There are also specialty chili powders that are made from exotic chili peppers, such as ghost peppers or habanero peppers. These powders are extremely hot and should be used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the dish with heat. Ghost pepper chili powder, also known as bhut jolokia, is one of the hottest chili powders in the world and is not recommended for the faint of heart.

Those who love Korean cuisine probably already know this next backup. Gochugaru powder is better known in the US as ground Korean chili powder. This famous Asian condiment is loved for its sweet and spicy taste with a subtle smoky note, making it a nice paprika alternative. It’s also prized for its color which adds a bright red hue to dishes like tteokbokki (Korean spicy rice cake) and yukgaejang (spicy beef soup).

Is Chili Powder and Paprika the Same?

Some common types of chili peppers include:

Turmeric powder is also gaining popularity as a natural remedy for skin care. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce acne and other skin conditions, while its antioxidant properties can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Many cosmetic companies are now incorporating turmeric powder into their skincare products, further driving the demand for this beneficial spice.

The differences, if any, are typically minor and often come down to regional preferences in terminology or slight variations in the type of chili pepper used, the coarseness of the grind or the inclusion of other spices in the mix. For most culinary purposes, these terms can be used interchangeably without significantly affecting the flavor or outcome of the dish.

That said, I advise you to add the cayenne powder gradually to help you find the right amount that will work best for your taste buds or cooking style. Start with a one-eight teaspoon and adjust accordingly.