Understanding tomato paste pH is essential for food manufacturers, distributors, and quality control specialists. The pH of tomato paste affects safety, shelf life, flavor, and processing performance.
This guide explains what pH is, the typical range for different types of tomato paste, and how it impacts product quality.
1. What Is Tomato Paste pH?
The pH value measures the acidity or alkalinity of tomato paste.
- pH < 7 → acidic
- pH = 7 → neutral
- pH > 7 → alkaline
In tomato paste, pH is usually acidic, which is critical for:
- Microbial safety: Low pH prevents bacterial and mold growth.
- Flavor balance: Contributes to the characteristic tangy tomato taste.
- Processing stability: Ensures consistent performance in cooking, blending, or canning.
2. Typical pH Ranges for Tomato Paste
| Type of Tomato Paste | Brix % | Typical pH Range |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Break | 28–30% | 4.2 – 4.5 |
| Cold Break | 36–38% | 4.1 – 4.4 |
| Hot Break | 28–30% | 4.0 – 4.3 |
| Hot Break | 30–32% | 4.0 – 4.2 |
Note: The pH can vary slightly depending on raw tomato quality, processing method, and concentration.
3. How pH Affects Quality and Applications
Microbial Safety
- Tomato paste with pH below 4.3 is generally considered safe for long-term storage.
- Higher pH may require additional sterilization or preservatives.
Flavor and Color
- Lower pH preserves the bright red color and tangy taste.
- pH influences lycopene stability, an important pigment and antioxidant.
Processing Performance
- Acidic paste holds up better during heating, cooking, or blending.
- Helps maintain viscosity and Brix consistency for sauces, ketchup, or concentrates.
4. How to Measure and Control pH
- Use calibrated pH meters during production.
- Monitor raw tomato quality, processing temperature, and concentration levels.
- Ensure each batch is within the target pH range for product consistency and export compliance.
5. Why Choose Taichy Food Tomato Paste
At Taichy Food, all our tomato paste products—Cold Break and Hot Break, 28–38% Brix—are:
- Tested for pH, Brix, viscosity, lycopene, and microbiology
- Produced under strict ISO, HACCP, BRC, Halal, and Kosher standards
- Packaged in 220L drums, IBC, or OEM tins with guaranteed quality
Our CoA (Certificate of Analysis) ensures every batch meets international safety and quality standards, giving you confidence in your supply.
📞 Contact Us for Certified Tomato Paste
Ensure your tomato paste meets all quality and pH standards. Taichy Food provides reliable products, tested and certified for global buyers.
🌐 Website: www.taichytomato.com
✉️ Email: info@taichysupply.com
📱 WhatsApp / Phone: +86-15022770702
Request your CoA and product specifications today.
