Hint: The best tomato in your life might already be in your pantry.
You’ve been told “fresh is best” your whole life. But when it comes to tomatoes? That’s just not true.
Some of the healthiest, most delicious, and most sustainable tomatoes are actually found in cans, jars, and boxes — not in the fresh produce aisle. And if you’re not cooking with them regularly, it’s time for a pantry glow-up.
Here’s why registered dietitians, chefs, and smart home cooks all agree: tomato products like canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and pasta sauce are nutrition-packed, flavor-forward, and an underrated staple in every kitchen.
Below are 10 quotes from experts and credible sources who are setting the record straight:
“Canned tomatoes are a nutritional goldmine. Cooked tomatoes are actually better for you, because cooking increases the bioavailability of lycopene — a powerful antioxidant.”
— Elizabeth Shaw, MS, RDN, CPT
“Tomato paste is my not-so-secret weapon. It’s flavor-packed, lasts forever, and gives so much depth to sauces, soups, and even meat rubs.”
— Sohla El-Waylly, Chef & Food Writer
“Fresh tomatoes in winter? Hard pass. Canned tomatoes are picked at peak ripeness and processed within hours. That’s quality you can taste.”
— Bon Appétit
“The best tomatoes for cooking are canned. Period.”
— J. Kenji López-Alt, Chef and Food Scientist
“I keep a stash of canned tomatoes in my pantry at all times. They’re consistent, affordable, and versatile — perfect for busy weeknights.”
— Ellie Krieger, RD, Cookbook Author and Food Network Host
“Why eat tomatoes that were picked green and gassed red when you could have vine-ripened flavor all year long?”
— Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN, The Plant-Powered Dietitian
“You don’t have to choose between convenience and quality. Canned tomatoes give you both.”
— Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN
“Let’s be real: pasta night wouldn’t be the same without a jar of high-quality tomato sauce. It’s my weeknight MVP.”
— Alex Snodgrass, The Defined Dish
“Tomato products are pantry powerhouses. More lycopene, less food waste, and no stress about spoilage.”
— Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, LD
“If you’re still avoiding canned tomatoes because you think they’re ‘processed,’ it’s time to rethink everything. They’re simply fresh tomatoes… in a smarter package.”
— Food Network Magazine
Are U.S. Canned Tomatoes Better Than Italian Imports?
Short answer: Yes.
Taste-Test Triumphs for U.S. Canned Tomatoes
Think Italian is always better? Many different blind taste tests say otherwise:
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Serious Eats panel – the top two spots went to California-grown tomatoes, beating every D.O.P. San Marzano brand tested. Read the rundown › Serious Eats
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Cook’s Illustrated tasting – judges crowned two USA brands ahead of all Italian imports, concluding that “San Marzano hype is just that.” Full results › Pizza Making
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Epicurious test – Red Pack (Indiana-grown) beat four San Marzano contenders to take first place. See why › Epicurious
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Delish Test Kitchen – tasters expected an Italian win, but American whole tomatoes scored “best overall.” Story here › Delish
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Scott’s Pizza Tours retest – pricey D.O.P. imports finished last, while California cans again topped the chart. Details › Scotts Pizza Tours
Bottom line: when flavor, consistency, and value are judged blind, American-grown canned tomatoes regularly outshine their Italian counterparts—proof that the best sauce starts right here at home.
Canned Tomatoes: A Chef’s Secret Weapon
From Michelin-starred restaurants to weeknight dinner tables, tomato products like crushed tomatoes, paste, and jarred sauce are foundational ingredients. Why?
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Picked at peak ripeness
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Processed within hours
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Consistent in flavor and texture
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Cooked tomatoes offer increased lycopene (a heart- and prostate-healthy antioxidant)
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No spoilage, no food waste, and ready when you are
Even in high-end kitchens, chefs don’t rely on fresh tomatoes for sauces. They use tomato products — because they deliver bold flavor, time after time.
Why You Should Always Have Canned Tomatoes on Hand
If you’re still relying only on “fresh” tomatoes for your cooking, here’s what you’re missing:
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Peak-season flavor all year long
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Affordable, shelf-stable nutrition
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Versatility in global cuisines
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Better health benefits from lycopene
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Support for American farmers and food producers
Visit www.TomatoWellness.com to explore:
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Hundreds of tested, easy-to-make recipes
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Nutrition resources from credentialed health professionals
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Downloadable cookbooks and educational tools
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Stories from the farms and families behind your favorite tomato products
Final Thought
Canned tomatoes are the most underrated powerhouse in your pantry. They’re not just a backup ingredient — they’re the star of the show.
Let’s give them the spotlight they deserve.
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