Tinned tomatoes are the backbone of any great pasta sauce – and with the rising cost of living, they make an affordable alternative to fresh varieties.
With so many options to choose from, Australian consumer group CHOICE has narrowed down the top-rated canned tomatoes in a blind-tasting test.
The food experts put 18 varieties of diced or chopped tomatoes from popular supermarket brands to the test, including Mutti, Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and Leggo’s.
The judges rated each tomato sample for taste, texture, aroma and appearance, with only four scoring 75 per cent or higher and earning recommended status.
‘Tinned tomatoes are a pantry staple that most home cooks will reach for at least once a week for a spaghetti bolognese, curries, or even homemade passata,’ CHOICE editorial director Mark Serrels said.
‘With so many options at the supermarket, we want to help you find the best one to add to your dish.’
Of the 18 tins tested, Mutti Polpa Chopped Tomatoes Organic ($2.95) took the lead, scoring a stellar 80 per cent.
‘Our experts praised it for its rich red colour, chunky texture, pleasant flavour, and good consistency,’ Mark explained.
CHOICE has narrowed down the top rated canned tomatoes in a blind-tasting test
Of the 18 tins tested, Mutti Polpa Chopped Tomatoes Organic ($2.95) took the lead, scoring a stellar 80 per cent
Cucina Matese Diced Tomatoes ($1.40) claimed the runner-up spot with 76 per cent, just edging out Coles Italian Diced Tomatoes ($1.10), which scored 75 per cent.
‘Our experts were impressed by the pleasant tomato aroma, saying it had a good balance of sweet and acidic taste, and a smooth consistency,’ he said of Cucina Matese Diced Tomatoes.
What the judges liked about Coles Italian Diced Tomatoes was the ‘juicy consistency and pleasant appearance’.
‘(They) thought it would be perfect for soups and chunky pasta sauces,’ he said.
IGA’s Community Co Italian Diced Tomatoes ($1.30) tied for third place with Coles Italian Diced Tomatoes ($1.10), both scoring 75 per cent.
‘Our experts were pleased with its fresh tomatoey smell, its bright red colour, and yummy flavour,’ Mark said.
‘They noted it was more liquid than the others, so it may be best for soup dishes.’
He pointed out that the top-rated Mutti Polpa Chopped Tomatoes Organic ($2.95) was the most expensive variety in the test.
But if you’re looking for a cheaper option that still tastes great, he recommended the Coles Italian Diced Tomatoes, priced at just $1.10.
Cucina Matese Diced Tomatoes ($1.40) claimed the runner-up spot with 76 per cent
IGA’s Community Co Italian Diced Tomatoes ($1.30) tied for third place with Coles Italian Diced Tomatoes ($1.10), both scoring 75 per cent
At the bottom of the leaderboard, Aldi Remano Italian Diced Tomatoes (95 cents), Aldi Remano Australian Diced Tomatoes ($1.19) and Black & Gold Chopped Tomatoes (95 cents) scored the lowest points, with 58 per cent, 54 per cent and 48 per cent respectively.
Shoppers weighed in on the results, with many agreeing with the top picks.
‘Mutti all the way. Good rich flavour and no nasty unripe green bits like in some locally-produced brands,’ one raved.
‘The Mutti ones are lovely, all tomatoes no juice added, the best one for chicken palmy (the Mediterranean one),’ another shared.
‘Mutti. I use it for the majority of my Italian tomato needs,’ one added.
‘I always use Community Co, I find them very good,’ another revealed.
Many raved about Ardmona, one of Australia’s tomato brands, producing a range of canned tomato products like crushed, diced, and pasta sauces.
‘Ardmona is the best. Australian tomatoes, and nothing added,’ one said.
‘Aussie tomatoes. Love the Ardmona variety that has added herbs,’ another revealed.
Meanwhile, some said they couldn’t get enough of Aldi’s tinned tomatoes.
‘I’ve been using the Aldi diced tomatoes for years and have found them to be perfect,’ one shared.
Dining and Cooking