What Is Paprika Made Of? The Truth Behind the Spice That Shocked the Internet

If you’ve ever peeked into your spice rack, you’ve probably noticed that little jar of paprika—its rich red hue brightening deviled eggs, roasting chicken, or adding warmth to soups and stews. But recently, social media blew up with claims like, “Paprika is made from bugs!” or “It’s not what you think!” Leaving home cooks everywhere scratching their heads: is paprika safe? Is it natural? What really goes into that little red jar?

Let’s clear the air once and for all.

🌶️ The Simple Truth: Paprika Is 100% Plant-Based
Paprika comes exclusively from dried and ground peppers—specifically varieties of Capsicum annuum, the same species as bell peppers, cayenne, and chili peppers.

Depending on the type of pepper and how it’s processed, paprika can be:

Sweet: Mild and fruity, the type most common in the U.S.
Hot: Spicy, made from hotter pepper varieties.
Smoked: Known as pimentón in Spain, where peppers are smoke-dried over oak wood.

No additives. No insects. Just pure, dried peppers ground into powder.

🐛 So Where Did the “Bug Rumor” Come From?

The confusion comes from carmine (or cochineal extract), a red dye made from crushed cochineal insects. Carmine is used in some yogurts, juices, candies, and even cosmetics to create vibrant red tones.

Here’s the key difference:

	Paprika	Carmine (Cochineal)
Source	Peppers (plant-based)	Insects (animal-based)
Use	Spice & seasoning	Food dye
Labeling	“Paprika” or “Ground Red Pepper”	“Carmine,” “Cochineal,” “Natural Red 4”

They are not the same, and reputable paprika contains zero insects.