Canned Tomatoes Taste Test

11 years ago

Reading Lars' thread on his beautiful Challah, there was feedback on various brands canned tomatoes. I thought I would share with you that since Jessie introduced us to 6n1 ( a long time ago), I have been conducting a taste test. I was going to report back but decided not to as I have learned that my "taste" isn't up to par with most here. So this is just to encourage you to do your own taste test.

Using 6n1 as the control, I always opened one can of 6n1 and another brand, looked at the texture, then tasted it before using in my recipe.

*I do know that the same brand can taste differently from one season to the next, one supplier to another. So I have repeated test on the same brand.

Sorry, my laptop wouldn't let me crop out my laundry stuff.

Here are some the brands I have tried:

I wrote my review on the bottom of the can:

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KatieC

11 years ago

Lol, which one went down the drain?

I wonder how my random mix of tomatoes would stack up. It would have to be literally a blind taste test. ..there's usually Black Krims in there and they're muddy colored. And no salt. ..easy to add later.

I don't buy many canned tomato products but I'd be interested to see your results.

You'd be a good fair judge.

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Comments (20)

rgreen48
11 years ago
Hmmm... I guess location makes a big difference... where's the TuttoRosso?
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arkansas girl
11 years ago
The suspense is killing me....
Marilyn Sue
11 years ago
Where is the Red Gold? They also produce Tutto Rosso. :)

Sue Who lives in tomato country
mustangs81
Original Author
11 years ago
I do have more to test. I don't use canned tomatoes very often so this experiment has been a long one...but eye opening. I can't believe how many years I just dumped canned tomatoes into my cooking not realizing how bad (to me) some of these brands are.

I just got Trader Joe's; I'm eager to try them since I like a lot of their brands.
User
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I don't use them very often either. That's one of the reasons why I stopped buying 6 in 1. The best by date would often pass before I used all the cans. It's easier to just keep a few cans in the pantry.

There's no denying that taste is subjective. That's been born out through the years on this forum and others. What some people might rave about others find not quite so appealing. Fresh tomatoes are another good example. You'll see that if you spend any time on the Tomato Growing forum.

Curious minds ... do you keep all those empty cans?
mustangs81
Original Author
11 years ago
CindyMac, Yes, I have saved the empty cans in a bin in the garage. I pulled them out to take the above pictures. Originally I had a spread sheet with the brands and results but lost it in a PC crash, so I went hard copy :). When I have had enough testing I'll throw them out.

Yes tastes are certainly subjective...how could we all like the same things. One brand I rated "F" (not many of those) turns out to be another poster's favorite.

I've got my grandkids (8 & 10) into taste testing. I have them examine the target, taste each, then give their report. Tomorrow we are testing Eggo Waffles vs Trader Joe's Waffles. Last week we tasted Oreos vs Publix Oreos; Publix won.
l pinkmountain
11 years ago
I've gotten so spoiled with tomatoes because I end up canning home grown ones. But I don't do enough to last me a whole year. Plus some years I just don't have the time or energy. Same with salsa. I have a few salsas I find acceptable, but then cost is also a factor. I have a hard time paying $3.50/$4.00 for a good jar of salsa when my home canned comes in at about $1.50.
User
11 years ago
LOL, seeing just a glimpse of the F label I'm guessing that's La Valle. I didn't say it was my favorite, but it is the one I started buying earlier this year.

What got an A and only cost 1.50/can?

How did Sclafani and Vantia do in your taste tests?
User
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Found more taste tests online. Do any of these match yours?

Saveur Top Tomatoes

The Daily Meal best canned tomatoes
mustangs81
Original Author
11 years ago
Funny that only 3 were on both lists.
- What got an A and only cost $1.50 / can? A local store brand-Winn-Dixie.
- How did Sclafani and Vantia do in your taste tests? Scalafani got a "C" with a note "not much taste". I gave Vantia a "B".
Hey Sue from Tomato Country, I haven't tried Red Gold. I don't recall seeing that brand but they are highly rated on Amazon, I'll have to be on the look out for them.
User
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Albertson's carries Red Gold.

You mentioned wanting to try Trader Joe's. I think I'll do the same. We can compare notes. ;)
mustangs81
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the heads up on Albertson's but they all closed in Florida. I'll check out our BiLo; they seem to have different brands.
Gooster
11 years ago
How did the Muir Glen rate? I always see these at Sprout's and WF. I'll admit that I don't home can and I keep canned tomatoes on hand during the winter, even though we have a decent greenhouse supply at the winter markets.
mustangs81
Original Author
11 years ago
Gooster, I gave MG a "B-". I thought they would have been better; but as mentioned, the taste might vary from season to season.
ci_lantro
11 years ago
Mustangs--I buy RedGold tomatoes at WalMart here in central WI so you might want to check to see if your WM has them.
mustangs81
Original Author
11 years ago
Darn, they don't have Red Gold at any WalMarts here.

I'm going on a *road trip next week, I'll be sure to check stores during the trip.

*Mustangs qualified for the Fastpitch National Championship in Spartanburg, SC. We are defending National Champs...just bragging :)
Gooster
11 years ago
How did the date codes compare? I'm thinking shelf life is the enemy of canned tomatoes. Thus, the less expensive brands may see higher turnover.
mustangs81
Original Author
11 years ago
Gooster, Maybe shelf life was the cause of some low scores. I didn't take that component into to testing because other that 6n1, which was order by the case, I used them close to purchase date.
Suzi AKA DesertDance So CA Zone 9b
11 years ago
I love Dei Fratelli anything!

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