Is Shop Bought Tomato Puree Healthy? A Guide to Nutrients and Additives

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research, heating tomatoes significantly increases the bioavailability of lycopene, a potent antioxidant. While this is a benefit for all cooked tomato products, whether shop bought tomato puree is healthy truly depends on its ingredients and how you choose it.

Quick Summary

The health benefits of store-bought tomato puree are often overshadowed by potential additives. It's crucial for consumers to examine product labels to identify pure tomato products and avoid excessive sodium, added sugars, or preservatives. The cooking process itself does boost lycopene absorption, a key nutritional advantage.

Key Points

Lycopene Absorption: Cooking tomatoes to make puree increases the body's ability to absorb the antioxidant lycopene, a key health benefit.
Check for Additives: Many store-bought purees contain high sodium or added sugars, so it's vital to read the ingredients list to avoid these unnecessary additions.
Opt for Pure Ingredients: The healthiest purees have a simple ingredient list, ideally containing only tomatoes. Choose options without artificial flavorings or excessive preservatives.
Mind the Packaging: To minimize potential chemical exposure from can linings (like BPA), select tomato puree packaged in glass jars or BPA-free cartons.
Make Your Own: For complete control over ingredients and freshness, making homemade tomato puree from fresh, ripe tomatoes is the best option.
Pair with Healthy Fats: Combining your tomato puree with a healthy fat like olive oil further enhances your body's absorption of lycopene.
Choose Low-Sodium Versions: For better cardiovascular health, always look for low-sodium or 'no salt added' varieties of tomato puree.

The Nutritional Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes offer significant nutritional value, providing vitamins A, C, and K, along with minerals like potassium and folate. A key component is lycopene, a powerful antioxidant responsible for the red color, linked to heart health and potential cancer risk reduction.

The Lycopene Advantage in Processed Tomatoes

Interestingly, cooking tomatoes can enhance the bioavailability of lycopene, making it easier for the body to absorb. This is a benefit of products like tomato puree. For optimal absorption, pairing cooked tomatoes with a healthy fat like olive oil is recommended.

The Downsides of Store-Bought Tomato Puree

Despite the lycopene benefits, the healthiness of store-bought tomato puree varies based on additives and processing. Unlike simple homemade versions, commercial purees may contain undesirable ingredients.

Common Additives and Their Impact

Excess Sodium: Many purees contain added salt, contributing to high sodium intake linked to cardiovascular issues.
Added Sugars: Sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup can add unnecessary sugars and calories.
Preservatives: Some purees use chemical preservatives to extend shelf life, which some consumers prefer to avoid.

Packaging Concerns and BPA

Historically, canned foods, including tomato puree, have raised concerns about BPA leaching from can linings. BPA is an endocrine disruptor associated with health problems. Choosing products in glass jars or those labeled BPA-free can mitigate this concern.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Tomato Puree: A Comparison


Feature	Homemade Tomato Puree	Store-Bought Tomato Puree (High Quality)	Store-Bought Tomato Puree (Lower Quality)
Ingredients	Tomatoes only, no additives.	Tomatoes, possibly a little salt or citric acid. No added sugar.	Tomatoes, water, salt, added sugars, and preservatives.
Nutrient Control	Complete control. Retains more fiber if not strained.	Variable, depending on processing. High in lycopene due to cooking.	Can be compromised by high sodium and added sugars.
Flavor	Fresh, bright, and highly customizable.	Concentrated tomato flavor, slightly sweeter than homemade.	Can have a metallic taste from the can or be overly sweet/salty.
Convenience	Time-consuming to prepare and cook down.	High convenience, ready to use immediately.	High convenience, but requires checking the label.
Cost	Can be cheaper, especially when using seasonal tomatoes.	Varies by brand; pure options might be more expensive.	Generally more affordable, but may contain cheaper fillers.
Packaging	Can be stored in personal glass jars, avoiding can-related concerns.	Often available in glass jars or BPA-free cartons.	Often packaged in metal cans with potential BPA lining issues.

How to Choose a Healthy Store-Bought Tomato Puree

To select a healthy option, carefully review product labels:

Check Ingredients: Look for purees with only tomatoes listed as the ingredient. Salt or citric acid may also be included.
Low Sodium: Choose 'No Salt Added' or 'Low Sodium' options to control sodium intake.
Avoid Added Sugars: Steer clear of products listing added sugars or syrups.
Opt for Glass: Glass packaging eliminates concerns about BPA.
Consider Passata: This smooth, strained puree in glass bottles typically contains only tomatoes and sometimes salt.

Conclusion

Determining if shop bought tomato puree is healthy depends on careful selection. While the cooked tomato's lycopene content is beneficial, commercial purees can contain excessive sodium and added sugars. By examining labels and choosing pure, low-sodium options, tomato puree can be a healthy pantry staple. For more on food packaging chemicals, consult resources like the Mayo Clinic.

How to Reduce Risks and Maximize Health

Enhance the health benefits and reduce risks:

Pair with Healthy Fats: Cook with olive oil for better lycopene absorption.
Dilute: If a puree is too concentrated in sodium or flavor, dilute it with water.
Freeze Leftovers: Freeze unused puree in ice cube trays to preserve freshness without chemicals and avoid waste.

These steps allow you to enjoy tomato puree's flavor and benefits while minimizing potential risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

While some brands do add preservatives, not all canned tomato puree is the same. Many high-quality options use high-heat pasteurization and proper sealing instead of chemical preservatives, and these are often packaged in glass or BPA-free containers.

Some heat-sensitive nutrients, like Vitamin C, can be reduced during the processing of tomato puree. However, the cooking process significantly increases the amount of beneficial lycopene that your body can absorb, which is a major nutritional advantage.

Tomato paste is more concentrated and has a thicker consistency than puree. It offers a deeper, sweeter flavor but also contains a higher concentration of nutrients and potential additives. Paste is better for thickening, while puree is ideal for sauces and soups.

The best type of store-bought tomato puree is one with a simple, transparent ingredient list. Look for options with no added salt, sugar, or unnecessary additives, often sold in glass jars or cartons.

To avoid excess sodium, check the label for brands explicitly marked 'no salt added' or 'low sodium'. You can also control the total sodium content by seasoning your dish yourself rather than relying on pre-seasoned products.

Some traditional canned products contain a lining that may contain BPA, a chemical linked to health issues. You can minimize this risk by choosing products in glass jars, or by selecting brands that specifically label their cans as BPA-free.

Yes, making homemade tomato puree is an excellent way to ensure its healthiness. You control all the ingredients, avoiding unwanted additives, and can customize the flavor profile. It's especially beneficial when fresh, ripe tomatoes are in season.