Ever stared at a grocery store aisle packed with cans of tomatoes, wondering which one is truly the best? You’re not alone! Choosing the right whole tomatoes in a can can feel like a culinary puzzle. Some might be too mushy, others might have a bland taste, and you just want that perfect tomato flavor for your favorite recipes.
That’s where we come in. We know you want your sauces to be rich, your stews to be flavorful, and your pizzas to be delicious. Picking the right canned whole tomatoes makes all the difference. This post will help you navigate the choices and find the hidden gems.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll break down what makes a good can of whole tomatoes, share tips for picking the best ones, and even suggest how to use them. Get ready to make your cooking shine!
Top Whole Tomatoes In Can Recommendations
- One 28 ounce can of Whole Peeled Tomatoes
- Some of your favorite Amazon Fresh products are now part of the Amazon Grocery brand! Although packaging may vary during the transition, the ingredients and product remain the same. Thank you for your continued trust in our brands
- No sugar added
- Non GMO Project Verified
- Amazon Grocery has all the favorites you love for less. You’ll find everything you need for great-tasting meals in one shopping trip.
- The information below is per-pack only
- One 28 ounce can of Whole Peeled Tomatoes
- Some of your favorite Amazon Fresh products are now part of the Amazon Grocery brand! Although packaging may vary during the transition, the ingredients and product remain the same. Thank you for your continued trust in our brands
- No sugar added
- Non GMO Project Verified
- Authentic Italian Taste: Hand-picked and sun-ripened, our tomatoes deliver a sweet, rich flavor. Packed in a thick puree with basil, they're ideal for homemade pasta and pizza sauces, soups, stews, and more, a must-have for any home cook and perfect for chefs
- San Marzano Tomatoes: With thicker walls, fewer seeds, and lower acidity, San Marzano Tomatoes are the premier choice for any recipe. Our San Marzano tomatoes are certified to ensure their superior quality and authenticity
- Grown and Produced in Italy: Cento San Marzano Tomatoes are grown in the Sarnese Nocerino area of Italy. Our tomatoes are then processed in our facility within close proximity to the fields, allowing for the freshest and most flavorful San Marzano tomatoes
- Traceability From Seed to Shelf: Our tomatoes are held to the highest of standards. Using Find My Field, which brings traceability to our tomato products, the lot code on each can allows you to view the field in Italy where your tomatoes were grown
- Trust your Family with Our Family: For over 60 years, Cento Fine Foods has been providing consistent, premium Italian products. Widely recognized by the world's top chefs, Cento is your complete source for authentic Italian
- 28 oz organic whole peeled tomatoes
- Kosher certified
- Non-GMO verified
- USDA organic
- Grown in California's San Joaquin Valley
- San Marzano style whole tomatoes, carefully packed and easy to store
- 28 oz whole peeled tomatoes
- Kosher certified
- Non-GMO verified
- Grown in California's fertile fields
- Packed in natural juice at peak ripeness
- Hunt's whole plum tomatoes are packed in their own juice, adding freshness and vibrancy to soups, stews, spaghetti sauce, and more
- Hunt's vine-ripened tomatoes offer fresh flavor with every bite 365 days a year
- No compromise, Hunt's Whole Peeled Plum Tomatoes are 100% natural, with no artificial preservatives
- Hunt's Flashsteam tomatoes are peeled with simple hot water
- Low FODMAP Food. Per serving, ingredients fit within lower FODMAP eating style.
- Authentic Italian Taste: Hand-picked and sun-ripened, our tomatoes deliver a sweet, rich flavor. Packed in a thick puree with basil, they're ideal for homemade pasta and pizza sauces, soups, stews, and more, a must-have for any home cook and perfect for chefs
- San Marzano Tomatoes: With thicker walls, fewer seeds, and lower acidity, San Marzano Tomatoes are the premier choice for any recipe. Our San Marzano tomatoes are certified to ensure their superior quality and authenticity
- Grown and Produced in Italy: Cento San Marzano Tomatoes are grown in the Sarnese Nocerino area of Italy. Our tomatoes are then processed in our facility within close proximity to the fields, allowing for the freshest and most flavorful San Marzano tomatoes
- Traceability From Seed to Shelf: Our tomatoes are held to the highest of standards. Using Find My Field, which brings traceability to our tomato products, the lot code on each can allows you to view the field in Italy where your tomatoes were grown
- Trust your Family with Our Family: For over 60 years, Cento Fine Foods has been providing consistent, premium Italian products. Widely recognized by the world's top chefs, Cento is your complete source for authentic Italian
Your Guide to Canned Whole Tomatoes
Canned whole tomatoes are a kitchen superhero. They save you time and bring great tomato flavor to your meals. Let’s find the best ones for your cooking.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you pick up a can of whole tomatoes, check these things:
- Type of Tomato: Most cans have Roma or plum tomatoes. These are good because they have fewer seeds and less water. This means more tomato flavor. Some cans might say “San Marzano style.” These are usually very tasty.
- What’s Inside the Can: Look for just tomatoes and maybe tomato juice or citric acid. Citric acid helps keep the tomatoes fresh and stops them from spoiling. Avoid cans with lots of added salt or sugar if you want to control the taste yourself.
- Can Material: Good quality cans are usually made of steel. They should be free of dents or rust. Dents can mean the seal is broken, and rust means the can might be old.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The best canned whole tomatoes have simple ingredients.
- Tomatoes: This is the star! You want plump, whole tomatoes. They should look like real tomatoes, not mushy or broken.
- Tomato Juice or Puree: This is usually what the tomatoes are packed in. It adds more tomato goodness to your dishes.
- Citric Acid: This is a natural ingredient. It helps keep the tomatoes tasting bright and fresh. It’s like a little bit of lemon juice for the tomatoes.
- Salt (Optional): Some cans add a little salt. If you are watching your salt intake, look for “no salt added” options.
What Makes Them Great (or Not So Great)
Many things affect how good canned whole tomatoes are.
- Freshness of the Tomatoes: Tomatoes picked at their peak ripeness taste the best. Brands that carefully select their tomatoes usually have better products.
- How They Are Canned: The process of canning matters. Quick canning helps keep the fresh tomato flavor.
- Additives: As mentioned, too much salt or other things can change the natural tomato taste. Simple is usually better.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands have been around for a long time and are known for quality. Reading reviews can help you find these trusted brands.
How to Use Them: User Experience and Use Cases
Canned whole tomatoes are super versatile.
- Sauces: They are perfect for pasta sauces, pizza sauce, or any tomato-based sauce. You can easily crush them with your hands or a spoon.
- Soups and Stews: Add them to chili, minestrone, or any hearty soup. They break down nicely and add depth of flavor.
- Braising: Use them when braising meats like chicken or pork. They create a flavorful liquid for the meat to cook in.
- Quick Meals: They are a lifesaver for busy weeknights. A quick sauce for pasta or a simple base for a shakshuka is easy to make.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canned Whole Tomatoes
Q: Are canned whole tomatoes healthy?
A: Yes, canned whole tomatoes are healthy. They are a good source of vitamins like Vitamin C and Vitamin A. They also contain an antioxidant called lycopene, which is good for your body.
Q: What is the difference between whole peeled tomatoes and diced tomatoes?
A: Whole peeled tomatoes are, well, whole tomatoes that have had their skins removed. Diced tomatoes are cut into small cubes. Whole tomatoes give you more control over how you break them down in your cooking.
Q: Can I use canned whole tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?
A: Yes, you can often use canned whole tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes. They have a concentrated tomato flavor. They are especially good for cooked dishes like sauces and soups.
Q: How long do canned whole tomatoes last?
A: Unopened cans of whole tomatoes can last for a very long time, often 1-2 years past the “best by” date. Once opened, store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator and use them within a few days.
Q: Should I drain the liquid from canned whole tomatoes?
A: It depends on your recipe. Often, the liquid adds flavor and moisture, so you don’t need to drain it. For some recipes where you want a thicker sauce, you might drain some of it.
Q: What does “San Marzano style” mean?
A: “San Marzano style” means the tomatoes are grown and processed to be like true San Marzano tomatoes from Italy. They are known for their sweet flavor and fewer seeds.
Q: Is it okay if my canned tomatoes have a metallic taste?
A: A slight metallic taste is usually not harmful, but it can affect the flavor of your food. This can sometimes happen if the can is old or if the tomatoes have been stored for too long. It’s best to use them if they taste fresh.
Q: Can I freeze canned whole tomatoes?
A: Yes, you can freeze canned whole tomatoes. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They might change texture a bit when thawed, but they will still be good for cooking.
Q: What is the best way to crush whole tomatoes?
A: You can crush them easily with your hands right in the bowl or pot. A potato masher or an immersion blender also works well for a smoother texture.
Q: Why do some cans have citric acid?
A: Citric acid is added to help preserve the tomatoes and maintain their bright, fresh flavor. It also helps keep the pH level stable, which is important for food safety.