We Tasted Dozens of Canned Tomatoes to Find Your Sunday Sauce Star
It’s not easy to find the best canned tomatoes — especially when you’re standing in the grocery aisle, staring down shelves upon shelves of brightly colored labels. You may be looking for the best canned tomatoes for chili, salsa, or classic tomato soup. You may be wondering if San Marzano tomatoes are really worth it, which brand is the best, or even "What the heck are San Marzano tomatoes anyway?"
It’s easy to use a can of tomatoes in all kinds of weeknight dinner recipes, but it isn’t always easy to navigate your buying options at the grocery store. Learn how to shop for this pantry staple like a pro, and you’ll enjoy the best ripe-tomato flavor in your recipes, year-round.
How to shop the canned tomato aisle
Always read the label
We don’t always give reading assignments, but it's important to pay attention to the ingredients list. Many canned tomato products include citric acid, calcium chloride, or both. These are harmless preservatives that you don’t have to worry about unless you have an allergy. There are plenty of brands that leave them out if you’d prefer a more natural product, and be sure to check for other hidden ingredients, like added sugar. Our rule of thumb for nearly all canned tomato products? The first ingredient on the list should be ... tomatoes.
What’s the deal with San Marzano tomatoes?
In addition to the ingredients list, the canned tomato label is also where you might find the term “San Marzano.” San Marzano tomatoes are sweet Italian tomatoes grown in Campania — and nowhere else. Unless the can says “Pomodoro S. Marzano dell'Agro Sarnese-Nocerino” (the Italian designation for this protected region — it’s a mouthful!), it’s not a true San Marzano tomato. Some brands import their tomatoes from the San Marzano region but are not officially certified, while others simply use the Italian tomato’s ovular shape as decoration (even though the tomatoes inside the can are 100% American-grown). Bottom line? Don’t get too caught up on whether the can you choose contains this prized produce or not; let other factors (like your budget or favorite flavor) determine your pick.
The best all-purpose canned tomatoes
If you have no idea what’s for dinner, but you know it’ll involve a tomato, whole-peeled canned tomatoes are the most versatile variety around. They might require a little more work when it’s time to use them, but they can transform into whatever you’re craving. Plus, they’re the least processed and more likely to boast a clean, tomato-forward flavor.
The best canned tomatoes for sauces and soups
If you’re dreaming of a smooth tomato sauce that clings to al dente spaghetti or cloaks homemade meatballs, you’ve got a few options. If you don't have time to simmer whole-peeled tomatoes all day, pick up a can labeled ‘crushed’: they'll be similar in texture to what you’d get if you ran whole-peeled tomatoes through a blender. Some brands are chunkier than others, so it’ll take a bit of trial and error to find your fave. To add body to a curry or soup, reach for either ‘crushed’ or ‘puree’ — just make sure tomatoes are still the main ingredient on the list.
Our favorite canned tomatoes for any occasion:
Simpson Imports San Marzano
This is one of the Test Kitchen’s favorite brands. We like that these tomatoes are packed in juice rather than purée, and they boast just the right amount of sweet acidity. For the easiest sauce ever, heat 4 cloves of garlic (finely chopped) with 1 tsp fennel seeds (crushed) and ? tsp crushed red pepper flakes in plenty of olive oil over low heat until it starts to sizzle. Meanwhile, carefully squeeze out and discard the seeds from 1 28-oz can whole tomatoes, then return them to the can with their liquid. Using an immersion blender, blend the tomatoes until smooth. Add the tomatoes to the garlic fennel oil along with a couple sprigs of fresh herbs (use whatever you’ve got: basil, parsley, oregano, etc.) and ? cup dry white wine if you have it. Simmer on low, stirring occasionally for at least 10 minutes. Remove the herbs and it’s ready to top off your favorite pasta. SHOP NOW
Market Pantry
These tomatoes are an all-around reliable pick. Their bright flavor and minimal added salt makes them perfect for anything, from stovetop chili or marinara sauce to dip-worthy shakshuka.
Red Pack
This can boasts tomatoes that are sweeter than many of the others we tasted. They’re packed in purée, so if you plan to use everything in the can you may need to add water. Be sure to watch your simmering sauce or tomato soup closely so it doesn’t stick. SHOP NOW
Cento
Packed in purée with basil, Cento-brand tomatoes are sweet with a decent amount of acid. Unlike many other canned tomatoes on the market, these tomatoes use salt instead of citric acid to preserve the fruit’s flavor. Be sure to discard the basil leaf (or two) before using this can; most of the basil’s flavor has already been extracted. SHOP NOW
Muir Glen
We love Muir Glen’s fire roasted tomatoes. They add a little something special (and spicy!) to game day chili or saucy enchiladas. SHOP NOW
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