I Asked 3 Experts for the Best Tomato Paste—They All Said the Same Thing

As an Italian-American, I find myself making tomato-based dishes every week. From minestrone to penne alla vodka and ragu, all of these meals share one key ingredient: tomato paste. I wanted to find a tomato paste with rich, bold tomato flavor. After consulting with three culinary experts, I discovered the best tomato paste on the market.

The Tomato Paste Experts

The Best Tomato Paste, According to Experts

Out of all the brands of tomato paste, the conclusion was unanimous—Mutti! This family-owned Italian company has been in operation for 120 years, with a sole focus on producing high-quality tomato products.

“I’ve been a fan of Mutti products for a long time (particularly their tomato passata/puree), and their tomato paste is of the same high quality: bold and fresh tomato flavor, beautiful red color, and made with 100% Italian tomatoes,” Feinstein shared.

The Giacalone brothers agreed. “When it comes to tomato paste, our go-to brand is Mutti—a true staple in our kitchen.”

How To Pick the Best Tomato Paste

When searching for the highest quality product in the aisle, these experts share what to look for. 

Check the ingredients list: “For me, it is important for the list to be short and simple without additives or preservatives. I love Mutti not only because it reminds me of my dad, who was a great cook, but also because it is made just with two ingredients: tomatoes and Mediterranean Sea Salt,” Cerruti Quara shared.

Made in Italy: “Whenever you’re shopping for tomato paste, we always recommend choosing an Italian-imported brand over an American one. Tomatoes grown in Italy tend to be less acidic, naturally sweeter, and richer in flavor—making a noticeable difference in any dish,” the Giacalone brothers shared.

Opt for the tube: “Because of the way canned goods must be processed and preserved, canned tomato pastes are often darker in color, more acidic, and less intensely tomatoey; the pastes in tubes, on the other hand, can be simply preserved with salt and thus the flavor is fresher and, well, more seasoned,” Feinstein shared. It’s also easier to use a tablespoon or two and store the rest in the fridge when using a tube.

How To Cook With Tomato Paste

Tomato paste is incredibly versatile, and these experts shared their favorite ways to use it. 

“I use tomato paste often in my pasta sauces, particularly in the colder months to add depth to ragus, in the summer for tomato compound butters, and year-round if I want to intensify a tomato sauce with even more tomato flavor, especially when tomatoes are out of season. I’ll also add it to braises (like brisket and other large cuts of meat, beans, broths, soups, and stews,” Feinstein shared.

“Our absolute favorite dish to use tomato paste in is Pasta Bolognese—it helps bring a rich depth of flavor to the dish, that really makes the dish special,” the Giacalone brothers shared.

Next time you’re in the pasta section, be sure to grab a tube or two of Mutti tomato paste.