Holidaymakers keeping an eye on sugar figures
You want to compare the sugar figures on tins you’ll use during your stay, without confusing a description of the taste with nutritional information.
Who are these criteria for?
Small groups looking to avoid leftovers
You’re planning one or two meals and may have limited fridge space or few containers for storing an opened tin.
Cooks preparing meals to share
You’re making a sauce or slow-cooked dish for several people and want a quantity that suits the number of portions.
What should you check before buying?
Start by comparing sugar figures on the same basis, then choose a pack size to suit your meal and the space available for storing any leftovers.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars and ingredients | Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g across similar peeled tomatoes, then read the ingredients list. | If I’m keeping an eye on sugar figures, I want to compare two tins without relying on wording that describes their taste. Around 42% of consumers would make this a priority. |
| Leftovers and storage | Check the drained weight and storage instructions after opening, then make sure you’ll be able to keep any leftovers chilled. | For a single meal in a holiday let, I’d rather choose a quantity I can use without leaving an open tin. Managing leftovers would be a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Meal size | Choose a tin size to suit the number of portions and the recipe you have in mind, especially for a sauce or slow-cooked dish. | When I’m cooking for several people, I want enough tomatoes to make the dish I’ve planned. Pack size would be the top consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Taking ‘naturally sweet’ as a nutritional claim
Cirio uses this phrase to describe its tomatoes, but it doesn’t tell you how their sugar content compares with that of another tin.
To compare products, check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. If added sugar matters to you, check the ingredients separately.
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Opening a large tin without planning a second meal
An opened tin may need to be refrigerated and used within a short time. The Auchan and Rochefontaine product listings say that the relevant products should be used within two days.
If you’re only planning one meal, look at smaller packs. Otherwise, check the instructions on the tin you buy and have a suitable container ready for any leftovers.
Without fridge space or a second meal planned within the stated time, some of the tin may go unused.
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Assuming the recipe is the same from one shop to another
Auchan says that the ingredients in its peeled tomatoes may vary depending on the online grocery service and purchase date; one version lists salt and calcium chloride in particular.
Check the listing for your chosen shop, then check the label on the tin you receive if its ingredients or sugar content are important to your choice.
Brands to consider
Mutti
Mutti offers peeled tomatoes for tomato-based dishes, including 400 g, 800 g and 2 × 400 g pack sizes.
- Mutti’s listed recipe combines whole peeled tomatoes and tomato juice.
- If sugar content is important to your choice, check the ‘of which sugars’ figure on the pack you buy.
Cirio
Cirio’s Pelati peeled tomatoes come in 400 g and 800 g tins, for sauces and recipes that need a longer cooking time.
- Cirio lists a recipe containing peeled tomatoes, tomato purée and citric acid.
- Its ‘naturally sweet’ description is no substitute for the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g.
Carrefour
The Carrefour Bio product reviewed contains whole peeled tomatoes and has a drained weight of 240 g.
- Carrefour lists organic tomatoes, organic tomato juice and citric acid.
- The 3.5 g of carbohydrates per 100 g shown on its product listing is not the same as the ‘of which sugars’ figure. Check the latter on the tin.
E.Leclerc
Among the products listed by E.Leclerc is an ECO+ tin of whole peeled tomatoes in juice, with a stated drained weight of 240 g.
- The ECO+ product listing shows 3.0 g of sugars per 100 g.
- Check which product is available at your chosen shop or online grocery service before comparing its label.
Auchan
Auchan’s product listing for whole peeled tomatoes in juice features a 480 g tin.
- The listing reviewed shows 2.5 g of sugars per 100 g.
- Auchan notes that ingredients may vary depending on the online grocery service and purchase date, so check the label on the tin you choose.
Cherry tomatoes for cooking in your holiday let
This cherry tomato product could be used to make a sauce during your stay. Compare the pack size with the amount you need for your meal, and check the label if sugar content is your top priority.
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LA MOLISANA Pomodorini, cherry tomatoes 400 g
For cooking during your stay, this 400 g tin is a good fit if the quantity suits your planned meal. Check the label for the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g and storage instructions after opening.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘naturally sweet’ mean ‘reduced in sugars’?
No. This description of the taste doesn’t let you compare the sugar content of two products. Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g on each tin.
What should you compare on the labels of two tins of peeled tomatoes?
Compare the sugars per 100 g, then the ingredients and the quantity you need for your recipe. For the relevant prepacked foods, the DGCCRF says that nutrition information is given per 100 g or 100 ml. It also states that the drained weight must be shown when a product is sold in a covering liquid.
What size should you choose for a short stay?
A smaller pack is handy if you’re only planning one meal and want to avoid having leftovers to store. A 400 g or 800 g tin may suit several portions, as long as you plan how to use and store its contents after opening.
How should you store peeled tomatoes after opening?
Follow the instructions on the tin you buy. The Auchan and Rochefontaine product listings reviewed say to refrigerate their products and use them within two days. Rochefontaine also specifies using a non-metallic container.