In kitchens and food production facilities worldwide, tomatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients. Whether it’s sauces, soups, or ready-to-eat meals, processed tomato products like tomato paste and tomato puree play a key role in creating flavour, texture, and consistency. However, many businesses and culinary professionals often confuse these two products. Understanding the difference is crucial for manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors in Hong Kong and beyond, especially those looking to source quality ingredients for bulk production.
At B. Dialdas & Co., we have been supplying high-quality tomato paste for sauces and other tomato-based products since 1952, providing reliable support to businesses worldwide. Let’s explore the key differences between tomato paste vs tomato puree, their uses, and why choosing the right product matters for your business.
What is Tomato Paste?
Tomato paste is a thick, concentrated tomato product made by cooking tomatoes for several hours, then straining them to remove skins and seeds, and finally reducing the liquid into a dense, rich paste. It has a deep red colour and intense tomato flavour.
Key Features of Tomato Paste:
● Concentration: Tomato paste is highly concentrated, providing a strong flavour with less volume.
● Texture: It’s thick, smooth, and paste-like, ideal for blending into sauces, stews, and soups.
● Shelf Life: Due to its low moisture content, tomato paste can be stored longer than tomato puree.
● Versatility: It’s commonly used in commercial kitchens, catering, and packaged food production where consistency and flavour are essential.
Tomato paste in cooking enhances dishes with a rich, concentrated tomato taste without adding excess liquid. It’s the go-to ingredient for tomato sauces, pizza bases, and ketchup production.
What is Tomato Puree?
On the other hand, tomato puree is made by cooking tomatoes briefly and then straining them to remove seeds and skins, resulting in a smooth but thinner consistency than tomato paste.
Key Features of Tomato Puree:
● Consistency: It is thicker than tomato juice but thinner than tomato paste, allowing for easy blending in sauces and soups.
● Flavour: Less intense than paste, offering a fresher tomato taste.
● Moisture Content: Contains more water than paste, making it suitable for recipes where additional liquid is required.
● Uses: Ideal for ready-to-eat meals, soups, pasta sauces, and tomato-based beverages.
Tomato puree is used in both commercial food production and home-style cooking. It’s particularly beneficial for manufacturers needing a smooth tomato base without overpowering the recipe.
Tomato Paste vs Tomato Puree: Side-by-Side Comparison
To clearly understand the difference between tomato paste and puree, consider the following points:
Feature | Tomato Paste | Tomato Puree |
Texture | Thick, dense | Smooth, moderately thick |
Flavour | Highly concentrated | Mild, fresh |
Water Content | Low | Higher than paste |
Cooking Time | Short (added to dishes) | Can be used as a base |
Common Uses | Sauces, ketchup, pizza base | Soups, pasta, beverages |
Shelf Life | Long | Medium |
This comparison helps businesses and manufacturers decide which product is best suited for their recipes or production needs.
Choosing the Right Product for Your Business
For companies in Hong Kong and globally, understanding which tomato product to purchase can impact product quality, production efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
When to Use Tomato Paste:
● When strong flavour is needed without adding extra liquid.
● In concentrated sauces, ketchup, and pizza bases.
● For products requiring long shelf life and storage stability.
When to Use Tomato Puree:
● For soups, ready-to-eat meals, and pasta sauces.
● When a smoother, lighter tomato flavour is desired.
● In recipes where moisture content is important for texture and consistency.
By identifying the right product, manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors can reduce waste, enhance taste, and meet customer expectations consistently.
The Importance of Bulk Supplies for Businesses
Businesses involved in food production, catering, and retail often require tomato paste for sauces or puree in large quantities. Bulk supply ensures:
● Consistency: Maintaining consistent taste, colour, and texture in every batch.
● Cost Efficiency: Bulk purchases reduce packaging and per-unit costs.
● Reliable Sourcing: Ensures uninterrupted production schedules.
● Quality Assurance: Certified suppliers maintain product standards and traceability.
Companies like B. Dialdas & Co. provide bulk tomato paste and puree, ensuring international businesses have access to high-quality ingredients for smooth production.
How Tomato Paste and Puree Enhance Food Products
Using high-quality tomato products has several advantages for food manufacturers:
1. Enhanced Flavour: Concentrated paste enriches sauces, while puree offers a fresh, balanced taste.
2. Improved Texture: Both products provide smoothness and body to dishes.
3. Long Shelf Life: Properly canned or packaged tomato products reduce spoilage and waste.
4. Customizable Recipes: Manufacturers can adjust ratios of paste and puree for precise flavour and consistency.
By selecting premium tomato products, businesses ensure that their end products satisfy consumers’ taste expectations and maintain brand trust.
B. Dialdas & Co.: Your Trusted Supplier
For over 70 years, B. Dialdas & Co. has been a reliable supplier of high-quality food ingredients, chemicals, bakery items, wax, and stationery. For companies seeking tomato paste for sauces or tomato puree, we offer:
● Certified Quality: Our tomato products meet international safety and quality standards.
● Bulk Supply: Flexible order sizes to suit manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors.
● Global Reach: Reliable exports from Hong Kong to businesses worldwide.
● Customized Solutions: Tailored packaging and specifications to meet specific production needs.
Partnering with a supplier you trust ensures smooth operations, consistent product quality, and long-term business growth.
Tips for Storing Tomato Paste and Puree
Proper storage ensures that both tomato paste and tomato puree retain their flavour, colour, and nutritional value:
● Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
● Keep containers sealed tightly to prevent contamination.
● Refrigerate opened cans or jars and use within the recommended timeframes.
● Use clean utensils to avoid introducing bacteria or mould.
Following these guidelines is crucial for manufacturers and distributors handling large quantities of tomato products.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Tomato Product with Confidence
Understanding the difference between tomato paste and puree is essential for manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors in Hong Kong and beyond. Whether you need tomato paste in cooking for rich, concentrated flavour or tomato puree uses for smooth, versatile applications, selecting the right product ensures consistent quality, efficiency, and consumer satisfaction.
At B. Dialdas & Co., we take pride in supplying high-quality tomato products, along with chemicals, bakery items, wax, and stationery. With decades of experience and a commitment to quality, we support businesses in achieving excellence in their production processes.
Partner with B. Dialdas & Co. for certified, reliable, and bulk tomato supplies that enhance your recipes, satisfy your customers, and strengthen your business. Make the smart choice today and ensure your production stays consistent, efficient, and high-quality.