Paprika Substitute
Written by Mustapha B. · Updated August 13, 2026
Mild chili powder replaces paprika well. More options below.
When you run out of paprika, the best replacement depends on which kind your recipe means. For standard sweet paprika, which adds mild flavor and red color more than heat, a pinch of cayenne cut with a little ground cumin or chili powder works, though go light on the cayenne since it is far hotter. For color alone, a small amount of tomato powder or even a touch of red chili powder can stand in without overwhelming the dish.
If the recipe calls for smoked paprika, the smoky note is harder to replace; a tiny dash of chipotle powder or a few drops of liquid smoke with regular chili powder comes closest. A handy tip: because paprika is often used as much for its warm red hue as its taste, start with half the amount of any spicier substitute, taste, and build up slowly so you do not accidentally make a mild dish fiery.
Spice substitutions
Out of something mid-recipe? Search above for a working substitute with the right ratio. Below is the full list, each swap is chosen to behave as closely as possible to the original in cooking and baking.
| Out of… | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Cumin | Equal amount chili powder (milder, add a pinch of chili) · or · Equal parts ground coriander + a pinch of chili |
| Paprika | Equal amount mild chili powder · or · A smaller amount of cayenne (hotter) |
| Thyme | Equal amount oregano or marjoram · or · Italian seasoning |
| Oregano | Equal amount marjoram or thyme · or · Italian seasoning |
| Basil | Equal amount oregano · or · Equal amount thyme |
| Cinnamon | Equal amount allspice or nutmeg (use less) · or · Pumpkin pie spice |
| Nutmeg | Equal amount mace · or · Cinnamon or allspice |
| Ginger (ground) | Equal amount allspice, cinnamon or mace · or · ¼ tsp ground = 1 tbsp grated fresh |
| Garlic powder | ⅛ tsp powder = 1 fresh clove · or · Equal amount granulated garlic |
| Onion powder | 1 tbsp dried minced onion per 1 tsp powder |
| Italian seasoning | Equal parts basil, oregano, thyme & rosemary |
| Chili powder | Paprika + cumin + a pinch of cayenne · or · Taco seasoning |
| Cayenne | Red pepper flakes (use more) · or · A few dashes of hot sauce |
| Allspice | Equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg & cloves · or · Pumpkin pie spice |
| Cardamom | Equal parts cinnamon + nutmeg · or · Equal parts ginger + cinnamon |
Frequently asked questions
What can I substitute for paprika?
For sweet paprika, use a small amount of chili powder or a pinch of cayenne with cumin. Adjust slowly, as cayenne is much hotter than paprika.
What is a good substitute for smoked paprika?
A small dash of chipotle powder, or chili powder with a few drops of liquid smoke, best recreates the smoky flavor of smoked paprika.