Related: The Secret Ingredient for Making Jarred Pasta Sauce Taste Like It Came From an Italian Restaurant
?? SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter ??
My grandparents & their tomato plantsTheresa Greco
But when you're standing at the store looking at all of those cans of tomatoes, it can be very overwhelming. To help you out, I grabbed some food-loving friends and did a blind taste test of 16 popular brands of canned tomatoes to help you find the best canned tomatoes.
Related: We Ranked 12 Olive Oil Brands and You Can Buy the Winner at Whole Foods
What to Consider When Buying Canned Tomatoes
When deciding on the right brand of whole tomatoes for your cooking, a few essential factors will ensure you're picking the best product for your dish. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Ready to TasteTheresa Greco
Appearance: The tomatoes inside the can should look plump, firm, and bright red, with skins that are intact and unbroken. Avoid cans with mushy or discolored tomatoes, as these may break down too easily and lead to a watery, bland sauce. The tomatoes should maintain their shape when cooked, allowing you to decide whether to leave them whole, chunk them, or blend them for a smoother texture.
Can Condition and Size: Check the can for any dents, rust, or bulges, as these can affect the tomatoes' quality and taste. Choose the can size that fits your needs—larger cans are ideal for bulk cooking or big batches of sauce, while smaller cans work well for smaller meals. And remember, once opened, use the tomatoes promptly for the best flavor or freeze for later.
Related: I Tried 24 Rao's Sauces (Including the 6 Brand New Ones) and the Winner Tastes 100% Homemade
Canned Whole TomatoesTheresa Greco
What Exactly are San Marzano Tomatoes?
With their firm texture, minimal seeds, and vibrant red color, San Marzano tomatoes truly enhance any dish. However, while they often come with a premium price tag, it’s important to remember that you don't always need to splurge to achieve a rich, flavorful sauce that evokes those comforting, homemade meals—though I won’t deny, that they’re definitely my favorite.
When shopping for San Marzano, look for the "DOP" (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) label, which guarantees authenticity. Be cautious of “San Marzano-style” products, which might not meet the same standards.
Related: I Tried 12 Canned Biscuits and the Winner Won by a Landslide
Inside my fridge on tasting dayTheresa Greco
Related: We Tried 12 Different Dijon Mustards and The Winner Won by a Landslide
How We Tested These Canned Tomatoes
Tomato TastingTheresa Greco
Parade Approved Badge 2025Parade
The results were meticulously analyzed to determine which tomatoes delivered the best flavor both on their own and when cooked into a sauce. This thorough, unbiased approach ensured that our rankings were based entirely on the natural characteristics of the tomatoes, free from brand influence, giving you a genuinely impartial recommendation.
Related: You Need This Pasta Amatriciana In Your Life
16 Canned Tomatoes, Ranked Worst to Best
16. Contadina Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Contadina TomatoesTheresa Greco
A well-known Italian-American brand of canned tomatoes since 1938, Contadina didn’t quite live up to expectations in our tasting. The team unanimously agreed that they were surprisingly salty and had a noticeable metallic taste, likely from the can. Upon opening, we found there was more juice than whole tomatoes inside. While we can understand why some might choose this brand for nostalgic or comfort reasons, especially out of tradition, sadly we’re not sure they’d be the go-to for those seeking quality in their tomato sauce.
15. Kroger Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Kroger Whole TomatoesTheresa Greco
Kroger brand whole tomatoes were notably bitter and acidic. One taster even described them as "exactly what I don’t like about tomatoes." The texture was watery right out of the can, and there was a lingering bitterness that everyone tasted. Typically, a 28-ounce can ranges from about $1.00 to $1.50, making them an affordable option, but not necessarily the best choice for true tomato flavor.
14. Great Value Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Great Value Whole TomatoesTheresa Greco
Related: I Tried Martha Stewart's One-Pot Pasta That Has 'Taken the Internet By Storm'
13. Pastene Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Pastene Whole TomatoesTheresa Greco
The team had high expectations for Pastene, one of the oldest and most beloved Italian American food brands in the U.S., founded in 1848. While the tomatoes showcased a bold flavor, they leaned toward a slightly acidic and bitter profile when tasted raw. However cooking them into a sauce mellowed the acidity and enhanced their flavor, though they still didn't quite stand out as a top contender among the selections.
12. Thrive Market Organic Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Thrive Market TomatoesTheresa Greco
The tasting team agreed that Thrive Market whole tomatoes were simple, slightly salty, and had a watery texture. While they wouldn’t elevate a special dish, they worked well enough in a basic sauce. Overall, they were considered just "okay" for cooking, with little to set them apart.
11. Red Gold Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Red Gold Whole TomatoesTheresa Greco
The team agreed that Red Gold tomatoes were somewhat sweeter than the other brands, with a flavorful and balanced taste. The sauce was thin but still pleasant, making it a solid middle-of-the-road option. Some team members noted that their Nonna used Red Gold when making sauce, emphasizing its consistent and comforting quality. Interestingly, Red Gold has been a family-owned company since 1942 and is known for sourcing its tomatoes from Indiana, often referred to as the "Tomato Capital of the World." This brand is easily found in grocery stores around the country.
10. Muir Glenn Organic Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Muir Glen Whole TomatoesRelated: The Italian Home Cook Trick for Making Creamy Pasta Sauce Without the Cream
9. Hunt's Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Hunt's Whole TomatoesTheresa Greco
The feedback from our tasting panel was divided—while some enjoyed the clean, straightforward taste, others found the flavor slightly overpowered by salt. Nevertheless, at less than $3 a can and wide availability in most grocery stores, Hunt’s offers a solid, budget-friendly option for everyday meals. While it may not win any awards for complexity, it remains a reliable choice for those seeking a cost-effective and flavorful base for quick sauces, stews and casseroles.
8. Trader Joe's Whole Peeled Tomatoes with Bail Leaf
Trader Joe's Italian TomatoesTheresa Greco
The cooked sauce had a delightful, hearty thickness that many found particularly appealing. One taster even remarked, "It’s a great alternative to my go-to brand," reflecting how easily it could become a staple in any kitchen. The tomatoes brought a comforting, homemade quality that we agreed made it a versatile choice for a wide range of Italian dishes. Whether a classic marinara, or a savory meat sauce these tomatoes offer the perfect foundation, delivering both consistency and flavor without breaking the bank. Overall, Trader Joe's tomatoes are a reliable and delicious option for home cooks who love to eat Italian.
7. Cento Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Cento Italian Style Whole TomatoesTheresa Greco
Cento tomatoes are widely available and priced under $5 for a 28-ounce can, offering great value for the price. They provide an affordable option for home cooks who want quality without paying a premium for some other brands.
Related: Audrey Hepburn’s Creamy Penne alla Vodka is the Perfect Simple Supper
6. Dellalo San Marzano Style Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Delallo San Marzano Style TomatoesTheresa Greco
A trusted family-owned brand since 1950, DeLallo is known for delivering high-quality Italian products, and these tomatoes are no exception. Priced at around $3 to $4 for a 28-ounce can, they offer excellent value and are widely available in stores and online.
5. Rega Whole Peeled San Marzano Tomatoes
Rega DOP TomatoesTheresa Greco
These were the only DOP-certified San Marzano tomatoes the team tasted, and they clearly stood out. With their rich, vibrant flavor and perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, they would make a fantastic topping for a Neapolitan-style Margherita pizza and would add a special touch to other dishes as well. The team was impressed by the quality, describing them as a "delicious-perfect tomato." However, the premium cost—around $7 for a 28-ounce can—makes them less practical for making everyday sauce, especially when feeding a family. While the quality is undeniable, the price can be a challenge for everyday use.
4. Giadzy Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Giadzy Whole TomatoesTheresa Greco
Though Giadzy tomatoes are exclusively available online and come at a higher price point compared to more affordable options, their exceptional quality and vibrant flavor make them a standout choice for those looking to elevate their meals. However, due to their limited availability and premium cost, they might not be the most practical everyday option for most kitchens. If you're making a dish for a special occasion, these tomatoes are worth seeking out.
3. Pomi Chopped Tomatoes
Pomi Chopped TomatoesTheresa Greco
The tasting team was impressed by their vibrant, fresh flavor and smooth, well-balanced texture, which easily adapts to a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re making a classic marinara, a hearty soup, or a comforting stew, Pomi’s chopped tomatoes are always in my pantry, ready for whatever recipe I’m preparing.
Related: The Easy Pasta Dish Ina Garten Loves to Make After a Busy Day of Recipe Testing
2. Mutti Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Mutti Whole TomatoesTheresa Greco
The tasting team was immediately impressed by the purity and depth of flavor that Mutti tomatoes brought to the table. Their taste felt truly authentic—rich, traditional, and reminiscent of the kind of tomatoes you'd want to serve at a family gathering with Nonna. The naturally sweet and subtly tangy profile stood out, with none of the overwhelming acidity that can sometimes dominate lesser brands. Across the board, the team was unanimous in their admiration for the full-bodied, balanced flavor and the exceptional quality of Mutti tomatoes and their ability to bring a touch of Italy’s finest right into your kitchen.
1. Colavita Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Colavita Whole TomatoesTheresa Greco
Their versatility was a key highlight, as we agreed they would seamlessly work in many recipes, bringing a touch of authenticity to everything they were used in. Colavita tomatoes are the kind of ingredient that turns everyday cooking into an opportunity to create something truly satisfying, making them an indispensable addition to any kitchen.
Related: The Secret Ingredient Ina Garten Uses in Her Pasta e Fagioli
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( We Made Sauce With 16 Different Canned Tomatoes and the Winner Won by a Landslide )
Also on site :