Canned tomatoes are a pantry staple, indispensable for quick pasta sauces, stews, and soups. However, not all canned tomatoes are created equal. Some brands can turn your culinary masterpiece into a lackluster meal. This article uncovers the worst canned tomato brands that might not be worth your money.
1. Hunt’s
Often easily found in supermarkets, Hunt’s canned tomatoes have been noted for their odd bitter and metallic taste, which can overpower the natural tomato flavor. According to Tasting Table, these tomatoes also do not break down well when cooked, affecting the texture of your dishes.
Consumers have complained about the unnatural sweetness of some Hunt’s products, requiring more salt and seasoning to balance the flavors. This brand’s uneven quality makes it a risky choice for recipes where tomatoes are the star.
2. Contadina
Contadina is another brand that often falls short in the canned tomato department. Some of their products include peel, which imparts a bitter taste to the crushed tomatoes. As noted by Tasting Table, the taste of Contadina tomatoes has been described as unnaturally sweeter, requiring additional salt and seasoning to achieve a balanced flavor.
The overpowering dried herb flavor in some of Contadina’s products can also detract from the freshness and quality of the tomatoes. These shortcomings make Contadina a less desirable choice for tomato-based recipes.
3. 365 by Whole Foods
365 by Whole Foods may surprise some with its lower ranking. According to Mashed, these canned tomatoes were found to be overly salty, bland, or sour. This inconsistency in flavor can be detrimental to dishes that rely on the rich, natural taste of tomatoes.
Though it’s a store brand of a reputable chain, its performance in taste tests has been underwhelming, particularly considering its higher price point. For those seeking robust and consistent tomato flavor, other brands might be a better bet.
4. Great Value
Walmart’s Great Value brand is known for its affordability, but its canned tomatoes leave much to be desired. As per Tasting Table, these tomatoes lack the desirable depth of rich flavor and often have a higher ratio of juice to tomatoes, making them thin and watery tasting.
While budget-friendly, these tomatoes may compromise the quality and depth of flavor in your cooking. Great Value tomatoes are perhaps better suited for dishes where tomatoes are not the primary flavor component.
5. Del Monte
Del Monte, a well-known brand in the canned produce world, has its drawbacks when it comes to canned tomatoes. The brand’s various products have been criticized for high sugar and sodium amounts, with some even containing high fructose corn syrup, as highlighted by Tasting Table.
While the flavor may be decent, the added sugars and high sodium can alter the nutritional profile and taste of your dishes. Those looking for a more natural tomato experience might find Del Monte’s offerings lacking.
6. Ro-Tel
Ro-Tel, known for its tomatoes and chilis, often includes a lot of salt in its products. One 10-ounce can contains 37% of the daily recommended sodium intake, as stated in Tasting Table.
While the brand is a popular choice for specific recipes like queso and chilis, the high sodium content and limited ingredient list (only tomatoes and chilis) might not suit all culinary needs. For more versatile and health-conscious cooking, other brands might offer a better balance.
7. S&W Premium Foods
S&W Premium Foods, while not the lowest ranked, also faces criticism. Some of their recipes include high fructose corn syrup, which is not a desirable ingredient for many health-conscious consumers. Although the taste is comparable to other options, the inclusion of unnecessary ingredients like high amounts of sugar detracts from the natural flavor and quality of the tomatoes.
As noted by Tasting Table, this brand may not be the best choice for those seeking pure and unadulterated tomato flavor. For dishes that require the natural sweetness and acidity of tomatoes, other brands might be more suitable.
8. Glen Muir
Glen Muir is another brand that comes under scrutiny. According to Memorie di Angelina, their canned tomatoes have a “stewy” taste, which may not be appealing for all recipes. This brand also suffers from the common issue of canned tomatoes being packed in purée rather than juice, altering the taste and texture.
While some might find their products suitable for specific uses, they are not the top choice for a fresh, tomato-centric dish. Those looking for a fresher, more authentic tomato flavor might need to look elsewhere.
9. Redpack
Surprisingly, Redpack, often praised for its quality, also faces criticism. As per Mashed, although Redpack is recognized for its intense quality and brightness, some users find their tomatoes to lack the necessary acidity that gives canned tomatoes their signature zest.
While Redpack may be suitable for certain recipes, it may not meet the expectations of those looking for a more balanced, acidic flavor profile in their tomato-based dishes.
Choosing the right canned tomato brand can significantly impact the taste and outcome of your dishes. The brands listed above have been noted for various shortcomings, from unnatural sweetness and bitterness to high sodium and sugar content, and lack of natural tomato flavor.
In conclusion, when selecting canned tomatoes, it’s crucial to consider the balance of flavor, texture, and natural ingredients. Brands that fail to deliver on these aspects might not be the best choice for your culinary creations. Always read labels carefully and consider trying a few different brands to find the one that best suits your taste and cooking needs.
