Smoked paprika is also known as pimentón, thanks to its Spanish origins. It’s made from peppers smoked and dried over oak fires, “The New Food Lover’s Companion” says.

The difference in flavor and quality between smoked paprika brands can be stark. We tasted 11 varieties to find the best — and the ones to avoid.

Made from a range of dried and ground peppers, paprika features in Hungarian, Spanish, Moroccan, and West African cuisines, among others. Sweet, hot, or smoked, this pantry staple is worth getting ...