Retirees keeping an eye on sugar figures
You want to check the “of which sugars” value before choosing a tin, without assuming that the phrase “reduced sugar” means a specific reduction has been made.
Who are these criteria useful for?
People cooking for one or two
You’re looking for a pack size that suits the amount you’re cooking and the storage instructions after opening.
People following personalised dietary advice
You check the salt content and ingredients on the label, taking advice from your healthcare professional into account rather than relying on your age alone.
Which criteria should you compare first?
If you buy peeled tomatoes regularly, first compare the nutritional information for products of the same type. Then choose the ingredients and pack size that best suit your cooking.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars listed | The “of which sugars” value per 100 g for peeled tomatoes of the same type; if a reduction is claimed, check the context on the packaging. | If I’m comparing tins for their sugar content, I want to be able to check like-for-like figures rather than rely on marketing wording. Around 40% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Ingredients and salt | The ingredients list and salt content per 100 g for the exact product, particularly if you’re following personalised dietary advice. | When I choose a cooking base, I want to know what it contains and take any advice about salt into account. Ingredients and salt would be a priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Pack size and leftovers | The drained weight, how much you need for your recipes and the storage instructions after opening. | When cooking smaller portions, I prefer a tin whose contents I can use as directed. Around 30% of consumers would make pack size their top criterion. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming “reduced sugar” describes the product
Using this phrase to search for a product doesn’t prove that the product carries a sugar-reduction claim.
Compare the “of which sugars” value per 100 g for peeled tomatoes of the same type. If a reduction is claimed, check the claim and its context on the product.
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Treating tomato pulp and whole peeled tomatoes as the same thing
The form and recipe may differ. The Cirio fine tomato pulp listed by Auchan is not a tin of whole peeled tomatoes.
To compare sugar or salt, start with products in the same form and use the same 100 g basis.
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Choosing a large tin without planning for leftovers
The amount you buy should also suit the meals you have planned and the storage instructions after opening.
Work out what you’ll cook before choosing a pack size. For its Pouce product, Auchan says to transfer the contents to an airtight container, refrigerate and use within two days.
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Cutting out salt as a matter of course as you get older
For people over 75, Manger Bouger advises against cutting out salt without a medical prescription; individual needs require particular attention.
If you’re following dietary advice, compare the labels of the products you’re considering and ask your healthcare professional for guidance.
Brands and products to know
Mutti
Mutti’s peeled tomato range includes 400 g, 2 × 400 g and 800 g pack sizes.
- Mutti’s product information lists whole peeled tomatoes and tomato juice as ingredients, and 0.01 g of salt per 100 g.
- To compare sugar content, check the “of which sugars” value on the tin you choose: the ingredients list alone isn’t enough.
Cirio
Cirio sells peeled tomatoes, but the figures quoted here are for its fine tomato pulp, listed by Auchan in a pack of 3 × 400 g.
- Auchan’s product information for this pulp lists 3.2 g of sugars and 0.3 g of salt per 100 g.
- These figures don’t describe Cirio’s whole peeled tomatoes, so check the product information for the type you plan to buy.
ECO+ / E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc lists ECO+ whole peeled tomatoes in tomato juice, in a 240 g drained-weight pack.
- E.Leclerc’s product information shows 3.0 g of sugars and 0.1 g of salt per 100 g. It also lists peeled tomatoes, tomato juice and E330.
- These details apply to this specific product, so check the label on the tin you choose.
Carrefour Classic’
Carrefour lists Carrefour Classic’ peeled tomatoes in tomato juice, including 240 g and 480 g drained-weight pack sizes.
- These two pack sizes let you choose according to how much you’re planning to cook.
- To compare the products for sugar or salt, read the nutritional information for the one you choose.
Auchan / Pouce
Auchan lists whole peeled tomatoes in tomato juice, including a 480 g Pouce tin.
- Pouce product information gives details of the ingredients and what to do after opening.
- Auchan says the ingredients in some products may vary by delivery service, so check the details on the tin you buy.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is “reduced sugar” enough to help you choose peeled tomatoes?
No. This search phrase alone doesn’t tell you what’s in the tin. Compare the “of which sugars” value per 100 g for products of the same type. If the product claims a reduction, check the context of that claim; France’s DGCCRF notes that nutrition claims are regulated by European Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
Should you always avoid salt in peeled tomatoes when you retire?
No, not just because of your age: Manger Bouger advises people over 75 not to cut out salt without a medical prescription. If you need to monitor your intake, Anses recommends reading food labels; also follow the advice of your healthcare professional.
How should you store peeled tomatoes after opening?
Follow the instructions for the product you’ve bought. For its Pouce whole peeled tomatoes in tomato juice, Auchan says to transfer the contents to a suitable airtight container, refrigerate and use within two days.
Does a Nutri-Score A mean the tin contains the least sugar?
No. To compare sugar content accurately, check the “of which sugars” value per 100 g for comparable products. Mutti’s product information shows a Nutri-Score A, but that rating alone can’t be used to rank tins by sugar content.