Tomatoes are one of the world’s most healthy, tasty, and diverse veggies. Tomatoes are utilized in everything from soups to sandwiches, spaghetti sauces to polenta recipes. Nevertheless, as we all know, utilizing fresh variety necessitates a significant amount of cutting, trimming, blanching, and other preparatory activities.
The good news is that canned tomatoes save you time and work while still offering all of the taste and nutrients you expect. So which are the finest canned tomatoes to buy? We’ll go through the top 12 options available, as well as the factors you should consider before making your ultimate pick.
Best Selection
Muir Glen Organic Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes with Medium Green Chilies is our top selection. You’ll receive 12 cans of tasty chopped tomatoes with a hint of spice. These are the tomatoes to have on hand whether you want to spice up an Italian night at home or make some Tex-Mex dishes.
Budget Selection
Our low-cost selection is Carmelina e San Marzano Italian Whole Peeled Tomatoes. At a low price, you receive true Italian taste and freshness. Moreover, with six 28-ounce cans on hand, you’ll have plenty for large-volume meal prep or to ensure your family gets tasty meals for a long time.
Contents
- Quick Comparison: Top 12 Best Canned Tomato Options
- 1. Muir Glen Organic Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes
- 2. Carmelina ‘e… San Marzano Italian Whole Peeled Tomatoes
- 3. Hunt’s Diced Tomatoes, No Salt Added
- 4. Cento San Marzano Organic Peeled Tomatoes
- 5. 365 Everyday Value Organic Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
- 6. Cento Imported Italian Tomatoes
- 7. Rega San Marzano DOP Authentic Whole Peeled Plum Tomatoes
- 8. Mutti Finely Chopped Tomatoes
- 9. Scalafani Whole Peeled Tomatoes
- 10. Bianco DiNapoli Organic Whole Peeled Tomatoes
- 11. Tuttorosso Crushed Tomatoes with Basil
- 12. Stanislaus Alta Cucina Whole Tomatoes
- Important Factors to Consider While Purchasing the Finest Canned Tomatoes
- Why Canned Rather Than Fresh?
- Understanding the Many Kinds of Canned Tomatoes
- Things to Look for When Purchasing Canned Tomatoes
- Pay Close Attention to the Processes
- Is Organic Important?
- When Should You Use Canned Tomatoes?
- What Are San Marzano Tomatoes?
- What Kinds of Recipes Can I Prepare With Canned Tomatoes?
- Conclusion
Quick Comparison: Top 12 Best Canned Tomato Options
| Product Name | Grade |
|---|---|
| Muir Glen Organic Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes | A+ |
| Carmelina’e… San Marzano Italian Whole Peeled Tomatoes | A |
| Hunt’s Diced Tomatoes No Salt Added | B+ |
| Cento San Marzano Organic Peeled Tomatoes | A- |
| 365 Everyday Value Organic Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes | B+ |
| Cento Imported Italian Tomatoes | B+ |
| Rega San Marzano DOP Authentic Whole Peeled Plum Tomatoes | A |
| Mutti Finely Chopped Tomatoes | A- |
| Scalafani Whole Peeled Tomatoes | B+ |
| Bianco DiNapoli Organic Whole Peeled Tomatoes | A- |
| Tuttorosso Crushed Tomatoes with Basil | A |
| Stanislaus Alta Cucina Whole Tomatoes | B |
1. Muir Glen Organic Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes
Highlighted Characteristics
If you’re seeking for the greatest California tomatoes, Muir Glen’s selection could be exactly up your alley. They are harvested at their height of freshness and packed as soon as possible to maintain their full taste and nutrients. Each can includes 14.5 ounces of diced, fire-roasted tomatoes seasoned with sea salt and enhanced with green chilies for spice and depth of flavor. You also receive 12 cans every box, making it simple to stock up.
They are among of the healthiest tomatoes available, with each serving providing a healthy quantity of calcium, potassium, iron, and fiber. They are also low in fat and cholesterol.
2. Carmelina ‘e… San Marzano Italian Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Highlighted Features
Do you need to prepare a large supper to feed a large group of people? This six-pack will do the trick. Six 28-ounce cans provide enough peeled, real tomatoes to meet almost any demand. Each can includes whole, peeled San Marzano tomatoes. They are low in sodium, contain no preservatives, and are packaged in a can with a non-BPA lining for improved quality and health. They are also among the most delicious tomatoes available, since they are selected at the height of ripeness and canned right away.
Nutritionally, these tomatoes are high in vitamin C, iron, calcium, vitamin A, and potassium. They also include a lot of fiber and protein.
3. Hunt’s Diced Tomatoes, No Salt Added
Highlighted Elements
Searching for anything else than whole or halved tomatoes? Hunts has the solution. This 12-pack features 14.5-ounce cans of delectable diced tomatoes, all packaged at their freshest and with no additional salt. These gluten-free, keto-friendly tomatoes are all-natural. They are also Non-GMO Project Verified, despite not being certified organic. If you prefer organic tomatoes, Hunts provides many selections.
These tomatoes are rich in potassium and also contain some protein. They also offer 7g of fiber per serving and are suitable for anybody on a no or low-sodium diet since they are not canned with salt.
4. Cento San Marzano Organic Peeled Tomatoes
Highlighted Characteristics
For that true Italian flavor, San Marzano tomatoes are the only choice. This six-pack of 28-ounce cans delivers precisely that. Each can includes 28 ounces of whole, peeled USDA Certified Organic tomatoes. In addition to the ripest tomatoes available, each can has a dash of basil for added taste. The tomatoes come in a low-acid purée that may also be used as a sauce. For added piece of mind, the can liners are completely BPA-free.
Centos tomatoes are high in potassium, as well as calcium, iron, and protein. They are also fat-free and cholesterol-free.
5. 365 Everyday Value Organic Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
Highlighted Features
365 Everyday Value, a Whole Foods house brand, offers exquisite fire-roasted diced tomatoes in sauce. These are organic tomatoes that are also vegan. They are selected at their height of freshness and canned as soon as possible to maximum taste retention.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes may be used in a variety of cuisines, including soups, salsas, and everything in between. They’re also rich in nutrients, with plenty of vitamin C, calcium, vitamin A, iron, and fiber.
6. Cento Imported Italian Tomatoes
Highlighted Elements
When it comes to true Italian flavor, imported Italian tomatoes are a good place to start. Cento Italian Peeled Tomatoes are packaged in tomato juice and fully peeled and ready to use, saving you time, energy, and aggravation.
Peeled tomatoes are the ideal starting point for any stew or sauce. They are selected at their height of freshness, peeled, and canned promptly, ensuring that you receive as much of the delightful taste as possible. In terms of nutrition, these tomatoes are high in calcium, potassium, iron, protein, and fiber. A wonderful recipe for homemade marinara sauce may be found on the back of the can.
7. Rega San Marzano DOP Authentic Whole Peeled Plum Tomatoes
Highlighted Characteristics
Although Roma tomatoes are sometimes mislabeled as San Marzano tomatoes, these are the real deal, as shown by the DOP classification on the package (Protected Designation of Origin). They are cultivated in the rich volcanic soil around Mount Vesuvius to offer the best taste.
This six-pack of 28-ounce cans has enough peeled, whole tomatoes for practically any purpose. You can cook up a storm without worrying about running out of vital ingredients, from sauces to stews. You’ll also discover that these tomatoes are really healthy. They include a lot of iron, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and fiber. They’re also low in fat and cholesterol.
8. Mutti Finely Chopped Tomatoes
Highlighted Features
These Mutti tomatoes have the exquisite taste that only true Italian tomatoes have. For taste and freshness, they are sun-ripened and packed with just a pinch of Mediterranean sea salt. This 12-pack of 14-ounce cans is great for big families, restaurants, and foodservice enterprises, as well as anybody who enjoys wonderful tomatoes. Finely chopped tomatoes may be used in a variety of meals, including sauces and bruschetta, and can even be used in place of crushed tomatoes.
These tomatoes are gluten-free, vegan, and Non-GMO Project Verified. For your health and peace of mind, they are also packed in cans with non-BPA liners.
9. Scalafani Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Highlighted Elements
When you need a big bag of peeled tomatoes, go no farther than this Scalafani offering. Each can includes 28 ounces of excellent tomatoes, and each box has 12 of them. Each can includes real US-grown tomatoes from New Jersey that have been hand-selected when they are at their ripest. They are then peeled and prepared before being delivered to your house.
10. Bianco DiNapoli Organic Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Highlighted Characteristics
Bianco DiNapoli tomatoes are utilized in good restaurants and home kitchens all over the globe for pizzas, sauces, and other dishes that need wonderful tomatoes. These tomatoes are cultivated in California and hand-selected to assure the finest possible quality.
After harvested, the tomatoes are washed and then steam peeled to maintain their texture and firmness. Lastly, they’re canned with organic basil, sea salt, and tomato juice. With six 28-ounce cans, you’ll always have enough of tasty tomatoes on hand for whatever you’re cooking.
11. Tuttorosso Crushed Tomatoes with Basil
Highlighted Features
Tuttorosso sells some of the most delectable crushed tomatoes on the market. Each can includes plum tomatoes that have been selected at their peak ripeness immediately off the vine and then processed within a few hours to assure the greatest taste possible.
You may use these crushed tomatoes in a variety of sauces and other recipes to get the rich, fresh taste you want. Additionally, with six 28-ounce cans, you’ll always be prepared. These tomatoes are also nutritionally dense, with a single serving providing lots of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and fiber. They’re also low in fat and cholesterol.
12. Stanislaus Alta Cucina Whole Tomatoes
Highlighted Elements
Alta Cucina is the place to go when you need a significant quantity of fresh, tasty peeled tomatoes. This single can contains 6.43 pounds of tomatoes, which is more than enough to guarantee you have sufficient, even in foodservice establishments.
These tomatoes are cultivated and harvested in the United States, plucked at their height of freshness, and then swiftly processed to maintain taste and nutrients. Each can also includes only the highest-quality components, such as salt, naturally-derived citric acid, fresh basil, tomatoes, and tomato juice.
Important Factors to Consider While Purchasing the Finest Canned Tomatoes
We’ve explored some of the finest canned tomatoes on the market, whether you’re purchasing for your personal pantry or a restaurant or food service operation. There’s something for everyone, from US-grown to true Italian, crushed to chopped to peeled.
But, buying canned tomatoes might be perplexing. What can you do with them? What are they useful for? How can you be certain that you are making an educated decision?
We’ll take you through some of the main aspects that should go into your purchase in our purchasing guide below.
Why Canned Rather Than Fresh?
Let’s start with why you would wish to utilize canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones. Can’t you get the same results with whole tomatoes from the produce area of your supermarket? Certainly, you can, but it will be more difficult.
There are several advantages to using canned tomatoes, including the following:
- You save time, hassle, and energy that would be required to process tomatoes yourself
- You benefit from additional sources of flavor, such as fresh basil and sea salt
- Canned tomatoes offer additional liquid, acidity, and flavor
As you can see, it is more than just a matter of convenience. Utilizing canned tomatoes allows you to accomplish outcomes that you would not be able to attain with fresh tomatoes alone. Of course, there are several sorts, and they are not all the same, so we will assist you in selecting the best solution for your requirements.
Understanding the Many Kinds of Canned Tomatoes
As previously said, there are several styles or sorts of canned tomatoes. Although they are comparable in certain ways, they are not the same and should not be used in the same meals. In this part, we will look at the various categories and explain how they vary.
Tomatoes, whole and peeled
Whole peeled tomatoes are exactly what they sound like: whole plum tomatoes without the skin. Since they may be used in so many different ways, they are the most versatile of all canned types. With a decent kitchen knife, you can also make them into any other variety of canned tomato, including chopped, crushed, and diced.
Whole peeled tomatoes are often packed in their juices, with a little salt, sometimes basil, and possibly citric acid. If you add any extra ingredients, be sure they’re nutritious and won’t overpower the taste you’re trying for.
Toasted Tomatoes
Tomatoes are often diced quite thinly. These little bits are then packed in juice with salt and probably some basil. Calcium chloride may also be used as a preservative and to keep the little bits from falling apart.
Diced tomatoes are best utilized in particular meals where you want to include little chunks of tomato. Diced tomatoes are often combined with other canned items, such as tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes.
Tomatoes in Stew
Stewed tomatoes are more processed than whole or diced tomatoes, and they are often briefly boiled before canning. They are, however, more like to peeled tomatoes than anything else.
These are large pieces of somewhat mushy tomato that are typically packed with spices and herbs to provide a unique flavor to your food. They are less adaptable than other alternatives because to the spices and should not be used in a dish that asks for something bland.
Tomatoes, CRUMBLED
This is the canned tomato product that falls in between diced tomatoes and paste. There’s a bit more texture here than with paste. Most of these products are prepared by blending tomato puree with fresh crushed tomatoes, giving a medium consistency with tiny, meaty pieces.
Crushed tomatoes will be used in sauces and soups when you don’t want much texture but yet want the vivid taste of fresh tomatoes.
Pureed Tomatoes
If you want something similar to a sauce but with a bit more substance and texture, puree is the way to go. This is also known as ground tomatoes, and it has a smooth texture but a thick consistency. In sauces and soups, use tomato puree for crushed tomatoes.
Tomato Puree
Tomato paste, the thickest of the canned tomato alternatives, is formed from tomatoes that have been boiled down for a lengthy period before being dried. Tomato paste has a strong taste, thus only a little amount should be used at a time. It’s frequently added by the spoonful to foods that need a little color or tomato taste.
Sauce with Tomatoes
Tomato sauce, the least pure tomato product available, generally comprises a number of extra components. This is a pre-made sauce that generally contains herbs and spices and is ready to be added to your recipes or tossed with pasta. Having said that, it may be a useful component in attaining the appropriate taste or consistency in a specific cuisine, so don’t dismiss it completely.
Things to Look for When Purchasing Canned Tomatoes
It is recommended to thoroughly read the ingredient list before purchasing canned tomatoes. The general guideline is that the less, the better. It is OK if your tomato product includes sea salt, and a little amount of citric acid will only improve the brightness and acidity.
But, there should be a couple more additions. The following are some of the more frequent substances you should avoid:
- Significant Amounts of Salt – Salt is a vital element and can bring a lot to your dish. However, check the salt level on your canned tomatoes to make sure that you’re not inadvertently turning what would be a low-sodium food into something packed with salt. This is particularly true if you’re following a low or no-sodium diet, but most Americans should consume less salt anyway.
- Sugar – Sugar is sometimes added to canned tomatoes to make them sweeter. However, this is more common with tomato sauces and purees than with stewed or crushed tomatoes. If you are on a sugar-restricted diet, pay close attention to your food labels to watch for these hidden sources of sugar.
- High-Fructose Corn Syrup – This one should be an immediate no-go. If you see HFCS on your ingredient label, put the can down, and find another option. High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener added in an attempt to make dull, plain tomatoes taste better. It’s often used in products that are made with inferior tomatoes or those harvested and processed after their prime. In addition to masking low-quality food, it also adds unnecessary sugar to your diet.
- Calcium Chloride – We touched on this additive previously. It is often used in diced tomatoes to help them retain their shape in the can. The body also does not treat it the same way as sodium chloride (regular salt). It can actually increase your calcium intake. Note that if you are watching your calcium intake, you should pay attention to food labeling.
- Herbs and Seasonings – Some canned tomato varieties contain herbs and seasonings. The most common is fresh basil, which adds a little bit of authentic Italian flavor. This is most common with tomatoes sourced from Italy. However, other products can contain any number of other seasonings. Technically, there is nothing wrong with this, but remember that those seasonings ultimately end up in your finished dish, where they may or may not have a place. It’s usually better to opt for a plain canned tomato product and add your own seasonings to taste.
Pay Close Attention to the Processes
Tomatoes are picky and fragile. Growers must harvest them at the peak of freshness to provide the optimum taste and eliminate the need for undesired chemicals. Always use vine-ripened tomatoes.
But it doesn’t end there. To retain the taste and texture of the tomatoes, they must be prepared as soon as possible. Seek for companies who process their tomatoes within hours after harvesting. Several brands specify how long it takes from harvest to canning on their packaging.
Is Organic Important?
Organic foods have grown in popularity in recent years. The FDA-Certified Organic mark indicates that the farmer has met US federal regulations for growing conditions, soil health, pesticide usage, and other factors. Pesticides, fungicides, and other chemicals are present in lesser concentrations (or none at all) in these goods.
If you value organically cultivated products, numerous manufacturers offer organic canned tomatoes. Nonetheless, keep in mind that FDA clearance is required. All-natural labeling may not imply the same thing.
When Should You Use Canned Tomatoes?
Tomatoes in cans can and should be used in a variety of cuisines. Fresh tomatoes should only be used if you’re cooking a fresh sauce, a Caprese salad, or anything similar where the tomato must be fresh and uncooked, such as pico de gallo.
Everything else, from sauces to soups, is better done using canned tomatoes. We discussed some of the advantages of canned tomatoes over fresh tomatoes earlier, but we need to go a bit further here. That’s because canned tomatoes aren’t only simpler or quicker in these instances; they’re also better.
Canned tomatoes dependably give excellent taste. You can’t get it from fresh ones from the grocery store. Consider the last several tomatoes you bought. You’ll undoubtedly notice that the texture, taste, and even aroma varied greatly from one to the next.
Even when tomatoes aren’t in season, tinned tomatoes provide peak season taste. If you’ve ever purchased a tomato from the shop in April and discovered that it simply didn’t measure up to what a tomato should be (say, bought in August), you’ll understand precisely what we mean.
As a consequence, canned tomatoes provide consistent outcomes in all of your meals. They also provide peak-season taste and freshness even in the dead of winter, something a hothouse-grown tomato cannot.
What Are San Marzano Tomatoes?
You may have noticed that San Marzano tomatoes were mentioned in numerous of the canned tomato products we tested. But what does it mean?
San Marzano tomatoes are cultivated in certain geographic locations in Italy where the soil, water, and sun conditions are ideal. These tomatoes are said to be more delicious than others, with sweetness, intensity, and a balanced acidity that makes them ideal for mixing with rich recipes.
But there’s more to it than that. Most other plum tomatoes contain four or five seed pockets, however true San Marzano tomatoes have just two. Additional distinctions include:
- Firmer pulp
- Deeper red in color
- Skin is easy to remove
- Seed count is low
- Picked by hand
- Only harvested from August through September
Of course, the same seed kinds are grown in different parts of the world. Although they are theoretically related, only tomatoes with an official DOP label on the can should be deemed real. It’s similar to how true champagne can only be found in one area of France and everything else is a sparkling wine.
Is the excitement around San Marzano tomatoes justified? Several home cooks and professional chefs vouch for them. There are however others who believe that as long as you use a tasty tomato, you’ll be OK.
Your results may vary. The best choice is to experiment with San Marzano tomatoes and see what you think. Compare them to other choices before making a selection.
What Kinds of Recipes Can I Prepare With Canned Tomatoes?
Canned tomatoes are one of the most adaptable foods. They may be used to produce an exceedingly diverse selection of foods. We’ll look at just a handful of the many alternatives below.
- Chili
- Pizza
- Homemade pasta sauce
- Soups
- Chowders
- Stocks
- More flavorful rice and grains when substituted for plain water
- Shakshuka
- Salsa
- Bean and cheese dips
- Spiced up mac and cheese
- Sloppy joes
- Meatballs
- Risotto
- Casseroles
- Ketchup
- Grilled cheese dipping sauces
- Bolognese sauce
- Tikka masala
- Polenta dishes
Remember, these are just the top of the iceberg. Canned tomatoes may be used in any manner you choose. Use your imagination and have fun with them!
Conclusion
We’ve explored some of the finest canned tomatoes on the market, from big cans suited for the restaurant sector to packets that work wonderfully in a home pantry. Whether you need whole tomatoes, chopped tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato puree, or anything else, our list has you covered.
We’ve also covered a lot of information on canned tomatoes, such as the many varieties available, what to avoid when purchasing them, and even some of the best ways to utilize them in your kitchen. The reality is that canned tomatoes are tasty, healthful, and highly flexible, and they should have a prominent position in your cupboard.