Between overflowing shelves and dozens of brands that promise to be “the best tomato puree”, choosing the right one at the supermarket can become a real puzzle. Similar labels, catchy slogans and different formats risk confusing consumers, leaving the choice to chance or instinct. Yet, puree is an irreplaceable ingredient, capable of giving character and authenticity to every dish and for this reason it cannot disappoint.
Gambero Rosso then decided to put things in order by carrying out a test on 28 tomato purees from large-scale retail trade, analyzed without knowing the brand and evaluated by a panel of industry experts: food technologists, professional tasters and chefs.
The panel evaluated each product by observing three fundamental aspects:
In the end, 9 passes turned out to be really convincing, all easily available in the supermarket. Let’s find out what they are right away.
The 9 best tomato purees in the supermarket
1) Cirio – Pureed Tomatoes
The queen of the test. Clear notes of ripe tomato, balanced sweetness and contained acidity. The separation between water and pulp does not compromise its silkiness and pleasantness. A harmonious and traditional puree, a symbol of quality.
2) Santa Rosa – Pomodorissimo La Passata
Opaque color and evident watery part, like many homemade preserves. Sweet even when raw, fresh fruity notes and natural flavour. Its authenticity recalls the simplicity of home preserves.
3) Breasts – Delicate, Extrafine Passata
Compact and fleshy texture, gentle and fruity aromas reminiscent of apple. Limited acidity and a light spicy note make it original and harmonious.
4) Vitale – Tomato puree
Produced on the slopes of Vesuvius, it is striking for its intense color and rustic consistency. Complex aromas with notes of peel and apricot, sweet-acid-savory balance and a surprising umami nuance.
5) Rodolfi – Fior di Passata
Made only with local ripe tomatoes from the province of Parma, it has an excellent balance between sweetness, flavor and acidity. Straightforward aroma, slightly bitter finish, but very authentic.
6) Mutti – Tomato puree
Full-bodied consistency, brown color and taste reminiscent of a long-cooked sauce. Initial acidity and bitter notes soften with heat, giving sweetness and roundness.
7) Casa Coricelli – Tomato puree
Burgundy red, round and velvety scent with sweet and slightly caramelized nuances. Controlled acidity and soft structure, ideal for delicate and harmonious sauces.
8) De Rica – Passed
Dark color, smooth and velvety texture. Delicate aromas of fresh fruit, balanced sweetness and citric acidity. It finishes slightly bitter, but remains a reliable and clean finish.
9) Sarchio – Tomato puree
Organic and Tuscan, with a bright color and rustic consistency. Notes of citrus and mild citric acidity, attenuated by cooking. A natural puree, with few frills and without additives.
