There are many different types of canned tomatoes on the market these days, but not all will be good for making sauces. Today, we’re going to introduce you to the best-canned tomatoes for sauce, based on our own personal tests.
Italian cuisine is famous all over the world for its amazing flavor combinations. A big part of that flavor comes from the sauces, often made with canned tomatoes. So, if you’re looking to cook up some delicious Italian food, using a can of tomatoes is a great way to start.
But not all Italian canned tomatoes are equal. In fact, the tomato brands and types of canned tomatoes that are best for sauces can vary significantly. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best-canned tomatoes for Italian sauces.
Our top pick for the best canned tomato for sauce is the Cento San Marzano Organic Peeled Tomatoes. These tomatoes are picked and processed in Italy, using only the highest quality ingredients. They have a rich, intense flavor that makes them perfect for sauces of all kinds.
But if you’re looking for something a bit different, we have some other great options in this guide. So, we’ve got you covered whether you’re in the market for can-crushed tomatoes, diced, or a can of plum tomatoes.
We’re sure you’ll find the perfect one in this guide, no matter what type of canned tomato you’re looking for. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Using Canned Tomatoes in Italian Recipes
One of the great things about Italian cuisine is that there are so many different types of sauces. And, almost always, those sauces start with canned tomatoes. Read our article and find out how to make marinara sauce.
There are a few reasons for this. For one, canned tomatoes are convenient. A peeled and diced tomato can is an excellent shortcut for making a quick sauce. All you need to do is add some aromatics, like garlic and onion, and you’re good to go.
But the flavor of canned tomatoes is also perfect for Italian cuisine. The intense, ripe flavors of San Marzano canned tomatoes are ideal for rich sauces with deep flavors.
Plus, canned tomatoes are shelf-stable, meaning you can store them in your pantry for months. This makes them perfect for quick weeknight dinners, or for making sauces ahead of time.
So, if you’re looking to cook up some delicious Italian food, using canned tomatoes is a great way to start. And, with this guide, you’re sure to find the perfect tomatoes in a can for your needs.
How we Picked and Tested
With so many different types of canned tomatoes on the market these days, it can be hard to know which ones are worth your time. That’s why we put together this guide to the best-canned tomatoes for Italian sauces.
We started by doing extensive research on the subject. We looked at online reviews, cookbook recommendations, and expert opinions to find the most popular canned tomatoes on the market.
Then, we narrowed down our list to the seven best-canned tomatoes for Italian sauces. We based our choices on a few factors, including flavor, texture, and overall quality.
Once we had our seven finalists, we put them to the test in our own kitchen. We cooked with them, tasted them, and compared them side-by-side to find the best of the best.
And, after all our testing, we can confidently say that all of the Italian canned tomatoes on our list are worth your time. So, no matter which one you choose, you’re sure to be happy with your purchase.
Why Trust The Proud Italian?
Tomatoes are a big part of our heritage. Our family has been growing and canning tomatoes in Italy for generations. So, we know a thing or two about what makes a great canned tomato.
Plus, we’re passionate about food and cooking. We love to experiment in the kitchen, and we’re always on the lookout for new and interesting ingredients. So, we’ve tried just about everything when it comes to canned tomatoes.
We’re also experts in the food industry. Our team has worked with some of the world’s leading food brands, developing recipes and creating content. So, we have the knowledge and experience to help you find the best canned tomatoes for your needs.
And, of course, we’re proud Italians. We love our country and our culture, and we’re passionate about sharing the best of Italy with the world. You can be sure that we only recommend products that we’re proud to put our name behind.
What to Look for in Canned Tomatoes
When shopping for the best canned tomatoes for sauce, there are a few things to consider. The following factors will affect the flavor, texture, and overall quality of your sauce, so it’s important to choose wisely:
San Marzano and DOP Certification
When it comes to Italian canned tomatoes, the two most important things to look for are San Marzano and DOP certification.
San Marzano tomatoes are a specific type of tomato that you can grow anywhere in the world. However, a true San Marzano tomato can only come from the San Marzano Valley in Italy.
These tomatoes thrive for their rich flavor, low acidity, and thick flesh. You can use them in any recipe that calls for canned tomatoes, but they’re especially well-suited for sauces.
DOP is an acronym that stands for “Denominazione di Origine Protetta” or “Protected Designation of Origin.”
It’s a certification that guarantees that a food product’s production, processing, and packaging all happen in a specific geographic area. For canned tomatoes, this means that the harvesting, canning, and labeling all take place in Italy.
So, when you see a can of tomatoes with the DOP certification, you can be sure that it’s the real deal.
San Marzano and DOP certification are your best bet when it comes to finding high-quality canned tomatoes.
However, it’s important to note that not all brands of canned tomatoes are certified. If you can’t find a can of tomatoes with both certification symbols, look for one with at least one of them.
Calcium Chloride Content
Calcium chloride is a common additive in canned tomatoes. It helps to firm up the flesh of the tomatoes and prevents them from breaking down during the canning process.
While there’s nothing wrong with canned tomatoes that contain calcium chloride, it can affect the flavor of your sauce.
If you’re looking for the best-tasting canned tomatoes, look for a brand that doesn’t add calcium chloride to its products.
Added Flavors
Some tomato brands add extra ingredients to their products to enhance the flavor.
For example, you might find canned tomatoes seasoned with basil or garlic. While these added flavors can be nice, they’re not necessary.
If you want to control the flavor of your sauce, look for a brand of canned tomatoes that don’t add any extra seasonings.
Tomato Paste vs. Tomato Sauce
When you’re shopping for canned tomatoes, you’ll notice that there are two main types of products: tomato paste and tomato sauce.
Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomatoes usually sold in a can or tube. It has a thick, paste-like consistency and a deep red color.
Tomato sauce is a thinner, more liquid form of tomatoes. It’s usually sold in a jar and has a slightly chunkier texture than tomato paste.
Which type of canned tomato you choose will depend on your personal preferences. If you want a thick, rich sauce, go for tomato paste. If you want a thinner sauce with more chunks of tomatoes, choose tomato sauce.
An Overview of the Best Canned Tomatoes for Sauces
- Best Overall Canned Tomato Sauce: Cento San Marzano Organic Peeled Tomatoes
- Best Runners-Up Canned Tomato Sauce: Contadina Tomato Sauce
- Best Canned Tomato Sauce for Pizza: Hunt’s Salsa de Tomate/Tomato Sauce
- Best Marinara Canned Tomato Sauce: Keto Marinara Pasta and Pizza Sauce
- Best Affordable Canned Tomato Sauce: Muir Glen, Organic Tomato Sauce
- Best Canned Tomato Sauce for Soup: Mutti Cherry Tomatoes (Ciliegini)
- Best Value for Money Canned Tomato Sauce: 365 by Whole Foods Market, Sauce Tomato Organic
Reviewing the Best Canned Tomatoes on the Market
Best Overall Canned Tomato Sauce: Cento San Marzano Organic Peeled Tomatoes
List of Features
- Amazon’s Choice Award in Canned & Jarred Peeled Tomatoes by Cento
- Item weight: 28 ounces (793.79 grams) pack of 6
- Flavor: Chunkier puree, acidic
- Brand: Cento
- Item Form: Peeled
- Temperature: Fresh
- Specialty: Organic
If you are looking for canned whole peeled tomatoes certified by an independent third-party agency, you will want to try Cento San Marzano Organic Peeled Tomatoes.
Grown in the Sarnese Nocerino area of Italy, famous for its especially fertile soil due to its proximity to Mount Vesuvius, these Italian plum tomatoes are of the highest quality.
The packaging of the Cento tomatoes also includes a basil leaf to give the sauce an even more delicious flavor. The San Marzano tomatoes canned by Cento are also gluten-free and BPA-free, so you can be sure that you are getting a healthy product.
Located in close proximity to the local farmers, Cento gets its tomatoes to can within hours, making for a thick puree and a sauce with an intense flavor.
| What We Liked | What We Didn’t Like |
| -Certified by an independent third-party agency -Grown in the Sarnese Nocerino area of Italy -Gluten-free and BPA-free -Tomatoes are canned within hours | -Some reviewers felt that the sauce had too much of a metal taste -Dented cans |
Best Runners-Up Canned Tomato Sauce: Contadina Tomato Sauce
List of Features
- Amazon’s Choice Award in Canned & Jarred Tomato Sauces by Contadina
- Item weight: 15-ounce (425.24 grams) pack of 12
- Brand: Contadina
- Flavor: Tomato sauce
- Temperature: Fresh
- Allergen Information: Cholesterol-free, no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
Bring your recipes to life with Contadina Tomato Sauce.
This tomato sauce is made from rich, vine-ripened tomatoes and seasoned with a blend of aromatic sweet basil and oregano. So, it’s perfect for dishes like lasagna, spaghetti, and meatballs.
Plus, it comes in non-BPA tomato sauce cans, so you can be sure that it’s safe to use. And, since there are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, you can feel good about using this sauce.
This 12-pack of tomato sauce is also non-GMO, making it a great choice for those who are looking for an all-natural product.
| What We Liked | What We Didn’t Like |
| -Cholesterol-free -No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives -Non-GMO -Comes in non-BPA tomato sauce cans | -Not listed as organic -Shipping issues. Most of the cans were dented |
Best Canned Tomato Sauce for Pizza: Hunt’s Salsa de Tomate/Tomato Sauce
List of Features
- Item weight: 7.4-ounce (209.79 grams) pack of 24
- Brand: Hunt’s
- Flavor: Tomato
- Temperature: Fresh
- Allergen Information: Peanut–free, milk–free, egg–free
If you are looking for a delicious tomato sauce that is also keto-friendly, then you need to try Hunt’s Salsa de Tomate/Tomato Sauce. This sauce is perfect for those on a low-carb lifestyle, as it has only 0.11 ounces (3 grams) of net carbs per serving.
Made with vine-ripened tomatoes and slow-cooked with a blend of spices, this sauce has a deep, rich flavor that your whole family will love.
The sauce also contains no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. That means you can feel good about eating it, knowing that it is 100% natural and Non-GMO project verified.
Plus, the convenient single-serve cartons make it easy to make this sauce on the go. Whether you are packing a lunch for work or taking a road trip, these cartons will keep your sauce fresh and delicious.
The sauce is also certified as gluten-free, so you can enjoy it even if you have celiac disease or are following a gluten-free diet. For those with allergies, this sauce is also peanut-free, milk-free, and egg-free meaning everyone can enjoy it.
So, if you are looking for a vine-ripened tomato flavor that slaps, then you need to try Hunt’s Salsa de Tomate/Tomato Sauce.
| What We Liked | What We Didn’t Like |
| -No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors -Gluten-Free -Peanut-free, milk-free, and egg-free -Deep, rich flavor -Comes in single–serve cartons making it easy to take on the go -Keto-friendly | -Some people may find the cartons difficult to open |
Best Marinara Canned Tomato Sauce: Keto Marinara Pasta and Pizza Sauce
List of Features
- Amazon’s Choice Award in Marinara Sauces by Yo Mama’s Foods
- Item weight: 25 ounces (708.74 grams) pack of 2
- Brand: Yo Mama’s Foods
- Flavor: Marinara
- Temperature: Fresh
- Specialty: Organic
- Allergen Information: No sugar added, low carbohydrate, low sodium, gluten-free, non-GMO tomatoes
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy sauce to add to your favorite dishes, the Keto Marinara Pasta and Pizza Sauce should be at the top of your list. This sauce contains the perfect blend of fresh, garlic, basil, and non-GMO tomatoes to create a mouthwatering taste that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
For a quick and easy meal, cook some pasta and add this sauce for a delicious meal that’s ready in minutes. Or, use it to top your favorite pizza recipe for a tasty and healthy twist on the classic dish.
The Keto Marinara Pasta and Pizza Sauce is also compatible with the Keto and Whole 30 lifestyles, making it a great option for those who are looking for a healthy and delicious sauce that fits their dietary needs.
Made by one of the top leading premium tomato brands, you can be sure that you’re getting a high-quality sauce that’s sure to please.
| What We Liked | What We Didn’t Like |
| -Perfect for those on the keto or Whole 30 diet -25-ounce (708.74 grams) pack of 2 for a great value -Contains no sugar, making it a healthier option -Non-GMO tomatoes for a delicious and healthy sauce -Low sodium content makes it a great option for those with dietary restrictions | -Some customers say it’s chunky and garlic -Expensive for some customers |
Best Affordable Canned Tomato Sauce: Muir Glen, Organic Tomato Sauce
List of Features
- Item weight: 15 ounces (425.24 grams) pack of 12
- Brand: Muir Glen
- Flavor: Tomato
- Item Form: Canned tomato sauce
- Temperature: Fresh
- Specialty: Organic
- Allergen Information: 0% cholesterol; 0% trans or saturated fats; 0% added sugar
Muir Glen Tomato Sauce enhances the flavors of your favorite dishes, whether it’s a classic pasta dish or something new you’re trying out. Made with whole tomatoes cooked down into a sauce, this tomato sauce is enhanced with organic sweet basil and five other spices for a flavorful, yet not overwhelming, sauce.
The tomatoes used in this sauce are organic and grown on organic farms. The farms are located in California, where the tomatoes are drenched in sunshine. These tomatoes are then canned within hours of being picked to preserve their peak flavor.
This tomato sauce is perfect for those who are looking for an easy meal addition. Simply heat and serve. The sauce is also a premium-quality product, as its tomatoes are USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified.
What’s more, the packing cans consist of a BPA-free liner. This means that you can be assured that there are no harmful chemicals in the sauce.
Slightly seasoned with organic onion powder, sea salt, and organic garlic powder, this tomato sauce is a great way to enhance the flavors of your favorite dishes.
| What We Liked | What We Didn’t Like |
| -Whole tomatoes are used in the sauce. -The sauce is certified USDA organic and Non-GMO Project verified. -The packing cans are BPA-free. -It’s a 12 pack -No sugar added | -Some users found the cans dented |
Best Canned Tomato Sauce for Soup: Mutti Cherry Tomatoes (Ciliegini)
List of Features
- Item weight: 14 ounces (396.89 grams) pack of 6
- Brand: Mutti
- Flavor: Tomato
- Item Form: Peeled
- Temperature Condition: Fresh
- Specialty: Organic
- Allergen Information: Vegan-friendly and gluten-free
Mutti is a famous tomato brand in Italy that produces some of the best canned tomatoes. Their cherry tomatoes are sun-ripened and grown in Southern Italy where the climate is ideal for tomato production.
These tomatoes develop a natural sweetness that is unmatched by most brands. Mutti cans their tomatoes in non-BPA cans which helps to preserve the quality and flavor of the tomatoes.
You can enjoy Mutti canned tomatoes in a wide range of recipes such as focaccia, pasta salads, skewered with fresh mozzarella, and roasted with fish. You can also use them to make a delicious tomato sauce.
One of the best things about Mutti canned tomatoes is that they are vegan and gluten-free. This makes them a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Mutti is also Italy’s number one tomato brand, so you can be sure that you are getting a high-quality product.
| What We Liked | What We Didn’t Like |
| -Vegan and gluten-free -No GMOs, additives, or preservatives -Sun-ripened cherry tomatoes -Packed in non-BPA cans | -Dented cans |
Best Value for Money Canned Tomato Sauce: 365 by Whole Foods Market, Sauce Tomato Organic
List of Features
- Item weight: 15 ounces (425.24 grams)
- Brand: 365 by Whole Foods Market
- Flavor: Tomato
- Item Form: Canned tomato sauce
- Temperature Condition:
- Specialty: Certified Organic, Kosher Certified, Vegan
- Allergen Information: Fat-free
Last on our list of the best-canned tomatoes for sauce is 365 by Whole Foods Market’s organic tomato sauce. Made with vine-ripened tomatoes grown in California’s San Joaquin Valley, this sauce is picked and packed within 24 hours to ensure freshness. The tomatoes are then cooked down into a thick, flavorful sauce.
This sauce is USDA organic and has a non-BPA lining. For those watching their fat intake, 365 by Whole Foods Market’s tomato sauce is fat-free. So you can enjoy all the flavors of this rich sauce without any guilt.
This product is also certified organic. So you can be sure that the ingredients are grown without any synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. This makes it a healthier choice for both you and the environment.
If you’re looking for an organic tomato sauce that is delicious and healthy, 365 by Whole Foods Market’s sauce is a great option.
| What We Liked | What We Didn’t Like |
| -Made with vine-ripened tomatoes -Picked and packed within 24 hours -USDA organic -Non-BPA lining -Fat-free -Certified organic | -May not be as thick and flavorful as other sauces on this list |
Our Final Verdict on the Best Canned Tomatoes for Sauces
Having a good canned tomato sauce on hand can make cooking a lot easier. Whether you’re making a quick pasta dish or a slow-cooked casserole, a quality sauce can make all the difference.
Our favorite sauce on this list is Cento San Marzano Organic Peeled Tomatoes. Made with authentic Italian San Marzano tomatoes, this sauce is thick, flavorful, and perfect for a variety of recipes.
For those looking for an organic option, 365 by Whole Foods Market’s tomato sauce is a great choice. Made with California-grown tomatoes, this USDA organic sauce is also non-GMO and fat-free.
So there you have it, our seven best canned tomatoes for sauce. Whether you’re looking for the best overall sauce or the best organic option, we hope you’ve found a sauce that you love from this list.
Community of passionate writers and content creators who share a love for Italian heritage, culture, travel, food, and the Italian-American community. Our mission is to celebrate Italy’s rich history and traditions and connect with others who share the same passion.
