Our test kitchen put eight popular canned tomato brands through a rigorous taste test, evaluating them straight from the can, in a simple marinara, and in a slow-cooked ragout. The results were eye-opening.
Store-brand Kirkland Signature whole peeled tomatoes edged out premium Italian imports including San Marzano certified varieties. Tasters praised the Kirkland tomatoes for their bright acidity, firm texture, and concentrated tomato flavor.
The priciest option, at nearly $7 per can, finished in the middle of the pack. The takeaway: price doesn't always predict quality, and you don't need imported tomatoes to make an outstanding sauce.
