Is Tomato Paste Ultra Processed?
Not Typically Ultra-Processed
Tomato paste is processed (Level 2) — it is simply tomatoes cooked down to a thick concentrate. Most brands contain nothing but tomatoes, with some adding salt. No preservatives or additives are needed.
Key Findings
- •Tomato paste is one of the cleanest processed foods — just concentrated tomatoes
- •No preservatives are needed due to the low moisture and high acidity
- •Italian and imported tomato paste often lists a single ingredient: tomatoes
Why Is Tomato Paste Level 2?
Tomato paste production involves cooking tomatoes for several hours to remove moisture, reducing them to roughly one-sixth of their original volume. The result is a thick, concentrated paste with intense tomato flavor. The cooking and concentration process is purely thermal — no chemical additives, preservatives, or stabilizers are required. The low moisture content and high acidity naturally prevent spoilage. This makes tomato paste one of the simplest and cleanest processed foods available.
Tomato Paste Processing Level Distribution
How 1,000 tomato paste products break down by processing level:
Average ingredient count: 2.8 · Average nutrition score: 7.0/10
Tomato Paste Brand Comparison
Comparing the least to most processed tomato paste products in our database:
| Product | Brand | Level | Score | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato Paste, Tomato | La Paix | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Tomato Paste, Tomato | Tops | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Tomato Paste, Tomato | Our Family | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Tomato Paste, Tomato | Great Choice | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Tomato Puree, Tomato | Simply Value | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Tomato Paste, Tomato | Tops | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Tomato Paste, Tomato | Hy-vee | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Tomato Paste, Tomato | Our Family | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Tomato Paste, Tomato | Tops | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Tomato Paste, Tomato | Our Family | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
How to Read Tomato Paste Labels
- 1
The best tomato paste lists only one ingredient: tomatoes
- 2
Some brands add salt — this is fine and still Level 2
- 3
Double-concentrated or triple-concentrated paste is cooked longer but not more processed
- 4
Tube packaging preserves freshness better than cans for partial use
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tomato paste ultra-processed?
No. Tomato paste is Level 2, a simple processed food made by cooking tomatoes down to a concentrate. Most brands contain only tomatoes or tomatoes and salt — no additives are needed.
Is tomato paste better than canned tomatoes?
Both are minimally to simply processed and excellent pantry staples. Tomato paste is more concentrated (Level 2 due to the extended cooking), while canned tomatoes are Level 1. Both are whole-food based with no industrial additives.
Why is tomato paste so shelf-stable?
The concentration process removes most water content, and the high natural acidity of tomatoes inhibits bacterial growth. These properties provide natural preservation without requiring chemical preservatives.