Ever stared at the canned tomato aisle, feeling lost? You’re not alone. So many brands, so many kinds of tomatoes – whole peeled, diced, crushed – it’s enough to make your head spin. But here’s the truth: the humble canned tomato is the secret weapon in countless delicious meals, from pasta sauce to chili. Picking the wrong one can lead to a watery, flavorless dish, and that’s a kitchen disaster nobody wants.
That’s where America’s Test Kitchen comes in. They’ve done the hard work, testing and tasting to find the absolute best canned tomatoes for your cooking. In this post, we’ll dive into what makes their recommendations so reliable. You’ll learn which brands consistently deliver amazing flavor and texture, saving you time, money, and the frustration of a disappointing meal.
Get ready to unlock the secrets to perfect tomato-based dishes. We’ll break down America’s Test Kitchen’s top picks, explain why they stand out, and give you the confidence to grab the right can every time. Let’s discover the cans that will make your cooking shine!
Our Top 5 Canned Tomatoes America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Canned Tomatoes America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. SMT SAN MERICAN TOMATO – Crushed Canned Tomatoes – 28 Ounce (Pack of 6) – USA Grown
Rating: 8.8/10
If you’re looking for the best crushed tomatoes for your cooking, SMT San Merican Crushed Canned Tomatoes are a fantastic choice. This six-pack of 28-ounce cans is made with USA-grown tomatoes, promising a taste that many chefs and home cooks love. They are known for their smooth, balanced flavor, making them super versatile for all sorts of dishes.
What We Like:
- Trusted by professional chefs and food journalists.
- Top ratings in blind taste tests from respected food publications.
- Provides a smooth, balanced flavor that’s great for many recipes.
- The iconic brand is recognized for consistent taste and quality.
- Grown and packed in the USA, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
What Could Be Improved:
- Availability might be limited at certain times.
- The price point could be a consideration for budget-conscious shoppers.
Overall, SMT San Merican Crushed Tomatoes deliver on quality and taste. They are a reliable ingredient that elevates your favorite tomato-based dishes.
2. SMT San Merican Tomato Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Rating: 9.0/10
San Merican Whole Peeled Tomatoes are a top-notch choice for anyone who loves cooking with quality ingredients. These 28oz cans, sold in a pack of six, are a staple for many kitchens. They are grown and packed right here in the United States, bringing you the familiar, delicious taste you expect.
What We Like:
- TOP QUALITY & RATINGS: Many professional chefs, food journalists, and home cooks choose San Merican Tomatoes. They have earned top ratings in blind taste tests from respected food publications.
- BALANCED FLAVOR: These tomatoes are perfectly peeled, offering a smooth and balanced flavor that’s fantastic for sauces, pizza, pasta, and many other dishes.
- ICONIC BRAND: Chefs and food lovers recognize the San Merican can. Their taste and quality consistently deliver satisfaction.
- GROWN AND PACKED IN THE USA: These domestic tomatoes boast the ideal mix of sweetness and acidity. You get the taste you love, grown and packed in the U.S.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the quality is excellent, some home cooks might find the price point slightly higher compared to generic brands.
- Availability can sometimes be limited depending on your local grocery store.
Overall, San Merican Whole Peeled Tomatoes are a fantastic ingredient that elevates your cooking. If you’re looking for delicious, high-quality tomatoes, these are definitely worth trying.
3. Cook for Your Gut Health: Quiet Your Gut
Rating: 9.0/10
Feeling bloated or uncomfortable? This cookbook, “Cook for Your Gut Health: Quiet Your Gut, Boost Fiber, and Reduce Inflammation,” offers delicious ways to help your digestive system feel its best. It focuses on recipes that are gentle on your stomach, packed with important fiber, and designed to calm down inflammation. You’ll discover how simple cooking can make a big difference in how you feel every day.
What We Like:
- Provides clear, easy-to-follow recipes.
- Focuses on ingredients that support gut health.
- Offers practical tips for reducing inflammation through diet.
- Helps busy people incorporate healthier eating habits.
- Explains the “why” behind the food choices.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some recipes might require less common ingredients.
- Could benefit from more visual aids or pictures.
- Might require some adjustment for picky eaters.
This cookbook is a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to improve their gut health through tasty meals. It empowers you to take control of your well-being one delicious bite at a time.
4. The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook: A Fresh Guide to Eating Well With 700 Foolproof Recipes (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)
Rating: 9.0/10
The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook: A Fresh Guide to Eating Well With 700 Foolproof Recipes (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series) is a massive collection of vegetarian recipes. It offers a wide variety of dishes for any meal. This book aims to make vegetarian cooking easy and delicious for everyone.
What We Like:
- Huge number of recipes: 700 recipes provide endless options.
- Foolproof instructions: Recipes are designed to be easy to follow.
- Covers all meals: Find recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
- Variety of cuisines: Explore flavors from around the world.
- Appeals to all skill levels: Great for beginners and experienced cooks.
What Could Be Improved:
- Can be overwhelming: The sheer number of recipes might feel like too much at first.
- Some recipes might require less common ingredients.
This cookbook is an excellent resource for anyone looking to expand their vegetarian repertoire. It truly lives up to its promise of making vegetarian cooking accessible and enjoyable.
5. The Complete Diabetes Cookbook: The Healthy Way to Eat the Foods You Love (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)
Rating: 9.0/10
Living with diabetes doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite meals. The Complete Diabetes Cookbook: The Healthy Way to Eat the Foods You Love (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series) is here to help you enjoy delicious food while managing your blood sugar. This cookbook offers a variety of recipes designed to be both tasty and diabetes-friendly. You can find ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks.
What We Like:
- Offers a wide range of recipes for all meals.
- Focuses on healthy eating for diabetes management.
- Recipes are designed to be enjoyable and satisfying.
- Part of a trusted cookbook series, suggesting quality and reliability.
What Could Be Improved:
- Specific nutritional information per serving wasn’t detailed in the provided features.
- The “N/A” for features means we don’t know about things like recipe difficulty or ingredient accessibility.
This cookbook makes healthy eating for diabetes approachable and delicious. It’s a valuable tool for anyone looking to enjoy their food while staying on track with their health goals.
Canned Tomatoes: Your Guide to America’s Test Kitchen’s Top Picks
When you’re whipping up a batch of your favorite pasta sauce or a hearty chili, good canned tomatoes are a must. America’s Test Kitchen has put a lot of effort into finding the best ones. This guide will help you understand what makes a great can of tomatoes and how to choose the perfect one for your cooking adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re staring at the shelves, what should you be looking for?
- Whole Peeled Tomatoes: These are often the best choice. They usually have the fewest additives and the best tomato flavor. Look for tomatoes packed in their own juice or puree.
- Diced Tomatoes: These are convenient for stews and chilis. However, some brands add calcium chloride, which makes them firmer but can affect the taste.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Great for sauces, these are tomatoes that have been broken down. The texture can vary, so check the label.
- Tomato Paste: This is concentrated tomato flavor. It’s essential for deepening the taste of many dishes. A good paste will be thick and have a rich, sweet-tart flavor.
- What’s Inside: Read the ingredients! The fewer ingredients, the better. Ideally, it’s just tomatoes and maybe citric acid or salt.
Important Materials
The “material” here refers to what’s inside the can and how it’s processed.
- Tomatoes: The quality of the tomatoes themselves is the most important thing. Look for brands that use ripe, flavorful tomatoes.
- Juice/Puree: Tomatoes are packed in their own juice or a simple puree. This helps preserve their flavor and texture.
- Additives: Some brands add things like calcium chloride to keep diced tomatoes firm or citric acid to increase acidity. While not always bad, too many additives can change the natural tomato taste.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a can of tomatoes go from “meh” to “amazing”?
- Ripeness at Harvest: Tomatoes picked when fully ripe have the best flavor. Brands that work directly with farmers often have an advantage here.
- Processing Method: How the tomatoes are handled after picking matters. Quick processing helps keep their fresh taste.
- Packaging: While most are in metal cans, some brands use BPA-free cans. This is a personal preference for some cooks.
- Additives (Again): As mentioned, too many extra ingredients can sometimes mask the true tomato flavor.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do people use these canned tomatoes, and what’s the experience like?
- Sauces and Soups: This is the most common use. Whole peeled tomatoes are excellent for making smooth sauces, while crushed tomatoes work well for chunkier sauces. Diced tomatoes are great for adding texture to soups and stews.
- Chili and Stews: The heartiness of canned tomatoes is perfect for these dishes. Diced or crushed tomatoes add a great base flavor.
- Pizza Sauce: A good quality tomato paste or crushed tomatoes can be the foundation for an authentic pizza sauce.
- Ease of Use: Canned tomatoes are incredibly convenient. They are pre-cooked and ready to go, saving you a lot of prep time.
- Consistency: A good brand offers consistent quality, meaning you can rely on them for great results every time you cook.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canned Tomatoes
Q: What is the most important thing to look for in canned tomatoes?
A: The most important thing is the quality of the tomatoes themselves and how they are packed. Look for whole peeled tomatoes with minimal ingredients.
Q: Are whole peeled tomatoes always better than diced?
A: Often, yes. Whole peeled tomatoes tend to have a fresher, more natural tomato flavor because they are less processed. However, diced tomatoes are more convenient for some recipes.
Q: What does calcium chloride do in canned tomatoes?
A: Calcium chloride is added to keep diced tomatoes firm and prevent them from becoming mushy. It doesn’t affect the flavor much for most people.
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes if I’m trying to avoid BPA?
A: Yes, many brands now offer cans that are BPA-free. Look for labels that specifically state this if it’s a concern for you.
Q: How should I store opened canned tomatoes?
A: Once opened, transfer any leftover tomatoes to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They are best used within 3-4 days.
Q: What’s the difference between tomato paste and tomato sauce?
A: Tomato paste is very thick and concentrated tomato flavor. Tomato sauce is thinner and usually has added seasonings.
Q: Can I freeze canned tomatoes?
A: Yes, you can freeze canned tomatoes. It’s best to freeze them in their original can or transfer them to freezer-safe containers. The texture might change slightly after freezing.
Q: Why do some canned tomatoes taste metallic?
A: A metallic taste can sometimes happen if the tomatoes are left in the can for too long after opening, or if the can itself has a poor lining.
Q: Are organic canned tomatoes worth the extra cost?
A: For some, yes. Organic tomatoes are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. This can impact flavor and is better for the environment.
Q: How can I improve the flavor of bland canned tomatoes?
A: You can boost the flavor by adding fresh herbs, garlic, onion, a pinch of sugar, or a splash of balsamic vinegar when you cook them.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!