People making savoury pancakes at home
You may want to turn the tomatoes into a smooth sauce or leave some chunks in the filling. Whole tomatoes let you adjust the texture as you prepare them.
Who are these tins for?
Households that keep tinned food in the cupboard
You want to have tomatoes ready for an improvised savoury recipe. Before opening the tin, check its best-before date; once opened, follow the storage instructions for the product you bought.
Shoppers who check the label
You compare the ingredients, stated origin or any organic certification. Check the exact product and batch you’ve chosen: these details can vary from one product to another.
What should you look for?
For a savoury pancake filling, start with the texture you want. Then check how much you can actually use and what you’ll do with any leftovers after opening.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Check that they’re whole peeled tomatoes, then plan to chop, crush or blend them to suit your filling. | If I want visible chunks or a smooth sauce, I’d rather adjust the texture myself. Around 36% of shoppers prioritise this. |
| Storage | Check the best-before date, the condition of the tin and the storage instructions for after opening. | I want to keep a tin in the cupboard without having to throw away what’s left after making the recipe. This is the top priority for around 29% of shoppers. |
| Ingredients and origin | Read the ingredients list and the stated origin on the product you’ve chosen. If organic produce matters to you, check its certification. | When I choose a filling, its ingredients or origin matter more to me than the tin size. Around 21% of shoppers prioritise this. |
| Size | Compare the net weight with the drained weight, then choose an amount to suit your recipe and how you plan to use any leftovers. | I’m making a small amount, or several fillings, and want a tin that’s the right size. For around 14% of shoppers, size is the top priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing tomatoes for sweet pancakes
Peeled tomatoes are for making a sauce or savoury filling here, not a sweet Pancake Day topping.
First decide whether you’re making savoury pancakes, then choose the texture and amount of tomatoes your recipe needs.
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Opening a large tin without a plan for the leftovers
A tin that’s right for several fillings may leave you with tomatoes to use soon after opening. The product page for one item sold by Auchan says to keep it in the fridge and use it within two days; follow the instructions for the product you buy.
If you don’t have another savoury recipe planned, choose a size closer to the amount you need.
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Assuming a product always has the same ingredients
Auchan says that the ingredients and country of manufacture for one of its products may vary depending on the click-and-collect store and purchase date.
If the origin or an ingredient affects your choice, check the product page you selected and the label on the item you receive.
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Using a damaged tin
Anses advises against eating food from a dented or bulging tin, or from one whose contents smell unusual when opened.
Discard the tin; don’t rely on cooking the filling to make it safe.
Brands and retailers to know
Mutti
Mutti offers its peeled tomatoes in 400 g, 2 × 400 g and 800 g sizes.
- The brand lists peeled tomatoes and tomato juice as the ingredients.
- Choose a size to suit the amount you need and check the label of the product you buy.
Cirio
Cirio offers whole peeled “Pelati” tomatoes in 400 g and 800 g sizes, intended in particular for sauces and slow cooking.
- The brand lists peeled tomatoes, tomato purée and citric acid as ingredients.
- For a pancake filling, adjust the texture to suit your recipe rather than assuming it’ll be right as it is.
Carrefour
Carrefour lists whole peeled tomatoes in juice under its Classic’ range.
- Check the size of the product listed to see how well it suits the amount of filling you need.
- Check the product page and the label of the item you actually choose.
E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc offers Bio Village whole peeled tomatoes in a 400 g size.
- This product gives you the option of looking for an organic choice in this size.
- Check availability with the E.Leclerc store you plan to visit.
Auchan
Auchan offers its own-brand whole peeled tomatoes in juice.
- One product is listed in a 480 g size on the retailer’s website.
- Auchan notes that the ingredients and country of manufacture may vary depending on the click-and-collect store and purchase date.
A product on Joybuy
This cherry tomato product could be used to make a savoury pancake filling. If you’re specifically looking for peeled tomatoes, check this on the label before buying.
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LA MOLISANA Pomodorini, 100% Italian cherry tomatoes, 400 g
For a savoury dish made with cherry tomatoes, choose the texture you want for your filling.
The product name states that they’re Italian and come in a 400 g size. Check the packaging to see whether the tomatoes are peeled and for instructions on storage after opening.
Frequently asked questions
Are peeled tomatoes suitable for all Pancake Day pancakes?
No. They’re suitable for a sauce or filling for savoury pancakes, but not for a sweet topping. For a savoury recipe, you can chop, crush or blend whole tomatoes to get the texture you want.
Can you use a tin after its best-before date?
Yes. According to Anses, going past the best-before date alone doesn’t make a tin unsafe to eat, although its quality may change. Check that it has been stored as directed and that the tin isn’t dented or bulging.
How should you store peeled tomatoes after opening?
Follow the instructions for the product you bought. A product page for an item sold by Auchan says to transfer the contents to a non-metallic container, keep it in the fridge and use it within two days; don’t assume this applies to all tinned tomatoes.
What should you do if a tin is bulging or smells unusual?
Don’t eat its contents. Anses also advises discarding dented tins; cooking shouldn’t be used to try to make their contents safe.
Do all peeled tomatoes have the same ingredients?
No. Mutti lists peeled tomatoes and tomato juice in its product, while Cirio also lists tomato purée and citric acid. For a supermarket own-brand product, check the label on the batch you’ve chosen: Auchan says the ingredients may vary depending on the click-and-collect store and purchase date.