You’ve likely seen paprika sprinkled on deviled eggs, folded into goulash, or dusted over roasted potatoes—but recently, social media has been buzzing with claims like “Paprika isn’t what you think!” or “It’s made from bugs!” So, what’s the truth?
Let’s clear the smoke: paprika is 100% plant-based—and it’s not made from insects. Here’s the real story.
🌶️ What Paprika Actually Is
Paprika is a ground spice made exclusively from dried, sweet (or mildly hot) peppers—specifically varieties of Capsicum annuum, the same species as bell peppers and chili peppers.

No additives. No bugs. No mystery ingredients.
The color, flavor, and heat depend entirely on the type of pepper used and where it’s grown.Types of Paprika (It’s Not All the Same!)
Type
Flavor Profile
Common Use
Sweet Paprika (most common in U.S.)
Mild, slightly sweet, earthy
Deviled eggs, potato salad, garnish
Hungarian Paprika
Ranges from mild to spicy; rich, complex
Goulash, chicken paprikash
Spanish Smoked Paprika (Pimentón)
Deeply smoky, from peppers dried over oak fires
Chorizo, paella, roasted meats
✅ All are 100% ground peppers—nothing else.
🐛 So Where Did the “Bug” Myth Come From?
The confusion likely stems from two other red food colorings:
Carmine (cochineal extract) – A natural red dye made from crushed cochineal insects. Used in some yogurts, juices, and cosmetics—never in pure paprika.
Red 40 (Allura Red) – A synthetic dye sometimes added to low-quality spice blends for brighter color.
⚠️ Key point: Reputable paprika contains only peppers. If a product lists “color added” or “carmine,” it’s not pure paprika—it’s a blend or imitation.