy and bell pepper is not. A bell pepper has no capsaicin. Capsaicin attaches itself to the mucous membranes in our mouths which in turn send out the fiery sensation. That heat in your mouth (or hands) will vary greatly depending on what type of chili pepper you've eaten. Peppers are ranked by their heat, or the amount of capsaicin they contain, on a scale called the Scoville Scale. Their capsaicin concentration is given a number on the scale and it is called Scoville Heat Units. Bell peppers do not have capsaicin, so they have zero Scoville Heat Units, therefore they are way at the bottom of the Scoville scale. 

Sometimes you may find yourself missing a key spice in the middle of cooking. Don’t worry—there are several clever substitutions for common red pepper spices that can save your dish without sacrificing flavor. Remember, though, that when substituting spices, it’s good to start with a conservative amount and adjust to taste.

When you look at the plethora of red chili powders available, you may well be confused as to how similar or how different they really are. As for paprika and red chili powder, both are red, though of different shades, and look quite similar.

Heat Level: Medium

Heat Level: Hot