Do canned tomatoes have chemicals? Separating fact from fiction for a healthier nutrition diet

October 5, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2019 follow-up test by the Center for Environmental Health, 96% of all cans tested were found to be BPA-free, a significant industry shift. This progress addresses key health concerns for consumers asking, 'Do canned tomatoes have chemicals?' regarding historical use of bisphenol A (BPA) in can linings.

Quick Summary

This guide examines the chemicals associated with canned tomatoes, including bisphenol A (BPA) and its modern replacements, potential heavy metal contamination, and common food additives. Explore safer alternatives for your diet.

Key Points

BPA is mostly gone: Most canned tomatoes are now BPA-free due to consumer demand, although alternative linings may have their own concerns.
Acidity is a factor: The high acidity of tomatoes increases the potential for chemical leaching from can linings, emphasizing the importance of modern packaging.
Alternatives are available: For complete peace of mind, opt for tomatoes sold in glass jars or aseptic cartons, as these are inert containers.
Heavy metals are a possibility: Trace amounts of heavy metals can occur from environmental and processing factors, though typically within regulatory limits, but require monitoring.
Additives are generally safe: Additives like citric acid and calcium chloride are used for preservation and texture, but for sodium control, choose 'no salt added' versions.
Processing increases lycopene: Canned or processed tomatoes provide a more bioavailable form of the powerful antioxidant lycopene compared to fresh tomatoes.
Inspect your cans: Always avoid cans that are bulging, leaking, or severely dented, as this can compromise the food's safety.

The pantry staple of canned tomatoes has been a subject of scrutiny, particularly concerning the potential chemicals that might leach into the food. While historical concerns over bisphenol A (BPA) were significant, the food industry has made considerable changes in recent years. Understanding these developments is crucial for making informed choices for your family's nutrition diet.

The Bisphenol A (BPA) Controversy and Its Phaseout

The Historical Concern with BPA

For decades, many metal cans were lined with an epoxy resin made with bisphenol A (BPA) to prevent corrosion, which is particularly important for acidic foods like tomatoes. However, BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that can mimic the body's natural hormones. Studies on animals raised concerns that exposure could lead to adverse health effects, especially during development. The acidity of tomatoes was found to increase the rate at which BPA could migrate from the can lining into the food, intensifying public health worries. This led to widespread consumer demands for safer food packaging, driving a major shift within the industry.

Modern BPA-Free Solutions

Driven by consumer pressure and growing awareness, food manufacturers have largely phased out BPA from their can linings, especially in the United States. Today, most canned goods are produced with alternative linings. Many products are now explicitly labeled “BPA-free” to reassure consumers, although a 2019 study showed that the vast majority of all cans, labeled or not, were no longer using BPA. For peace of mind, however, seeking out products with clear "BPA-free" labeling is still a good strategy.

Unpacking BPA Alternatives and Other Substances

The 'Regrettable Substitutes' Debate

The removal of BPA led to the adoption of new can lining materials, but these substitutes are not without their own questions. Alternatives often include:

Acrylic resins: Concerns exist regarding environmental biodegradability and potential toxicity.
Polyester resins: While possibly safer for direct human contact than other options, they pose risks to aquatic life.
PVC-based resins: Polyvinyl chloride is considered a toxic chemical derived from a known carcinogen.

Little is known about the safety profile of some newer proprietary alternatives. This has led some critics to label these replacements as "regrettable substitutes," highlighting the need for ongoing research and transparency. For acidic foods like tomatoes, finding a truly inert lining has been a technical challenge, pushing some brands toward non-can packaging.

Additives and Their Purpose

Beyond the can lining, canned tomatoes may contain other common ingredients that are generally recognized as safe for consumption but worth noting.

Citric Acid: A natural additive used to maintain the vibrant color of the tomatoes and help with preservation.
Calcium Chloride: Often added to diced tomatoes to help them retain their firm texture after processing.
Salt: Used for flavor and as a preservative. It's recommended to look for 'no salt added' or 'low sodium' versions if you are watching your sodium intake.

Heavy Metals: A Different Type of Contamination Concern

A less common but potential concern with processed tomato products is contamination from heavy metals, which can be introduced from the environment (soil, water) where tomatoes are grown or from processing equipment and packaging. A 2024 study on canned tomato paste and bottled tomato sauce in Malaysia, for example, found trace amounts of heavy metals, although the levels were largely within permissible limits. The researchers emphasized the importance of periodic monitoring of heavy metal levels.

Choosing Healthier Options: A Comparison

To help you make the best choice for your kitchen, here's a comparison of different types of tomato products:


Feature	Canned Tomatoes	Glass Jar / Carton Tomatoes	Fresh Tomatoes
Chemical Exposure Risk	Low-to-moderate, depends on can lining (BPA-free vs. alternatives)	Very low; packaging is inert and does not contain BPA	None from packaging. Risk depends on pesticide residue (higher for non-organic).
Nutritional Benefits	High in lycopene due to processing, a key antioxidant. Retains many nutrients, but some vitamins may be slightly lower.	High in lycopene, as they are often processed similarly to canned. Retain good nutritional value.	High in Vitamin C, folate, and other nutrients. Lycopene is less bioavailable than in cooked forms.
Cost	Typically the most affordable option, especially for cooking.	Generally more expensive than canned products.	Varies significantly by season. Can be expensive out-of-season.
Convenience	Excellent for long-term storage and year-round use.	Also provides good shelf-life and avoids can lining worries.	Least convenient for storage. Requires more preparation (e.g., peeling for sauce).

Navigating Your Options for a Healthier Diet

What to look for on labels

To minimize exposure to unwanted chemicals, become a savvy label reader. Search for labels that state “BPA-free” to ensure the can lining is free of bisphenol A. When it comes to additives, many brands also offer “no salt added” varieties, giving you full control over the sodium content in your recipes. If you are concerned about pesticide exposure, choosing organic tomatoes can be a beneficial choice.

Practical Alternatives to Cans

If you want to avoid can linings altogether, several excellent alternatives are available.

Glass Jars: Many brands now package tomatoes in glass jars, completely bypassing the need for can linings and their associated chemicals.
Aseptic Cartons: Products like Pomi brand tomatoes are sold in aseptic cartons, which are also BPA-free.
Fresh or Frozen: For certain recipes, using fresh tomatoes is always an option. For cooking sauces, fresh tomatoes are perfect when in season. When they are not, frozen tomatoes can be an alternative. When it comes to nutrition, a key point is that the antioxidant lycopene is more easily absorbed by the body from cooked and processed tomatoes, meaning canned or jarred varieties can be a superior source of this specific nutrient compared to fresh ones.

Conclusion

While the question "do canned tomatoes have chemicals?" is valid, especially given historical use of BPA, modern food safety practices offer more reassurance. The widespread shift to BPA-free cans, availability of alternatives like glass jars and cartons, and the option to choose organic mean you can confidently include processed tomatoes in a healthy diet. Canned tomatoes offer a convenient, affordable, and highly nutritious year-round option, providing a significant source of antioxidants like lycopene. By being mindful of labels, opting for safer packaging when available, and practicing proper food storage, consumers can mitigate potential risks and enjoy the benefits of this versatile ingredient.

For more information on food safety and healthy nutrition, visit the Food Network's Health Eats page, a reliable resource for many of the issues addressed here.

Frequently Asked Questions

While most manufacturers have phased out BPA, especially in the US, not all brands may explicitly label their cans. A 2019 test found 96% of tested cans to be BPA-free, but consumers concerned about the remaining percentage should look for a clear 'BPA-free' label or choose products in glass jars or cartons.

The safety of BPA alternatives, such as acrylic and polyester resins, is still debated. Some studies indicate potential environmental and health concerns, though they are considered safer than the original BPA linings. Consumers seeking to avoid these alternatives can opt for glass jar or aseptic carton packaging.

Yes, trace amounts of heavy metals like lead and cadmium can potentially enter canned tomato products from the raw material's growing environment or from industrial processing. While generally within safety limits, ongoing monitoring is recommended.

No, citric acid is a commonly used food additive that is considered safe for consumption. It helps to preserve the color of canned tomatoes. It is a natural component of citrus fruits.

For those seeking to completely avoid any potential chemical exposure from can linings and their alternatives, choosing tomatoes in glass jars or aseptic cartons is a safer option. This is especially true for acidic foods like tomatoes.

To minimize risk, you can choose brands labeled "BPA-free," opt for tomatoes in glass jars or aseptic cartons, and look for brands with minimal additives like 'no salt added.' Also, never heat food directly in the can.

Canned tomatoes retain most of their nutrients. In fact, due to the heat processing, the antioxidant lycopene becomes more bioavailable to the body than in fresh tomatoes. Some vitamins, like C and folate, may be slightly reduced, but the overall nutritional profile remains strong.