This type is made from gradually smoking pimentón (a type of Spanish smoked pepper). Since it’s dried by way of smoking, the flavor it imparts is somewhat woody, peppery, and smoky with a mild spicy kick. Unlike other types, this one is prized for its smokiness rather than the heat level it can provide. Check the best smoked paprika substitute options below:

Ancho Chili Powder
Basically made of paprika, cayenne pepper powder, garlic powder, oregano, and other flavorful seasonings, Cajun spice (also called Cajun seasoning) features a bold spicy flavor with a subtle earthiness. Although it contains the combined heat of paprika and cayenne, this seasoning is considered mild because, again, it’s made with a combination of seasonings. Despite being made from a combination of spices, some versions are still hot because different brands pack different amounts of ground peppers in their bottle. For this reason, we recommend testing this alternative first before using it.