Among the supermarket shelves, overflowing with products, selecting the ideal tomato puree can turn into a real undertaking. Dozens of brands compete for customer attention, all promising the highest quality. Almost identical labels, studied slogans and different formats risk confusing the consumer, who is often forced to make a choice randomly or based on instinct. Tomato sauce, on the other hand, represents a fundamental ingredient, capable of giving character and authenticity to countless recipes, and for this reason its performance should not disappoint.
To orient the public, the Gambero Rosso specialists decided to clarify this through a test on 28 tomato purees available in large-scale retail trade. A panel made up of industry professionals – food technologists, expert tasters and chefs – evaluated each sample without knowing the brand, to guarantee maximum objectivity.
The evaluation criteria
The experts analyzed the products focusing on three fundamental pillars to define the quality of a pass:
The result of this in-depth analysis rewarded nine passes that proved to be truly convincing, all easily purchasable in stores.
The best pass is Cirio
Cirio’s Passata di Pomodoro Verace established itself at the top of the ranking, deserving the title of undisputed queen of the test. The product is characterized by notes of ripe tomato, which are associated with a perfectly balanced sweetness and expertly contained acidity. Even if there is a slight separation between the watery part and the pulp, this characteristic does not negatively affect the overall pleasantness. Cirio has been defined as a harmonious and traditional past, a true symbol of quality for the sector.
The rest of the ranking
Following the leaders, the ranking continues with a series of passes that have offered performances of the highest level.
2) Santa Rosa – Pomodorissimo La Passata
It has an opaque color and a marked watery content, elements that recall genuine home-prepared preserves. It is sweet when tasted raw, developing fresh fruity notes and a genuine flavour. Its authenticity evokes the simplicity of domestic productions.
3) Breasts – Delicate, Extrafine Passata
Petti ensures a compact and fleshy texture, with delicate and fruity aromas reminiscent of apple. It shows limited acidity and has a light spicy note which gives it an original and harmonious character.
4) Vitale – Tomato puree
Produced on the slopes of Vesuvius, it is a puree that is striking for its intense color and rustic consistency. It stands out for complex aromas that include hints of peel and apricot. The product expresses an excellent sweet-acid-savory balance and a surprising umami nuance.
5) Rodolfi – Fior di Passata
Made using exclusively local ripe tomatoes from the province of Parma, it has an excellent balance between sweetness, flavor and acidity. The aroma is frank, with a slightly bitter finish which, however, confirms its great authenticity.
6) Mutti – Tomato puree
Mutti offers a full-bodied consistency and a brown color with a taste reminiscent of a sauce cooked for a long time. The initial acidity and bitter notes attenuate considerably with heat, giving the final sauce sweetness and roundness.
7) Casa Coricelli – Tomato puree
Characterized by a burgundy red, it releases a round and velvety scent with sweet and slightly caramelized nuances. The acidity is controlled and the soft structure makes it ideal for delicate and balanced sauces.
8) De Rica – Passed
It has a dark color and a smooth, velvety texture. It develops delicate aromas of fresh fruit, a balanced sweetness and a citric acidity. It finishes with a slight bitter note, but remains a reliable and clean finish.
9) Sarchio – Tomato puree
This organic puree has a bright color and a rustic consistency, offers notes of citrus and a slight citric acidity, which attenuates after cooking. A puree that stands out for its great naturalness, without frills and additives.
