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!)

