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Sweet Paprika
The best versions of this renowned Hungarian spice pack a punch that goes beyond pigment.
Top Pick
WinnerThe Spice House Hungarian Sweet Paprika
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What You Need to Know
Some cooks think of paprika as merely a coloring agent for soups and stews or a garnish for deviled eggs. But the best versions of this renowned Hungarian spice pack a punch that goes beyond pigment. Sweet paprika is derived from dried sweet red-pepper pods, a different variety than the peppers that are used for either hot or smoky paprika. We sampled six brands—two from the supermarket and the others ordered online—processing them into a wet paste for our Hungarian Beef Stew and dusting them liberally on deviled eggs. Two specialty paprikas trounced the competition with their full-bodied flavors. Our hands-down favorite boasted a “fruity,” “earthy” balance that one taster likened to the complexity of a dried Mexican chile. The rest of the lineup paled in comparison—and one good whiff of each explained why. In contrast to the rich, slightly toasty aromas of the two top-rated paprikas, the samples from lower rated brands had virtually no scent at all. Not surprisingly, these second-rate spices also tasted “dull” and “one-dimensional.” Our rule of thumb is to replace ground spices after a year. But for best results, always smell spices before you use them; if the scent is faint, it’s time to open a new jar.
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Everything We Tested
Highly Recommended
WinnerThe Spice House Hungarian Sweet Paprika
Recommended
Penzeys Hungarian Sweet Kulonleges Paprika
Recommended with reservations
Bende Hungarian Paprika
McCormick Paprika
Spice Islands Paprika
Not Recommended
Pride of Szeged Hungarian Paprika
*All products reviewed by America’s Test Kitchen are independently chosen, researched, and reviewed by our editors. We buy products for testing at retail locations and do not accept unsolicited samples for testing. We list suggested sources for recommended products as a convenience to our readers but do not endorse specific retailers. When you choose to purchase our editorial recommendations from the links we provide, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices are subject to change.
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See Why.