Last Updated: Apr 27, 2023 @ 2:07 pm.

Best Organic: Simply Organic Smoked Paprika

Let’s talk paprika!

There are three types of paprika: hot, sweet and smoked. Each is used for different purposes. For this article, we focus on the smoked spice.

As you might guess from the name, smoked paprika is made from peppers smoked over wood (usually oak). The result is a rich flavor . . . and like most paprika, it comes in different heat levels (from mild to hot).

Smoked paprika pairs nicely with roasted potatoes (especially Spanish dishes like patatas bravas), but is also used in stews and BBQ rubs.

We tried out seven top brands of smoked paprika in various dishes before deciding on these winners. For the best organic smoked paprika, we pick Simply Organic as the best bet. This one worked well in a rustic paella we cooked. Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Rich, smokey flavor.

• Sweet aroma.

• No GMO’s.

• Dark red powder adds visual zip.

• Excellent for Spanish tapas.

• Gluten free.

• Mild heat level. This smoked paprika doesn’t make food hot.

What Needs Work

• Pricey.

Best Budget-Friendly: Badia Smoked Paprika

Once you get hooked on the rich flavor of smoked paprika, you’ll note one major flaw with this spice: it’s darn expensive!

Good news: we found a good quality option at a price that is much easier on the wallet: Badia’s Smoked Paprika. Excellent quality and taste.

What We Liked

• No additives or preservatives.

• Smoky, sweet flavor. 

• Slightly hotter than mild. This one has a bit of a bite—not hot, but not mild!

• Gluten-free.

• Similar in flavor to BBQ potato chips, said one of our readers.

What Needs Work

• Not organic.

Best For Dry Rubs: Smoked Paprika by Unpretentious Baker

One of our favorite uses for smoked paprika is dry rubs—for roasts, brisket, pork shoulder and more. After trying out a few brands, we picked Unpretentious Baker’s Smoked Paprika as best for rubs. Here’s why:

What We Liked

• Mild, sweet flavor without heat. Perfect for rubs!

• Made in USA.

• Vegan.

• No preservatives or additives.

• No artificial colors or fillers.

• Affordable.

What Needs Work

• Less smokey aroma than others. We thought it was well balanced, but we know some folks prefer more smoke notes for BBQ.

• Pours a bit too easily! The holes in this bottle are large—and you can dump a lot out if you aren’t careful!

Best Medium Hot: Spice Way Smoked Paprika

Most of the smoked paprika we tried is on the mild side. If your recipe calls for a medium hot spice, we’d recommend Spice Way’s version. We used this for chorizo sausage for a nice kick! The results: yummy!

What We Liked

• Great for those who want a touch more heat. That said, it isn’t HOT. It’s more medium hot.

• No GMO’s.

• No preservatives or additives.

• Sun-dried peppers, then smoked.

What Needs Work

• Pouch. Probably the biggest drawback to this paprika is the container—the pouch just isn’t as convenient as a jar, in our opinion. On the plus side, the pouch is resealable, which helps keep it fresh.

• A bit pricey.

• Allergy alert: may contain traces of tree nuts, wheat, peanuts and soybeans.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do hands-on testing—we buy products with our own money and evaluate with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!