Spanish paprika, or pimentón, is a celebrated spice throughout that country, with controlled production that must be monitored to meet traditional standards in how these peppers are grown and processed. Murcia, in southeastern Spain, produces paprika that is sweet and mild. Paprika produced in La Vera, found in western Spain, can be sweet, spicy, or bittersweet. The celebrated pimentón de La Vera are smoked for extra flavor. 

Bell Pepper Powder

In summary, chili peppers are the fruits of plants from the Capsicum genus that contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for their heat. 

So, only use bell pepper powder if the color won't affect the overall quality of your dish.

One thing that you might need to pay attention to is how hot red pepper flakes are. Unlike paprika, you can't find mild, medium, and hot varieties of crushed red pepper flakes.

In summary, the spiciness of paprika can vary depending on the type of pepper used to make it. Sweet paprika is mild and sweet, offering little to no heat, while hot paprika provides a noticeable level of spiciness. Smoked paprika can be sweet or hot, with the added dimension of a distinct smoky flavor. Understanding the different types of paprika can help in selecting the right variety to achieve the desired level of spiciness in a dish.

Best for taco seasoning, potato dishes, and paellas.

But did you know it requires heat to bring out its spicy flavor? It's why it's best to use it in recipes that require cooking.