Ever stand in the grocery aisle, staring at a wall of canned tomatoes, and wonder which one will actually make your sauce taste amazing? It’s a common kitchen dilemma! So many brands, so many types – diced, crushed, whole peeled – it can feel like a guessing game. You want that perfect flavor for your pasta, your chili, or your pizza, but picking the wrong can can lead to a watery, bland dish.
That’s where America’s Test Kitchen comes in. They’ve done the hard work, tasting and testing countless cans to find the absolute best. We’re diving deep into their findings to help you cut through the confusion. By reading on, you’ll learn exactly which canned tomatoes earn their top marks, why they stand out, and how to use them to elevate your cooking.
Get ready to transform your favorite tomato-based recipes from good to unforgettable. We’ll guide you through the champions of canned tomatoes, so you can confidently grab the right can every time and create delicious meals with ease.
Our Top 5 Canned Tomatoes America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Canned Tomatoes America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook: A Fresh Guide to Eating Well With 700 Foolproof Recipes (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)
Rating: 8.6/10
The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook: A Fresh Guide to Eating Well With 700 Foolproof Recipes (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series) is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to explore the world of vegetarian cooking. This massive cookbook offers a huge variety of recipes, from quick weeknight meals to impressive dishes for special occasions. It’s designed to make vegetarian cooking easy and delicious, even for beginners. You’ll find everything you need to create flavorful and satisfying vegetarian meals.
What We Like:
- The sheer number of recipes (700!) means you’ll never run out of ideas.
- The recipes are described as “foolproof,” meaning they are tested and reliable.
- It covers a wide range of vegetarian dishes, offering something for every taste and mealtime.
- The “Complete ATK Cookbook Series” suggests a high level of quality and testing from America’s Test Kitchen.
- It’s a great way to discover new favorite vegetarian meals.
What Could Be Improved:
- The sheer size of the book might feel overwhelming to some.
- With so many recipes, it might be difficult to find specific dietary modifications easily without additional resources.
- The “N/A” for specific features in the prompt makes it hard to comment on things like photography or ingredient sourcing quality directly.
This cookbook promises a culinary adventure with its extensive collection of vegetarian recipes. It’s an excellent investment for anyone wanting to expand their meat-free cooking repertoire.
2. The Complete One Pot: 400 Meals for Your Skillet
Rating: 8.6/10
Are you tired of mountains of dirty dishes after every meal? The Complete One Pot cookbook is here to save your kitchen! This book is packed with 400 delicious recipes that you can make using just one pot, pan, or appliance. Whether you love your skillet, sheet pan, Instant Pot®, or Dutch oven, there’s something for everyone. It’s a fantastic way to simplify cooking and spend less time cleaning.
What We Like:
- Huge variety of recipes means you’ll never get bored.
- Covers many popular cooking methods, making it super versatile.
- Recipes are designed to be easy and quick, perfect for busy nights.
- Clear instructions help even beginner cooks make amazing meals.
- Reduces the number of dishes you need to wash, saving you time and effort.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some recipes might require specific ingredients that aren’t always in every pantry.
- With so many options, it can be a little overwhelming to choose what to make first!
This cookbook truly lives up to its name. It’s an excellent resource for anyone looking to make delicious meals with minimal cleanup.
3. The Complete Diabetes Cookbook: The Healthy Way to Eat the Foods You Love (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)
Rating: 9.0/10
The Complete Diabetes Cookbook: The Healthy Way to Eat the Foods You Love (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series) is a helpful guide for anyone managing diabetes. It focuses on making delicious food enjoyable while keeping blood sugar in check. This cookbook offers a way to enjoy your favorite meals without sacrificing your health goals. It’s designed to make healthy eating simple and tasty.
What We Like:
- Offers a wide variety of recipes for all meals.
- Recipes are easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
- Focuses on delicious food, making healthy eating enjoyable.
- Provides tips for managing diabetes through diet.
- The “Complete ATK Cookbook Series” name suggests quality and reliability.
What Could Be Improved:
- Might be overwhelming with the number of recipes for some.
- Some ingredients might be less common in certain areas.
This cookbook is a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to eat well with diabetes. It proves that healthy food can be incredibly satisfying.
4. The Best Mexican Recipes: Kitchen-Tested Recipes Put the Real Flavors of Mexico Within Reach
Rating: 9.1/10
Unlock the vibrant tastes of Mexico right in your own kitchen with “The Best Mexican Recipes: Kitchen-Tested Recipes Put the Real Flavors of Mexico Within Reach.” This cookbook is your passport to authentic Mexican cooking, filled with recipes that have been tried and tested to ensure delicious results every time. Forget complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients; this book makes bringing the true spirit of Mexico to your table simple and enjoyable.
What We Like:
- The recipes are genuinely easy to follow, even for beginners.
- It features a great variety of dishes, from quick weeknight meals to special occasion feasts.
- The ingredient lists are clear, and substitutions are often suggested.
- The photos are beautiful and make you want to start cooking immediately.
- It truly captures the authentic flavors of Mexico.
What Could Be Improved:
- More vegetarian or vegan options could be included.
- A glossary of less common Mexican ingredients might be helpful for some readers.
- Some recipes could benefit from slightly more detailed instructions for certain techniques.
This cookbook is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to explore authentic Mexican cuisine. It empowers home cooks to create flavorful dishes with confidence.
5. Slow Cooker Revolution: One Test Kitchen. 30 Slow Cookers. 200 Amazing Recipes.
Rating: 9.4/10
Ready to transform your weeknight dinners? “Slow Cooker Revolution: One Test Kitchen. 30 Slow Cookers. 200 Amazing Recipes.” is your ticket to delicious, stress-free meals. This book dives deep into the world of slow cooking. It features a massive test kitchen experiment. You’ll discover how 30 different slow cookers perform. Plus, you get a whopping 200 fantastic recipes to try.
What We Like:
- Extensive testing gives you reliable information.
- A huge collection of recipes covers all tastes.
- It helps you understand different slow cooker features.
- You can find recipes for any occasion.
- The book makes slow cooking approachable for everyone.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some recipes might require uncommon ingredients.
- The sheer number of recipes could feel overwhelming at first.
- More beginner-focused tips could be helpful.
This guide is an invaluable resource for anyone who loves easy, flavorful food. It empowers you to get the most out of your slow cooker.
Choosing the Best Canned Tomatoes: America’s Test Kitchen Guide
Canned tomatoes are a kitchen staple. They make cooking easier and faster. America’s Test Kitchen has tested many brands. Their reviews help you find the best ones. This guide will help you pick great canned tomatoes.
Key Features to Look For
Whole Peeled Tomatoes
- These are the best. They have the most tomato flavor.
- Look for tomatoes packed in their own juice.
- Good brands have smooth, firm tomatoes.
- They should not be mushy or broken.
Diced Tomatoes
- These are already cut into pieces.
- They are good for quick meals.
- Check that the pieces are about the same size.
- Some brands add calcium chloride. This helps them keep their shape.
Crushed Tomatoes
- These have a rougher texture.
- They are great for sauces and soups.
- They should be thick and rich.
- Avoid brands that are too watery.
Tomato Paste
- This is concentrated tomato flavor.
- It adds depth to dishes.
- Look for a deep red color.
- It should be smooth and thick.
Important Materials & Ingredients
Most canned tomatoes have simple ingredients. They are usually just tomatoes and tomato juice. Some might have citric acid. Citric acid helps keep the tomatoes fresh. Others have salt. You can choose brands with or without salt. Avoid brands with added sugar or artificial flavors. These can change the tomato taste.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes Them Better?
- Type of Tomato: Roma tomatoes are often used. They have less water and more meat.
- Packing Liquid: Tomatoes packed in their own juice are usually best.
- Processing: Quick processing helps keep the flavor fresh.
- Brand Reputation: Trusted brands often have higher quality control.
What Makes Them Worse?
- Over-processing: This can make tomatoes mushy.
- Added Ingredients: Sugar or artificial flavors can spoil the taste.
- Poor Canning: This can lead to a metallic taste.
- Old Stock: Tomatoes lose flavor over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
Canned tomatoes are super versatile. Home cooks love them. They save time. You don’t have to chop fresh tomatoes. They are perfect for:
- Pasta sauces
- Soups and stews
- Chili
- Pizza sauce
- Salsa
- Casseroles
Whole peeled tomatoes are great for making smooth sauces. You can blend them yourself. Diced tomatoes are easy to add to chili or stews. Crushed tomatoes are perfect for quick weeknight pasta. Tomato paste is a flavor booster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the best brands of canned tomatoes according to America’s Test Kitchen?
A: America’s Test Kitchen often recommends brands like San Marzano (if they are true DOP certified), Cento, and Muir Glen. They also find good value in store brands sometimes.
Q: Should I buy whole peeled or diced tomatoes?
A: Whole peeled tomatoes are usually the highest quality. You can break them up yourself for better texture control. Diced tomatoes are convenient but can be softer.
Q: What does “packed in tomato juice” mean?
A: It means the tomatoes are in liquid that comes from tomatoes. This helps preserve their flavor. Sometimes, brands add a little citric acid or salt to the juice.
Q: Is it okay to buy canned tomatoes with added salt?
A: Yes, it’s okay. But if you need to control your salt intake, look for “no salt added” options. You can always add salt yourself when cooking.
Q: What is the difference between crushed and diced tomatoes?
A: Diced tomatoes are cut into neat cubes. Crushed tomatoes are broken down into smaller, irregular pieces. Crushed tomatoes have a rougher texture.
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes if I’m making a fresh tomato recipe?
A: Yes, often you can! Canned tomatoes are already cooked and packed. They work well in many recipes that call for fresh tomatoes, especially in sauces and stews.
Q: How long do canned tomatoes last?
A: Unopened canned tomatoes can last for 1-2 years past the best-by date. Once opened, store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Q: What is calcium chloride in diced tomatoes?
A: Calcium chloride is a mineral salt. It helps diced tomatoes keep their shape and not turn mushy during cooking.
Q: Are San Marzano tomatoes always the best?
A: True San Marzano tomatoes, grown in a specific region of Italy and certified (DOP), are excellent. However, many other brands, including some American ones, make high-quality tomatoes that can be just as good or better.
Q: Why do some canned tomatoes taste metallic?
A: A metallic taste can happen if the tomatoes are in contact with the can for too long or if the can lining is damaged. Choosing good quality brands helps avoid this.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.