Aussies warned to stock up as common cooking spice used in 'nearly every meat rub' faces looming global shortage
A tasty spice you'll find in a surprising number of your favourite dishes is facing a global shortage.
Paprika supplies are being threatened by "economic problems in Hungary" where it is mostly grown.
The popular spice is reportedly one of the "11 secret herbs and spices" used in KFC's original recipe chicken and is also used in "nearly every meat rub for barbecues and roasts".
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Paprika supplies are being threatened by 'economic problems in Hungary' where it is mostly grown. 9Honey
Ian Hemphill, Managing Director of Australian spice company Herbie's Spices, explains economic factors coupled with "unpredictable weather" have led to lower harvests.
"Increased costs for labour, fertilisers, and transportation also influenced paprika prices. Producers facing higher expenses tend to pass these costs onto buyers, further increasing the price per kilogram," he tells 9honey Kitchen.
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It is is also used in "nearly every meat rub for barbecues and roasts". Getty
Customers are being warned of a looming shortage and soaring prices. 9Honey
"So far we have only seen an increase in the prices for high-quality Hungarian sweet paprika, although paprika from China and Spain has only increased in cost by a much smaller margin."
Hemphill warns prices are already on the increase, by up to 30 percent.
In 2023, wholesale prices of the spice ranged from $0.57 to USD $1.90 ($0.87 to $2.90) per kilo, according to global agri-food data platform and marketplace Tridge, and then $0.61 to $2.06 USD ($0.93 to $3.14) per kilo in 2024.
By April 2025, that price had increased to USD $1.22 to $1.92 ($1.86 to $2.93) per kilo.
Paprika is used in a surprising number of dishes including as a finishing touch to deviled eggs and hummus, as well as being a key ingredient in fish and chicken dishes.
Food expert Jane DeGraaff loves using "smoked paprika in just about everything that I want deep flavours in, from bolognese to stroganoff".
The popular spice is also believed to be used in KFC's original recipe chicken Getty
Paprika is also used in ready-made products found in supermarkets including spice mixes and stuffing, rice, stews, soups, and in the preparation of sausages and other meat products.
Hemphill also explains "Paprika is found in nearly every meat rub for barbecues and roasts".
Hemphill warns prices are already on the increase, by up to 30 percent. 9Honey
Paprika is used in a surprising number of dishes. 9Honey
Aussie shoppers can find paprika on sale at Coles and Woolies from $0.24 per 10 grams. Aldi shoppers can pick it up for $0.58 per 10 grams.
DeGraaff suggests using "smoked chilli powder like chipotle" as a substitute "or even tomato powder".
Paprika is commonly sold in Mild Spanish, Smoked Sweet, and Hungarian Sweet varieties.
Smoked paprika is Hemphill's biggest seller and it is "one of the few brands that is 100 percent natural with no added flavours".
Paprika is commonly sold in Mild Spanish, Smoked Sweet, and Hungarian Sweet varieties. 9Honey
For those planning to stock up, Hemphill recommends keeping paprika in "airtight packaging and away from extreme heat and light".
To learn more about all of your favourite spices check out Ian Hemphill's book The Spice & Herb Bible.
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