Tinned tomatoes have long been a staple in kitchens around the world, offering a convenient and versatile ingredient for countless recipes. However, with the plethora of options available in supermarkets, choosing the right can of tomatoes can be a daunting task. Are Italian-grown tomatoes superior to their Australian counterparts? Is the extra cost of organic varieties justified? To provide clarity, we conducted a blind taste test of 18 different diced or chopped tomatoes to determine which ones truly stand out.
Our comprehensive test revealed that while some budget options performed admirably, the top spot was claimed by an organic product. This reflects a growing trend towards organic and sustainable food choices, but also highlights that price isn’t always indicative of quality.
Top Tinned Tomatoes in Our Test
Out of the 18 products tested, four tinned tomatoes received a CHOICE Expert Rating of 75% or higher, earning them a recommended status. Notably, supermarket brands performed well, with two products from Coles and one from IGA’s Community Co brand making the list. However, the Mutti Polpa Organic emerged as the overall winner.
Mutti Polpa Chopped Tomatoes Organic
CHOICE Expert Rating: 80%
Price per 400g tin: $2.95
Experts say: “Rich red colour, chunky texture, thick juice. Pleasant flavour. Good consistency.”
Coles’ offerings also impressed:
Coles Cucina Matese Diced Tomatoes
CHOICE Expert Rating: 76%
Price per 400g tin: $1.40
Experts say: “Pleasant tomato aroma.” “Balanced sweet and acidic taste.”
Coles Italian Diced Tomatoes
CHOICE Expert Rating: 75%
Price per 400g tin: $1.10
Experts say: “Pleasant appearance, nice, juicy consistency.”
Community Co also made the cut:
Community Co Italian Diced Tomatoes
CHOICE Expert Rating: 75%
Price per 400g tin: $1.30
Experts say: “Bright red colour, fresh tomatoey smell.”
Price vs. Performance: A Surprising Outcome
The taste test results underscored that price does not always correlate with quality. While the most expensive product topped the list, some of the least expensive options also received commendable scores. For instance, the Coles Italian Diced Tomatoes, priced at just $1.10, matched the performance of higher-priced competitors.
However, not all budget options fared well. The Aldi Remano Italian Diced Tomatoes, priced at $0.95, received a low score of 58%, with testers noting its watery and slightly bitter taste. Similarly, Black & Gold Chopped Tomatoes and Woolworths Diced Italian Tomatoes were criticized for their lack of flavor and poor texture.
Exploring Organic and Australian Varieties
Organic products are increasingly popular, and our test confirmed their appeal. The Mutti Polpa Chopped Tomatoes Organic not only took the top spot but also highlighted the potential quality of organic options. Woolworths Macro Wholefoods Market Organic Diced Tomatoes also performed well, scoring 73%.
Among Australian-grown varieties, Woolworths Australian Diced Tomatoes led the pack with a score of 73%. This reflects a growing confidence in locally produced goods, which are often perceived as fresher and more sustainable.
Understanding Additives in Tinned Tomatoes
While most products contained only diced tomatoes and juice, some included additives such as acidity regulators and firming agents. These ingredients help preserve the tomatoes’ color and texture during the canning process.
Acidity Regulators: Nine products contained citric acid or similar additives to balance flavor and extend shelf life.
Firming Agents: Calcium chloride was used in three products to maintain texture.
How We Conducted the Taste Test
The products were selected based on their availability in major supermarket chains. Our expert panel, comprising individuals with extensive experience in food judging and sensory analysis, conducted a blind taste test. The tomatoes were evaluated on flavor, texture, aroma, and appearance, with flavor accounting for 40% of the final score.
Our expert testers included Fiona Mair, Jane Bardell, Chantelle Dart, and Pru Engel, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Their insights were instrumental in determining the best tinned tomatoes available on the market today.
In conclusion, our taste test provides valuable insights for consumers navigating the crowded tinned tomato aisle. Whether prioritizing taste, price, or organic credentials, there’s a product to suit every preference. As the demand for quality and transparency in food products continues to rise, such evaluations play a crucial role in guiding consumer choices.
