I choose to use Gochuganu (Korean red pepper flakes) for a hint of sweet and smokey flavor that doesn’t upset the balance of flavor.
Sweet paprika is the one most commonly found in supermarket aisles and adds vibrant colour to any dish it touches. Mild and delicate, and warm rather than hot, it’s the perfect choice if you want to add peppery flavour to your food without the heat. It tends to be more fruity and a little bitter too. If you’re cooking a recipe that doesn’t specify the type of paprika, sweet paprika is definitely your best bet.
Smoked Paprika Substitutes
Chili Pepper

Another thing I want you to note when using this mixed substitute spice for paprika is to ensure its distinct flavor goes well with all the ingredients in your recipe. Otherwise, you will end up with a dish with an unbalanced flavor.
When cooking with dried red pepper pods, it's important to handle them with care. The oils in the peppers can cause irritation to the skin and eyes, so it's best to wear gloves when handling them. Additionally, it's a good idea to remove the seeds from the pods before using them if you prefer a milder heat.
The process of creating crushed red pepper begins with sorting and cleaning the peppers to remove any impurities. The peppers are then dried using a variety of methods, including sun drying or mechanical drying, to reduce their moisture content. Once dried, the peppers are ground into flakes or powder using specialized equipment in the factory.
The heat of peppers is measured using the Scoville Heat Scale, which ranks the heat of a given pepper in units known as Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Bell peppers of all colors register zero SHU, meaning they're not hot at all. Jalapeños are medium, measuring 2,500 to 8,000 SHU, while extremely hot chiles like habaneros or Scotch bonnets come in at 100,000 to 350,000 SHU.