People cooking smaller portions
For a small amount of sauce or just one part of a meal, it’s worth comparing a 240 g tin with larger sizes to help avoid leftovers.
Who are these sizes suited to?
People making a tomato base for several meals
For a sauce, soup or stew, whole peeled tomatoes let you decide as you cook whether to chop or mash them.
People who prefer tomatoes that are already chopped
Chopped tomatoes are a good fit for recipes that call for tomatoes that are already diced or finely chopped. They don’t serve the same purpose as whole peeled tomatoes.
What should you look for when choosing a tin?
When preparing meals in advance, start with the quantity and texture your recipes call for, then compare the details on each tin.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and leftovers | Compare the net weight of one tin with the amount your recipes need; distinguish a 400 g tin from a 2 x 400 g multipack. | For a small amount of sauce, I’d rather open just the amount I need than deal with leftovers; around 42% of consumers say portion size is their main consideration. |
| Texture | Look for “whole peeled tomatoes” if you want to chop them yourself; chopped tomatoes are already cut up. | If I want to keep large pieces in a dish, I need to start with whole tomatoes; texture is the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and labelling | Check the ingredients, net weight, date and storage instructions for the product you’re considering. | When comparing two tins of the same size, I want to know what’s in them and how to store them after opening; around 25% of consumers say this information is their main priority. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Mistaking a multipack for a single tin
Mutti offers a 400 g tin and a 2 x 400 g multipack: they contain different amounts of tomatoes for your recipes.
Check how many tins are included and the weight of each one before adding them to your shopping list.
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Confusing chopped tomatoes with whole peeled tomatoes
Pre-chopped tomatoes won’t let you keep the tomatoes whole or choose the size of the pieces yourself.
If your recipe calls for whole tomatoes, look specifically for “whole peeled” on the label.
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Overlooking the condition of the tin
The DGCCRF lists dents, rust and bulging among the signs that a metal tin may be damaged.
Choose a tin that’s in good condition. If you’re concerned about any of these signs, don’t eat the contents.
Brands to compare
Mutti
Mutti’s Pelati range includes 400 g and 800 g tins, as well as a 2 x 400 g multipack.
- Mutti says its Pelati contains whole peeled tomatoes and tomato juice.
- Don’t mistake the 2 x 400 g multipack for a single 400 g tin.
Cirio
Carrefour lists a 400 g tin of Cirio peeled tomatoes, described as originating from Puglia.
- Carrefour’s product listing describes peeled tomatoes preserved in tomato purée.
- Citric acid is also listed among the ingredients, so check the label if the ingredients are a deciding factor for you.
Carrefour Classic'
Carrefour’s range of peeled tomatoes in juice includes 240 g and 480 g tins.
- These two sizes let you compare a smaller portion with a larger quantity for cooking.
- Check the ingredients on the specific product you’re thinking of buying.
Auchan
Auchan’s 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes is another texture to consider when your recipe doesn’t call for whole tomatoes.
- Auchan’s product listing specifies diced tomatoes and tomato juice, as well as salt and citric acid.
- This product won’t replace whole peeled tomatoes if you want to chop or mash them yourself.
400 g tins of chopped tomatoes on Joybuy
These two 400 g tins are suitable for recipes that call for tomatoes that are already chopped. If you want to start with whole peeled tomatoes, choose a product that’s specifically labelled as such.
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Mutti finely chopped tomatoes 400 g
Worth considering for a sauce that calls for tomatoes that are already finely chopped.
400 g tin; this product isn’t for recipes where you want to start with whole tomatoes and chop them yourself.
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MUTTI Fine Pulpe 400 g
Worth considering for a sauce or soup base where the recipe calls for a fine texture.
400 g tin; finely chopped tomatoes aren’t suitable if you want to keep the tomatoes whole.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell a single tin from a multipack?
Check the number of tins as well as the weight: “2 x 400 g” means two 400 g tins, not one. When planning a recipe, compare the quantity you need with the contents of a single tin.
Can chopped tomatoes replace whole peeled tomatoes?
Yes, if your recipe calls for tomatoes that are already chopped. They’re not the right choice if you want to keep the tomatoes whole before chopping or mashing them yourself. Check the product description before comparing weights.
What should you check on the label of a tin of peeled tomatoes?
Check the product description, ingredients, net quantity, nutritional information and date. The DGCCRF explains that these details form part of the labelling requirements for prepacked foods sold in France.
How should you store tomatoes after opening?
Follow the storage instructions for the product you’ve bought and plan when you’ll use the leftovers. Auchan’s product listing for chopped tomatoes recommends refrigerating them and using them soon after opening.
Can you use a dented or rusty tin?
If in doubt, don’t eat the contents. The DGCCRF says dents, rust or bulging on a metal tin may indicate that it’s damaged.