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.
- Paprika extract contains a lower concentration of the active compounds found in paprika, including the pigments and essential oils responsible for its color and flavor. It is often used for its coloring properties and may have a milder flavor profile compared to paprika oleoresin.
Why We Love It: While it’s technically considered a “medium” hot sauce, we think this one is mild enough to win over even the most heat-averse skeptics. With a little heat and a lot of flavor, this mild hot sauce is a customer favorite. That’s because this one features a friendly blend of cayenne and habanero peppers to give it just enough heat to warm you up and qualify as hot sauce but not so much that it’ll have you begging for mercy (if that’s more your cup of tea, check out our assortment of extreme hot sauces). And with a hint of garlic flavor, it enhances any savory dish you can dream up.
Hot Sauce
Yes, there are two main types of paprika: sweet paprika and hot paprika. Both types are made from dried and ground Capsicum annuum peppers, but they differ in flavor and heat level.