Tomato-based spreads, such as tomato paste, salsa, and marinara sauce, are versatile and flavor-rich options widely used in various dishes. They derive their value not just from their convenience and taste but also from the beneficial nutrients provided by tomatoes, such as lycopene and vitamins.
1. Primary ingredient: Ensure that tomatoes are the primary ingredient in the spread by checking that they are listed first on the ingredient label.
2. Added sugars: Opt for spreads with less than 5 grams of sugar per serving or, ideally, none at all.
3. Sodium: Select spreads with less than 140 mg of sodium per serving.
4. Additives: Avoid spreads that contain artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
5. Packaging: Prefer spreads packaged in glass containers to avoid BPA contamination from cans and support environmental sustainability.
When selecting tomato-based spreads, ensure that tomatoes are listed as the primary ingredient, with a high percentage and opt for products with minimal added sugars and low sodium, and avoid those with artificial additives.