I Asked 3 Experts for the Best Tomato Paste—They All Said the ...

26 May.,2025

 

I Asked 3 Experts for the Best Tomato Paste—They All Said the ...

As an Italian-American, I find myself making tomato-based dishes every week. From minestrone to penne alla vodka and ragu, all of these meals share one key ingredient: tomato paste. I wanted to find a tomato paste with rich, bold tomato flavor. After consulting with three culinary experts, I discovered the best tomato paste on the market.

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The Tomato Paste Experts

  • Meryl Feinstein: Founder of Pasta Social Club and author of Pasta Every Day: Make It, Shape It, Sauce It, Eat It
  • Rich and Jack Giacalone: Brothers Cucina on Instagram
  • Laura Cerruti Quara: Creator of Italian Kitchen Confessions

The Best Tomato Paste, According to Experts

Out of all the brands of tomato paste, the conclusion was unanimous—Mutti! This family-owned Italian company has been in operation for 120 years, with a sole focus on producing high-quality tomato products.

“I've been a fan of Mutti products for a long time (particularly their tomato passata/puree), and their tomato paste is of the same high quality: bold and fresh tomato flavor, beautiful red color, and made with 100% Italian tomatoes,” Feinstein shared.

The Giacalone brothers agreed. “When it comes to tomato paste, our go-to brand is Mutti—a true staple in our kitchen.”

How To Pick the Best Tomato Paste

When searching for the highest quality product in the aisle, these experts share what to look for. 

Check the ingredients list: “For me, it is important for the list to be short and simple without additives or preservatives. I love Mutti not only because it reminds me of my dad, who was a great cook, but also because it is made just with two ingredients: tomatoes and Mediterranean Sea Salt,” Cerruti Quara shared.

Made in Italy: “Whenever you’re shopping for tomato paste, we always recommend choosing an Italian-imported brand over an American one. Tomatoes grown in Italy tend to be less acidic, naturally sweeter, and richer in flavor—making a noticeable difference in any dish,” the Giacalone brothers shared.

Opt for the tube: “Because of the way canned goods must be processed and preserved, canned tomato pastes are often darker in color, more acidic, and less intensely tomatoey; the pastes in tubes, on the other hand, can be simply preserved with salt and thus the flavor is fresher and, well, more seasoned,” Feinstein shared. It’s also easier to use a tablespoon or two and store the rest in the fridge when using a tube.

How To Cook With Tomato Paste

Tomato paste is incredibly versatile, and these experts shared their favorite ways to use it. 

I use tomato paste often in my pasta sauces, particularly in the colder months to add depth to ragus, in the summer for tomato compound butters, and year-round if I want to intensify a tomato sauce with even more tomato flavor, especially when tomatoes are out of season. I'll also add it to braises (like brisket and other large cuts of meat, beans, broths, soups, and stews,” Feinstein shared.

“Our absolute favorite dish to use tomato paste in is Pasta Bolognese—it helps bring a rich depth of flavor to the dish, that really makes the dish special,” the Giacalone brothers shared.

Next time you're in the pasta section, be sure to grab a tube or two of Mutti tomato paste.

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Bulk Tomato Paste Supplier: How to Specify Consistency & Packaging

When sourcing from a bulk tomato paste supplier, understanding the factors that influence tomato paste consistency is crucial for anyone dealing in wholesale tomato products. For businesses dealing in wholesale tomato products, specifying the desired attributes ensures product quality and customer satisfaction. One Source Food Solutions, a trusted name in the industry, offers insights into these critical specifications.

Bulk Tomato Paste Supplier Insights: Understanding Tomato Paste Consistency

Consistency in tomato paste refers to its thickness and flow characteristics, which are vital for various culinary applications. Several factors influence this consistency, and a reputable bulk tomato paste supplier will help you navigate these variables:

  • Viscosity: Measured using the Bostwick Consistometer, viscosity determines the paste’s flow rate. A lower Bostwick value indicates a thicker paste. For instance, a Bostwick reading of 4-11 cm/30s at 12 Brix and 30°C is standard for quality tomato paste.
  • Pectin Content: Pectin, a natural thickening agent in tomatoes, significantly affects viscosity. Processing methods like hot-break (heating tomatoes above 90°C) preserve more pectin, resulting in a thicker paste, whereas cold-break methods (heating below 70°C) may lead to a thinner consistency.
  • Soluble Solids: The concentration of soluble solids, measured in Brix, influences both flavor and thickness. A higher Brix value indicates a more concentrated paste.

Consulting with your bulk tomato paste supplier can ensure these parameters match your specifications. For businesses sourcing wholesale tomato products, getting these specs right is essential for downstream processing and end-product consistency.

Importance of Color in Tomato Paste

Color is a key quality attribute, often associated with the lycopene content in tomatoes. A rich, red hue is desirable and indicates high-quality paste. Color is typically measured using instruments like the HunterLab ColorFlex EZ, which assesses the a/b ratio—a higher ratio signifies a redder color.

To get the best results, your bulk tomato paste supplier should provide consistent color standards across batches. When purchasing wholesale tomato products, confirm that color specs align with your brand standards.

Bulk Tomato Paste Supplier Packaging Options from One Source Food Solutions

Selecting the appropriate packaging format is essential for maintaining tomato paste quality and meeting operational needs. One Source Food Solutions provides various options:

  • 6/10 Canned Fancy Tomato Paste (24/26% NTSS): Ideal for restaurants and catering businesses, offering a long shelf life and ease of storage.
  • 6/111 oz Pouch Fancy Tomato Paste (24/26% NTSS): A flexible, lightweight alternative to cans, reducing storage space and waste.
  • 55-Gallon Drums: Suitable for manufacturers requiring large quantities, offering cost-effectiveness but necessitating immediate use upon opening.
  • 300-Gallon Tote Bins: Designed for high-volume production facilities, providing the largest capacity for storage and transport.

Every format is designed to meet the logistics and quality assurance needs expected from a professional bulk tomato paste supplier. These packaging solutions are particularly beneficial when dealing with wholesale tomato products that need efficient storage and shipping.

How to Specify Tomato Paste Requirements

When communicating with your bulk tomato paste supplier, clearly define your specifications:

  • Desired Viscosity: Specify the Bostwick value range suitable for your application.
  • Color Standards: Indicate the preferred a/b ratio or color measurement method.
  • Packaging Needs: Choose the format that aligns with your operational scale and storage capabilities.

Your bulk tomato paste supplier can work closely with you to tailor their offerings based on your production goals and quality benchmarks. Whether you’re sourcing for food manufacturing or distribution, clear specifications are essential for successful wholesale tomato products procurement.

By articulating these requirements, you ensure consistency and quality in your tomato paste supply.

Partner with One Source Food Solutions for Wholesale Tomato Products

As a leading provider of wholesale tomato products, One Source Food Solutions is committed to delivering quality and consistency. Their expertise as a bulk tomato paste supplier ensures that your specifications are met with precision and care.

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