Hunt's is a widely recognized brand for canned tomato products, and while the core ingredient is always tomatoes, the exact composition can differ. The variety of products, from diced to sauce, means different additives are included to achieve the desired texture, flavor, and shelf stability. This comprehensive guide breaks down the typical ingredients found across Hunt's product line and explains the purpose of each additive.
Core Ingredients Across All Hunt's Tomatoes
At the heart of every can are the tomatoes themselves, which Hunt's states are vine-ripened and grown in California. The company also highlights its "FlashSteam" peeling process, which uses hot water instead of chemical lye to remove the skins. This practice underscores their commitment to avoiding artificial or industrial ingredients in many products. In some variations, particularly diced varieties, the tomatoes are packed in tomato juice, while sauces and purees use a more concentrated tomato base.
Key Additives and Their Functions
Beyond the primary tomato ingredients, two common natural additives frequently appear in Hunt's products:
- Citric Acid: This naturally occurring acid, also found in citrus fruits, is added primarily as a preservative. It helps ensure the product's safe acidity level for canning, guarding against bacteria like Clostridium botulinum. It also helps preserve the color and can slightly enhance flavor. Some canned tomato products contain citric acid, while others with higher natural acidity may not need it.
- Calcium Chloride: This firming agent is particularly important for diced and other chunky tomato varieties. It interacts with the tomatoes' pectin, strengthening the cell walls to help them retain their shape during the cooking and canning process. Without it, the diced tomato chunks would likely break down and become mushy. If you want a smooth sauce, opt for crushed or whole peeled tomatoes, as diced will remain chunky.
Ingredients by Hunt's Product Type
Hunt's Original Diced Tomatoes
These are a pantry staple, made with a straightforward list of ingredients:
- Tomatoes
- Tomato juice
- Less than 2% of: salt, citric acid, calcium chloride
Hunt's No Salt Added Diced Tomatoes
For those watching their sodium intake, this variation removes the added salt but retains the other key components:
- Tomatoes
- Tomato juice
- Less than 2% of: citric acid, calcium chloride
Hunt's Tomato Sauce
The ingredients for the classic tomato sauce provide a smooth texture and balanced flavor profile:
- Tomato puree (Water, Tomato Paste)
- Water
- Less than 2% of: Salt, Citric Acid, Spice, Tomato Fiber, Natural Flavor
- Other sauce variations may include onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper
Hunt's Crushed Tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes have a texture somewhere between diced and sauce and typically contain minimal additions:
- Tomatoes
- Citric Acid
Comparison of Hunt's Canned Tomato Products
| Feature | Diced Tomatoes | Crushed Tomatoes | Tomato Sauce |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Ingredients | Tomatoes, Tomato Juice, Salt, Citric Acid, Calcium Chloride | Tomatoes, Citric Acid | Tomato Puree, Water, Salt, Spices, Citric Acid |
| Texture | Firm chunks; holds shape well during cooking | Between diced and sauce; starts to break down | Smooth, thick, and consistent |
| Best Uses | Chili, stews, casseroles where texture is desired | Sauces, soups, and dishes where some body is wanted | As a base for sauces, meatloaf, or gravies |
| Special Additive | Calcium Chloride (for firmness) | No calcium chloride | Variety of spices added (onion, garlic, etc.) |
| Key Characteristic | Chunky and robust | Versatile and full-bodied | Pre-seasoned and smooth |
Making an Informed Choice
Understanding the purpose of each additive can help you select the ideal product for your cooking. If you need tomatoes that hold their shape in a chili or stew, diced tomatoes with calcium chloride are the right choice. For a smooth, simmering pasta sauce, whole or crushed tomatoes will break down more easily. The convenience of canned tomatoes is undeniable, offering long shelf life and consistent flavor for a wide range of recipes, from soups to sauces. While the ingredient lists are short and mostly natural, the variation between products is what makes them suitable for different culinary applications.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Can for Your Recipe
Ultimately, the ingredients in Hunt's canned tomatoes are designed for function and flavor. Diced varieties contain calcium chloride to stay firm, while sauces and purees have additional spices for a complete flavor profile. By reading the labels and knowing the role of each additive, you can confidently choose the right Hunt's product for your next meal. For most recipes, the distinction is straightforward: diced for texture, whole or crushed for sauces, and sauce for a ready-made base.
Learn more about why canned diced tomatoes keep their shape with calcium chloride at The Daily Meal: The Science Behind How Canned Diced Tomatoes Keep Their Shape For So Long.
