No Guesswork, No Gimmicks: Why American-Grown Canned Tomatoes Are the Smartest (and Tastiest) Choice

by Tomato Wellness | May 11, 2025 | News

In a world where it’s getting harder to know where your food really comes from—and whether you can trust the label—there’s one item in your pantry that keeps things refreshingly simple: a can of American-grown tomatoes.

You’ve probably seen the headlines: confusion about tariffs, supply chain delays, imported food recalls, and deceptive labeling practices from overseas. But amidst the noise, canned tomatoes grown right here in the U.S. stand out as a symbol of quality, transparency, and just plain good taste.

Let’s start with what’s in the can. More than 96% of the tomatoes used for canning in the U.S. are grown in California’s Central Valley—an agricultural powerhouse with decades of tomato-growing expertise. These tomatoes are picked at peak ripeness, packed within hours, and preserved in a way that locks in their flavor and boosts their health benefits—especially lycopene, the antioxidant that becomes more bioavailable through heating. Here’s a deep dive into the lycopene story.

And it’s not just California carrying the load. Indiana is home to award-winning processors like Red Gold, and Jersey Tomatoes have their own cult following thanks to their natural sweetness and flavor. When you reach for American-grown tomatoes, you’re getting the best of what our farms have to offer, from coast to coast.

But don’t just take our word for it.

In a blind taste test by Serious Eats, American-grown tomatoes beat out many imported brands, including San Marzanos. Taste Cooking declared American tomatoes “the real MVPs” for sauces and soups. And America’s Test Kitchen confirmed that some of the best canned tomatoes available for home cooks are proudly grown and packed in the U.S.

Even the beloved San Marzano tomatoes don’t always live up to their reputation. According to The Washington Post, many cans labeled “San Marzano” aren’t D.O.P. certified and are often misleading or flat-out fake. The real thing is expensive and rare—and even then, not necessarily better.

Worse still, a BBC investigation revealed that Italian companies have been importing cheap Chinese tomatoes, processing them in Italy, and labeling them as “Made in Italy.” This so-called tomato laundering has shocked consumers worldwide, but the good news? None of those tomatoes are allowed in the U.S. The FDA bans all Chinese-grown tomato paste from entering our market.

So while other countries may be playing games with their supply chains and product labels, American-grown canned tomatoes offer something that’s increasingly rare in the food world: trust. You know where they came from. You know how they were grown—and by whom. And best of all? They taste amazing.

Still not convinced? Just look at what the pros are using. In San Francisco, multiple-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani proudly uses California tomatoes at his restaurants: Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, Pizza Rock, and Slice House. He even has his own line of California-grown canned tomatoes.

At Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix, Apizza Scholls in Portland, and John’s of Bleecker Street in NYC, chefs who could source any ingredient in the world choose American-grown tomatoes for their flavor and consistency. Great chefs know: great tomatoes make great food.

And when you bring it home, you can cook like the pros. Whether it’s a bold marinara, a cozy tomato soup, or a fiery shakshuka, canned tomatoes are a home cook’s secret weapon. They’re affordable, shelf-stable, and pack way more flavor than most out-of-season fresh tomatoes.

Need some inspiration? Start with these easy, flavor-packed videos:

• Shakshuka Pita Pizzas
  A delightful twist on the classic shakshuka, these personal pita pizzas are topped with fresh spinach, eggs, feta cheese, and a melty egg.

  Pasta with Marinara and Roasted Vegetables
  This hearty dish combines marinara sauce with a medley of roasted vegetables for a rustic and flavorful meal.

  Baked Tomato Spinach Penne Pasta

You can also explore even more recipes, articles, and videos at www.TomatoWellness.com—a one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about American-grown tomatoes. While you’re there, don’t miss our Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube pages, where we’re always posting new cooking demos, farm stories, and myth-busting facts about your favorite fruit.

In a world full of question marks, canned tomatoes are a rare certainty. Flavor? ✔️
Nutrition? ✔️
Trust? ✔️
Support for American farmers and a lower carbon footprint? ✔️✔️

So next time you’re at the store, flip the can over and check the label. Look for “Grown in the USA.” Support the chefs, processors, and family farms who are doing it right—and give yourself a little high-five for making one of the smartest food choices in your pantry.