When it comes to cooking with tomato paste, the choice often comes down to canned tomato paste vs tube tomato paste. While both deliver concentrated tomato flavor, they serve different needs in the kitchen. This guide will help you understand the differences, advantages, and best use cases for each format.
🥫 What Is Canned Tomato Paste?
Canned tomato paste is the traditional form, usually sold in small 70g–210g cans. It is made by cooking tomatoes for hours to remove most of the water, resulting in a thick, deep red concentrate.
✅ Pros of Canned Tomato Paste:
- Affordable: Typically cheaper per gram than tubes
- Widely available in various Brix levels (e.g., 22–24%)
- Perfect for large-batch cooking like sauces, stews, or soups
- Long shelf life when unopened
❌ Cons:
- Needs to be used quickly after opening (within 5–7 days if refrigerated)
- Metal cans are not resealable
- Risk of waste if not using the full can
🍅 What Is Tomato Paste in a Tube?
Tube tomato paste comes in a squeezable aluminum or plastic tube, similar to toothpaste. It’s designed for convenience and portion control, ideal for recipes needing just a spoonful of paste.
✅ Pros of Tube Tomato Paste:
- Resealable: No waste—use only what you need
- Longer shelf life after opening (up to 4–6 weeks refrigerated)
- Ideal for small portions or quick meals
- Less mess and easy to store
❌ Cons:
- More expensive per gram
- May contain added salt, oil, or preservatives
- Not ideal for industrial or bulk cooking
🧑🍳 Canned Tomato Paste vs Tube: Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | Canned Tomato Paste | Tube Tomato Paste |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ✅ More economical | ❌ More expensive |
| Resealability | ❌ Not resealable | ✅ Yes |
| Shelf Life After Opening | 5–7 days (refrigerated) | Up to 4–6 weeks (refrigerated) |
| Portion Control | ❌ Less convenient | ✅ Very convenient |
| Best For | Sauces, soups, bulk cooking | Quick meals, small portions |
🏭 Manufacturer’s Recommendation
As a tomato paste producer, we recommend using canned tomato paste (22–24 Brix) for large-scale cooking, food service, or factory production. For home use or gourmet kitchens, tube tomato paste is ideal for precision and convenience.
🧾 Final Thoughts
There’s no single “winner” in the canned tomato paste vs tube debate—it all depends on your cooking needs.
- Use cans for bulk cooking, affordability, and pure tomato concentrate.
- Use tubes for convenience, portion control, and home cooking.
