When it comes to canned tomatoes, two brands often stand out in the Italian-style category: DeLallo and Cento. Both offer high-quality products that can elevate home cooking, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.

DeLallo’s canned tomatoes are known for their consistent quality and rich flavor, while Cento’s San Marzano tomatoes are prized for their authenticity and unique taste profile. DeLallo has gained popularity in recent years, with many consumers praising their products for their excellent taste and texture. Cento, on the other hand, has long been a staple in many kitchens, offering certified San Marzano tomatoes that are grown in the Sarnese Nocerino area of Italy.

The choice between DeLallo and Cento often comes down to personal preference and specific recipe requirements. While DeLallo tomatoes are praised for their reliability, Cento’s San Marzano variety can provide a more premium experience, albeit with some variation between cans. Both brands are widely available and offer good value for their respective price points.

Overview of DeLallo and Cento Brands

DeLallo and Cento are two prominent Italian food brands known for their high-quality pantry staples. Both companies offer a range of canned tomato products that have gained popularity among home cooks and chefs alike.

History and Brand Reputation

DeLallo began as a small Italian grocery store in Jeannette, Pennsylvania in 1950. Over the decades, it has grown into a respected national brand specializing in authentic Italian foods. DeLallo is known for sourcing ingredients directly from Italy and maintaining strict quality standards.

Cento, founded in 1962 in New Jersey, has built its reputation on importing premium Italian products. The company is particularly renowned for its San Marzano tomatoes, which are certified by an independent third party to meet official Italian guidelines. Cento’s commitment to authenticity has earned it a loyal following among Italian cuisine enthusiasts.

Product Range

DeLallo offers a diverse selection of Italian pantry staples, including their San Marzano Style Petite Diced Italian Tomatoes. These tomatoes are praised for their rich flavor and tender texture, making them ideal for sauces and other Italian dishes.

Cento’s product line features a variety of canned tomatoes, with their San Marzano tomatoes being the standout offering. These tomatoes are grown in the Sarnese Nocerino area of Italy, known for its fertile volcanic soil. Cento also produces other tomato products, pasta, olive oil, and various Italian specialties.

Both brands prioritize quality, but Cento’s products tend to be more expensive. For example, Cento tomatoes can cost up to $5.69 per can, reflecting their premium positioning in the market.

Analysis of Tomato Products

DeLallo and Cento offer a range of high-quality canned tomato products. Both brands provide options for whole peeled, diced, crushed, pureed, and paste varieties. These products form the foundation of many Italian and Mediterranean dishes.

Whole Peeled Tomatoes

DeLallo and Cento both offer premium whole peeled tomatoes. Cento’s San Marzano tomatoes are highly regarded for their sweet flavor and low acidity. These tomatoes are grown in the volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius.

DeLallo’s whole peeled tomatoes are also of excellent quality. They are picked at peak ripeness and quickly canned to preserve freshness. Both brands package their tomatoes with minimal additives, typically just salt and sometimes basil.

Whole peeled tomatoes are versatile and can be used in sauces, soups, and stews. They break down easily during cooking, creating a rich texture.

Diced and Crushed Tomatoes

Both DeLallo and Cento produce diced and crushed tomato varieties. These products offer convenience for recipes requiring smaller tomato pieces.

Diced tomatoes maintain their shape better during cooking. They’re ideal for chunkier sauces and dishes like salsa or chili. Crushed tomatoes have a smoother consistency, suitable for pasta sauces and pizza toppings.

Cento’s crushed tomatoes contain only vine-ripened tomatoes, offering a clean, fresh flavor. DeLallo’s diced tomatoes are firm and uniform, perfect for recipes where texture is important.

Tomato Puree and Paste

Tomato puree and paste are concentrated products useful for thickening sauces and adding intense tomato flavor. DeLallo and Cento both produce high-quality versions of these products.

Tomato puree is smoother than crushed tomatoes but not as thick as paste. It’s often used as a base for soups and sauces. Tomato paste is the most concentrated form, packed with umami flavor.

Cento’s tomato paste comes in convenient tubes for easy storage. DeLallo offers organic options for both puree and paste, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

Culinary Applications

Delallo and Cento tomatoes offer versatile options for a range of Italian-inspired dishes. Their distinct qualities shine in various cooking methods and recipe types.

Sauces and Marinades

Delallo and Cento tomatoes excel in creating flavorful sauces and marinades. For a classic marinara, crush whole peeled tomatoes and simmer with garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Cento’s San Marzano tomatoes provide a sweeter base for vodka sauce, balancing the cream and alcohol.

Delallo tomatoes work well in hearty meat sauces like bolognese, their acidity cutting through rich flavors. For a quick pomodoro, sauté diced Cento tomatoes with basil and olive oil. Both brands produce excellent results in slow-cooked ragù sauces.

Soups and Stews

These canned tomatoes add depth to soups and stews. Delallo’s whole peeled tomatoes break down nicely in minestrone, releasing their flavor gradually. Cento diced tomatoes maintain their shape in chunky vegetable soups.

For tomato-based stews, like cioppino or cacciatore, either brand provides a robust foundation. Purée Delallo tomatoes for a smooth gazpacho, or use Cento for a chunkier texture. Both work well in Italian-style egg drop soup, complementing the light broth.

Pizza and Pasta Toppings

On pizza, Delallo and Cento tomatoes offer distinct advantages. Cento’s San Marzano variety creates a sweet, concentrated sauce ideal for Neapolitan-style pies. Crush and drain them slightly to prevent soggy crusts.

Delallo’s whole peeled tomatoes, when hand-crushed, provide a rustic topping for Roman-style pizza al taglio. For pasta, both brands shine in simple preparations like pasta al pomodoro. Cento’s sweeter profile suits fresh tomato sauces, while Delallo’s acidity cuts through creamy pasta dishes.

Quality and Taste Profiles

DeLallo and Cento offer distinct flavor profiles and quality characteristics in their canned tomato products. These differences manifest in acidity levels, tomato flavor intensity, and textural variations.

Acidity and Sweetness

DeLallo tomatoes tend to have a balanced acidity that complements their natural sweetness. The acidity is noticeable but not overpowering, allowing the tomato’s inherent sweetness to shine through. Cento tomatoes often exhibit a slightly higher acidity, which can provide a brighter flavor profile. This acidity is typically well-balanced with the tomatoes’ sweetness, creating a complex taste experience.

Both brands maintain consistent acid-to-sugar ratios across their product lines. DeLallo’s tomatoes may appeal to those who prefer a milder acidity, while Cento’s offerings might satisfy consumers looking for a more pronounced tangy note.

Tomato Flavor Concentration

DeLallo tomatoes are known for their rich, concentrated tomato flavor. The brand’s processing methods aim to preserve the natural taste of ripe tomatoes. Cento tomatoes also boast a robust tomato flavor, with their San Marzano varieties offering an especially intense taste profile.

The tomato flavor in both brands is characterized by a deep umami quality. DeLallo’s products often have a slightly sweeter undertone, while Cento’s tomatoes may present a more savory profile. The flavor concentration in both brands makes them suitable for use in a variety of dishes, from simple pasta sauces to complex stews.

Texture Variations

DeLallo canned tomatoes typically have a firm, meaty texture. Whole peeled tomatoes from this brand often maintain their shape well, even after cooking. Cento tomatoes, particularly their San Marzano variety, are prized for their tender yet substantial texture.

Both brands offer tomatoes that hold up well during cooking processes. DeLallo’s products may be slightly firmer, making them ideal for dishes where distinct tomato pieces are desired. Cento’s tomatoes, while still maintaining integrity, tend to break down more easily, integrating smoothly into sauces and soups.

The texture of crushed and diced varieties from both brands is consistent and free from excess liquid. This quality ensures that recipes using these products achieve the desired consistency without requiring additional cooking time to reduce excess moisture.

Agricultural and Sourcing Practices

DeLallo and Cento employ distinct approaches to sourcing and cultivating their tomatoes. Both companies prioritize quality but utilize different methods to achieve their desired results.

Farming Techniques

DeLallo focuses on organic farming practices for their tomato production. They work with farmers who use natural pest control methods and avoid synthetic fertilizers. Their organic whole peeled tomatoes are grown in nutrient-rich soil, allowing for optimal flavor development. DeLallo’s tomatoes are vine-ripened, ensuring peak ripeness at harvest.

Cento, on the other hand, emphasizes traditional Italian farming methods. Their San Marzano tomatoes are cultivated in the volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius. This unique terroir contributes to the tomatoes’ distinctive taste. Cento’s farmers hand-pick the tomatoes at the perfect stage of ripeness.

Supply Chain Transparency

DeLallo maintains close relationships with their growers, providing consumers with information about the farms where their tomatoes are sourced. They offer detailed product descriptions, including the specific regions where their fresh Roma tomatoes are grown.

Cento takes pride in their certification process. Their San Marzano tomatoes are certified by Agri-Cert, an independent third-party organization. This certification ensures authenticity and adherence to Italian agricultural guidelines. Cento provides traceability information on their product labels, allowing customers to verify the origin of their tomatoes.

Health and Nutrition

Canned tomatoes from DeLallo and Cento offer nutritional benefits, but differ in some key areas. Their organic options, preservative usage, and sodium levels impact the overall healthfulness of these products.

Organic Options

DeLallo provides certified organic canned tomatoes, grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. These organic options may contain higher levels of certain antioxidants. Cento also offers organic tomato products, though their selection is more limited. Both brands’ organic lines appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking to minimize exposure to synthetic chemicals.

Preservatives and Additives

DeLallo and Cento use minimal additives in their canned tomatoes. Both brands commonly add citric acid to maintain acidity levels for food safety. Some products contain calcium chloride to help tomatoes retain firmness. Neither brand uses artificial preservatives or colors in their plain canned tomatoes, aligning with consumer preferences for cleaner labels.

Sodium Content Considerations

Sodium levels vary between DeLallo and Cento products. Plain canned tomatoes from both brands typically contain no added salt, making them suitable for low-sodium diets. However, flavored varieties may include added sodium. Cento offers some reduced-sodium options. Consumers should check labels, as sodium content can range from 0 mg to over 200 mg per serving in seasoned products.

Packaging and Accessibility

DeLallo and Cento offer distinct packaging approaches and accessibility options for their tomato products. These factors significantly impact consumer choice and purchasing decisions.

Shelving and Availability

DeLallo products are often found in specialty food sections of grocery stores. Their organic line is particularly prominent in health food stores and upscale supermarkets. Cento, on the other hand, enjoys wider distribution across mainstream grocery chains.

Both brands face competition from other tomato brands like Mutti and store brands such as Great Value. DeLallo’s glass jars stand out on shelves, while Cento’s cans blend with other options. Cento’s ubiquity makes it easier to find in most locations.

Labeling and Information

DeLallo’s labels feature a clean, modern design with clear product information. They highlight organic certifications and Italian heritage. Nutritional facts are easily readable.

Cento opts for a more traditional label style. Their packaging emphasizes authenticity, often displaying “Product of Italy” prominently. Cento provides detailed sourcing information, particularly for their San Marzano tomatoes.

Both brands list ingredients clearly. DeLallo tends to use larger font sizes for key details. Cento includes recipes and serving suggestions on some products, adding value for consumers.

Comparative Analysis

DeLallo and Cento are prominent Italian food brands known for their canned tomato products. Both offer high-quality options, but they differ in several key aspects that consumers should consider when making a purchase decision.

Consumer Ratings and Reviews

DeLallo tomatoes receive praise for their rich, authentic flavor. Many users report a fresh taste that closely mimics homegrown tomatoes. Cento, particularly their San Marzano variety, garners positive feedback for sweetness and low acidity.

Some reviewers prefer DeLallo for pasta sauces, while Cento is often chosen for pizza toppings. Both brands outperform budget options like Hunt’s and Contadina in taste tests. However, Muir Glen organic tomatoes are sometimes rated similarly to DeLallo and Cento in blind taste comparisons.

Price Point and Value for Money

DeLallo typically falls in the mid-range price category for premium canned tomatoes. Cento San Marzano tomatoes are often priced higher, reflecting their certified origin status.

Both brands offer better value than ultra-premium options like Pomi or some imported San Marzano varieties. For budget-conscious shoppers, Hunt’s and Contadina provide lower-cost alternatives, though with less consistent quality.

DeLallo and Cento are generally considered worth the extra cost compared to store brands. Their reliable quality and flavor make them suitable for dishes where tomatoes play a central role.