Tomato paste is a necessary ingredient in any Italian kitchen. Whether you’re making a spicy vodka rigatoni or making a hearty and savory tomato soup, tomato paste is a culinary ingredient that is the basis for a myriad of tomato dishes. This can create a huge issue for those on low or gluten-free diets, however, as there are hidden ingredients within brands that can cause serious damage to those who eat gluten-free.
Yes, tomato paste is gluten free. In fact, a majority of tomato sauces and pizza sauces are gluten-free, but some companies do use additives that add gluten into these products. It’s important to always read the label and look for the gluten free certification. The best gluten free tomato paste brands are Signature Select, Wegmans, and Thrive Market.
In this article, we are going to explain why tomato paste isn’t always gluten-free, as well as look at some gluten-free brands for tomato paste. Let’s dig in!
Contents
Is Tomato Paste Healthy?
Tomato paste is extraordinarily healthy. For reference, there is a lot of nutritional value in tomato paste because it is the essence of tomatoes, providing a concentrated form of antioxidants. It contains a multiplicity of vitamins and minerals that make an excellent addition to your daily diet.
Health Benefits of Tomato Paste
Tomatoes are a powerhouse of antioxidants, which have been linked to many health benefits when consumed in the long term.
Vitamin C
Vitamin c is an essential nutrient that provides a lot of benefits to the human body. Studies have shown that the long-term benefits of vitamin C include a decrease in cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, skin wrinkles, and eye diseases. With 500mg of vitamin c being the daily recommended, tomato paste is a great way to meet that mark.
Potassium
Potassium is a necessary vitamin for the normal function of cells. Potassium acts as a regulator, specifically for the heartbeat, functioning of muscles and nerves, and is key for synthesizing protein and metabolism. This necessary building block of the body is lacking in a lot of American adults’ diets, and taking the step to meet the daily recommended intake will greatly benefit your body in the future.
Vitamin K1
Vitamin k1 is a vitamin that has a significant impact on blood coagulation. This goes on to help the body heal wounds and areas affected by surgery. It has also been suspected to help with skin ailments such as acne and stretch marks when used regularly.
Vitamin B9
Vitamin B9 is a necessary vitamin for pregnant women. Aiding closely in the production of genetic material in the body, it is extremely important when cells and tissues are growing at a fast pace, such as in prenatal stages. It also works to control levels of the amino acid homocysteine, which has been closely linked to heart disease.
Why Aren’t Some Seasonings in Tomato Paste Gluten-Free?
One of the main reasons that the seasonings in tomato paste are not gluten-free is because of the ingredient wheat gluten proteins. In America. gluten-based products must be indicated on the label legally, which makes our job much easier in determining which products contain gluten. Individual spices are also much less likely to contain gluten when compared to spice blends such as paprika or curry powder.
What are the Most Glutenous Seasonings Commercially Available?
The most glutenous seasonings available today include imported cloves and mace, as well as domestic coriander. All of these generally include wheat material in them to prevent caking and clumping for long-term storage.
What are Some Good Gluten-Free Tomato Paste Brands?
Signature Select Tomato Paste
Signature Select Tomato Paste is certified gluten-free with easy-to-read ingredients. One of the cheaper options on this list, it’s perfectly suitable for stews and sauces such as marinara or spaghetti sauce. Available at any commercial store nationwide, this is a great staple to add to your cabinet.
Nutrition Facts (per 2 tablespoons):
- 30 Calories
- 0 Calories from Fat
- 0g Total Fat
- 0g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 15mg Sodium
- 6g Total Carbohydrate
- 2g Dietary Fiber
- 3g Sugars
- 1g Protein
Ingredients:
- Tomato Paste
- Citric Acid
Wegmans Brand Tomato Paste
Wegmans brand tomato baste is certified USDA organic, as well as being gluten-free, vegan, and lactose-free. It has no extra colors, flavors, or preservatives, creating a tomato paste that you can feel good eating.
Nutrition Facts (per 2 tablespoons):
- 25 Calories
- 0g Total Fat
- 0g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 20mg Sodium
- 6g Total Carbohydrates
- 1g Dietary Fiber
- 4g Total Sugars
- 1g Protein
Ingredients:
- Tomato Pulp
- Citric Acid
Unico Tomato Paste
Unico Tomato Paste is available internationally. Made in Italy, it takes authenticity to a whole new level. Roma tomatoes are used for this due to their coreless, pulpy, and vicious nature, which makes them perfect for tomato paste and sauces.
Nutrition Facts (per 2 tablespoons):
- 20 Calories
- 0.1g Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- Sodium 20mg
- 280mg Potassium
- 4g Carbohydrates
- 1g fibers
- 3g Sugars
- 1g Protein
Ingredients:
- Tomato Paste
- Citric Acid
Hunts Tomato Paste with Basil, Garlic, and Oregano
Hunts Tomato Paste is a great example of a seasoned tomato paste while going the extra mile to remain gluten-free. Hunts basil tomato paste is extremely good in a variety of different dishes, especially chili, soups, and stews. This tomato paste is all-natural, taking care to step away from preservatives. It is organic, vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free as well.
Nutrition Facts (per 2 tablespoons):
- 35 Calories
- 0g Total Fat
- 0g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 0g Polyunsaturated Fat
- 0g Monounsaturated Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 280mg Sodium
- 7g Total Carbohydrates
- 2g Dietary Fiber
- 3g Sugars
- 1g Protein
Ingredients:
- Tomato Paste
- Salt
- Dried Basil
- Dried Oregano
- Garlic Powder
- Sugar
- Spices
- Natural Flavors
- Citric Acid
Thrive Market Organic Tomato Paste
Thrive Market Organic Tomato Paste is non-GMO verified, sustainably farmed, USDA organic, and vegan. Thrive Market as a brand is constantly innovating the food industry to make it the best that it can be. Sustainability gives this brand an extra plus so that you can feel good about using it in your kitchen.
Nutrition Facts (per 2 tablespoons):
- 25 Calories
- 0g Total Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 20mg Sodium
- 6g Total Carbohydrate
- 1g Dietary Fiber
- 4g Total Sugars
- 0g Added Sugars
- 1g Protein
Ingredients:
- Organic Tomato Pulp
- Citric Acid
Cento Tomato Paste
Cento Tomato Paste is tomato paste in a tube. It is made of fresh Italian tomatoes, creating a stronger flavor than most tomato pastes. The tube is BPA-free, while the tomato paste inside it is organic, GMO-free, low sodium, kosher, and preservative-free.
Nutrition Facts (per 2 tablespoons):
- 40 Calories
- 0g Total Fat
- 0g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 70mg Cholesterol
- 8g Total Carbohydrates
- 1g Dietary Fiber
- 5g Total Sugars
- 0g Added Sugars
- 2g Protein
Ingredients:
- Tomato Paste
- Salt
Best Yet Tomato Paste
Best Yet Tomato Paste is an easily mixable tomato paste, made especially for soups, stews, and chilis. It is free of gluten and made with organic material, free from additive colors and flavors.
Nutrition Facts (per 2 tablespoons):
- 30 Calories
- 0g total Fat
- 15mg Sodium
- 6g Total Carbohydrates
- 2g Dietary Fiber
- 4g Sugars
- 1g Protein
Ingredients:
- Tomato Paste
- Citric Acid
Gluten-Free Pre-Made Pasta Sauces
Amy’s Kitchen
Made with vine-ripened tomatoes, Amy’s kitchen’s tomato basil sauce takes extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and basil to create a homestyle tomato basil sauce. This pasta sauce is gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, soy-free, tree nut-free, and corn-free.
Nutrition Facts (per 1/2 cup):
- 90 Calories
- 4.5g Total Fat
- 0.5g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 520mg Sodium
- 11g Total Carbohydrates
- 2g Dietary Fiber
- 6g Total Sugars
- 0g Added Sugars
- 2g Protein
Ingredients:
- Organic Tomato Puree
- Filtered Water
- Organic Onions
- Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Organic Basil
- Sea Salt
- Organic Garlic
- Organic Cane Sugar
- Organic Black Pepper
Organico Bello
Organico Bello is a form of pasta sauce that is non-GMO project certified, USDA organic, vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, and has no preservatives to boot. This all-natural pasta sauce is something you can feel good about adding to your kitchen.
Nutrition Facts (per 1/2 cup):
- 50 Calories
- 1.5g Total Fat
- 240mg Sodium
- 7g Total Carbohydrates
- 2g Dietary Fiber
- 5g Total Sugars
- 0g Added Sugars
- 2g Protein
Ingredients:
- Imported Organic Italian Tomatoes
- Organic Onions
- Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Sea Salt
- Organic Basil
- Organic White Pepper
- Organic Black Pepper
Francesco Rinaldi
Nutrition Facts (per 1/2 cup):
- 60 Calories
- 10 Calories from Fat
- 1.5g Total Fat
- 0g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 430mg Sodium
- 420mg Potassium
- 12g Total Carbohydrates
- 2g Dietary Fiber
- 7g Sugars
- 2g Protein
Ingredients:
- Tomato Puree
- Diced Tomatoes in Tomato Juice
- Sugar
- Salt
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Dried Onions
- Spices
- Basil
- Dried Garlic
Organicville
Organicville follows its namesake in its organic ingredients and whole-30 friendly mantras. This pasta sauce is vegan, USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Gluten-free, employee-owned, keto-friendly, and whole 30 approved. With no-frills, organic, homely taste that will have you buying more in the future.
Nutrition Facts (per 1/2 cup):
- 50 Calories
- 1.5g Total Fat
- 0g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 430mg Sodium
- 9g Total Carbohydrates
- 2g Dietary Fiber
- 5g Total Sugars
- 0g Added Sugars
- 2g Protein
Ingredients:
- Water
- Organic Tomato Paste
- Organic Tomatoes
- Organic Basil
- Organic Dried Garlic
- Organic Dried Onion
- Salt
- Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Organic Oregano
Related Questions
What is Tomato Paste Used For?
Tomato paste is most commonly used for soups, stews, sauces, and chili. The use of tomato paste is best for these dishes due to the strong taste, often heightened using citric acid.
What are Substitutes for Tomato Paste?
The best substitutes for tomato paste would be tomato sauce or tomato puree, due to the similar nature of the ingredients and same flavors. However, tomato paste is much thicker and sweeter.