The Heat Factor
Compared to other substitutes in this list, bell peppers are generally sweet, mild, and tangy which somewhat fits the description of sweet paprika. When using this as a backup, note that your dish will have an intriguing yet bright flavor profile that better suits pasta, chicken, salads, and soup recipes. To add to its impressive list of qualities, it’s also incredibly aromatic that adds overall allure to the dish.
Additionally, capsaicin oleoresin is used in the production of pepper spray, a non-lethal self-defense tool that can temporarily incapacitate an attacker by causing intense irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
HOTTEST: THE END: FLATLINE HOT SAUCE
The primary distinction between crushed red pepper and paprika lies in their flavor profiles and heat levels:
If you’re someone that doesn’t like a mind blowing amount of heat then cajun seasoning could be the best paprika substitute for you. While it does have a nice little kick, it’s not over the top and is comparable to chilli powder and not as hot as plain cayenne.
Curcumin has also been shown to have benefits for brain health. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and has been found to have neuroprotective properties, meaning it can help protect the brain from age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.